Not having read the book but, always being interested in magic, I really looked forward to seeing this film. The first bit was well done. How two magicians started and then became rivals. After that it became interesting when one of them, Bordon (Christian Bale) developed an illusion that his antagonist Angier (Hugh Jackman) could not replicate or surpass, teleportation. In fact Angier is insanely frustrated at not being able to work out how it is done. Then, the whole thing just crumbles into a nonsensical, far-fetched mess of pseudo-science and gruesomeness which destroyed my interest completely. Strangely, the final reveal, where the audience is able to work out how Bordon performed his illusion, is very satisfying in it's simplicity (often the secret of a great trick). But, I'm sure that the writers could have come up with a better storyline and still arrived at the same conclusion. So much promise, so little fulfillment.
Reviews
218 Reviews
The Thief of Bagdad
(1940)
The Best
13 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Simply one of the best fantasy films ever made. A good story, recognisable heroes, a gorgeous, imperilled princess (unlike the kick-ass female ninjas of today), a terrific, evil villain, who also happens to be a sorceror, and all in brilliant technicolour. The story plays rather like Shakesperean pantomime, with the dialogue being delivered theatrically, particularly by Genie, Rex Ingram. The special effects, for the time, are fantastic, and shouldn't be subject to criticism by the present cgi-sodden generation. Abu crouching under the Genie's descending foot still gives me a thrill.
The narrative is very familiar. A young king Ahmad (John Justin) is persuaded by his wicked Grand Vizier Jaffar (Conrad Veidt) to leave his palace and walk among his people. Jaffar then usurps the throne and has Ahmad thrown into prison awaiting execution. A young streetwise thief Abu (Sabu) contrives an escape and together they go on the run. Typically, Ahmad falls in love with a lovely princess (June Duprez) who has also caught the eye of Jaffar. Cue lots of chases, magic spells and set-piece adventures before good prevails.
The casting of Sabu (Elephant Boy, Jungle Book) as the lead was unusual but , Conrad Veidt apart, there were no real big names in the cast, so it worked. The young thief's skills and resourcefulness help him and Ahmad out of many a scrape.
I would agree with others that the finale could have been improved by an aerial chase above the minarets of Baghdad, with Jaffar on his mechanical horse pursued by Abu and Ahmad on their magic carpet. But, that's just me being greedy; there had been enough excitement in the movie already.
There have been a number of creditable remakes, but this version, with its rich, claustrophobic colourful sets is certainly the definitive version.
The narrative is very familiar. A young king Ahmad (John Justin) is persuaded by his wicked Grand Vizier Jaffar (Conrad Veidt) to leave his palace and walk among his people. Jaffar then usurps the throne and has Ahmad thrown into prison awaiting execution. A young streetwise thief Abu (Sabu) contrives an escape and together they go on the run. Typically, Ahmad falls in love with a lovely princess (June Duprez) who has also caught the eye of Jaffar. Cue lots of chases, magic spells and set-piece adventures before good prevails.
The casting of Sabu (Elephant Boy, Jungle Book) as the lead was unusual but , Conrad Veidt apart, there were no real big names in the cast, so it worked. The young thief's skills and resourcefulness help him and Ahmad out of many a scrape.
I would agree with others that the finale could have been improved by an aerial chase above the minarets of Baghdad, with Jaffar on his mechanical horse pursued by Abu and Ahmad on their magic carpet. But, that's just me being greedy; there had been enough excitement in the movie already.
There have been a number of creditable remakes, but this version, with its rich, claustrophobic colourful sets is certainly the definitive version.
Happy Retirement Doctor
15 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I think most Whovians will be happy with this episode; partly because of DT and due to the reintroduction of an iconic villain from the sixties. Although this incarnation of the Toymaker seemed to owe a lot to The Joker! And, I wonder how his faux-German accent will go down east of the Rhine! Together with the recall of previous cast members, lots of references to former companions and oodles of CGI, the show gambolled along at a frenetic pace as the Doctor tries to cope with the mischievous maniac who is driving the world barmy with a subliminal giggle from 1925 (loved the JL Baird sequence). Messages? The anti-zeedek movement was very sneaky. Bi-generation? Yeah, we all got it. (Ba-Boom-Tish!) Have to say though, the story seemed to stall a bit with the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa, sans trousers! Hope his couture is a little more in keeping with the canon once he gets going.
The final endgame was a bit of a letdown. The solving of a complicated puzzle based on past adventures while the Earth was in peril, with time running out (hour-glass motif), would have been more in keeping with Tennant's Doctor persona. Chucking a ball around playing catch was just lame. Can't really fathom out why The Doctor didn't simply regenerate as normal. Unless it is to send a message that Dr Who has changed radically for the future. We'll have to wait and see.
The final endgame was a bit of a letdown. The solving of a complicated puzzle based on past adventures while the Earth was in peril, with time running out (hour-glass motif), would have been more in keeping with Tennant's Doctor persona. Chucking a ball around playing catch was just lame. Can't really fathom out why The Doctor didn't simply regenerate as normal. Unless it is to send a message that Dr Who has changed radically for the future. We'll have to wait and see.
Love Those Cars!
30 November 2023
Sad to see this first-class series come to a close; I've really enjoyed this old-style police thriller with identifiable good guys, and bad guys whom Detective Chief Superintendent Cradock has eliminated one at a time whilst searching for the elusive mastermind behind the gold robbery. To be honest, I think most viewers would probably have guessed the identity of the head villain a couple of episodes ago and the final denouement was very low-key. However, in the middle there is a terrific car chase around the pre-development London Docklands, involving two British "muscle" cars. The crooks' Mark 2 Jaguar and Cradock's Rover 2000. The spectacular stunt-ending alone makes this episode worth watching. In between Cradock gets suspended from the case by political pressure on the Assistant Commissioner. But, being who he is, our man just carries on despite the pitfall of his girlfriend dumping him. At the end, although having cracked the case, Cradock simply drives away looking very disillusioned.
For its time, a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows (mainly lows) of police work.
For its time, a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows (mainly lows) of police work.
Mr Biggs I presume
9 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The Great Train Robbery references are coming thick and fast in the gritty crime serial. Former chemist Josef Tyzack (Alfred Lynch) is on remand, awaiting identification by the policeman he blinded in the caper. He is ingeniously sprung from jail but, not by the robbery gang. It is another group of criminals who simply want to get their hands on his cut. Having undergone wartime deprivation in Czechoslovakia he is immune to the gang's torture, until they grab his wife. For a sixties TV serial this episode is extremely violent and must have caused complaints at the time. The ultimate resolution is even more violent, suggesting that the big boys are not to be messed with. As an aside we find out that Cradock is no angel. He left his wife and child for another woman. Top class TV.
Up The Garden Path
24 June 2023
With this excellent series being shown daily on Sky Arts here in the U. K. it can get a bit boring and samey. Then, along comes an episode which restores your faith in the directors and actors involved. This is such an episode. Director Norman Lloyd employs some of The Master's teasing tricks, particularly in the casting. John Fiedler is recognisable as the ineffectual juror with the cough drops from Twelve Angry Men. Richard Jaeckel looks unpredictable and psychotic like his character in 3.10 To Yuma. Here the actors fit into that type of role. Fiedler the mild-mannered salesman languishing indignantly in a police cell for jaywalking and an unwise bribery attempt. Jaeckel looking mad enough to have committed the murder for which he has been arrested. A switch in fortunes in which the murder suspect escapes leaves Fiedler facing a hick lynch mob; and that is where the episode could have ended. However, he is saved by the timely intervention of the cop who arrested him and in compensation, his charges are cancelled. Again this could have closed the episode but, we see Fiedler departing in his car the following morning. You know this epilogue will result in something. I thought the murderer would be hiding in his car. I was wrong! (cue evil laughter). Hee, hee, hee....
Dr. Who and the Daleks
(1965)
I Liked It
24 April 2023
It is apparent that many later-series Whovians are a bit sniffy about this movie. All I can say is - like the sixties, you had to be there! In common with many sixties youngsters I found the TV series irresistible. Therefore, the prospect of a big-screen version was hotly anticipated. It was the technicolor that clinched it for me. The tweaked story and characters were of no consequence.
Peter Cushing was brought in as a well-known star; probably for the American audience. He played the doctor as the eccentric inventor of the TARDIS time machine, rather than someone from outer space. The characters of Ian and Barbara (Roy Castle and Jenny Linden) were changed simply for brevity. In the TV series they were Susan's teachers who were intrigued by her strange behaviour and followed her home. Since this comprised the whole of the first episode it would have taken up too much screen time. Consequently they became the Doctor's older granddaughter and her boyfriend, already in Susan's life. Far from being the "Unearthly Child" Susan is simply a precocious 12-year old, played by popular child actress Roberta Tovey; again probably for the intended American audience who were up to their ears in Hayley Mills!
The story is simple. The TARDIS is set in motion by accident when Ian leans on the control lever, and the travellers land on the planet Skaro which has suffered a nuclear war leaving two races. The humanoid Thals and the mutated fascist Daleks who are more technically advanced but have to live inside metal casings in order to survive and move about. The bigger sets made it more impressive and enjoyable than the TV series. And, seeing the Daleks in different colours was very much appreciated. For some reason the gaudiness made me think of a big toy store at Christmas! But I have to say that the Thals, particularly the men with their eye-shadow, left us a bit bemused.
The Daleks are such obvious baddies that the Doctor sides with the Thals in helping to defeat them. All of the familiar sci-fi themes are used. Susan is in apparent peril. The Dalek city is accessed via a secret tunnel and, the Daleks' offer of peace is definitely a trap. But, like I said, at the time we simply enjoyed it. Try doing that!
Peter Cushing was brought in as a well-known star; probably for the American audience. He played the doctor as the eccentric inventor of the TARDIS time machine, rather than someone from outer space. The characters of Ian and Barbara (Roy Castle and Jenny Linden) were changed simply for brevity. In the TV series they were Susan's teachers who were intrigued by her strange behaviour and followed her home. Since this comprised the whole of the first episode it would have taken up too much screen time. Consequently they became the Doctor's older granddaughter and her boyfriend, already in Susan's life. Far from being the "Unearthly Child" Susan is simply a precocious 12-year old, played by popular child actress Roberta Tovey; again probably for the intended American audience who were up to their ears in Hayley Mills!
The story is simple. The TARDIS is set in motion by accident when Ian leans on the control lever, and the travellers land on the planet Skaro which has suffered a nuclear war leaving two races. The humanoid Thals and the mutated fascist Daleks who are more technically advanced but have to live inside metal casings in order to survive and move about. The bigger sets made it more impressive and enjoyable than the TV series. And, seeing the Daleks in different colours was very much appreciated. For some reason the gaudiness made me think of a big toy store at Christmas! But I have to say that the Thals, particularly the men with their eye-shadow, left us a bit bemused.
The Daleks are such obvious baddies that the Doctor sides with the Thals in helping to defeat them. All of the familiar sci-fi themes are used. Susan is in apparent peril. The Dalek city is accessed via a secret tunnel and, the Daleks' offer of peace is definitely a trap. But, like I said, at the time we simply enjoyed it. Try doing that!
A Question of Suspense
(1961)
Where's The Suspense?
18 April 2023
Downtrodden accountant Frank Brigstock (Norman Rodway) has always lived in the shadow of his boss and childhood friend Jim Drew (Peter Reynolds). By chance Frank discovers that Drew has deposited forged bonds in the company's bank account and seizes his chance . It's not blackmail, he simply wants to bring his boss down. Unfortunately he just isn't sharp enough and is bamboozled by Drew offering him a partnership and promising to clean up his act. Frank agrees but then is lured to a remote seaside location where Drew disposes of him. The bond fraud is discovered and the fact that Frank has disappeared points to him being responsible. Perfect! Until "Mrs Brigstock". (Noelle Middleton) puts in an appearance and things get very complicated for Drew.
Not a great film and there is little in the way of real suspense since it is obvious that the lady suspects Drew is up to no good but, it will fill a spare hour on a wet afternoon if you're not too fussy.
Not a great film and there is little in the way of real suspense since it is obvious that the lady suspects Drew is up to no good but, it will fill a spare hour on a wet afternoon if you're not too fussy.
Alfre-e-e-d!
27 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Might as well admit it. This was just a trip down memory lane for me. Although I was surprised to realise the series ran until 1964. I thought it must have finished about 1961.
