Reviews
X (1963)
Interesting Horror Yarn
Director Roger Corman takes the helm in this surprisingly good horror story. Former matinee idol Ray Milland plays a scientist who developes a serum that enables him to see through things. There are clever moments and some fun along the way before the harrowing finale. With Diana Van Der Vlis (whatever became of her?), Harold J. Stone, John Hoyt and funnyman Don Rickles.
Navy Blues (1941)
Gal's & Gob's in bouncy musical comedy
After the Navy docks in Honolulu the fun begins when some sailors get into hot water due to a contest and the gals are not far behind. There's wisecracks galore with Ann Sheridan, Jack Oakie, Martha Raye and Jack Haley. A highlight and a sight to behold is Miss Sheridan in a grass skirt doing the hula in the big production number of "Waikiki". Rounding out the cast are Herbert Anderson, Jack Carson and a very young Jackie Gleason. A Warner Brothers film it is shown occasionally on Turner Classic Movies.
Zenobia (1939)
An elephant never forgets
Oliver Hardy shines as a small town doctor in this amusing comedy set in the Old South. After tending to an ailing elephant Hardy can't get rid of the beast since she is so appreciative and an elephant never forgets. It's a fun path as Zenobia follows the portly doctor just about everywhere he goes. This is one of the few times that Hardy appeared in a film without his partner Stan Laurel however he handles it quite well. Co-starring are Jean Parker, James Ellison, Alice Brady, Billie Burke as the doctors befuddled wife and the ever dependable Hattie McDaniel. It's available on VSH folks.
You Only Live Once (1937)
Compelling drama of human destiny
Director Fritz Lang helms this well mounted drama of a struggling couple. Henry Fonda is a petty crook attempting to reform when he is framed on a murder charge. He eventually breaks out of prison and tries to escape to Canada with his wife (Sylvia Sidney) only fate seems to be against them. A nice blend of drama and romance with Fonda and Sidney most impressive in the starring roles. The fine supporting cast includes William Gargan, Barton MacLane, Margaret Hamilton, and Ward Bond. Unfortunately this gem of 1937 is not available on video and is seldom shown on TV anymore.
Unknown Island (1948)
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...
...a tale of a fateful trip. Only this tale is from a 1948 outrageous B flick about scientists who hire a corrupt skipper for a voyage to a strange Island. Once the passengers and crew arrive they encounter prehistoric beasts of which some are laughable due to poor special effects. Although when I saw this film as a kid I was impressed with it. Surprisingly the tagline says it took a year to produce while the film "King Kong" was made 15 years prior with superior special effects. The inhabitants include lovely Virginia Grey, Philip Reed, Richard Denning and Barton MacLane. Filmed in Cinecolor it is fun to watch and has been shown on AMC. It's also available on VHS and DVD so it can't be all that bad.
The Secret of Convict Lake (1951)
Effective Western with a fine cast
In "The Secret of Convict Lake" danger looms in the winter of the 1870's when escaped prisoners hide out at a colony consisting mostly of women. There's enough drama to hold your interest as the ladies unleash some of their own frustrations as they contend with some slimey characters. Of course the "secret" is another matter which I won't reveal. The exceptional cast includes Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney, Ethel Barrymore, Zachary Scott, Ann Dvorak, Jeanette Nolan, Helen Westcott and Ruth Donnelly. There's also an impressive performance from Robert Hylton an actor with potential who should have had a bigger career in Hollywood.
Madame X (1966)
Lana Turner has a field day as Madame X
This glossy remake of an attorney (Keir Dullea) defending a woman accused of murder, not knowing it's his mother is a grand soaper. Lana Turner gives a bravura performance going from ravishing beauty to a haggered drunken sot all in the name of mother love. Veteran actress Constance Bennett is equally good as her conniving mother-in-law. Also in the cast are John Forsythe, Ricardo Montalban and Burgess Meredith as two unsavory characters. Lovely Virginia Grey is also present. Of course no Ross Hunter film would be complete without sumptuous production values, lavish wardrobe and lush surroundings.
