Reviews

I've seen "Wee Willie Winkie" dozens of times and it's always fresh and interesting. Shirley doesn't dance and only sings a little. John Ford directs in his straight ahead "cavalry" mode, with the usual hearty horseplay, humor and heroics. There's a touch of tragedy when gruff Sgt MacDuff dies. The Sarge is played perfectly by the great Victor McLaglen, who made a career of playing tough, but lovable sergeants (see John Ford's cavalry trilogy with John Wayne), is terrific holding his own with the angelic Shirley. Incidentally, they also appeared in Ford's great "Fort Apache". The film is based on a Rudyard Kipling adventure, but Wee Willie is a boy in the written story, of course, the role becomes a girl's for her. The story takes place in Northwest India, where Shirley and her widowed mother arrive at the British outpost to stay with the colonel, who's Priscilla's grandfather. The colonel, portrayed by C Aubrey Smith is of course, the universal ramrod straight arrow who is befuddled by his granddaughter. Sgt MacDuff takes a liking to Priscilla and renames her Pvt Wee Willie Winkee. He lets her participate in drills, but he gets in trouble for it. He gets her a uniform and carves a miniature rifle. Kodha Khan, a rebel chieftain is captured and held in the fort's jail, but his tribesmen spring him during a dance held by the British officers. A patrol led by Priscilla's mother's beau, Capt "Koppy" is ambushed and Sgt MacDuff is badly wounded. He dies and Priscilla sings a heart rending "Auld Lang Syne". After the sergeant's funeral, Wee Willie goes with the treacherous Muhammad Dihn to talk to Khan in an effort to avert war. The regiment moves out to get her back safely. Priscilla charms Khan, who is well played by Cesar Romero, and he agrees to meet with the colonel. Shirley does it again, war is averted and the family is reunited. This is done in such a great manner that Shirley's cuteness doesn't overwhelm the picture. By the way, the colorized version features some really odd hues that don't seem natural. Altogether it has great acting, superior directing and a solid plot.

"The Blue Max" features great WWI dogfights, but the hero and the plot don't measure up to the combat footage. George Peppard is Bruno Stachel, who rises from mud covered grunt to a lieutenant in the German air force in World War I. He's assigned to a fighter group facing the British on the Western front. He meets Capt Heidemann, (Karl Michael Vogler) his commandant, a no nonsense leader trying to keep his planes in the air and his pilots alive. Also in the squadron is Willi Von Klugermann, the top pilot, an aristocrat who is dallying with his aunt (Ursula Andress). Willi is played by Jeremy Kemp with panache and style. Bruno is a commoner among the rich and pampered pilots and doesn't fit in with them very well. However, Bruno is a skilled pilot and a fine shot. He becomes a successful, experienced killer who quickly racks up victories, and has his own turn with Willi's aunt, leading to his downfall. When the action is in the air and unit politics, it's terrific. When it comes back to earth, it's not so good. The dependable James Mason is excellent as the general, Willi's uncle, who is apparently oblivious to his young wife's escapades. Good acting, spectacular aerial cinematography and interesting look into the pilots' interactions and class divisions are grounded by a less than sympathetic hero and meandering plot. Still, the action makes this film well worth a look.

John Ford's famous cavalry trilogy is kicked off by this fine film, "Fort Apache". Sterling cast, led by the rugged John Wayne at his best, Henry Fonda in a fine, multi-layered portrayal, the steady Ward Bond, the still adorable Shirley Temple, reliable old hands such as Pedro Armendariz, Guy Kibee and the great Victor McLaglen. Virtually every actor and actress is letter perfect. Fonda in particular gives an outstanding performance, showing Col Thursday's humor and humanity along with his vanity and rigid stubbornness. The Duke gives his usual picture of the Western hero. The first half of the movie introduces us to life on a frontier outpost. New recruits are drilled by crusty old sergeants, command is given to a new colonel, who has many reservations about his command and contempt for his adversaries, the Apache. Thursday looks on his assignment as a slap, considering it a sideline posting against a second rate enemy. Thursday isn't the only new arrival, Lt O'Rourke, the son of the fort's sergeant major, arrives from West Point. The colonel's sweet, attractive daughter also arrives. Training, patrolling, drilling and fighting are broken by military politics, horseplay and crackling dialogue. A look at the quotes section will reveal some real gems. The Apache are regarded with respect by those experienced in fighting them. The colonel's dismissal of their fighting abilities and strategies leads to the climactic massacre, John Ford's answer to Custer's last stand. Capt Yorke (Wayne) survives the wipe out and is given command of the regiment at the close of the movie. John Ford's visionary directing, superior casting and acting, brilliant dialogue and spectacular scenery make this a classic, and the best of a great trilogy.