Anyway, as soon as Jeff started his opening monologue, I recalled all of the characters and even some of the actors' names. Peggy Mount of course is unforgettable with her relentless way of speaking. Her role honed by seasons of stage work as the mother in Sailor Beware. David Kossoff was familiar from the dozens of Jewish characters he had played down the years. But here he is a a novel role as the henpecked husband.
The story is very dated, and may require internet research on some of the references. Son Eddie's demobilization from National Service in the army is an excuse for a party but, of course everything goes wrong. The funniest scene for me was when Alf and Ada were arguing and Eddie, having just arrived, keeps trying to say hello but is completely ignored. Strangely, the comedy, which I recall as being frenetic, now seems to move at a gentler pace. Much of the humour is obvious and a few of the jokes are now definitely not PC . E.g Jeff being tasked with preparing tomato sandwiches "I've slit more redskins than Davy Crockett!". Get used to it there's another 39 episodes to go!
Anyway, as soon as Jeff started his opening monologue, I recalled all of the characters and even some of the actors' names. Peggy Mount of course is unforgettable with her relentless way of speaking. Her role honed by seasons of stage work as the mother in Sailor Beware. David Kossoff was familiar from the dozens of Jewish characters he had played down the years. But here he is a a novel role as the henpecked husband.
The story is very dated, and may require internet research on some of the references. Son Eddie's demobilization from National Service in the army is an excuse for a party but, of course everything goes wrong. The funniest scene for me was when Alf and Ada were arguing and Eddie, having just arrived, keeps trying to say hello but is completely ignored. Strangely, the comedy, which I recall as being frenetic, now seems to move at a gentler pace. Much of the humour is obvious and a few of the jokes are now definitely not PC . E.g Jeff being tasked with preparing tomato sandwiches "I've slit more redskins than Davy Crockett!". Get used to it there's another 39 episodes to go!
A Bit Of A Drag
15 March 2023
Yet again I have to confess disappointment at this French version of the famous French policeman. My main gripe is that the pace is simply too slow. Much of the one hour thirty minutes running time is occupied with Maigret just walking from one place to another or sitting staring into space whilst chewing on his pipe. Another irritating factor is the way he is able to work out exactly what has taken place with the minimum of information. I appreciate Maigret is supposed to be cerebral, intuitive and deductive but he seems to be privy to divine inspiration, introducing matters which have not been revealed to the audience. In this episode he works out why and how a man was killed in a judge's house when the judge himself is completely unaware of the victim's presence. Intriguing as the premise may be it is deadly dull in its presentation. Fortunately I tend to record the episodes so I can fast-forward the boring bits. Only another 50 episodes to go; if I can bear it!
Pendulum
(1969)
Gritty
11 March 2023
After watching this movie you tend to think that this is just the sort of movie that George Peppard would appear in when he was popular in the 1960s.
Latching on to the "tough cop" genre Peppard faces the familiar situation of finding himself at odds with his colleagues as well as having to deal with low-lifes. Any fans of 60s cop movies will line this one up alongside the likes of Madigan and The Detective. Not to mention Peppard's own New Face In Hell. There are even strands that would be picked up in later films e.g. The self-seeking politician (Bullitt) and the murderer who gets off on a technicality (Dirty Harry). And, coincidentally Peppard's character Captain Frank Matthews owns a Magnum.
Matthews, for all his success, has a rocky marriage. His wife Adele is sleeping with a business associate. Things get complicated when Adele and lover-boy are killed when in bed together. Frank becomes the obvious suspect when his alibi starts to get waterlogged. Not only that, the audience finds out he was lying about where he was! So, was it him after all? Fortunately, by resorting to the usual trick of escaping arrest, Frank has time to figure out who the real murderer is.
Of the supporting cast Madeline Sherwood is the standout. When it comes to gullible, hick women she is the go-to gal. In fact she had already performed variations on the theme in two episodes of The Fugitive, namely The Witch and Devil's Carnival. As the mother of rapist/murderer Paul Sanderson she is both helpless and selfish. She doesn't want him around but, feels obligated to assist her wayward boy. Robert Lyon is not entirely convincing as Sanderson, turning in a very lame impersonation of James Dean; all snarling and sulky. Matthews boss played by Charles McGraw delivers a by-the-numbers stereotyped performance as the exasperated senior officer who wants to be rid of a maverick subordinate. The movie will be enjoyable to older viewers with its obviously contemporary portrayal of the 60s. The fashions, the huge cars that wallow on their suspensions and the fact that everybody chain-smoked. Not forgetting, no profanity or gratuitous sex. Ah, the old days!
Latching on to the "tough cop" genre Peppard faces the familiar situation of finding himself at odds with his colleagues as well as having to deal with low-lifes. Any fans of 60s cop movies will line this one up alongside the likes of Madigan and The Detective. Not to mention Peppard's own New Face In Hell. There are even strands that would be picked up in later films e.g. The self-seeking politician (Bullitt) and the murderer who gets off on a technicality (Dirty Harry). And, coincidentally Peppard's character Captain Frank Matthews owns a Magnum.
Matthews, for all his success, has a rocky marriage. His wife Adele is sleeping with a business associate. Things get complicated when Adele and lover-boy are killed when in bed together. Frank becomes the obvious suspect when his alibi starts to get waterlogged. Not only that, the audience finds out he was lying about where he was! So, was it him after all? Fortunately, by resorting to the usual trick of escaping arrest, Frank has time to figure out who the real murderer is.
Of the supporting cast Madeline Sherwood is the standout. When it comes to gullible, hick women she is the go-to gal. In fact she had already performed variations on the theme in two episodes of The Fugitive, namely The Witch and Devil's Carnival. As the mother of rapist/murderer Paul Sanderson she is both helpless and selfish. She doesn't want him around but, feels obligated to assist her wayward boy. Robert Lyon is not entirely convincing as Sanderson, turning in a very lame impersonation of James Dean; all snarling and sulky. Matthews boss played by Charles McGraw delivers a by-the-numbers stereotyped performance as the exasperated senior officer who wants to be rid of a maverick subordinate. The movie will be enjoyable to older viewers with its obviously contemporary portrayal of the 60s. The fashions, the huge cars that wallow on their suspensions and the fact that everybody chain-smoked. Not forgetting, no profanity or gratuitous sex. Ah, the old days!
