Search - Death of Richie & Dangerous Summer on DVD

STILL POWERFUL AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

a viewer | antioch, tn United States | 07/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember this film "The Death of Richie" broadcast as a television movie in either '73 or '74. I was a preteen then. It had an enormous impact on me then. Today I found this DVD at a video store. I bought it and watched it and amazingly, the powerful performances and the story still pack a wallop. It is sad, but true. Richie (brilliantly played by Robby Benson) is a drug addict, brought to his tragic state in life by peer pressure, an domineering father and a weak mother. His self-esteem is nil. Rejected and lonely, he is intent on his own destruction. But he can't take all the blame. Ben Gazzara (in an equally powerful performance) as his father refuses to go to family counseling despite his wife's (Eileen Brennan)pleas. All of this leads to an unforgettable, earth-shaking climax. A disturbing film, highly acclaimed for its time, it is not at all dated and should be required watching for anyone with a substance abuse problem. I believe that Benson won an Emmy for his performance."

Richie was my best friend

Lenny L. | East Meadow, NY | 07/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My name is Lenny. I was Richies best friend when his life was taken away by his father. I know how it all went down on the night that it happened.He did not have to be killed.Richies father was not a nice man. He didnt like any of Richies friends. If you want to hear more you can talk to me my name is mrtattoo25 and I am using aol.com"