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Bengal Brigade (1954)
This is from Laslo Benedek, really?
I can't imagine that a director such as Laslo Benedek made this adventure studio movie, a film that could be done by a Budd Boetticher, Joseph Pevney, Douglas Sirk - why not...All Universal home directors of this period, among many others: Nathan Juran, Jack Arnold...But Laslo Benedek;..I can't believe it. What happened to him? I can understand THE WILD ONE, but this adventure flick.... Ths director seemed to have greatest difficulties to find his own trademark. He worked for US movie and TV industry, European productions too. NIGHT VISITOR is a terrific story, but I still don't understand why Benedek made this however excellent adventure war yarn about the fall of the British colonialism. I recommend it.
The Burning Hills (1956)
Forgotten Warner Brothers western
Tab Hunter has here one of his rare lead characters role; he usually co starred with big names, and this movie is not a B picture either. Stuart Heisler was not Lesley Selander, Alfred Werker, Ray Nazzaro or Jack Arnold. This vengeance plot, scheme, is as old as the western genre, so don't expect any surprises here. You'll find here a very good time waster and a Nathalie Wood's performance which is worth the viewing. Nothing special concerning this western, that was rather in the Twentieth Century Fox manner, using supporting actors for Cinemascope - or the studio equivalent - frames. Good western.
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Late Fantastic Corman
I just learned this week that Roger Corman, this wizard, this magician of the B movies, passed away. I was not that surprised, because he was old, but still was in grief, because I had followed his movies, watched them, over and over since so many decades. And since a couple of months, I decided to review them on Imdb. What a sad coincidence. This film belongs to the Edgar Allan Poe's stuff adaptations, starring the fabulous Vincent price who was for Corman what Lon Chaney Sr was for Tod Browning; at least for the Edgar Poe - or Lovecraft - cycle produced and directed by the master. This is not a fairy tale, despite the medieval castle and the beautiful women, but a movie that may disturb young or unprepared audiences. Typical of the rest of the features belonging to this cycle of films dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe. RIP Roger....
Gueules noires (2023)
THE DESCENT meets DJINNS
The French horror industry provided many movies during the 2000's and early 2010's and suddenly more or less disappeared, at least in France, and the directors moved away to Hollywood ( Alexandre Aja, Xavier Gens, Eric Vallette ) because of bigger budgets at their disposal and the opportunity to increase their popularity; bigger budget but also pain the ass producers on their back. This movie offers the peculiarity to show a first part which looks like a social drama, a semi documentary about pit coal workers, underground miners, during the fifties, a plot speaking of racism...And suddenly, after the first part, it suddenly turns into a horror film, as we have seen before in the American and also some French industry stuff. Good directing, acting, production design - which surprised me, especially in the first part, with Philippe Torreton whom I did not expect to see in a horror film. I like Samuel Le Bihan, in a charismatic leader role, tough, rough, fair, the same kind of character - or more precisely personality - he had in TOTAL WESTERN. Good French horror film which also made me think of Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT. But for me it is so surprising that there is NO FEMALE character in this film, in a period where strong lead women characters, even in actioners, are galore. Galore. It would not have surprised me to have here a woman sent among men, into the mine, fighting alone against the "thing".
Black Patch (1957)
Just for Jerry Goldsmith's score
Well, maybe I am wrong, this little western is not totally a waste, just a predictable plot, already seen dozens of times before. Two former friends from the civil war, one sheriff and one outlaw, love the same woman.... But this is an Allan H Miner's western, a B production, and any B western - and I don't mean the Roy Rogers or Allan Rocky Lane flicks - is worth watching. This one is truly agreeable, but not a masterpiece, as also was THE RIDE BACK, also from the director. And it is written by Leo Gordon, who also plays in the film. If you have one hour and twenty minutes to waste, go for it.
The Molly Maguires (1970)
Solid movie, totally in the Martin Ritt's manner
Who, better than Martin Ritt, could speak of social problems, including racism, in the sixties and seventies - even later? No one, or maybe Sidney Pollack could evoke some social issues in his movies. But this one, unfortunately a failure at the box office, is really tremendous, and not only because of the cast - Richard Harris and Sean Connnery - but also because of the plot itself. I admit that the undercover cop - or detective - is not new at all, but here Sean Connery is awesome and surprising in this role of a "gang" leader, one year before ANDERSON TAPES. Really, this Martin Ritt's film is really an absolute must see.
Tristan + Isolde (2006)
Not Arthur and Guinevere nor Knights of the Round Table
If you crave for medieval legends, myths, this movie is definitely for you, but the production design from the early 2000's looks very like a TV movie or a Russian - or Eastern Europe - adventure film concerning medieval times. It is not a bad film, but considering the director's identity - Kevin Reynolds - this film is painful to watch, the best proof of a downfall. After WATERWORLD disaster, there was 187 - a tremendous social drama - and that's it. That said, it is a worth watching film for the common viewer, common movie buff or not, for any audiences who like medieval tales, with romance, action, fairy and gloomy tales...I would have dreamed that Richard Thorpe made it in the fifties.... Just a dream.
Capricorn One (1977)
Peter Hyam's One
This movie is for me the most prestigious, terrific, outstanding film from the director, who will never provide better after this one, despite OUTLAND and 2010.... But he did not only make science fiction flicks, he also provided some dramas and thrillers. I won't say forget the rest, but this one is really unique, riveting, not predictable at all. The kind of plot that the likes of Alan J Pakula or Sidney Pollack could have done too. I can't prevent myself to think of PARALLAX VIEW atmosphere. I love it. I don't think they could make such a film now. The best of Peter Hyams, period, no matter what he has done after this one.
An Act of Murder (1948)
Or act of love?
This is a gritty, harsh drama, where Frederic March is absolutely splendid and I am surprised that Universal Studios produced this film which topic was more in the Metro Goldwyn Mayer line. Michael Gordon was OK as the director, I guess Douglas Sirk or David Miller could have done the same. It is tense, riveting, poignant and I can understand that the moral, final part of the story, could divide, puzzle many audiences. Because it is not what they actually expected. That's presicely what I like in this story. Not a crime film, not even a film noir, but a taut drama. Nearly two decades after DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, Frederic March did not lose anything of his talent. Yesterday, I reviewed LE SEPTIEME JURE, a French drama which the main character was not far from this movie....
The Lost Hours (1952)
Not bad but forgettable
The only interest for this film is that it may help you to waste your time for one hour, that's all. This is a British thriller from the fifties and a movie that wishes to look like an American one, and not only because of the main actor Mark Stevens, whom I have seen more inspired. Here, the scheme is old fashioned, boring, predictable, useless: a man accused of a murder he did not commit, and who tries to prove his innocence. I tried to watch it but it was very hard for me. David Mc Donald was also more inspired with adventures yarns or his CHRISTOPHER COLOMBUS. So forget this one, it is really a waste of time, despite the short length.
The Blonde Bandit (1949)
At least Harry Keller have made a crime film....
Harry Keller was known for being a solid western director in the fifties, such as DAY OF THE BAD MAN, QUANTEZ, SEVEN WAYS FROM SUNDOWN.... But he also began for Republic Pictures, as Thomas Carr, RG Sprinsteen. This one is amusing, fast paced but not a gritty crime film either. You have romance, action, nothing really exctiting, just a rare little gem for movie goers and Harry Keller's stuff searchers. Keller also gave us UNGUARDED MOMENT, a drama with criminal element, but not a crime film. So, this one is not a bad film, just a curiosity because it is made by a western provider. A very gifted one.
Le septième juré (1962)
George Lautner on Claude Chabrol, Sidney Lumet and Andre Cayatte's grounds
Director George Lautner was mostly a comedy provider, except this one and LE PACHA, for the rest, the atmosphere is rather fun, full of punch lines from Michel Audiard's terrific writing style. Here, the plot is absolutely outstanding, jaw dropping, so brilliant that it's impossible not to like it. The deep, accurate analysis of a small town community after the crime committed by the lead Bernard Blier, and this from the early beginning. There is no mystery here, and that's even better, it makes the whole plot even more riveting, gripping, poignant. This film is an absolute masterpiece. There was a B American film directed by Sam Newfield in the forties and the next - and I suppose last - Clint Eastwood's film: THE JUROR, are also close to this very George Lautner's film, which looks like a Claude Chabrol's movie; analysis, study of a small town community. And I won't even speak of the possible TWELVE ANGRY MEN (Sidney Lumet) tribute to.
The Last Hard Men (1976)
This time, Mc Laglen is closer to Sam Peckinpah than John Ford
Andrew McLaglen, Victor McLaglen's son, was closer to John Ford's cinema, atmosphere, topics than any other director. His father was also a close friend to the Irish born film maker. Watch out for any of his movies, McLaglen brought his personal touch - if there is one - but was mostly under influence of the master Ford. He was not that fond of comedy - unlike a director like Burt Kennedy, another director who, in the sixties and seventies, was also a bit close to Ford's DNA - but till the early seventies, Andrew McLaglen's westerns - because he mostly directed westerns - were in the fifties fashion, plots and way of filming. But this very one: THE LAST HARD MEN, Mc Laglen is definitely closer to Sam Peckinpah's spirit, soul, gritty, bloody, brutal, tough atmosphere. And after all Chuck - MAJOR DUNDEE- HESTON - and James - PAT GARRET AND BILLY THE KID, CROSS OF IRON - presences are the most obvious tribute to Sam Peckinpah. My favourite from Andrew McLaglen, far in front of the other je gave us, only agreeable action providers, all more predictable one than the other.
Bomber's Moon (1943)
Agreeable war programmer
Before the FIGHTING SEABEES, director Edward Ludwig gave us this war film, propaganda war flick, not too long, fast paced, produced by 20th Century Fox, which contributed to the war effort. This is not an exceptional story, very predictable, but an excellent time waster and some good surprises, if you put the whole thing in the forties context. In the meantime, of course, you had THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, ten millions times better than this one; but you'll understand why I evoke the John Sturges' film after you will have watched this one. I don't want to spoil anything of the plot. Annabella and George Montgomery was a very unlikely cast....
Alias Nick Beal (1949)
Alias Nick Beal
Good intelligent script for a certainly not film noir, but a psychological drama, strong, solid piece of work, in the line of the forties Paramount Pictures productions, such as THE UNSEEN or THE UNINVITED, though not the same story, I mean fantasy element mixed up with a real story. Yes, I admit there is a bit film noir in the story, but just a bit, and Ray Milland as the villain and Thomas Mitchell as the good guy is very rare and interesting. John Farrow proves here he was not only a sea adventures film director. Look for his other features from the forties: THE BIG CLOCK, NIGHT HAS THOUSAND EYES, CALCUTTA.... Maybe the plot will puzzle many audiences, but it is worth the catch.
Flight Angels (1940)
Just OK programmer
Lewis Seiler spent most of his career at Warner Brothers and this one is not one of his most important ones. It is fun, fast paced, cool to watch; the Warner Bros trademark, and the movies about airplanes were galore in the thirties and forties. This film is just common, but rather rare for movie goers, that's all. Action, romance, comedy and that's it. You have been warned. I am tired of this after forty years of oldies watching. I guess this film is easily available thanks to the public domain rights. For airplanes movies lovers only, and I suppose there are many of them. Entertaining light hearted drama.
Spoorloos (1988)
The disappearance, a terrific gem.
This scheme of a couple of tourists stopping somewhere, in a gas station, and when the wife disappears, is not new. Remember Jonathan Mostow's BREAKDOWN, Frank Mancuso's RIF, or the US TV movie DYING ROOM ONLY. But this one is really disturbing, unforgettable, really painful. I hesitate to reveal the whole plot, I want to preserve the suspense and not spoil the whole movie. But believe me, it's a hell of a film. I must be seen at all costs, a must see, I don't understand that it is not more widely known. Bernard Pierre Donnadieu outstanding in a very difficult role. If you are lucky enough not to have seen it yet, don't hesitate, go, go go.
Rih al awras (1966)
Absolute gem
At long last, I watch an Algerian war film speaking precisely of the French Algerian war that occured between 1954 and 1962. Eight years of brutality, tortures, bombardments, atrocities of all kinds. And useless to say that the French authorities rarely evokes this war, except directors such as Yves Boisset and Philippe Faucon. France - French army - commited atrocities as well as the Algerian rebels too. This movie shows the Algerian point of view, very interesting. Il is poignant, engrossing, realistic and not propaganda from my own point of view. It's such a shame that this movie was not more widely shown in Europe, and France in particular.
La traque (1980)
Before LES LYONNAIS
What a coincidence that in this TV show speaking of the notorious Lyonnais gang, an authentic group of armed robbers, is starring Gerard Lanvin, as one of the gangsters. Considering that in 2011, Oliviier Marchal will direct LES LYONNAIS - the same story inspired from actual events -, starring the same Lanvin in the lead gangster role. This series describes very well what the police daily job is, as well as the professional robbers daily life is too. It may be seen as a sort of fiction documentary, very well donne, never boring, taut. And what amusing is this scene where Bruno Cremer's character, the cop in chief - commissaire - is eating with his family and watching on TV the Maigret show, starring Jean Richard. Cremer then says that his job is not like Maigret's one, it is more difficult. It is funnny, because one decade and a half later, Bruno Cremer will play Maigret for French TV industry.
Le marginal (1983)
Dirty Philippe
After the success of LE PROFESSIONAL and the likes of PEUR SUR LA VILLE and L'ALPAGUEUR - major action crime flicks - and before the failure of his last action film - LE SOLITAIRE- Jean-Paul Belmondo gave us this one, directed by Jacques Deray, with whom he made BORSALINO, PAR UN BEAU MATIN D'ETE, and LE SOLITAIRE. It is obviously inspired by the DIRTY HARRY fashion, the tough, rough cop - Philippe Jordan - who applies his own methods, against all codes, rules, except his very own ones. Henry Silva plays the villain, this American actor who already played in Daniel Vigne's LES HOMMES and jean Claude Roy's L'INSOLENT, two gritty French crime flicks. The Paris car chase, under the aerial subway line, is of course a tribute to BULLITT, or FRENCH CONNECTION - also car chase under the New York aerial subway line - scene.
Evil Dead II (1987)
Excellent remake - or sequel
Anyway, from the same director Sam Raimi, you could not get deceived, even if he did exactly the same thing as he did for the previous movie, but with a far bigger budget, and - the most important- with a total freedom, compared with the crap that he will give us in 1992, a huge budget this time, still compared with the first two films. And bigger budgets means working with those producers from Hollywood crap industry, those business men tied to the stock exchange, the stock market and who want every dollar to be used for the large audiences pleasure. So, before enduring the third film of the franchise, take advantage to enjoy this one. It is really exciting fun, for any horror fans.
Colorado Territory (1949)
Awesome
Joel McCrea is really engrossing, poignant, in this role here, a role that I crave for, as much as the one he will have forteen years later in GUNS IN THE AFTERNOON, a lost in advance hero. I always weep a bit when I watch this Raoul Walsh's western, which I even prefer to THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON, another kind of plot, I admit. The remake I DIED A THOUSAND TIMES, starring Jack Palance, was a good one too. I recommend this one at all costs. A Warner Bros production highlight. Virginia Mayo is also at her best here, more than in WHITE HEAT, from the same great Walsh. Yes, a gripping, taut, gritty western. The climax in the old ruined village is nearly the same as in FORT MASSACRE, a tremendous western also starring Joel McCrea.
The Last of the Fast Guns (1958)
THE PROFESSIONALS meet TREASURE OF PANCHO VILLA
Jock Mahoney is terrific here in this enchanted Universal Studios western. An underrated western which deserves to be more widely known, as much as Anthony Mann's or Delmer Daves' films too. Gibert Roland, as usual, plays the hero's sidekick - remember him in THE TREASURE OF PANCHO VILLA, where the lead hero, Rory Calhoun, is close to Jock Mahoney's role. TREASURE...is also from George Sherman. The plot brings nothing special, compared to another western and the scheme of men search for a woman makes me think of Richard Brooks' THE PROFESSIONALS, and the directing, settings, locations, are terrific and contribute to the quality of this B western; I remind you it is under 79 minutes. When I think about Jock Mahoney - in his black leather outfit, I think about LAST OF THE FAST GUNS. This story could have been made ten yeas later, during tje sixties. And the most juicy part is the symbolic in characters clothes; have you noticed that the good guy wears black clothes whilst the evil one wears white suit? EXCELLENT.
Konferensen (2023)
Good tribute to the seventies slashers
This movie from Northern Europe reminds me the slashers from the seventies! HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH...And it is fun and bloody, efficient and never boring. Not that funny however and some things remained unexplained to me. But I appreciated this horror film purchased on Netflix. The bodycount is the main interest, no matter the characters. Yes, a good little slasher yarn. It is not too long but I would have prefered it a bit shorter. I had not seen such a slasher since a long time and it was a bit refreshing. It changes from BLAIR WITCH PROJECT rip-offs or other CONJURING like movies. Good stuff.
Le consentement (2023)
Engrossing but disturbing
This story is unfortunately inspired from actual events, and I guess that's only an example of what happens in real life for millions of other girls, under age young women. Jean Paul Rouve is excellent in this disgusting character who, in the first time, attracts a poor girl with romance style, beautiful words, and then suddenly behaves like a monster, a maniac, a twisted minded man who thinks he is untouchable because famous, widely known. Yes, it is disturbing, disgusting. It is such a shame that such male monsters always behave like this with naive and gentle, honest "preys", and not with twisted minded girls; because evil young women also exist. And those evil minded young women - even under age - always deal with this time honest and true, authentic good men who really want to love, protect them. The perfect world would be that, for once, monsters meet monsters too. What do you think?