Search - The Radical on DVD

NOT the Patty Hearst story

Shloma ben Avram HaKohain | Michigan | 08/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is constantly referred to as a fictionalized version of the story of Patty Hearst. Far from it. It is a fictionalized biopic of Diana Oughton, an early member/leader of the Weather Underground. It is pretty well made for a 70s TV movie, and, with the exception of the end, is fairly accurate. Many of the events depicted in the film are taken directly from Diana's life. It is well worth seeing for anyone interested in the Weathermen or simply the radical student movements of the 60s and 70s."

A Surprisingly Good Movie

Nachem | South Dakota | 01/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though this film has a dated feel (such as poor sound quality), it nonetheless is surprisingly good. The immitated "documentary" form (including "interviews" with the family members, and statements from Spacek's character) is very effective, and lends the film a postmodern feel, far ahead of its time. Impressive also are the inserted authentic film footages of 1960s protests, including the famous riots at the Democratic Convention in Chicago, 1968.

But what stands out most is the excellent acting. We would expect fine acting from Spacek, of course, but Henry Winkler, as the classic 60s radical Jewish liberal, is superb. Winkler, a Jew in real life, became famous for his role as "The Fonz," an Italian character in Happy Days. But playing a Jewish radical in "Katherine" is the best acting I've ever seen Winkler perform. I wish he had acted in more Jewish roles throughout his career, he does it with such authenticity. Spacek's "parents" (including Art Carney) also are good in their roles as upperclass, wealthy, WASPs.

I bought the DVD for fifty cents at a dollar store, almost as a joke. But my wife and I were surprised how good it was on the day we watched it, just on a lark."