A Little Too Much Gallic Sang Froid
5 March 2023
As others have commented, it is interesting to compare a French version of Maigret with the better known English-speaking ones. The story involves fading prostitute Ernestine advising Maigret that her burglar husband Alf discovered a body whilst on a job at a dentist's house in Neuilly. When the Chief investigates, the dentist M. Serre and his mother, state that no burglary has taken place. However, it is revealed that the dentist's wife did leave acrimoniously on the evening the burglary apparently occurred. Replaced window panes suggest that the Serres are not telling the truth but, they both refuse to answer questions. As time goes on it becomes clear that Madame Serre is obsessed with money and social status, both of which were thrown away by her profligate husband but then regained by her son's two marriages to rich, connected women.
To be honest, I was not overly impressed by this production. The pace is far too slow and it seems to have been made on the cheap. The action rarely moves beyond the confines of the dentist's house or the police station. Even the dragging of the river for the body is simply reported to Maigret without any location shots. There is little attempt at period atmosphere apart from the ubiquitous police Citroen and the fact that everybody smokes! The final third of the episode consists simply of interminable interviews of Serre and his mother in the hope that one of them will crack. The Rupert Davies version of this episode was nowhere near as tedious and the flushing out of the truth was very well done. I wouldn't call Davies dynamic but, he makes Cremer look like a waxwork!
To be honest, I was not overly impressed by this production. The pace is far too slow and it seems to have been made on the cheap. The action rarely moves beyond the confines of the dentist's house or the police station. Even the dragging of the river for the body is simply reported to Maigret without any location shots. There is little attempt at period atmosphere apart from the ubiquitous police Citroen and the fact that everybody smokes! The final third of the episode consists simply of interminable interviews of Serre and his mother in the hope that one of them will crack. The Rupert Davies version of this episode was nowhere near as tedious and the flushing out of the truth was very well done. I wouldn't call Davies dynamic but, he makes Cremer look like a waxwork!
The Thorny Path
21 January 2023
Celebrity florist Octavia Eden returns to live in the Manor House in Kembleford; to the annoyance of the previous occupier John Mulch. Despite her suffering a terminal illness, he is very antagonistic towards her. Then he staggers into a garden party and drops dead. He has been poisoned and his wife is arrested and charged, although there are other suspects. Lizzy Eden with her apothecary box full of plant and herbal concoctions and Mrs Eden who is seen breaking into the Mulch's house and searching for something. Father Brown, Brenda and Isobel dig away to uncover a backstory of Dickensian complexity.
'Ware The Flashback
16 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The director plays a little joke on the audience here. The same one that Hitch himself used in Stage Fright (watch it and see)
The episode starts with a shot of a tape recorder playing the voice of lawyer Paul Brett relating his association with Miss Cannon (Jane Greer). The screen dissolves into a flashback and Miss Cannon arrives at Brett's office wanting advice about reporting a murder. As she talks about the case, the screen again dissolves into a flashback. We see her as nurse to the elderly Mary Hughes who suddenly dies. Suspiciously, her husband Gilbert Hughes shortly proposes marriage to Miss Cannon but, when they are wed, he becomes a control fiend, forbidding her to see friends or go out. The final straw is when she catches him sleepwalking and re-enacting his administering an overdose of medicine to his former spouse. Brett explains that without concrete proof there is no way that Hughes can be brought to justice, and Miss Cannon/Mrs Hughes leaves disconsolately. Then Mr Hughes dies and history repeats itself when Brett, who has fallen for her, marries Mrs Hughes. Everything in the garden is rosy until, one night he hears her talking in her sleep, saying things that sound suspiciously like those she had reported Gilbert Hughes saying during his sleepwalk!
Jane Greer's large black eyes and deadpan expression always give her an unnerving look. Is she just crazy? Or is she a cold-hearted, calculating psychopath as in Out Of The Past? Certainly, her apparent innocence and naivety takes people in. The flashback ends as expected, and strangely Hitchcock doesn't deliver the sop to the censor as he does usually.
Jane Greer's large black eyes and deadpan expression always give her an unnerving look. Is she just crazy? Or is she a cold-hearted, calculating psychopath as in Out Of The Past? Certainly, her apparent innocence and naivety takes people in. The flashback ends as expected, and strangely Hitchcock doesn't deliver the sop to the censor as he does usually.
711 Ocean Drive
(1950)
Nice Guy Goes Bad
15 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Competent noir thriller charting the rise and fall of a racketeer, with less of the violence usually found in such movies.
I have always wondered at Edmund O'Brien featuring as a leading man. He is not conventionally good looking and has little charisma and yet, he is perfect in every one of his roles. Here he is telephone engineer Mal Granger, a nice guy who is ready to help out a hard-up workmate. Unfortunately he has a gambling addiction and is permanently in hock.to good-natured bookmaker Chippie. Chippie introduces Mal to local Mr Big, Walters, who has a rudimentary wire service which picks up odds and results from racetracks. Bookies subscribe to this service which supports illegal off-course betting. Mal modernises and improves the wire service and gets a cut of the resulting profits. He carves himself a bigger slice when he realises that Walters depends on him to maintain the service, and, he begins to change from nice guy to Mr Ruthless. He takes over when Walters is killed and expands the service to include the whole of Calfornia. Unfortunately, this attracts the attention of the East coast mob who want in. Initially resisting, Mal joins up when the deal is sweetened by the attractive presence of Gail Mason (Joanne Dru) wife of gangster Larry. With his descent into evil continuing, Mal pays to have Larry eliminated and then bumps off avaricious hitman Grizzi. None of this escapes the notice of Gangster Squad Lieutenant Pete Wright who has been investigating Granger for some time. Mal then finds that the Mob are holding out on him and pulls off a well-organized sting involving tape recorders and intercepted phone lines. He cleans up but is rumbled and flees with Gail ; the police in hot pursuit... As others have noted, there is more than a touch of High Sierra here but, the finale with Hoover Dam as the backdrop also has echoes of some of Hitchcock's films. The monumental size of the structure, both inside and out, dwarfs the characters and, with the demise of Granger on its summit perhaps stands as a symbol of America's upright resolve to deal with the eight billion dollar problem of illegal betting. It has to be admitted that the movie is overlong and at times very talky. The "bookends" about the evils of gambling sound very preachy and worthy but don't really say anything the audience didn't already know. The title, 711 Ocean Drive, is never explained or referenced and is probably the address of Granger's beach house. A decent movie nevertheless benefitting from the strength of the supporting cast which includes Otto Kruger and Barry Kelley.
