The film is an excellent remake. Though in some ways it doesn't live up to the 1930 original, there are some other ways in which I think it is more effective. I particularly like the portrayals of Himmelstoss and Kat; Ernest Borgnine is outstanding in his role. Changes to the original are minor - Paul, for example, as an artist, drawing a bird in the final scene rather than reaching for a butterfly - and do not in any way detract from the power of Remarque's story.
Although the film, as released on video, is very good, it could still be made better...because...
I taped the program off of CBS when it ran on the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" in 1979 or 1980. The commercially available version leaves out some scenes which aired in the original broadcast. Himmelstoss, for example, DID appear as the postman in a street scene as the boys leave school. Unfortunately, this was apparently cut when the film was released on video. This film is actually somewhat better in its original, on-air form than on video...and if anyone associated with the current production rights read this, PLEASE restore it! After 22 years, the quality of my recording is declining markedly, but I don't want to lose the narrative quality of the film.
