ralsalongi Reviews

Dragnet 1967: The Big High (1967) Season 2, Episode 8

The Big High: One of the Best Episodes of the Series

[9/10 · 9 October 2012]

This episode is definitely, for me, one of the best in the series!!! This episode clearly shows that drug use can lead to tragedy. You can see that the couple in this episode loved their daughter very much and would never intensionally harm her. But because of their drug abuse, it caused a terrible tragedy. Regardless of what some reviewers have said, I truly believe that this type of thing can happen to people under the influence of narcotics.

Also, this the first and only time, I believe Friday was at a loss for words. He was so frustrated, he does not say a word but instead crushed the bag of pot in a rage. Gannon is so shaken he must leave the room to throw up.

I do however find a few flaws with the episode. First of all, how can Friday & Gannon quickly assume the baby is dead. Why don't they at least try to do CPR on her to revive her instead of just standing there doing nothing. Then they can say the child is dead. Also in the end sentences, they said nothing about the couple being charged with possession of narcotics, as they also should have been charged with that.

I also would have liked to know the grandfather's reaction to this tragedy. He probably was so devastated by this loss that he never spoke to his daughter again.

All in all, however it was a great episode and one I will never forget!!

A Christmas Story (1983)

I Can't Understand All the Hype about this Movie???

[5/10 · 14 December 2008]

I had never seen this movie, so tonight we went to the video store to look for a Christmas movie & I saw this so my wife & I agreed to rent it.

HONESTLY, I do not understand all the hype about this movie. The entire movie was STUPID!!! Stupid kids, stupid parents (what parent would order a lamp shaped like a leg of a playboy bunny??? What example is that to set for their kids!!!) The teacher was disgusting!!! What parent would tell their kid to eat their food like a pig!!! I am sorry, but this film did nothing at all for me or my wife!!! P.S: Usually my wife & me disagree about movies; If I like it she dislikes it & vise-versa. But this one we both agreed was not worth our time!!!

Bonanza: The Storm (1962) Season 3, Episode 19

One Of the Series Best Episodes!!!

[5 September 2008]

I have seen most of the Bonanza Episodes; however, not very many moved me as much as this one did.

This episode begins when Laura White and her Father Captain Matthew White come to visit the Ponderosa. The White's were old friends of the Cartrights when they lived in New Orleans and Little Joe & Laura were childhood friends. The next day Joe & Laura go for a carriage ride to the lake and cabin. While there, both realize they have a strong attraction for each other. It begins to storm heavily (thus the title) and they are forced to take shelter in the cabin. They spend the day together & then the romance begins. Upon arriving home, Captain White is outraged at Joe for being gone so long with his daughter; he even goes so far as to hit Joe, knocking him down!!! Joe then surmises that the man simply does not like him. Despite this, Joe loves Laura and asks her to marry him. He then along with Hoss & Adam decide to fix up the old cabin to be his & Laura's home after they are married. He has them promise him not to tell her; he want it to be a surprise!!! A few weeks pass and the cabin is finished. Joe however is afraid to ask Captain White for Laura's hand in marriage; he's convinced White dislikes him. Ben agrees to speak to Matthew for him. When Ben confronts him, at first he does not want to talk about it. Finally, he informs Ben that Laura is terminally ill and has less than a year to live; however he couldn't bring himself to tell her. He explains that he really has nothing against Little Joe; he couldn't encourage their marriage under the circumstances. Ben states that they both must know at once.

When Ben tells Joe the news, he is devastated; and that night Laura upon receiving the news from her father runs away up to the cabin. Joe follows her and finds her at the cabin, dying. Joe tells her he loves her and she dies in his arms.

A few days pass and Joe goes to pay one last visit to the cabin. Ben comes in to comfort him. He gives him the same advise Adam's Grandfather gave him when Adam's mother died: "Keep a warm place in your heart for her, but don't carry her on your shoulder for the rest of your life".

This was truly a excellent episode; one of the few episodes that almost made me cry. The other one was "Forever" from season 14; please see it if you have the chance!!!

The Twilight Zone: The Bewitchin' Pool (1964) Season 5, Episode 36

A Great Episode!!!

[8/10 · 31 August 2006]

I can't understand all the negative comments about this show. THis has always been one of my favorite episodes of the series. I think the show had some good issues and does not date even until today. It showed how children of neglectful parents could react and the consequences it could bring.

As for the questions about did the parents call the police and report the kids missing? Perhaps they did, but who cares!!! The real moral is the children were not happy with those mean parents (the mother was an absolute b___h) and they had found a better place and went to live there. And I think Aunty T was a sweet old lady who loved children, not a witch. She looked more like the sweet grandmother to me.

I think Rod's (Serling) comment at the end summed it up greatly: "A brief epilogue for concerned parents: We grown ups know there's no such a place as the gingerbread house of Aunt T or a door at the bottom of a swimming pool that leads to a secret place. But who knows what the world of children of unwanted parents can become. For Jeb and Sport Sherwood their need for love turned fantasy into reality. They found a secret place in the Twilight Zone."

Adventures of Superman: The Perils of Superman (1958) Season 6, Episode 12

One Of My Favorite Color Episodes Also!!!

[13 May 2006]

I also liked the episode. It was full of adventure from start to finish.

My favorite scene: when Clark Kent goes into the tub of acid as Kent and comes out as Superman!!! I think that part was very well done.

I think there were a few goofs in the ep as well, however. Lois Lane, White, & Olson all ask Superman (when he rescues them) about the other two, but no one asks about Kent? Also, when the one crook says to the other (in Jail)that they saw Kent sink into the acid. They clearly left before Kent went in the acid.

Despite these few minor flaws, it was a great show!!!

Adventures of Superman: Flight to the North (1955) Season 3, Episode 11

One Of My Favorite Color Episodes!!!

[13 May 2006]

This has to be one of the best color episodes of the series.

The plot involves a Hilbilly named Sylvester J. Superman (Chuck Connors) who actually believes he's Superman. He is hired by a woman to brink a lemon pie to her fiancé who is stationed in Alaska. A crook also wants the pie and goes to Alaska to steel the pie. The real Superman then gets involved and...

Classic Line: Sylvester: "You better be careful flying through the air like that; your liable to hurt yourself!!!" Superman: "Don't worry; I'll be careful!!!"

I won't say anymore!!! It is a great episode with a funny twist. One of the few comic episodes of the series!!!

Adventures of Superman: The Face and the Voice (1953) Season 2, Episode 10

Best of Season 2!!!

[27 April 2006]

This is by far one of the best eps of season 2!!! This plot involves a criminal who gets plastic surgury to look exactly like Superman. He then goes robbing and stealing everywhere around the city.

Clark Kent thinks he's crazy and even goes to see a psychiatrist. Superman ends up capturing the fake guy and his aids in the end.

Great episode with a great villain.

Look for Hayden Rorke(of I dream of Jeanie) in a small (uncrdeditted) roll as a psychiatrist. Ironicly, he'd go on to play a psychiatrist in Jeanie as well!!!

George Reaves also plays a duel roll in this one; he plays the hood who mascarades as himself. Great fun!!!

Adventures of Superman: Mystery in Wax (1953) Season 1, Episode 16

One of My Favorite Episodes!!!

[27 April 2006]

This is one of my favorite episodes of the series!!!

The plot involved an insane wax museum owner (Madamme Selena) and her wimpy husband (who does anything his mad wife tell him to do). The woman seemed to have the power to predict peoples deaths. Clark Kent always suspected something was rotten here. When Perry White's Death is predicted and he disappears, Kent decides to investigate. Lois also decides to investigate by hiding in the museum after hours. She sneaks into the basement and finds White and three other men locked in cells. She tries to escape and call the police but is stopped by Selena and her husband who chloroform her and locks her in another cell.

Meanwhile, Kent and Inspector Henderson arrive at the museum to search the place. When Henderson leaves to look at their private quarters, Kent changes into Superman and crashes down the basement. When Salena sees the hatch open, she goes running. When she spots Superman trying to rescue the drugged Lois, she orders her husband to shoot the caped intruder. Superman quickly decks him, but Selena grabs the gun and tries to kill her captives. Superman throws her into the arms of Henderson kicking and screaming.

A great episode with a evil villain and a hilarious stooge to help her!!!

The Cosby Show (1984–1992)

Last of the "True" Sit-coms

[3 August 2005]

I really believe The Cosby Show was the Last of the true sit-coms. Here was a good clean show, unlike most comedies that are on today. He and his wife taught the kids morals and that is missing from most sit-coms on today. There was no sex talk on the show which also made it great. Most comedies today are nothing but sex jokes. You don't mind it once in a while, but the way it is portrayed today on TV is outrageous.

This was one of the few shows that I wish would have lasted a little longer. What I'd like too see shortly is a reunion show or movie. It could show the other kids married and raising children of their own etc.

I salute the Great Bill Cosby for making this show. It really rocked!!!

Roseanne (1988–2018)

I Never Liked This Show

[3 August 2005]

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I cannot believe all the positive remarks about this program. I watched the show only once or twice and I absolutely could not stand it. I never felt Roseanne herself was funny; I think she is repulsive and vulgar. Her jokes didn't ever make me laugh and I think I have a pretty good sense of humor.