I have always wondered at Edmund O'Brien featuring as a leading man. He is not conventionally good looking and has little charisma and yet, he is perfect in every one of his roles. Here he is telephone engineer Mal Granger, a nice guy who is ready to help out a hard-up workmate. Unfortunately he has a gambling addiction and is permanently in hock.to good-natured bookmaker Chippie. Chippie introduces Mal to local Mr Big, Walters, who has a rudimentary wire service which picks up odds and results from racetracks. Bookies subscribe to this service which supports illegal off-course betting. Mal modernises and improves the wire service and gets a cut of the resulting profits. He carves himself a bigger slice when he realises that Walters depends on him to maintain the service, and, he begins to change from nice guy to Mr Ruthless. He takes over when Walters is killed and expands the service to include the whole of Calfornia. Unfortunately, this attracts the attention of the East coast mob who want in. Initially resisting, Mal joins up when the deal is sweetened by the attractive presence of Gail Mason (Joanne Dru) wife of gangster Larry. With his descent into evil continuing, Mal pays to have Larry eliminated and then bumps off avaricious hitman Grizzi. None of this escapes the notice of Gangster Squad Lieutenant Pete Wright who has been investigating Granger for some time. Mal then finds that the Mob are holding out on him and pulls off a well-organized sting involving tape recorders and intercepted phone lines. He cleans up but is rumbled and flees with Gail ; the police in hot pursuit... As others have noted, there is more than a touch of High Sierra here but, the finale with Hoover Dam as the backdrop also has echoes of some of Hitchcock's films. The monumental size of the structure, both inside and out, dwarfs the characters and, with the demise of Granger on its summit perhaps stands as a symbol of America's upright resolve to deal with the eight billion dollar problem of illegal betting. It has to be admitted that the movie is overlong and at times very talky. The "bookends" about the evils of gambling sound very preachy and worthy but don't really say anything the audience didn't already know. The title, 711 Ocean Drive, is never explained or referenced and is probably the address of Granger's beach house. A decent movie nevertheless benefitting from the strength of the supporting cast which includes Otto Kruger and Barry Kelley.
The Bank Raiders
(1958)
Not Bad, But Not Outstanding
26 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
For a quota quickie the first fifteen minutes of this movie really racks up the suspense. As the title indicates, it's about a bank heist involving a gang of three. The plan is to get into the bank before the staff and then , since two keys are required, when they arrive force them to open the safe. The film begins with henchman Linders, timing the arrival of the bank employees. The heist itself practically repeats this scene as everyone turns up like clockwork. However, this time, little things, like a policeman on his beat, a car dropping someone off, a van making a delivery, all contribute to putting getaway driver Milligan on edge and he starts fto fidget. Not quite Hitchcock, but enough tension to make the audience start hoping that the plan will succeed!
Unfortunately, the limited budget and, even more limited supporting cast and screenplay contribute to making the rest of the film a rather routine police procedural. In line with the morality of the time, none of the crooks enjoy their ill-gotten gains. Least of all opportunist gold digger Della, seductively played by the voluptuous Sandra Dorne.
Unfortunately, the limited budget and, even more limited supporting cast and screenplay contribute to making the rest of the film a rather routine police procedural. In line with the morality of the time, none of the crooks enjoy their ill-gotten gains. Least of all opportunist gold digger Della, seductively played by the voluptuous Sandra Dorne.
It's Right Under Your Nose!
18 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting to compare this with the 1970s, British TV, Tales Of The Unexpected episode, which featured Susan George as betrayed wife Mary who kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb and then serves the murder weapon as a meal for the investigating police officers!
The main difference between the two versions is that Hitch plays the straight narrative, in which the audience sees everything. In the other episode the story is shown only from the point of view of Mary's statement that she came home and found her husband dead. The full facts are not revealed until practically the final moment. There is some tension as policeman Brian Blessed bins the remnant of the leg of lamb but, the outcome is still the same.
On balance I prefer the later version for its mystery and last-minute reveal. However, I do think Barbara Bel Geddes is more convincing as the wronged wife. Susan George was far too much of a sex symbol, at the time, to expect the audience to believe that her husband would want to leave her. Also the modern edition doesn't have to include Hitch's American censor cop out. So Mary can get away with it. But, it also lacks the final, unnerving "Psycho" pan of Mary grinning all over her face. Apart from which it was nice to see an episode directed by the Master himself.
The main difference between the two versions is that Hitch plays the straight narrative, in which the audience sees everything. In the other episode the story is shown only from the point of view of Mary's statement that she came home and found her husband dead. The full facts are not revealed until practically the final moment. There is some tension as policeman Brian Blessed bins the remnant of the leg of lamb but, the outcome is still the same.
On balance I prefer the later version for its mystery and last-minute reveal. However, I do think Barbara Bel Geddes is more convincing as the wronged wife. Susan George was far too much of a sex symbol, at the time, to expect the audience to believe that her husband would want to leave her. Also the modern edition doesn't have to include Hitch's American censor cop out. So Mary can get away with it. But, it also lacks the final, unnerving "Psycho" pan of Mary grinning all over her face. Apart from which it was nice to see an episode directed by the Master himself.
Stevens Does It Again!
30 November 2022
Without even reading the credits I knew this one was directed by Robert Stevens. He has the Master's (Hitch) touch. The vague sense that something is not quite right. The slow build up of anticipatory suspense. Then - the final, shocking reveal.
Let's face it, any drama which features a ventriloquist's dummy is going to be creepy. So the audience is on edge for a start. Here we have lonely spinster Jessica Tandy falling in unrequited love with handsome vent Max Collodi who appears and leaves the stage in a puff of smoke, and always performs his act sitting down. Initially Collodi simply replies courteously to the spinster's letters, politely turning down her requests to meet him in person but, eventually he consents. They meet in his darkened hotel room. She is so excited she just has to reach out and touch him... I guarantee you won't be prepared for what happens next. I thought I had guessed the twist. But I hadn't. And it's a shocker! A wonderful half-hour's entertainment benefitting from the quality of actors, Tandy, Tom Conway and William Shatner, and a worthy entry in this quirky series.
Let's face it, any drama which features a ventriloquist's dummy is going to be creepy. So the audience is on edge for a start. Here we have lonely spinster Jessica Tandy falling in unrequited love with handsome vent Max Collodi who appears and leaves the stage in a puff of smoke, and always performs his act sitting down. Initially Collodi simply replies courteously to the spinster's letters, politely turning down her requests to meet him in person but, eventually he consents. They meet in his darkened hotel room. She is so excited she just has to reach out and touch him... I guarantee you won't be prepared for what happens next. I thought I had guessed the twist. But I hadn't. And it's a shocker! A wonderful half-hour's entertainment benefitting from the quality of actors, Tandy, Tom Conway and William Shatner, and a worthy entry in this quirky series.
Past Their Sell-by Date
22 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sky Arts are running a weekly season of Abbott and Costello films but, to the detriment of the comedy duo. Sadly, their antics are becoming tiresome. Same frenetic chasing around. Lou rendered speechless and gasping by some adjacent danger, eventually able to scream "A-a-a-b-o-o-ott!" Before crashing through a nearby door/wall/window pursued by this week's peril. Abbott taking advantage of his chubby partner, but rarely benefitting for very long. Familiarity obviously breeds contempt and, what works for Hope and Crosby seems to get stale with A & C.
The problem with Abbott and Costello Meet... is that the basic idea already exists and the scriptwriters just have to squeeze the boys' regular act around it. And with so many movies in the series, the audience gets to know what to expect.
The Mummy begins in a nightclub with an action-packed and dangerous-looking Apache dance involving a man and three scantily-clad women fighting and being thrown around the stage. It has nothing to do with the story but, is definitely exciting. Not wasting time with explanations as to why they are there, the boys hear that Egyptologist Dr Zoomer needs someone to escort the Mummy of Klaris back to The States, so they jump at the chance of a free passage home. Unfortunately, two other parties have an interest in the mummy; the Cult of Klaris, who simply wish to keep the mummy in Egypt and, the sinister female villain Madame Rontru (Marie Windsor) who seeks the treasure guarded by Klaris. Zoomer is killed by the Cult henchmen but A & C turn up and stumble across the medallion which holds the location to the treasure. Cue loads of slapstick and knockabout as mentioned above before everyone meets up at the tomb where the treasure is located and, as usual, everything turns out well. The funniest part of the movie takes place here when three mummies, one real, two fake, stumble about resulting in multiple cases of mistaken identity.
Strangely, although A & C have character names; throughout the film they refer to each other by their REAL names. Whether this was in error, through indulgence or just that the director couldn't be bothered to re-shoot the scenes, is not clear. If the latter was the case it would explain some of the continuity errors and ill-fitting scenes such as the one outside the cafe with the French dancer. Speaking of dancing, there is a ritual Cult dance performed by a troupe but, the costumes and movements seem more Balinese than Egyptian! One or two well-known faces, Richard Deacon and Michael Ansara do a good job and Marie Windsor looks very stylish in her desert travelling outfit. Probably watch the rest of the season but, I'll be grateful to see some variety in the proceedings.
The problem with Abbott and Costello Meet... is that the basic idea already exists and the scriptwriters just have to squeeze the boys' regular act around it. And with so many movies in the series, the audience gets to know what to expect.
The Mummy begins in a nightclub with an action-packed and dangerous-looking Apache dance involving a man and three scantily-clad women fighting and being thrown around the stage. It has nothing to do with the story but, is definitely exciting. Not wasting time with explanations as to why they are there, the boys hear that Egyptologist Dr Zoomer needs someone to escort the Mummy of Klaris back to The States, so they jump at the chance of a free passage home. Unfortunately, two other parties have an interest in the mummy; the Cult of Klaris, who simply wish to keep the mummy in Egypt and, the sinister female villain Madame Rontru (Marie Windsor) who seeks the treasure guarded by Klaris. Zoomer is killed by the Cult henchmen but A & C turn up and stumble across the medallion which holds the location to the treasure. Cue loads of slapstick and knockabout as mentioned above before everyone meets up at the tomb where the treasure is located and, as usual, everything turns out well. The funniest part of the movie takes place here when three mummies, one real, two fake, stumble about resulting in multiple cases of mistaken identity.
Strangely, although A & C have character names; throughout the film they refer to each other by their REAL names. Whether this was in error, through indulgence or just that the director couldn't be bothered to re-shoot the scenes, is not clear. If the latter was the case it would explain some of the continuity errors and ill-fitting scenes such as the one outside the cafe with the French dancer. Speaking of dancing, there is a ritual Cult dance performed by a troupe but, the costumes and movements seem more Balinese than Egyptian! One or two well-known faces, Richard Deacon and Michael Ansara do a good job and Marie Windsor looks very stylish in her desert travelling outfit. Probably watch the rest of the season but, I'll be grateful to see some variety in the proceedings.
The Vikings
(1958)
Real Adventure
21 November 2022
I first saw this on TV in 1964 aged 13 and was absolutely enthralled. Loads of my schoolmates were similarly impressed since, the following day, we were all running around the schoolyard, engaging in mock sword fights, jumping off things shouting "Odi-i-i-n!".
The art lesson that day resulted in multiple pictures of horned-helmeted, axe-wielding Viking warriors or groups of menacing longships scything through stormy seas. The teacher wondered what strange madness was affecting us all!
Back to the movie; I think it was where I was introduced to Janet Leigh. Cor! What a dish! I followed every minute of her screen time unblinkingly. Of the male actors Kirk Douglas was almost likeable in his horribleness as the one-eyed scar-faced Einar and, the Viking hoard acted just as we expected. Like a rugby team at a stag party! Tony Curtis was maybe a little too pretty for this film but, for an American movie, the Brit supporting actors were top quality with James Donald, Eileen Way, even Dandy Nichols all having relevant input. Top marks also to Douglas for setting an early diversity marker in casting Edric Connor as the deaf-mute Sandpiper. And when it comes to 1950s, sneering, high-class baddies, Frank Thring is surely the go-to guy. Pontius Pilate, Herod and here cruel King. Aella, the guy has a positive portfolio of nastiness.
O. K. So we now know the film is not historically accurate. It doesn't give a real portrayal of Vikings. The castle is an anachronism. Who cares!? It's just one great enjoyable, rollicking romp!