"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is just an incredibly credible film! This should have easily won the Oscar for best picture, but of course, it wasn't a serious or "important" picture. But, long after whatever did win is forgotten, WFRR will be watched and enjoyed. The performances are terrific, especially Bob Hoskins as hard boiled Eddie Valiant. Christopher Lloyd is both funny and frightening as the villainous Judge Doom, Joanna Cassidy manages to be the sane and secure anchor in the chaotic half Toon, half natural world. The great cartoons, Bugs, Mickey, Daffy, Donald, Porky, Dumbo and the rest actually look as if they are as real as the humans around them. Roger Rabbit and his knockout wife, Jessica, are terrific creations, and I hope we see more of them. The humor is both timeless and topical. The movie follows the traditional tough P I film formula seen in, among others, "The Maltese Falcon" and "Chinatown". Other reviews have detailed the plot, so I won't belabor it here, just check out not only the feature, but also the extras on the DVD. Simply a great movie and a great accomplishment to meld the world of Toons and humans. 10!!!

"Run Silent, Run Deep" is a super sub movie. Two Hollywood legends, Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster, are in top form as a sub commander and his executive officer, respectively. Old hands Brad Dexter, Jack Warden and Don Rickles head a good supporting cast. The film portrays the danger, dirt, grease and claustrophobia of a WWII submarine patrol. The movie is based on a memoir by a WWII submarine officer, so the accuracy is there. A quick outline of the plot is that Cmdr Richardson (Clark Gable) had his sub hit and sunk in the Bungo Straits, a very dangerous hunting area for U S subs. After his rescue, he's brought back to Hawaii, and is assigned to a new sub. His second in command, Lt Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster), meets him and they don't exactly hit it off. The boat goes out on patrol, and Richardson wants to return to the Bungo Straits. Bledsoe isn't so sure that's a good idea or in accordance with their orders, but Richardson finds "conditions of special advantage", and the boat goes there. After several tense chases and pursuits, Richardson discovers the Japanese secret tactic which has sunk his sub and others. This is a great undersea war story. Fans of WWII films and sub movies will be rewarded with a great story, top drawer acting and terrific action.

"Hell is For Heroes" is one terrific movie. Steve McQueen at his loner, rebellious best, as Reese, a broken back from sergeant to private, who is a fine soldier in the battlefield, but who can't stay out of trouble on leave. Harry Guardino is exceptional as Sgt Larkin, squad leader who receives Reese as a replacement. Larkin seems to know that Reese is a better soldier than he is, and alternates between consulting Reese and arguing with him.The late, multi-talented Bobby Darin is also top notch as the scrounging J J Corby, James Coburn is fantastic as Cpl Henshaw, a very good mechanic who laments that as a civilian he made things work, but as a soldier he has to destroy things and people. Mike Kellin turns in a fine performance as Pvt Kolinsky, a soft hearted guy who looks out for Nick Adams's Homer, who is a displaced Polish refugee who hooks up with the squad. Bill Mullikin is fine as Pvt Cumberly, the first squad member killed. Bob Newhart launched his film career as PFC Driscoll, who bumbles into the war while searching for lost typewriters, he's funny as expected, but also shows some flair for action, too. The under-rated Fess Parker is on hand as the top sergeant who knew Reese before, and who shares a forbidden drink with him before the company moves up to the front. The legendary Don Siegel directs the film in a tight, tough, action packed style that gets every ounce of suspense, action and comedy from the script as possible. The plot involves a squad of GI's in the later phase of the war as the Allies began invading Germany along the Siegfried Line. They had hoped to be rotated home, but wound up defending a large stretch of territory facing a prominent pillbox the Germans use to control the sector. In typical army fashion one squad of six men covers a section that should be defended by at least thirty or forty. They deceive the Germans into thinking there are far more men in the line than just six, using ammo boxes filled with stones to simulate patrols and feeding false information into a planted microphone the Germans left in a pillbox in their position. Henshaw also modifies Driscoll's jeep to sound like a tank. A German patrol is intercepted and killed or captured to keep the secret.When Larkin leaves the position, Reese leads Henshaw and Kolinsky on an ill-fated attack across a minefield to try to blow up the pillbox. Reese makes it back, but Henshaw triggers a mine, and Kolinsky is killed running back to the American lines. By the way, the deaths are very graphic, especially for 1962, no clean fall down quietly, these guys scream and beg when they're hit. Larkin returns after the aborted raid and confronts Reese, promising to settle with him later. Just as Larkin leaves the pillbox a random shell kills him. Corby teaches Driscoll how to shoot an M1, Homer appears, the company returns and Sgt Pike tells the gang to prepare for a daylight attack on the German lines. The Americans charge across the minefield towards the German lines and pillbox. Reese gets a satchel charge to blast the pillbox, but is shot. He knows his number's up and advances on the pillbox, finally rolling into it with the charge< exploding the inside. Pike orders Corby to flame thrower the pillbox. Corby does, and gets sick. The Americans continue their attack asthe movie ends. This is Steve McQueen's movie, from his first scene to his death scene, surrounded as he is by a terrific cast, you still can't take your eyes off him. Of course later, he and Don Siegel would reunite for the groundbreaking detective flick, "Bullit", and you can see the beginning of a great action team in this fine movie. Just one of the greatest World War II pictures, done on a very modest scale, but far more successfully than many of the big budget features.

