Decoration Day [VHS]

"It's an intelligent story about intelligent people": James Garner's assessment of "Decoration Day," whose script was so good that it coaxed him out of retirement. For that I am grateful. If you purchase this DVD, you can be, too.When I read some other reviews of it on this site, the most frequent rap against "Decoration Day" is its alleged sentimentality. One man's mawkishness is another woman's heart. It's a matter of taste. I don't consider this movie soapy at all. I find it poignant, moving, and truthfully life-affirming. In an interview with Mr. Garner, included among the special features, he says that, when he read the novella by his friend John William Corrington, he was startled to find the words coming out of the protagonist's mouth to be those Garner himself would have said. When the teleplay, based on the novella, arrived on the actor's doorstep, he got goosebumps. That's how strong the affinity was between Mr. Garner and his character, retired and curmudgeonly Judge Albert Sidney Finch. Needless to add, it's perfect casting. And the rest of this very talented cast—Judith Ivey, Bill Cobbs, Ruby Dee, Laurence Fishburne, among others—evoke the same honesty and depth from their very different characters. The film is staged, filmed, and edited with care. The music by the late Patrick Williams, one of Hollywood's most talented composers, catches the mood just right.On the surface "Decoration Day," whose title turns out referring to sweet irony, begins as a small, quiet story—but it fools you. The tale has twists: not plot contrivances, but unexpected curves that life throws us. Things are rarely what they appear to be. The characters are three-dimensional, flawed but decent human beings, who have hurt others and have been scarred, yet carry themselves with dignity. One of the things I love about this movie is its presentation of the nobility of everyday human beings. Seen in that light, they may be Everyman and Everywoman, but they rise to a level of greatness to which, in this life, we are too often blind.A caveat: As I have encountered with other Hallmark Hall of Fame DVDs, technical glitches can occur. I watched this as soon as I could upon receipt. Sure enough, on my laptop, I could play the movie but not its special features. I then played the disc on my Blu-ray machine: all connections were made, and I could view everything. I'll not be sending the disc back for replacement, but do beware of possible playback problems. If you buy the DVD, watch it ASAP, so that, if need be, you may return it for replacement or refund before opportunity's window closes.Another window that may soon close: this disc's affordability. As they become rarer, some Hallmark Hall of Fame DVDs command high prices. If you are interested in "Decoration Day," don't delay long in your purchase. It is worth far more the ten dollars I paid for it, but it won't remain at that price forever.

I love this movie and it took a lot for the man to decline the Medal of Honor and why he did it. Everyone shouldview this movie they could learn from it.

Hallmark Hall of Fame's sensitive exploration of friendship, racism and the impact of war on its survivors, DECORATION DAY is set in Georgia. Adapted from the John Corrington novella.SYNOPSIS--A retired judge (Garner) mourns his wife's death by withdrawing from the world to spend all his time fishing. When childhood friend Gee Pennywell (Cobb) refuses to accept a belated Congressional Medal of Honor for actions at the Battle of the Bulge, Judge Finch intervenes. Finch thus comes out of his "shell" but he must also confront his long-ago betrayal of the bitterly estranged Pennywell.Also recommended:Hallmark Hall of Fame's  BREATHING LESSONS  (1994) stars James Garner and Joanne Woodward as a married couple who discuss their lives and relationship while on a road trip.Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 IMDb viewer poll rating.(7.2) Decoration Day (TV-1990) - James Garner/Judith Ivey/Ruby Dee/Bill Cobbs/Laurence Fishburne/Jo Anderson/Norm Skaggs

It's "NOS" (new old stock) manufactured in 1998. The picture is dark, grainy (even for DVD). When I've watched this on PIXL, it's clear and bright- so I know there's got to be a version out there that looks better.I'm not saying it's counterfeit, but it just doesn't have the quality I am used to seeing on Hallmark Hall of Fame DVD movies and I have a LOT of Hallmark DVDs.

There is a lot of small things happening in the movie. The thing is it is not the usual bang, bang, shoot em up movie. It has human relationships and misunderstandings and reconciliation. Read everyday things happening in this movie. The nice thing was no one had to die to find agreement. It is just a well written human interest story.

What did the past do to end a friendship and how did it need a catalyst in the form of a younger set of persons to bring together the two old friends, separated by a misunderstanding.An excellent film with twists and turns.

I loved this movie and James Garner because he looks like my dad who has passed and it was as if was looking at my daddFirst rate

Hallmark Hall of Fame's sensitive exploration of friendship, racism and the impact of war on its survivors, DECORATION DAY is set in Georgia. Adapted from the John Corrington novella.SYNOPSIS--A retired judge (Garner) mourns his wife's death by withdrawing from the world to spend all his time fishing. When childhood friend Gee Pennywell (Cobb) refuses to accept a belated Congressional Medal of Honor for actions at the Battle of the Bulge, Judge Finch intervenes. Finch thus comes out of his "shell" but he must also confront his long-ago betrayal of the bitterly estranged Pennywell."Decoration Day" is available in limited quantities on  DVD .Also recommended:Hallmark Hall of Fame's BREATHING LESSONS (1994) stars James Garner and Joanne Woodward as a married couple who discuss their lives and relationship while on a road trip. ( VHS ) ( DVD )Parenthetical number is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.(7.3) Decoration Day (TV-1990) - James Garner/Judith Ivey/Ruby Dee/Bill Cobbs/Laurence Fishburne/Jo Anderson/Norm Skaggs

If you like James Garner, you will love this! Appealing and highly watchable rom com, not your usual American slush.

It arrived on time and in excellent condition. The story is really well done.

It is a vhs tape ....Hallmark movie from 1990, so I assume it's been around for awhile. There were a some scratchy parts but we did get to watch the whole thing. Wish it came in dvd with a "reasonable" price. Thanks

It was alright.