The art lesson that day resulted in multiple pictures of horned-helmeted, axe-wielding Viking warriors or groups of menacing longships scything through stormy seas. The teacher wondered what strange madness was affecting us all!
Back to the movie; I think it was where I was introduced to Janet Leigh. Cor! What a dish! I followed every minute of her screen time unblinkingly. Of the male actors Kirk Douglas was almost likeable in his horribleness as the one-eyed scar-faced Einar and, the Viking hoard acted just as we expected. Like a rugby team at a stag party! Tony Curtis was maybe a little too pretty for this film but, for an American movie, the Brit supporting actors were top quality with James Donald, Eileen Way, even Dandy Nichols all having relevant input. Top marks also to Douglas for setting an early diversity marker in casting Edric Connor as the deaf-mute Sandpiper. And when it comes to 1950s, sneering, high-class baddies, Frank Thring is surely the go-to guy. Pontius Pilate, Herod and here cruel King. Aella, the guy has a positive portfolio of nastiness.
O. K. So we now know the film is not historically accurate. It doesn't give a real portrayal of Vikings. The castle is an anachronism. Who cares!? It's just one great enjoyable, rollicking romp!
Date with Disaster
(1957)
Good Old Brit Crime Movie
8 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
At my age I just love these 50s Brit-crime quota quickies: usually featuring well-known, but not internationally known, famous faces. This one is right up my street. Apart from token Yank Tom Drake, we have reliably devious Maurice Kaufman, sinister Richard Shaw, cynical William Hartnell and delightful Shirley Eaton modelling a wardrobe of eye-catching fifties fashions.
The basic plot involves Tracey (Hartnell) a professional safebreaker, pulling a job with Redman (Kaufman) and Prescott (Shaw) who are employees of the sales firm which supplies the getaway car. Afterwards Redman turns into a jelly when Inspector Matthews comes sniffing around and Prescott subsequently disposes of him. This draws more police attention, but then everything goes crazy and the action relies too much on fortuitous coincidences. Tracey tries to light a cigarette with a piece of broken drill when being interviewed (Fair cop guvnor. You got me bang to rights!) Prescott makes a pass at secretary Sue (Eaton) and is fired by boss Miles Harrington (Drake). In retaliation Prescott frames Harrington for Redman's murder and then unbelievably returns to the sales lot to retrieve his share of the loot, despite the police presence. He drags Sue away with him to his riverside hideout but is seen by his jealous girlfriend who spitefully shops him to the law. Naturally Harrington catches up with him first. Cue big punch up until police eventually arrive and Sue collapses gratefully into the arms of her boss.
Unremarkable and very predictable . Drake does not add a lot to the proceedings. It is William Hartnell's solid performance which impresses. Tracey is implacable under police interrogation, and you almost think he will get away with it! Richard Shaw also has the unsettling appearance of a real East-end gangster and Maurice Kaufman plays his usual wavering, unreliable character. But, lots of opportunities to see lovely old British cars on traffic-free streets in pre-developed London and of course, young beautiful Shirley Eaton.
The basic plot involves Tracey (Hartnell) a professional safebreaker, pulling a job with Redman (Kaufman) and Prescott (Shaw) who are employees of the sales firm which supplies the getaway car. Afterwards Redman turns into a jelly when Inspector Matthews comes sniffing around and Prescott subsequently disposes of him. This draws more police attention, but then everything goes crazy and the action relies too much on fortuitous coincidences. Tracey tries to light a cigarette with a piece of broken drill when being interviewed (Fair cop guvnor. You got me bang to rights!) Prescott makes a pass at secretary Sue (Eaton) and is fired by boss Miles Harrington (Drake). In retaliation Prescott frames Harrington for Redman's murder and then unbelievably returns to the sales lot to retrieve his share of the loot, despite the police presence. He drags Sue away with him to his riverside hideout but is seen by his jealous girlfriend who spitefully shops him to the law. Naturally Harrington catches up with him first. Cue big punch up until police eventually arrive and Sue collapses gratefully into the arms of her boss.
Unremarkable and very predictable . Drake does not add a lot to the proceedings. It is William Hartnell's solid performance which impresses. Tracey is implacable under police interrogation, and you almost think he will get away with it! Richard Shaw also has the unsettling appearance of a real East-end gangster and Maurice Kaufman plays his usual wavering, unreliable character. But, lots of opportunities to see lovely old British cars on traffic-free streets in pre-developed London and of course, young beautiful Shirley Eaton.
Watch Me Eat!
21 October 2022
Have to say I've been disappointed with this series. We all know Bettany as the knowledgeable presenter of history docs but, she's been lured into the celebrity road-trip game, which is just another T. V. face getting a free jolly. All we see is Bettany indulging herself, in places she visited on her middle-class teen holidays; swanning around in a classic red Italian sports job. Every other shot shows her stuffing her face whilst effusing over some local delicacy or, waving a glass of wine around luvvie style with periodic breathless exclamations of "La dolce vita". Paris, Provence, Venice, Tuscany, Rome. Beautiful scenery but, we've seen it all before and, she doesn't tell you anything you couldn't have read online or in a holiday brochure. In the end she tries to justify her indulgence by trotting out some cod philosophy regarding life being about enjoying the enjoyment. All right as long as Channel 5 is paying for it eh Bettany?
Stick to the history progs or you"ll end up on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Stick to the history progs or you"ll end up on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Cause for Alarm!
(1951)
Frantic!
5 October 2022
Breathless, almost Hitchcockian, thriller in which Loretta Young frantically races around town trying to retrieve an incriminating letter written by her nutty husband Barry Sullivan.
During WW2 cocky flier George Jones (Sullivan) spirits the lovely Ellen (Young) from the arms of Navy doctor Ranney Grahame (Bruce Cowling) and marries her. After the war Jones is disabled by a heart condition and spends most of his time in bed developing a paranoid obsession that Ellen and Dr Grahame are lovers and are slowly killing him. The paranoia causes him to write a letter to the district attorney accusing the couple and he details circumstantial evidence such as his medicine being renewed too regularly and the doctor making frequent unrequested house calls. Jones' open accusation of Ellen is passed off as anxiety but he gets her to give the letter to the mailman after which he confronts her with a pistol and says he is going to shoot her in self defence. He reveals the contents of the letter, relying on it to excuse his actions. However, before he can pull the trigger he suffers a heart attack and dies. Ellen panics. The only thing she can think of is retrieving the letter, and this is where the suspense begins to ramp up. Jobsworth mailman Carston refuses to return the letter suggesting she goes to his supervisor at the Post Office. Unexpected visitors turn up at the house wanting to see George, Aunt Clara even walking part way up the stairs before Ellen can dissuade her. The pharmacist telephones questioning why repeat medication is required so soon and without a prescription (George had spilled half of the last bottle). Racing to the Post Office she is again thwarted when the Supervisor says he needs George's signature before he will release the letter. Her agitated state makes him suspicious and he insists that the letter be delivered to its intended recipient. Worn out she returns home wondering what she is going to do. Will she get collared or not? There is a neat twist as you might expect but, by this time you will be as exhausted as Ellen. Viewing time well spent.
