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lachand
Reviews
Mary, Queen of Scots (1971)
Far from historical fact and so fictionalized that it reeks of Hollywood's sleekness...
Historically speaking this movie is way off the mark! The major flaws are the `meetings' between Elizabeth I and Mary. Not only did that ever happened but the movie assumes two meetings.one when Mary arrives from Scotland on 19th August 1561 and the other at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587 just prior to her trial! The two Queens never met in real life. Also of note is the age of Vanessa Redgrave playing Mary when she comes from France and lands in Scotland. It works against the actress of 34 years old at the time since Mary Stuart was born at Linlithgow Palace on 7th December 1542 and she came to Scotland on 19th August 1561, landing at Leith, making her a young woman of only 19 years old. Vanessa looked much older! Also the movie tends to minimize the length of Mary' captivity since Mary crossed the Solway into England and in nearly 19 years of captivity; she never returned to Scotland. However, the movie's redeeming grace is the `tour de force' performance of Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth I! She steals the show in a portrayal that is historically speaking absolutely on the mark! Elizabeth I was notorious for her ambivalence and her reticence for making policy decisions and famous for her wit and great intelligence! Also some of the lines spoken by Glenda Jackson are historically accurate. A case in point is the scene where she receives the news that Mary has been delivered of a baby boy and quotes literally Elizabeth I with `The Queen of Scots is lighter of a fair son, while I am but a barren stock' Generally speaking the viewer of the movie should not take the `historical' events portrayed as true historical accuracy. The viewer should concentrate on the `bravura' performance of Glenda Jackson which makes the movie very enjoyable.
Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfolds (1995)
A vehicle to show off Center Fold Playmates.
This movie is mostly used as a vehicle to show off buxom women. The story line is so weak it is virtually non-existent. It consists primarily of photo shoots of scantily clad women. There is, however, one redeeming quality with some of the comic dialogue. The statements are so "cliché" and predictable they end up bringing some comic relief to an otherwise stale script. The movie is still young (1995) but it is bad enough to become a "cult" classic in the vein of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" from director Edward W. Wood. If you enjoy nude women and are willing to overlook the major flaws in the script and view it with a tongue in cheek attitude it provides a generally tolerable viewing time. However, do not expect this to be a serious film by any means. I don't think the director had this in mind.
The Raven (1963)
This is a true cult classic. A must for Price, Lorre and Karloff fans.
This cult classic from director Roger Corman is a mixture of chills, thrills, special effects and veritable comedy. Although it is based on the famous Poe poem, it boasts a very known cast of the horror genre greats - Boris Karloff, Vincent Price and Peter Lorre. The story line deals with a magician known as Erasmus Craven (Price) who is mourning his late wife, Lenore (Hazel Court). Without warning he is interrupted by a raven who is in fact an amateur sorcerer, Dr. Bedlo (Lorre). He has been changed into a raven by the evil Grandmaster of Sorcerers, Dr. Scarabus (Karloff) whom Bedlo claims is keeping Leonore in his castle. Craven, his daughter, Bedlo and his son, played here by a very young Jack Nicholson, set off for Scarabus' castle. Once there they discover that Scarabus has a plan to devoid Craven of his magical powers. They engage in a supernatural magical duel to the death... This movie is darkly humorous and contains much action. It is by no means a "horror" film in the "Halloween" type but is highly likable due to the comedic elements. The viewer should also enjoy other movies of this type such as "The Comedy of Terrors" again with Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff.