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I only got to see parts of the first couple of episodes, but remembered those fondly. After re-reading an edition of 'Once An Eagle' that was actually published by the Army War College, I decided to take the plunge & order the DVD mini-series. It started as well as I remembered, but unfortunately it went downhill. The character of Courtney Massengale's daughter, played by Melanie Griffith, was given entirely too much screen time.....maybe because someone really liked the little-girl voice she used to be known for, because she didn't have a lot of acting chops. The character of Massengale was changed in subtle, but lame ways: largest being that in the book, he refused to call anyone by a nickname or a shortened name. Here, that characteristic is gone. The book ends with the central character, Sam Damon in a thinly disguised Vietnam. The mini-series ends after a climactic battle in the SW Pacific. The performances of Sam Elliott, Darleen Carr, Glenn Ford, Andrew Stevens, and Amy Irving are flawless. Cliff Potts' Massengale is damaged by the multiple changes by the screenwriters. This is OK, but doesn't do the book justice, and it's certainly no Shogun, or even Rich Man, Poor Man.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I had enjoyed the novel by Anton Myrer and so was interested in seeing the movie. Additionally write ups I read online had indicated that the US military has used this novel & film in training programs which suggested to me that it would be authentic in regards to the military experience; which I feel it was without being overly gory or glorified. The movie was a made for TV film (mini series) so typically not as 'substantial' as a theater released film (made for TV films always feel 'flatter' to me); however it was generally faithful to the novel which the format of a mini-series allowed enough time to do whereas a theater released film would have had to substantially pare down the story. I felt Sam Elliott was a good choice for the staring role. Decent film & I'll watch it again.
The miniseries is ok and well done, but it does not come close to the excitement of reading the book. But in almost all movies the book is always better, more exciting in your mind. So I did enjoy some of the Hollywood drama added to the books story. Once an Eagle is an excellent book, I believe it is also required reading at the military academy. The book starts earlier in Sams life and take the story a little longer it focuses more on Sam's extreme talents. Miniseries is ok to good, Book one of the best you will ever read.
I found it hard to turn the movie off. Looked forward to watching the second disk. I like Sam Elliot and Glenn Ford so I don't need to say more.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a DVD set made from the TV mini-series shown many years ago. A very good series based on the #1 New York Times bestseller book of the same name by Anton Myrer. I became a big fan of Sam Elliott after seeing him in his role of Sam Damon. The story is well executed by the whole cast.Watching this in current day may, to some people seem dated, as it first screened in the 70's but the story remains a strong and sound one.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned