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Autumn Born (1979)
Just the beginning
Autumn Born was just to be the beginning of Dorothy Ruth Stratten's acting career. Given the circumstances, her acting performance was pretty good, it was a cheaply made film with shoddy direction and sets. She did her best. In response to Ghost-9, Dorothy made 3 feature films, not two. The three were Autumn Born (Fall 1979), Galaxina (June 6 1980) and They All Laughed (Aug 14 1981). With each film her acting got better. Softkitten80 is right, there is a clear ending to Autumn Born, Monica and Tara turn the tables on Uncle Grant and stick him in the solitary confinement room. We assume they get control of the corporation back and everybody lives happily ever after, except Uncle Grant!
Travolti da un insolito destino nell'azzurro mare d'agosto (1974)
It took a remake to help me find this classic!
Thank you Madonna! I may not see your version of "Swept Away", but you certainly helped me locate a classic. I saw the original Italian version of "Swept Away" on late night TV when I was about 16 (1980). In later years, I remembered this excellent film about class struggle, ship-wrecks, and battle of the sexes. I knew it was Italian, but no one I asked seemed to know what the damn thing was called....until last week. I saw a commercial for the new Madonna film, and even before the commercial was done, I knew it was a shoddy remake of that classic 1974 Italian film I loved so much. The original film really reminded me of "Lord of the Flies" (But sexier!), in the aspect that on the Island all the rules changed and they were in their own environment. I always remember how the class structure returns as soon as they are rescued at the end of the movie. The original "Swept Away" is a classic, and thanks to Madonna I can now rent it!
Messalina, Messalina! (1977)
Just the facts! Same sets, different actors! A little Gem!
First off, "Messalina, Empress of Rome", is not the original title of this movie, and neither is "Caligula, the sins of Rome". These are both titles given to the original 1977 movie, "Messalina! Messalina!". It was re-titled for the video market in 1991 and 1994. The very cool thing about this movie is that it features almost all the sets and props used in the 1980 Classic, "Caligula". Caligula was actually shot in 1976, but because of various lawsuits, wasn't released until February 1980. The Co-Producer of Caligula, Franco Rossellini, decided in early 1977 to use the sets and props left-over from Caligula and shoot a quickie. He cast 2 actresses from Caligula, Anneka di Lorenzo and Lori Wagner, for the new movie, and then brought in a whole new crew to help out. It's true this movie isn't the best, it's dubbed from the Italian, it's grainy, but it is definatley a fun watch. There are some very funny scenes, some nice boobies, and a bit of a story to keep things interesting. You really get to see the Caligula sets, designed by Danilo Donati, much better than in Caligula, and that in itself is worth the price of admission. For more info, check out the official Caligula fan site, listed on this page! Cheers!
When Saturday Comes (1996)
Joe Elliott's Music Helps make this movie a success
When Saturday Comes is a low budget drama with some really good moments. The casting is very good, as is the acting, which is all very believable. You really get to feel for the main character, Jimmy, especially when he really screws up a big try-out, we can all relate to the "I'm only human" line of thinking. The film has a great story, builds plot up well with minor stories that inter-twine within the main story, and ties up at the end very well. The music in the movie is fantastic, with original songs by Joe Elliott, the lead singer of Def Leppard (The Best Rock Band in the World!). Joe sings the title track to the movie with all the conviction a true soccer fan! Definately worth a veiwing, gives you an excellent example of the going's on in working class England.
Caligola (1979)
A classic story told with no holds barred, history revealed.
Caligula is a very neat movie from many points. First, that someone like the people from Penthouse really being interested in history, and this film is very historically accurate. As well having big name actors baring thier souls and bodies for a film like this. Also, sex seems to be a point that other reveiwers bring up, but in this film the sex is actually dirty and not a turn on. Even in the graphic lesbian scene, while the girls enjoy each other, the music is actually very sombre and dark. This is not a hard core sex flick, and I hate it being described that way. There is excellent acting, a good story, and great sets. It's a little dated from 1980, but still holds up well 20 years later. It's also obvious that the actors loved what they were doing, and believed in the over all project. This was a labour of love, and a very important movie. Hats off to all involved in this movie, I'm glad you all had the guts to make it, and put your reputations on the line. For people who have not seen this movie yet, you have to watch the unrated version that runs 156 minutes! Cheers! :o)