mreid1949 Reviews

Trader Horn (1973)

Solid adventure film

[8/10 · 21 October 2017]

Yes, it is a rehash of the 1950 King Solomon's Mines and it bears little resemblance to the 1931 Trader Horn nor to the book by Ethelreda Lewis Horn, but it does have Rod Taylor which, for me, outweighs all the negatives. Just as Stewart Granger 23 years before, Taylor is a convincing noble and steadfast hero, which sadly is an anachronism in today's films.

Westbound (1958)

Good, not great

[7/10 · 17 April 2017]

The not so good first. The use of weaponry by all of the characters years before it was available. Much of the clothing appears more appropriate for a modern day dude ranch rather than the 1860's west (although I always love Randy's dark blue shirt, dark blue pants and yellow bandanna). The writing and characterizations just were not on a par with the other Scott/Boetticher efforts.

The good news. This is a Randolph Scott western. None of the above matters. Enjoy!

Have Gun - Will Travel: In an Evil Time (1958) Season 2, Episode 2

Superb writing!

[9/10 · 9 February 2014]

One of the most moving episodes I've seen on any TV series. Growing up, I remember watching HGWT on Saturday nights immediately followed (or maybe preceded) by Gunsmoke. Gunsmoke was a 30-minute program at the time. The character of Paladin was an icon at the time for school boys my age and Paladin "play-sets" with the black holster containing the famous emblem and the HGWT business cards were very popular. I'm in the process of purchasing the entire series offered by Amazon (I have seasons 1 - 3) so far. Although I'm sure that I saw many of these episodes when they were first telecast, I really can't remember much about them. Watching the episodes in the DVD sets which I currently own, is like seeing them for the first time.

When I watched "In an Evil Time", it nearly brought tears to my eyes. The cast (especially Richard Boone), the characters, the story, and the scenery were all just perfect.

Zulu Dawn (1979)

Exciting and compelling!

[4 January 2002]

While not on a par with 1964's Zulu, this is an excellent film and a history buff's delight. The cinematography is great and the production values high. Like another reviewer I,too, spotted the flaw of equiping infantry with cavalry carbines, but I won't quibble. The film is very balanced by not allowing the stupidity and arrogance of the generals and politicians to overshadow the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers on both sides. Elmer Bernstein's music score is enjoyable, but again, a notch below John Barry's epic score from the '64 film. The VHS release of Zulu Dawn is atrocious. It doesn't even appear to be recorded in SP! If ever a film cried out for a digital wide-screen presentation in stereo, this is it. Maybe someday! Combine this film with Zulu for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Zulu (1964)

Rousing and exciting!

[4 January 2002]

They just don't make films like this anymore. I saw this in the theatre when it first came out and still find it just as enjoyable watching the DVD nearly 40(!) years later. John Barry's epic score emotes visions of heroes and adventure. Nigel Green's Colour Sergeant Bourne is a classic. You would follow this man anywhere! A real classic!

Hell Squad (1958)

One of those vague drive-in treats from the past.

[10 February 2001]

They just don't make movies like this anymore. Very entertaining and realistic. It always seemed that these old films were always technically accurate even though their budget had to be minuscule. Maybe it was because the cast and crew had all served in the military during WWII and it wasn't necessary to do a lot of research on equipment, events, etc. Appealing in its own way just as "Saving Private Ryan" is another. Would love to see again.

Woman of Straw (1964)

Exciting, almost "Bondian"

[9/10 · 10 February 2001]

I can't remember a lot about this film other than Connery's performance. To me, he was playing his patented Bond character who just happened to be a villain this time around. The scene where Richardson's character (who happens to be deceased!) is removed from the ship is very tense. Have always wondered why this isn't available on video.

Safari (1956)

Fairly exciting but standard revenge drama.

[8/10 · 10 February 2001]

I saw this as a kid and remember the initial mau mau attack as very frightening. Mature was adequate in the part. He was never one of my favorite actors, but the more I see of his old movies today, the more I begin to appreciate his films. Would love to see "Safari" again, especially now that I know Terence Young directed it.