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Reviews
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Without a doubt, the funniest film ever made!
A film unlike any other. Originally running 5 1/2 hours, director Stanley Kramer was was ordered by the powers that be to trim this comedic masterpiece to 3 hours or under. Running time is now 3hours, i minute. It would be great to see a director's cut of this film.
Haunted House (1940)
Kids outsmart the law in solving a murder case!
A fun film produced to cash in on the popularity of mysteries that swept the late '30's / early '40's. Very well done for an obvious "low budget" b-film. "Want-to-be" reporter and editor's niece do their best to prove innocence of accused murderer. Much circumstantial evidence leads them down several wrong paths, causing frustration and chastizing from elders. Perserverance pays off as they finally convince the law of friend's innocence, surprising everyone with the guilt of the real culprit. Definitely worth viewing.
Beast from Haunted Cave (1959)
Gold robbers pick the wrong cave to stash their loot!
Worth watching once, but not up to Corman's usual standards. Made as a secondary project to "maximize" his budget dollars and time while working on another film in the same location, this film has it's moments, but the "slowness" in between those moments will put you to sleep. Good plot, great title, and the good parts are very good, but this is a film Ed Wood could have done a better job of making than Corman did.
The Pace That Thrills (1952)
Chills and spills in the fast paced world of motorcycle racing!
Howard Hughes' love of fast machines led to the production of this film, just one year after Marlon Brando starred in "The Wild One". Film centers around the rivalry of motorcycle racers, and the camaraderie of fellow employees of the Barton Motorcycle factory, who builds, and races motorcycles. "Daredevil" racing tactics (ride to win...at any cost!!) of Bill Williams character are questioned by female newspaper journalist who soon gets enlightened, and also does some enlightening of her own. A must see for early motorcycle fans as film is jam packed with vintage cycles! Also interesting to note: Howard Hughes penchant for having "busty" women in his films is made more than obvious in this film with cameras and women placed at strategic angles to fully accentuate the female bystanders shapes during crowd / spectator scenes in this film.
Chained for Life (1952)
The strangest story ever told!
Unique film poses the question "How do you punish the guilty without violating the rights of the innocent?" A Siamese twin is charged with murder. In flashback style, the facts leading up to the murder, and subsequent trial are presented. the case is presented before only a judge. No jury is involved. He alone must decide how to punish only the guilty sister, without violating the innocent sister's rights. How will he decide? How would you decide? Definitely low budget, but worth viewing as an oddity. Definitely at the top of the list as far as Siamese twin murder mystery films go! Film will also hold the interest of vaudeville / circus side show fans.