‘Men Don’t Leave’ Has Arrived With Jessica Lange

THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

Jessica Lange shines as a mother of two sons who must adjust to a new life after her husband’s death in “Men Don’t Leave” (Warner, $89.95, PG-13). The warm, touching and funny comedy-drama from earlier this year--writer-director Paul Brickman’s first film since his more acidic “Risky Business”--also features Arliss Howard, Chris O’Donnell and another enchanting performance by Joan Cusack.

Warner Home Video also has two vintage movies for fans of ‘50s blond sigh-guy Troy Donahue--and of pre-R-rated young-folk romance. “A Summer Place” (1959) finds Troy snuggling up to equally blond Sandra Dee. Most notable for its Max Steiner-written theme song (a big hit) and its lush color photography (by Harry Stradling), this young-love-in-New-England drama is soapy but not too dopey. Except maybe for its length (130 minutes).

Dopier but mildly enjoyable (and a half-hour shorter) is “Palm Springs Weekend” (1963). Troy’s co-star this time (blond again, of course) is the bouncy Connie Stevens, and they’re supposed to be, uh, teen-agers. It’s not a great picture by any means, but still easier to take than the R-rated teen “comedies” of a later and less innocent time.

The best new oldie, though, is also the best (and first) Lassie film, “Lassie Come Home” (MGM/UA, $19.98). The 1943 heart-tugger stars the very young Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall.

OTHER NEW ARRIVALS: “Homer and Eddie” (HBO, $89.99, R) stars James Belushi and Whoopi Goldberg is a 1989 drama about an odd couple who journey across the country together. “Mad About You” (Academy, $89.95, PG) is a sweet if minor 1989 romantic comedy about a young woman (Claudia Christian) and the men in her life (ranging from a football player to a musician). “Streets” (MGM/UA, $89.98, R) stars Christina Applegate (TV’s “Married . . . With Children”) in a rough 1990 story about a teen-age prostitute, a cop and a serial killer. “Primary Target” (MGM/UA, $89.98, R) is another imitation-”Rambo,” jungle-rescue flick (from 1989) starring John Calvin.

COMING ATTRACTIONS: “Chinese Roulette” (Aug. 16), “Nuns on the Run” (Aug. 23), “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Sept. 5), “House Party” (Sept. 5), “Impulse” (Sept. 12), “The Hunt for Red October” (Oct. 25), “Martians Go Home” (Sept. 27), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie” (Oct. 4).

OTHER NEW VIDEOS

For kids, Golden Book Video is releasing two award-winning, 1978 Claymation versions of the classic tales “Rip Van Winkle” (narrated by Will Geer) and “The Little Prince” (narrated by Cliff Robertson). Each half-hour tapes costs $9.95.