More Tales of the City (3pc)

Returning to the cast from the original "Tales of the City" mini-series are Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal (the landlady of the 28 Barbary Lane apartment house), Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton (a career-minded secretary), Barbara Garrick as Deirdre 'DeDe' Ligon Halcyon Day, Bill Campbell as Dr. Jon Philip Fielding and Thomas Gibson as Beauchamp Talbot Day. Replacing former cast members are Nina Siemaszko as Mona Ramsey (searching for her identity), Paul Hopkins as Michael 'Mouse' Tolliver (searching for 'Mr. Right'), Diana Leblanc as Frances 'Frannie' Alicia Ligon Halcyon and Whip Hubley as Brian Hawkins. New to the cast are Colin Ferguson as Burke Christopher Andrew, Swoozie Kurtz as Betty Borg Ramsey and Jackie Burroghs as Mona 'Mother Mucca' Ramsey (a brothel owner).

In this segment, Mona Ramsey is searching for her self identity and doing everything she can to avoid her controlling mother, Betty Ramsey. She leaves San Francisco on a bus and meets 'Mother Mucca' and agrees to work at Mother Mucca's brothel in Neveda as a receptionist. There, she discovers some startling truths about herself, Mother Mucca and Anna Madrigal. In the meantime, Beauchamp is causing problems for his secretary, Mary Ann, and his wife, DeDe, who becomes impregnated by an Asian worker. DeDe's mother, Frances, ventures off to rediscover her sexuality at an exclusive club. While searching for 'Mr. Right', Michael becomes paralyzed and it rekindles his romance with Dr. Jon Philip Fielding. Several things that happen at the end of "More Tales of the City" lead into its sequel, "Further Tales of the City".

It may be true that Nina Siemaszko that Paul Hopkins don't play the roles of Mona and Michael as well as Chloe Webb and Marcus D'Amico from the original "Tales of the City", but the combination of the fun plot twists and other great acting makes "More Tales of the City" well worth watching and owning! I rate this set of DVD's 5 out of 5!


Entertaining, but flawed   April 19, 2001
Josh Hitchens (Philadelphia, PA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Loving Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" books as I do, I was eager to see this adaption of the second installment, since the first is now unavailable. "More Tales of the City" is certainly not a masterpiece of drama. But in a way it exceeds all expectations. What it offers is excellent acting, fast, creative storylines, and overall enjoyment. There is no need to establish the characters, so they feel like old friends that you've come back to visit. Few television shows can boast that.

Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney have both proved to be loyal to the "Tales" series, and they each deliver outstanding performances. Dukakis, as the wise transsexual landlady Anna Madrigal succeeds in making potentially ridiculous plot elements touching and gripping. After coming clean about her dark secret, she is asked why she had a sex change. She replies, "I wanted the friendship of women I guess." Playboy Brian asks why she couldn't have that as a man. Anna replies, with a twinkle in her eyes: "I don't know dear. Can you?" There is no overacting or scene chewing with her. Anna Madrigal comes across as a genuinely warm and caring woman, whose tenants really are her children.

The plot of "More Tales of the City" includes: Mary Ann and Michael going on a cruise. Mary Ann meets a man named Burke with amnesia, and Michael hooks up with former flame John. Mona, depressed and spaced out, takes a trip to Nevada. She ends up working as a receptionist in a whorehouse, where she learns that Anna is her father. This leads Anna to make peace with Mona, her mother, and Betty, the woman Anna left years ago. DeDe Day has her twin babies, dumps Beauchamp, and falls in love with D'orothea. Michael has a bout with paralysis during which he comes out to his conservative parents (a beautifully acted scene).

The thing that causes this miniseries to trip up initially is the fact that three of the five core characters had to be recast due to conflicts. Paul Hopkins successfully assumes the role of gay and lovelorn Michael. Nina Siemasko could have been much better as flayboyant hippie Mona, although the character itself is so delightful that you can't help but love her. The actor recreating Brian is all right. Even Laura Linney, who reprises her part as not so naive anymore Mary Ann Singleton, seems to have a hard time getting back into the part. Her scenes in the first installment are not very good; Mary Ann appears shrill, nervous, and annoying. Fortunately Ms. Linney recovers and by the end delivers a wonderful performance.

"More Tales of the City" is first rate entertainment, despite its small flaws. It ends with a beautiful scene between Anna Madrigal and Mary Ann, with Anna telling Mary Ann that she's going to make out just fine in San Francisco. "Further Tales of the City" is set to debut on Showtime in May 2001. It's back to 28 Barbary Lane once again, and not a moment too soon.


Horrible Disappointment   July 19, 2000
Amanda HALE (Paris France)
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Having read and adored Armistead Maupin's 'Tales of the City' novels, I was delightfully surprised with the FIRST television adaptation ('Tales of the City'.) I was, however, horribly disappointed with this second series. The first series was beautifully cast, the 'chemistry' between the characters a chief concern. Certain characters have been RE-cast in this second series, and none of them are - to my mind - as 'right' as the original cast (furthermore, it was somewhat disconcerting to see the character of 'Mona' wearing the same WIG in each series, but crowning a different FACE!) My real problem with 'More Tales of the City' is its pace; the first series (like the first books) is very fast paced - this series is a real plodder. It's worth renting out of interest, but I wouldn't buy it. (Sorry, Amazon.com! I'll make up for any lost sales by STRONGLY recommending the FIRST series be bought, watched, RE-watched and enjoyed many times over!)


I wish I lived in the Building   September 28, 2001
Randi T. Fader (Kingman, AZ)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Being a gay person I love this movie. The cast including Olypia Dukakis and Laura Linney among others who I can't remember their names are excellent. I just wish I lived on Barbary Lane. I loved the closeness of the cast (which appeared to be very sincere)The acting was excellent, its a series that you wish continued on after the final scene. Its an excellent series which I would proudly recommend this movie to anyone. I truly love being gay and this series made me even prouder of my sexual orientation. This movie isn't all about the homosexual lifestyle, Laura Linney plays a straight woman who found her love in the building Olympia Dukakis's character owns. There is intrigue, scandal, love and best of all nudity. Great series I wish it was a permanent series.


Damn Good Movie   February 4, 2000
4 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is one of the best movies I have seen in my life! I have "Tales of the City" on tape & I enjoyed Further Tales of the City even better (especially on DVD)! It took a moment to get used to the new actors & the new style of the movie, but it was great! The new actors breathe hole new life in the character! I loved the new Brian & Mouse...It took me awhile to get used to the new Mona, but now I love her! She gave Mona a new edge (not so flighty & more take charge)! I think that "More Tales of the City" are great! I can't wait for more! It leaves you craving for anything more. THIS MOVIE IS GREAT (if you have seen "Tales of the City", YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! )