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larry-labati
Reviews
Dinner at Eight (1933)
This film is not a comedy!!
I have loved this film ever since seeing it some thirty or so years ago on TV.
I am a big fan of older films, and this one is definitely before my time, but I cannot get over the fine and talented acting in each and every role of this fine dramatic film.
Every character undergoes some sort of transformation from the time they are invited to the dinner, up until the time they actually arrive at the dinner party.
You really get a good glimpse of what life was like back then in the worst years of the depression, when even the rich people had to make adjustments to the world that was rapidly changing around them.
With a top notch cast and excellent production values (after all, it was an MGM film), this is a real favorite of mine, for many reasons, and I repeat again, It is not a comedy, by any stretch of the imagination.
The Band Wagon (1953)
Never could "get on board" with this one
I am a very big fan of most film musicals, but this one always left me cold.
The plot is not very engaging or involving, and Fred Astaire is not really a very likable character here-whereas in most, if not all of his other films, he is always very likable.
The dance numbers are really nothing special-compare some of the ones here with say, Fred Astaire and Eleanore Powell in Broadway Melody of 1940!!No comparison. Now that film had some great dancing , superb, especially the finale, "Begin the Beguine".
I know everyone simply adores Vincente Minellis's work, and he was very talented to be sure, but this is one of the most overrated film musicals ever.
Earthquake (1974)
Enjoyed this once; not any longer
I eagerly anticipated seeing this film back when it was first released, at the end of 1974. I even remember going to see it with my sister and we both found it to be rather exciting and enjoyable. I did, and still am, fascinated with disaster-type films.
Granted I was only 18 at the time, but boy oh boy, what a difference those years make.
My taste must have really changed, more than I thought.
I have been viewing various parts of this film on You Tube, and I must say it is really pretty bad when viewed today.
What I cannot understand is why some of those major stars (Ava Gardner, Charleton Heston, for example) would want to be associated with this mess of a movie. Neither one certainly could have needed the cash. I 'm sure they made more than enough, during their hey day, and if it was just for the reason to keep their name before the public eye, well, I think I would rather be a forgotten "star" than be a part of this film.
I must say, the action sequences of the actual earthquake are pretty scary and "watchable"; the special effects are quite good, but it takes more than that to make a good movie.
An earlier reviewer said that all of the characters in this film look as if they came out of a trailer park in Bakersfield. I love that comment because it is so accurate and true. I couldn't agree more.
The people in this film are very trashy and "low life" looking, even though some of the characters are supposed to be rather "well to do". Ava Gardner's character, in particular, is so unlikable and bitchy that it is almost over the top and unrealistic, "pushing the envelope too far," so to speak.
I must say that elevator sequence really frightened me when I first saw this move-very disturbing-, but I agree with other reviewers that the use of the fake blood splattered at the end of that scene is totally unnecessary. I'm sure we all know that if an elevator drops down from that height, that people are going to be injured or killed. Very tasteless.
Mark Robson, the director, was actually a very well-known and professional director, going back partly to the golden age of Hollywood. Again, why would he sign on to be part of something like this. very puzzling to me, that's for sure.
All in all, for the special effects this is mindless and harmless entertainment, but not anything close to good movie-making, to be sure.
Tea for Two (1950)
This is a "blah" musical
I am normally a very big fan of Doris Day, but this film was certainly not one of her best.
The following year's "I'll See You in My Dreams" is so much better, plot-wise, music wise, and especially "acting-wise".
Some of the songs are quite enjoyable to hear, however, the production numbers are very "clunkily" staged, and the fact that this film is supposed to be set in late 20's and no attempt is made at authentic period detail (except for the cars) is really quite annoying, and does takeaway from the overall enjoyment of the musical.
Not terrible, but definitely not Doris' best.
Surprisingly, I have heard that this was one of the biggest "hits" of 1950. Huh??
The Benny Goodman Story (1956)
Wonderful music, but otherwise pretty bland
This film was certainly made in order to give jazz and swing band fans a real fine dose of perhaps the greatest swing music ever recorded, and this it does in abundance and in very fine form.
However, the story and dramatic part of this film is truly not very well executed, and much inferior to the previous year's "Glen Miller Story".
And, as a previous commentator stated on this site, why couldn't the producers have put in a little more thought into the costumes of the period, not only for the women, although this is where it is obviously not proper period costume, but also for the men.
Are 1920's fashions that difficult to reproduce? I don't think so.While Donna Reed certainly looked beautiful in the clothes she did wear in the film, it was a bit "jarring" to know that the story is taking place in the 20's and 30's, and everyone is parading around in mid 50's clothing.
Otherwise, the film is modestly entertaining, and the music , as mentioned, is superb.
White Christmas (1954)
Pleasant as a musical, but not very "Christmas-sy"
I will have to say that I do agree with many of the more negative comments posted here about this movie, however, there is something about the film over-all that still seems to be entertaining, to a point.
Perhaps because I am a big musical film fan, this movie still appeals to me , despite its flaws.
I do have to say that seeing that Michael Curtiz directed this still seems to be a bit of a surprise, given all the other (more dramatic and even early horror films that he was responsible for).
The film itself has a very "feel good" air about it, and the many numbers by Irving Berlin just goes to show what a very prolific and talented songwriter he was, even this late in his career.
The number "Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" with Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen is probably the high point for me in the movie, it truly is a wonderful and entertaining duet, with the two of them hopping over the walkway and over the water, and around the poles.
By contrast , the 'Mandy" number is a bit too overblown of a production for my taste, although, again, Vera-Ellen is a joy to watch, even though she is a bit dwarfed by all the chorus boys and girls surrounding her.
I do like this film to a degree, but I feel that Holiday Inn(1942) is a bit better, and lastly, I do not quite see how this later film is considered a re-make of the first. They do not have the same story line at all.
The Mummy (1932)
First-rate atmospheric thriller
If any of the old 1930's Universal horror films can truly be called frightening, this would really be the one.
I have had this film on tape (recorded from TV sometime back in the early 80's. It was a decent enough copy. however, I was thrilled to have found this true classic recently at a second hand record store for a mere 1.99. I am not sure they knew the great value they had with this film and the fact that they were practically "giving it away". Apparently, today's younger viewers do not appreciate the subtlety and great storytelling that this classic film offers, so the store thought that they had to sell it at a such a low price, in order for anyone to buy it.
Well I am sure glad I found it, and have watched it countless times in the past month.
The opening scenes when the mummy is resurrected are sure to put a scare into even the most jaded horror viewers, and the hysterical reactions of poor Bramwell Fletcher will send chills up the spine for sure.
This film has such as great 'Expressionistic (German) style to it and it is worthy of repeat viewings, for sure.
42nd Street (1933)
great musical/wonderful drama
This is one of my all-time favorites, which is really saying something because I love just about any 30's film, especially the musicals.
What makes this film so great is that it is not just about the music and production numbers, although, to be sure, that is the main area of interest for most people, including myself.
What makes it so great is the wonderful storyline that supports the music--you can really get a feel of what is must have been like going through the rigors of putting on a musical comedy show during those Depression days-and all of the backstage intrigue that went along with it.
As much as I like this film, I do not think the numbers , per say, are Busby Berkely's best, but they are great, nevertheless, and it does rank pretty far up there with some of his best work.