Our Very Own (1950)
Melodramatic movie with interesting topic
Director David Miller takes us into the lives of a homespun family where everything appears to be peachy until one of the teens find out that she is adopted. After such a shock she eventually wants to locate her birth mother and thats when "Our Very Own" gets interesting. The dependable cast includes Ann Blyth as the adoptee, Joan Evans and Natalie Wood her sisters, Jane Wyatt and Donald Woods their parents, Farley Granger and Martin Milner as the guys who console the gals. However its Ann Dvorak as the distraught birth mother who walks away with the picture with her usual expertise. Although this Samuel Goldwyn production didn't meet critical expectations it did make money for RKO Studios.
Frenchie (1950)
Frenchie's back in town
"Frenchie" (1950) is based loosely on the western classic "Destry Rides Again" only this time featuring a woman as the heroine. In her prime the shapely and gorgeous Shelley Winters as Frenchie Fontaine returns to her town and opens a saloon ,as a front, to avenge her fathers murder. Besides the usual gun play there is an old fashioned saloon fight when Frenchie tangles with another woman which is a hoot. Rounding out the cast of this technicolor co-feature are Joel McCrea, John Russell, Paul Kelly, Elsa Lanchester, John Emery and the ever dependable Marie Windsor.
Jeanne Eagels (1957)
Kim Novak at her "campy" best
OK....so this is not a classic film depicting the life of Jeanne Eagels however it has it's moments. First of all Kim Novak was a hot property at the time and she is gorgeous and oh so camp as Miss Eagels. Also captured in the film is the flavor of the era and the costumes are dazzling especially the one Novak wears as Princess Dardanella at a carnival where she gets busted by the police. The ultimate is when she prances on stage as Sadie Thompson in "Rain" to the tune of "Wabash Blues"....its actually a treat. Miss Novak is supported by a good cast including Jeff Chandler, Agnes Moorehead, Charles Drake, Murray Hamilton and especially Virginia Grey as has-been Elsie Desmond (one of Miss Grey's personal favorite roles).
Tomorrow, the World! (1944)
Strong and thoughtful drama
"Tomorrow the World" is a thought provoking film about an American family who adopts a troubled German boy after the war. Together they try to undo the ridgid Nazi influence that was instilled in him (which is no easy feat). Leslie Fenton directs a first rate cast including Fredric March, Betty Field, Agnes Moorehead and Joan Carroll. However it is Skip Homeier as the Nazi youth who steals the picture with an electrifying performance. The film is available on video and DVD.
Vu du pont (1962)
"A View From The Bridge" (Vu du pont) is strong drama
Sparks fly when dock worker Eddie Carbone (Raf Vallone) rejects his loyal wife (Maureen Stapleton) while he desires their neice (Carol Lawrence) who is in love with an illegal immigrant (Jean Sorel). Filmed near the waterfront in Brooklyn, New York director Sydney Lumet captures the turmoil of a family torn apart from a story by Arthur Miller. All the players are excellent especially Mr. Vallone and Miss Stapleton. Unfortunately this film is no where to be found.Apparently it was also dubbed in French.
Pay or Die! (1960)
Before "The Godfather"...a chilling account of the Mafia
In the early 1900's police detective Lieut. Joseph Petrosino (Ernest Borgnine) forms a special squard to combat the menacing Black Hand in New York City in this tough and convincing drama based on actual events. Hardworking store keepers are threatened with torture, death and destruction if they don't come across with "protection" money. Other than Borgnine's fine performance there's good support from Zohra Lampert (an actress who should have risen to the top), Al Austin, John Duke, Renata Vanni and John Marley (Hollywood mogul Woltz in "The Godfather"). The essence of the period is captured with the stunning black and white photography.
The Enchanted Forest (1945)
Heartwarming tale of life in the forest
Filmed in Cinecolor this is a remarkably effective story about a lost child (Billy Severn) raised by an old Hermit and who is taught about life amid nature in the forest. Endearing character actor Harry Davenport (Dr. Meade in Gone With The Wind) is just wonderful as Old John with his dog Bruno at his side and pet crow on his shoulder.There's good support from lovely Brenda Joyce as the kind lady and also from Edmund Lowe. It's available on video folks so you can rent it for the whole family to enjoy.
Inner Sanctum (1948)
Unusual low-budget mystery
Since this black and white B flick is only under an hour I doubt that it will ever see the light of day on video. It's too bad since it is an unusual and tidy little mystery of the late 1940's. A Seer (fortune-teller) brilliantly played by Fritz Leiber predicts that a young girl (Mary Beth Hughes) will encounter tragedy on a train. It all comes together when a man (Charles Russell) fleeing from the law for a murder hides out in a boarding house. Other than the gorgeous Miss Hughes and handsome Mr Russell the boarders include the delightful Nana Bryant, feisty Lee Patrick, freckled faced kid Dale Belding and Billy House. Above-par B film fare especially for Noir fans.
