Reviews

Some companies (Westlake Entertainment being one) have the complete version. 85% of the DVDs are the shortened 63 minute film. But the extra 15 minutes or so add some very touching moments, especially in the Christmas yet to come scene at the Cratchits. The editing process of the shortened version leaves gaps and unexplained situations. One is that Scrooge cuts his nose while shaving-waiting for the poulterer to bring the turkey for the Cratchits. The is why he has a cross of plaster tape on the tip of his nose. And of course the very ending of the film with Scrooge going to church is a nice touch. An excellent version and one of my top 3 choices of this beloved classic.

A very creative film. In two parts: 2 hr 25 min (ending with the denouement) and then the second part 2 hr 16 min is the back-story of the event and how the murder was planned. Very interesting. The production values are terrific. Great set, costuming, direction, and quality Japanese actors in the parts. An example of the high production values is that when each character is introduced a subtitle of his name and compartment number is given. Later when Mr. Sugaro (the Poirot character) is cross examining the witnesses and he refers to a drawing of the coach, a diagram subtitle pops up with the cabin highlighted for clarity. This may seem like a small point but it shows the care that went into this adaptation. Be warned though, that the actor playing the "Poirot"character (Masai Nomura) is not playing Poirot. He is a famous Japanese detective-Mr. Sugaro. He has the same mustaches and appearance of a very young Poirot. If you are looking for an older "Japanese Poirot" you won't find it here. Sometimes it is difficult to overcome the thought that Masai is a young actor who put on a mustache to play at being Poirot. But once you get over this minor quirk you can enjoy the film. He brings his own interpretation to the role, and occasionally it may lapse a bit into parody, but then so did Albert Finney—and he was quite enjoyable. While on the subject of Finney it seems this film is in line with the 1974 version. It is not a scene by scene remake (and in Part 2 it takes on a life of its own) but homage is paid to the classic Finney film in many ways. I do recommend it, if even to see how other countries adapt Christie for the screen. A respectable, accurate, and very enjoyable adaptation. 

(THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE DVD Invisible Menace/Night of Terror)

This DVD presents Karloff and Lugosi, each in a film that is not part of their usual fare seen in other collections.

THE INVISIBLE MENACE is a Warner Brother's quickie (clocking in at under 60 minutes) that shows that Boris Karloff could do far more than play monsters. Most reviews of this film right it off as a poor example of his talents. I disagree. In it's 54 minute running time it manages to combine murder, red herrings, and an extremely quick paced mystery. The comedic antics of Marie Wilson and Eddie Craven may be a bit trying at times for those looking for pure mystery, but they are far less intrusive than many other mystery films where comedy is injected at random. At least their situation is part of the plot. As to Boris's role being beneath him, I tend to look at as an extension of his abilities to create a character. His gray hair, glasses and quiet manner (except when he is gesturing wildly pleading for justice) are a precursor to his role as Professor Linden in The Linden Tree, which he would play on the New York stage in the late 1940's. Overall it is an enjoyable little film.

The second feature, with the generic title NIGHT OF TERROR, comes as a welcome surprise. I had only seen it listed on Bela Lugosi film bibliographies. It is a variation on the old dark house thriller, with moving panels, tunnels, a gathering of heirs for the reading of the will, etc. This film has the advantage of Lugosi's performance. Reading other reviews of the film led me to believe that he was "wasted" in the part of Degar. Once again I tend to disagree. Bela is in almost every scene of the picture. His mysterious delivery of his dialogue is perfectly in line with the film's eerie atmosphere. As for him being "wasted" he turns out to be the most intelligent person of the lot-including the police and a wise cracking newspaper reporter. Being a B picture, and over the years being subject to scrutiny, the plot discrepancies are pretty evident, but overall it is an entertaining film. As to the peculiar ending, it is no more quirky that Edward Van Sloan's prologue to FRANKENSTEIN or his epilogue to Dracula (cut from most prints of the film)

(THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE DVD Invisible Menace/Night of Terror)

This DVD presents Karloff and Lugosi, each in a film that is not part of their usual fare seen in other collections.

THE INVISIBLE MENACE is a Warner Brother's quickie (clocking in at under 60 minutes) that shows that Boris Karloff could do far more than play monsters. Most reviews of this film right it off as a poor example of his talents. I disagree. In it's 54 minute running time it manages to combine murder, red herrings, and an extremely quick paced mystery. The comedic antics of Marie Wilson and Eddie Craven may be a bit trying at times for those looking for pure mystery, but they are far less intrusive than many other mystery films where comedy is injected at random. At least their situation is part of the plot. As to Boris's role being beneath him, I tend to look at as an extension of his abilities to create a character. His gray hair, glasses and quiet manner (except when he is gesturing wildly pleading for justice) are a precursor to his role as Professor Linden in The Linden Tree, which he would play on the New York stage in the late 1940's. Overall it is an enjoyable little film.

The second feature, with the generic title NIGHT OF TERROR, comes as a welcome surprise. I had only seen it listed on Bela Lugosi film bibliographies. It is a variation on the old dark house thriller, with moving panels, tunnels, a gathering of heirs for the reading of the will, etc. This film has the advantage of Lugosi's performance. Reading other reviews of the film led me to believe that he was "wasted" in the part of Degar. Once again I tend to disagree. Bela is in almost every scene of the picture. His mysterious delivery of his dialogue is perfectly in line with the film's eerie atmosphere. As for him being "wasted" he turns out to be the most intelligent person of the lot-including the police and a wise cracking newspaper reporter. Being a B picture, and over the years being subject to scrutiny, the plot discrepancies are pretty evident, but overall it is an entertaining film. As to the peculiar ending, it is no more quirky that Edward Van Sloan's prologue to FRANKENSTEIN or his epilogue to Dracula (cut from most prints of the film)

Good Old Boris! He always said "I'll never retire...I want to go out with greasepaint on my face and my boots on" In 1952 he was 65 years old. Charles Laughton was 53 at the time, but looked considerably older. Together their performances in this film make it worth the watch.

Laughton chews the scenery a bit in places but his over the top acting make it that much more fun.

Based on a Robert Louis Stevenson short story this 80+ minute film has much going for it: fist fights, carriage chases, deception and trickery, murders, and a love story thrown in for good measure.

And Good Old Boris, although shot and stabbed, manages to help save the day just in the nick of time.

Boris was a trouper. Watching him crawl across the damp cobblestones I was reminded that in his remaining 17 years he continued to work in films, never complaining, and often performing in grueling weather conditions where he always seemed to end up caught in the rain, lying in a puddle, or dunked in a vat of water.

Watch this film for the fun of it. The plot holds together just fine and it is an enjoyable glimpse of two veteran actors who make the most of their roles.