Your Thoughts on "Midnight" (after the video came out...) 

Dave Young:
Firstly; I first heard about the movie from an old friend from my Army days 37 years ago who I recently looked up through the Internet.  We were both stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia and played in the 80th Army Band.  This is where my story begins as the army base was near Savannah and Statesboro was only 40 miles away.  It was during this time that my friend and I met and worked with Emma Kelly almost weekly for a year and a half.  We knew each of her children by name and she often included them in her shows when she performed at all the service clubs, such as the Elks, Rotary, American Legion, etc.

We spent holidays with the entire family and Emma's husband George even took us for airplane rides as he had his own airplane.  She also got us connected with Georgia Southern College and Tom and I worked some gigs there as well.  When our army time was up it was indeed difficult to say goodbye to this wonderful lady and her children and a year or so later I came back for a visit.  I estimate Emma was 44 years old at the time as she is now 81 and I lost track of her many years ago although the romance of the southern way of life has always haunted me.

My friend Tom had told me about this movie and that Emma was in it and I immediately rented the movie.  Since I had known nothing about the book, the movie was nothing special except for Emma's part and the Savannah theme.  A good movie but no "oscar winner" to be sure.  I was not satisfied with this situation so I went out and bought the book ($12.00 paperback less publisher's 25% discount) and read it thoroughly.  The next day I rented the movie again and got an altogether different concept of the movie and now I am haunted by this "midnight etc" thing and can't get enough of it.  The rented movie was very disappointing in regard to musical content as I heard no Tony Bennett, Clooney and all the others listed in the credits but the second and third time I viewed the movie I was tremendously hooked.

I only wish I had seen it when it first came out as I would be over this
haunting "afterglow" and could continue on with my life.  I felt the same
way after seeing all the "Godfather" movies.  Kevin Spacey and John Cusack
were magnificent as was everyone else.  I've been to Savannah many times
and Spacey portrayed the attitude of the people I remember as did most
everyone in the film.  I would advise anyone seriously interested in seeing
this film to "read the book first" as the movie is more appreciated this
way.

So, unknown recipient of this message; I could go on and on but I would say
that I will probably buy this video so that I can enjoy for many years to
come and thank you for making it available.  Thanks also to Tom for
bringing it to my attention and to Emma for her wonderful success.

JUDITH--Augusta, Ga.:
Savannah, a beautiful city with charm, music floating in the very air, and everywhere you look it's like a step back in time. Long after the worshipers of the "Book" have departed may she be remembered as a great southern lady. I think the tours are wonderful, but they should all be brought to a halt by half past five P.M. to allow Savannah's inhabitants to take a much needed breather. As for Jim Williams. . .who of us wouldn't have been gladly rid of Billy Hansford? Who knows what one would do if constantly faced with someone who is always explosive in nature? 

ANGEL--North Carolina:
The book was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!! I was thoroughly disappointed with the movie. I watched it with a person who had not read the book and I found myself spending most of my time explaining to them why certain things were done. I even had to explain the characters and what their significance. The only thing the book and the movie had in common was the murder. Even that wasn't done up to par. I usually try to keep an open mind about movies made from books. But this one took the cake and I don't feel I can be so open again. I personally feel that the ALL the intricacies of the characters in the book were extremely relevant to the story and to just introduce them with NO detail left the movie-goer out of the loop. 
 

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Savannah--my idea (because of the movie). I had seen it 5 times and loved it more and more every time. I figured a visit to the charming southern city was appropriate. While there, I also bought the book (I started reading it that night). So far, even though I love the movie, the book is just as good, if not better. I caught myself laughing out loud in a few spots and found it very hard to put the book down. Kevin Spacey is one of my favorite stars and he did his part well. Our visit to the city was great. I hope others will follow suit and visit Savannah. They wouldn't be dissappointed. I just hope that I can find the movie on dvd--to own. --Kathy Young, North Carolina

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