El Dorado is a great movie, even if it is a remake of "Rio Bravo", also directed by Howard Hawks, who stole not from others, but from himself. John Wayne plays Cole Thornton, a legendary gunslinger (surprise!) who is shot by a young man, who he kills. This lodges a bullet in his back which flares up causing partial paralysis for short times. Robert Mitchum plays a drunken sheriff, and has a really good time doing it. Arthur Hunnicut is the comical sidekick who likes to play his old Civil War bugle. In one of his first big roles, James Caan is "Mississippi", a youngster who can't shoot a lick, but is handy with a knife, he's terrific. These are the good guys. Ed Asner is the chief villain, Christopher George is the Duke's opposite number, the bad guy's hired gun. R G Armstrong turns in another solid performance as the father of the boy Cole shot and killed, but who understands it was an accident. Sheriff J P and his deputies arrest Jason (Asner) and a siege of the jail begins. Gunfights break out and finally the bad guys get their just desserts. Good fun, solid Western, fine cast, great director.

The original "Godfather" is the granddaddy (or maybe "goddaddy") of them all. Followed up by two good sequels, the 1972 first film was the best. If we could have understood Marlon's mumblings it might have been even better! Al Pacino is terrific as young Michael Corleone, youngest son of Don Vito, played by Brando, who, all kidding about his dialogue delivery aside, gives an astonishing portrayal of a crime kingpin, a loving family man, a shrewd businessman and a loyal friend but a murderous enemy. My favorite performance, though, is James Caan as the fiery, hot tempered big brother, Sonny, Who is riddled by Tommy guns at a toll plaza ambush by rival gangsters. John Cazale is Fredo, the middle brother, who's not nearly as sharp or ruthless as the rest of the family. Talia Shire does very well in a pivotal role as the Don's only daughter, Connie. Robert Duvall is outstanding as the family consigliere, Tom Hagen, the Don's adopted son and legal adviser. Diane Keaton is very good as Kay, who will enter the family as Michael's wife, and discover the less appealing aspects of her husband and his family business. Richard S. Castellano and Abe Vigoda are both exceptional as the godfather's lieutenants. The plot is well documented in other posts, so I won't recap it here. The thing to remember is that all the people depicted are either criminals or beneficiaries of criminal activities, while they often show virtues, they are corrupted by money and power. This is a complex and moving film, filled with great lines, unforgettable characters and action. A worthy choice for #1 in this list, or any other.

"Charade" is a terrific mystery/light romantic comedy. A first rate cast brings it all off with style, grace and humor. Cary Grant is fantastic as the enigmatic Peter Joshua, giving his customary stylish grace to his performance. Audrey Hepburn is her usual lovely self as the endangered widow being stalked by unknown men who think she has a treasure that her husband and his squad members from WW II captured and hid. Walter Matthau is the helpful U S Government agent who turns out to be the bad guy. James Coburn is excellent as Tex, George Kennedy and Ned Glass are also in on the caper. As the treasure hunters are killed one by one, the audience tries to guess along with the characters. Who has the loot? who is what they seem and who is putting up a front? Will Cary and Audrey resist each others' charms, or will they get together? This movie is a great example of the all-star caper movies of the late '50's and '60's.