When watching this film I realized I had never seen a movie starring Loretta Young. I always assumed she only did "women's films.". After seeing this convincing potrayal of a distraught woman caught in a dilemma, I think I will investigate some of her other efforts.
During WW2 cocky flier George Jones (Sullivan) spirits the lovely Ellen (Young) from the arms of Navy doctor Ranney Grahame (Bruce Cowling) and marries her. After the war Jones is disabled by a heart condition and spends most of his time in bed developing a paranoid obsession that Ellen and Dr Grahame are lovers and are slowly killing him. The paranoia causes him to write a letter to the district attorney accusing the couple and he details circumstantial evidence such as his medicine being renewed too regularly and the doctor making frequent unrequested house calls. Jones' open accusation of Ellen is passed off as anxiety but he gets her to give the letter to the mailman after which he confronts her with a pistol and says he is going to shoot her in self defence. He reveals the contents of the letter, relying on it to excuse his actions. However, before he can pull the trigger he suffers a heart attack and dies. Ellen panics. The only thing she can think of is retrieving the letter, and this is where the suspense begins to ramp up. Jobsworth mailman Carston refuses to return the letter suggesting she goes to his supervisor at the Post Office. Unexpected visitors turn up at the house wanting to see George, Aunt Clara even walking part way up the stairs before Ellen can dissuade her. The pharmacist telephones questioning why repeat medication is required so soon and without a prescription (George had spilled half of the last bottle). Racing to the Post Office she is again thwarted when the Supervisor says he needs George's signature before he will release the letter. Her agitated state makes him suspicious and he insists that the letter be delivered to its intended recipient. Worn out she returns home wondering what she is going to do. Will she get collared or not? There is a neat twist as you might expect but, by this time you will be as exhausted as Ellen. Viewing time well spent.
When watching this film I realized I had never seen a movie starring Loretta Young. I always assumed she only did "women's films.". After seeing this convincing potrayal of a distraught woman caught in a dilemma, I think I will investigate some of her other efforts.
I Know What You're Thinking
24 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I always appreciate a two person head to head drama set in a single enclosed location. If it is done well it usually holds your attention with a vice-like grip. This was just such a one and ,I can imagine that Hitch was well pleased with the efforts of director Robert Stevens.
It is a simple story; a wailing siren periodically reminds the district that an inmate has escaped from an asylum for the criminally insane. Two men are sitting in the waiting room of a lonely railroad station. One claiming to be a lawyer, the other a bookeeper. The lawyer is nervous and fidgety, the bookeeper silent and morose. He keeps rubbing his head and drinking copiously from the water fountain. Using voiceover we hear the men's thoughts as they observe one another. "Jones. That's just the name he would choose". Muses the lawyer. "Bellefontaine. A silly made-up name.". Thinks the bookeeper..Since the action takes place in real time, during the 25 minutes until the train arrives, the suspense and tension build inexorably as the siren keeps reminding them of the possible lurking danger. The men keep noticing little details about each other. Why are Jones' clothes muddy and torn? Why does Bellefontaine guard his briefcase so intently? Things reach fever-pitch when Bellefontaine slips a gun into his pocket ; an action observed by Jones who sidles round to the stove and picks up a poker. As they confront each other the door opens and in walks - a police officer. Crisis over? Hmmmm!
Having just read CoastalCruiser's review I have to agree that it would have been delicious if, at the confrontation point, the men in white coats had burst in and subdued the SINGLE occupier of the room, who could even have been a completely different actor. Confirming that the whole scenario was the product of schizophrenia as flagged by the ticket clerk. Remake anyone?
It is a simple story; a wailing siren periodically reminds the district that an inmate has escaped from an asylum for the criminally insane. Two men are sitting in the waiting room of a lonely railroad station. One claiming to be a lawyer, the other a bookeeper. The lawyer is nervous and fidgety, the bookeeper silent and morose. He keeps rubbing his head and drinking copiously from the water fountain. Using voiceover we hear the men's thoughts as they observe one another. "Jones. That's just the name he would choose". Muses the lawyer. "Bellefontaine. A silly made-up name.". Thinks the bookeeper..Since the action takes place in real time, during the 25 minutes until the train arrives, the suspense and tension build inexorably as the siren keeps reminding them of the possible lurking danger. The men keep noticing little details about each other. Why are Jones' clothes muddy and torn? Why does Bellefontaine guard his briefcase so intently? Things reach fever-pitch when Bellefontaine slips a gun into his pocket ; an action observed by Jones who sidles round to the stove and picks up a poker. As they confront each other the door opens and in walks - a police officer. Crisis over? Hmmmm!
Having just read CoastalCruiser's review I have to agree that it would have been delicious if, at the confrontation point, the men in white coats had burst in and subdued the SINGLE occupier of the room, who could even have been a completely different actor. Confirming that the whole scenario was the product of schizophrenia as flagged by the ticket clerk. Remake anyone?
Hang On A Minute!
3 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the story looked familiar and then it struck me. This episode is simply a tweaked version of British writer Nigel Kneale's classic sci-fi serial The Quatermass Experiment. Originally shown on the BBC, in the 1950s, the serial featured three astronauts on an exploratory space mission who are suddenly overcome by an invisible force. The surviving astronaut returns to Earth and gradually mutates into an alien creature which sucks the life out of its victims. It is finally defeated when the project leader appeals to its remaining humanity. Watch this episode and note the similarities.
Having said that, the character's plight well suited William Shatner's strobe-lit style of acting!
Having said that, the character's plight well suited William Shatner's strobe-lit style of acting!
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