Lady of Burlesque (1943)
Stanwyck Takes it Off The E-String and Plays it on The G-String
Director William A. Wellman gives us Lady of Burlesque a boisterous whodunit played out in an old burlesque theatre. Based on Gypsy Rose Lee's novel The G-String Murders theres plenty of humor surrounding the murders with wisecracks left and right. Theres some bumps and grinds but no stripping due to the movie code at that time. Of course we have the wonderful Barbara Stanwyck here who dazzles us with some neat song and dance routines. Also a lovely bunch of beauties in scanty costumes including gum snapping Gee Gee (Iris Adrian), troubled Dolly (Gloria Dickson), gorgeous Alice (Marion Martin), Lolita (Victoria Faust) and Princess Nirvena (Stephanie Bachelor) both delightfully bitchy. Theres also Michael O' Shea and Pinky Lee involved in the mystery and humor at the old former opera house. So "Take It Off The E-String, Play It On The G-String" (song) and have a good time. Oscar nominee for Best Score.
The Killer That Stalked New York (1950)
Interesting tale of smallpox carrier
From 1950 comes a neat thriller about a couple smuggling diamonds from abroad and also the contagious disease smallpox. Evelyn Keyes pulls out all stops as the essential victim of this film-noir. Once back in the United States she is not aware that she could be spreading the disease on everyone and everything she comes in contact with. Eventually she is pursued and must be stopped before an epidemic occurs. Other than Keyes striking performance there is good support from villainous Charles Korvin, William Bishop, Dorothy Malone, Lola Albright and Whit Bissell. The finale is a humdinger with Miss Keyes on the ledge of a building with spotlights and hundreds of spectators below. A good B flick!
Pickup on South Street (1953)
Thelma Ritter kicks butt in Pickup on South Street
Directed by Samuel Fuller, who also wrote the screenplay, Pickup on South Street is a tough, brutal, well made film about a pickpocket (Richard Widmark) who inadvertently aquires top-secret microfilm and becomes a target for espionage agents. Also involved are Jean Peters as a tough broad who is used as a courier by her evil ex-lover Richard Kiley. It's film-noir at its best and although the performances are very good its grand character actress Thelma Ritter who steals the movie. As Moe a weary street peddler selling neck ties (and who also sells information) she is terrific in a role that brought her another Oscar nomination. Its amazing that Miss Ritter was nominated six times for an Academy Award and she never won. This should have been the role that copped it for her!
I Was an American Spy (1951)
Ann Dvorak outstanding in spy drama
Based on a true story U.S. citizen Dvorak poses as a cabaret singer in Manila during WW2 to help combat a Japanese attack. Code name "High Pockets" she endures many dangers and severe punishment for the sake of her country in this tense spy story. Also impressive in the cast are Gene Evans, Douglas Kennedy and both Richard Loo and Philip Ahn performing their nasty Japanese soldier bits. However it's Dvorak who makes it all worth while. The veteran actress who excelled in such films as "Scarface" (1932), "Three on a Match" (1932), "G Men" (1935), "Our Very Own" (1950) etc. is outstanding as the American spy. Also featured in the film is the song "Because of You" which was a big hit for crooner Tony Bennett.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Combined effort produces a memorable classic
I've seen this fine motion picture many times and realize all the top notch production values that went into making it including the masterful work of director William Wyler, the leading stars etc. as other IMDb user comments confirmed here. With that said I would like to mention some of those marvelous supporting players (although some in bit parts) who also contributed in making this film a classic. Who could forget the reaction of Homer's (Harold Russell) parent's played by Minna Gombell and Walter Baldwin when he arrives home after the war minus his hands as they display such sorrowful affection that is extremely touching. His little sister Luella played so sweetly by Marlene Aames and in an emotional scene when Homer tired of being stared at pushes his artificial limbs through a window for her friends to get a better look at. The eloquence of the fabulous Gladys George and Roman Bohnen living in shanty town although none the less proud of their coming home soldier Fred (Dana Andrews). Then theres Hoagy Carmichael who as Homer's uncle Butch feels the need to take special care of him under the circumstances. Dorothy Ames and Don Beddoe who give loving support to their daughter Wilma (Cathy O'Donnell) knowing that her marriage to amputee Homer could present problems. The handsome and surly Steve Cochran an ex-serviceman himself who is palsy with Fred's wife (Virginia Mayo). Michael Hall the son of Al Stephenson (Fredric March) who doesn't appreciate the Japanese war weapons his dad brings home for him. Ray Teal who demonstrates a negative view of what some others think about the war which angers Homer. Bank president Ray Collins who tolerates Al's indifference with his job at the bank. Dean White as Mr. Novak a farmer just out of the Navy and desperate for a loan without any collateral and also actor Howard Chamberlain the smug manager of the drug store where Fred applies for his job back. Along with all the others in the cast these players added the frosting on the cake and contributed in making "The Best Year's of Our Lives" a classic film.
White Heat (1949)
"White Heat" is Red Hot!
James Cagney is in top form as a psychopathic mama's boy in one of the best gangster films of the 1940's. Directed by Raoul Walsh of "High Sierra" fame the movie moves at a fast pace without a dull moment. All the elements are here for a superior crime drama including a train robbery, car chases, doublecross, a prison break and plenty of gun play. The cast is top notch with lovely Virginia Mayo the femme fatale, Margaret Wycherly the tough-as-nails Ma, Steve Cochran the conniving Big Ed and Edmond O'Brien the undercover cop. However it's Cagney who will knock-your-socks-off with his dynamite performance. A highlight of the film takes place in the prison mess hall and the grand finale is explosive (to say the least). Good stuff!
He Ran All the Way (1951)
Garfield goes out in style
"He Ran All The Way" is John Garfield's final film and he doesn't disappoint his fans. He is dynamic as a cop killer who is on-the-lam and hiding out in the apartment of a middle class family. The film is a taut thriller with many tense moments and Garfield pulls no punches while he devises an escape plan. The captive family is well played by Shelley Winters who falls for the thug, Wallace Ford and Selena Royle her parents and Bobby Hyatt the little brother. There is also a gem of a cameo performance from Gladys George as Garfield's mother and also by Norman Lloyd as his partner in crime. Alas Garfield displays all his bad boy mannerisms and gut wrenching force that we came to expect from him...and what also made him a star.
Woman on the Run (1950)
The woman is Ann Sheridan...enough said
This neat little thriller from 1950 is all the more interesting since Ann Sheridan is the woman in the title. Miss Sheridan is most convincing as she searches for her husband who witnessed a gangland murder and must find him before the underworld does. There are many tense moments along the way especially when she ends up riding on a roller coaster. Good support from Dennis O'Keefe, Robert Keith and Ross Elliott plus a good screenplay help this film rise above B status.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Perhaps we were brainwashed?
So....Citizen Kane was voted the number one film of all time by the American Film Institute but that doesn't mean we have to like it. As a film buff in long standing I still can't figure out what makes the film so great. After a few viewings throughout the years I become bored after about 40 minutes and when its over I'm sitting there wondering what all the fuss is about. I'll go as far as to agree its a fairly good account of a publishers rise to power but not a great one although the black and white cinematography and the score by Bernard Herrmann are assets to the film. Of the players Agnes Moorehead, Everett Sloane and Paul Stewart steal the acting honors. It also bemuses me that the film was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and only won one for the screenplay. Could it be that the Academy didn't feel it was so great in 1941? I wonder why? I submise that through the years some critics and film historians decided to boost the film to classic status which ultimately force fed film fans and some critics into actually believing the film is great and not to look naive we went along for the ride. Today we realize that Citizen Kane was not a factual account and as far as I'm concerned it all boils down to artistic claptrap. By the way the film that took the Oscar in 1941 was How Green Was My Valley directed by John Ford. Now thats a classic!
Rawhide (1951)
RAWHIDE is Neat Little Western
Director Henry Hathaway helms this taut western drama about outlaws holding a group of people captive at a stagecoach station. Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward ignite good chemistry together right through to the climatic shoot-out. There's good support from Jack Elam (wonderfully evil), Dean Jagger, Hugh Marlowe, Jeff Corey and Edgar Buchanan. Seldom shown on TV this 1951 flick is available on video and is a treat for the western buff as well as for fans of the two dynamic stars.