"Major Dundee" is the famous "murdered movie" that Sam Peckinpah often lamented. It's a really good film as it is, the extended cut DVD is pretty good, adding a couple of scenes. Sam always said that studio interference damaged his vision, especially meddling by the producer, Jerry Wexler, of the "Gidget" movie series. It seems Wexler didn't understand Sam's concept and was sickened by what he considered gratuitous violence and blood. Sam retaliated by dragging out the filming, sometimes unnecessarily. Peckinpah always insisted he made a great movie but the bean counters and pencil pushers sabotaged it. He also was said to hate the score, but having watched it a couple of times with the new and old scores, I prefer the original one. Charlton Heston is Major Amos Dundee, transferred from the Army of the Potomac to Fort Benlin, a prison/frontier fort for an unspecified faux pas during the battle of Gettysburg. His old comrade, Confederate Captain Ben Tyree, is a prisoner there. Tyree is played with relish by Richard Harris, who steals just about every scene. Jim Hutton is light comedy relief as the eager Lt Graham. James Coburn is the cagey one-armed scout, Sam Potts. R. G. Armstrong, L. Q. Jones, Warren Oates, Ben Johnson, Dub Taylor and Slim Pickens round out the cast as various rascals, rebels and the Reverend (Armstrong). The much under-appreciated Brock Peters has a strong role as the leader of the "Colored" troopers. Swiss actor Mario Adorf plays the dependable Sgt Gomez, and Senta Berger plays an incongruous German doctor in a tiny Mexican village who causes some jealousy among the officers and nearly leads to the downfall of both the mission and Dundee. Peckinpah directs some great scenes, such as the opening scene of the discovery of the massacre of one of his Troops at a farm, alternating panoramic views of the soldiers spreading out to guard against the return of the Apaches, alternating with Dundee and Potts checking the bodies of cavalrymen, settlers and Apaches, setting up the surprise when an Apache tries to kill Dundee, but is blasted by Sam's shotgun and Dundee's rifle. The battle scenes are as you would expect from Peckinpah, well-staged and expertly filmed. The final scene of the remnants of the command safely on the American side of the Rio Grande is a masterpiece. Peckinpah shows the weary men in column while action abounds behind them, the French cavalry regrouping in the background. Maybe it isn't (or still isn't) Sam's perfect vision, but it's a rousing Civil War picture.

"Glory" is a fantastic movie, featuring devotion to a cause, your fellow man, one's self and ideals. Duty is foremost to men who will fight for not only their own freedom, but others. The cast is first rate, Matthew Broderick perfectly portrays the idealistic Colonel Shaw, Cary Elwes is excellent as Col. Shaw's friend and second in command, who knows when to rein in his friend, Morgan Freeman is, as usual, excellent as Sgt Major Rawlins and Denzel Washington brings fire to Tripp, a performance that won him a well deserved Oscar. Jhimy Kenedy is very good as sharp-shooting Pvt Shartes, and the excellent Andre Braugher is, of course, excellent as Shaw's friend, Thomas Searles, who grows as the film progresses. The action starts with the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day of American history. Shaw is slightly wounded and stunned. After the battle, he meets John Rawlins who is a gravedigger. Shaw goes back to Massachusetts where he is offered the command of the 54th Mass regiment, a "Colored" unit. Overcoming his and Forbes's doubts they begin to form their command. They bring in Sgt Major Mulcahy (John Finn in a fine performance) to whip the recruits into a fighting unit. He also literally whips Tripp, after he's arrested for desertion. The troops learn that they won't get full pay and tear up their pay slips rather than accept the lower pay. They receive their rifles and uniforms and are assigned to a sadistic and crooked General in South Carolina, but they don't really fight, just terrorize defenseless civilians, while the general and his colonel double deal and loot the surrounding area. Shaw and Forbes confront the crooks and get the 54th transferred to a combat command. They go into the line and are bloodied but hold their ground, turning back two Confederate attacks. Their next assignment is to attack Fort Wagner, a coastal fort. The 54th charges across the beach, but are halted before the defenses and wait under fire for darkness to continue their assault. The fort is well set up for repelling attacks and they get to a moat, where they're again stopped. Shaw gets up and starts up the embankment only to be shot, Tripp picks up the flag and follows, but he's also killed. The rest of the 54th surges forward and gains ground, but comes upon Confederate cannon that blasts them into eternity. The epilogue tells us that all the attackers suffered huge losses, and the fort was never taken. "Glory" is a unit tribute, like "Go For Broke", "The Fighting 69th" or "Battleground". Except for Shaw, the major characters are fictional. There's the wise old sarge, eager beaver klutz, tough guy who comes around, young sharp shooter who's never killed a man and the tough drill sergeant. Themen pull together into a unit, putting aside their differences for the greater good. In all aspects, this is a great movie, with great acting, cinematography and a score that's often heard on commercials and sometimes to advertise other films. If you're a Civil War buff, you've probably already seen it, if not, what are you waiting for?