I also didn't like the way those kids talked to their parents. The made the back sass them and even curse at them. That's no way to portray children talking to their parents.

Again, I'm sorry if I offended anyone who likes the show, but that is my opinion and I must stick to it.

For me, I think the Cosby show was a far better show; the kids on this show were portrayed in a much better way and I talked to their parents the Way kids should.

Dragnet 1967 (1967–1970)

My Favorite Episode "The Big High"

[11 July 2005]

CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!

I must summarize my favorite episode "The Bib High".

This episode begins when a wealthy businessman asks Friday & Gannon to help him because his daughter and son-in-law Jean & Paul Spipley, experiment with marijuana. He is also concerned about the safety of his two year old granddaughter. They go to the home and try to get through to the couple, but are only met with criticism and sarcasm. They say they have no right to tell them what to do in their own home. In one powerful scene, Friday angrily lectures the husband about drug use, stating that most hard drug users began with Marijauna. "Look at the guy you bought from!" exclaims Friday, "and you look real hard fella cause you're lookin' right in the mirror!!!" Even this fails to change their minds.

About two months pass, and Friday and Gannon hear nothing about the Shipleys. One night, just after a huge drug bust, the police arrest a suspect for marijuana possession. The guy tells them of a pot party taking place at the Shipley home, where he got the marijuana. Friday and Gannon bust in and make the arrest, but the stoned couple does not know where their baby is. Upon searching, the baby is found drowned, forgotten about in the bathtub. Gannon throws up at the sight, while Friday angrily crushed a bag of pot in his hands.

This was my favorite episode because I feel it shows the tragic results of drug use. I think everyone that sees this show will thing twice about ever using narcotics. It surly changed my views.

The episode was sad, but true. A baby really did die as a result of it's parent's drug use

This episode is a must see for everyone!!!

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Far From the Best Film of 1981

[10 April 2003]

How Chariotes of Fire was awarded the Best Picture Oscar in 1981, I'll never know. It was a film that kept my interests up in some parts, but was rather boring in others. It definitely was not Best Picture Material. I saw the four other Best Picture contenders and I think I liked them all better than this one. My pick would have gone to On Golden Pond. This was an excellent film. Reds was great too, however, OGP would have been my choice.

The film is not a terrible one, however; it had its good moments. Cross and Charleson's performances were rather good as was Ian Holm's. The scenes with them competing at the Opympics were filmed very well. All in all, I'd rate the film average. 6/10

Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003 TV Movie)

Rather Disappointing

[13 March 2003]

As a lifelong fan of the Batman TV show, I was so looking forward to this movie, but it proved very disappointing. The story of the Batmobile being stolen and West and Ward going after it was a joke; it made no sense. The flashback story, however, about how the series was made, was somewhat interesting and held my attention.

In my opinion, the entire movie should have been in flashback about the making of the series with Adam and Burt providing narration. This would have been much better because more about the series could have been told. The stolen Batmobile part should not even have been a part of this story. This ruined a good movie.

There were some bright spots in this film however. Adam's Daughter Nina West is very beautiful playing a lover of Burt's. Adam and Burt still look good after all these years (although Burt gained some weight.) Overall however it was a disappointment. 5 out of 10.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001)

Good Bye Mr. Rogers

[28 February 2003]

I woke up Thursday Morning (Feb. 27), turned on the news and was very saddened by hearing about the Death of Fred Rogers. As a child I grew up watching his program and I learned much from him. He was a very caring person and knew how to speak to children and express his feelings to them. His "Neighborhood of Make Believe" was a very good tool he used to entertain the children.

As I mourn his passing, I cannot help thinking that he would not want us to mourn his death. I think the kind of man he was, he'd not want us to mourn, but to think about his life and all the good things he did and taught to millions of children.

Mr. Rogers, I love you, I'll miss you, and rest in peace.

The Odd Couple: Together Again (1993 TV Movie)

The TV series was Much Better

[5/10 · 25 January 2003]

As a lover of the classic TV series, I had to watch this movie. When I watched it, I was badly disappointed. Randall and Klugman have aged and it really showed in their performances. Many of the original cast members were absent here and this also hurt. The plot was understandable, however the performances were not very good, especially by many of the substitute actors. Al Molanaro as Murry the cop was sorely missed as were many of Oscar and Felix's poker buddies. They managed to write Klugman's throat cancer into the script which helped a bit.

In summary, This TV movie was a far cry from the classic TV series and I would not recommend it.

Brian's Song (1971 TV Movie)

One Of The Best Made For Television Movies Ever

[20 December 2002]

With the exception of "Jesus of Nazareth", this was without a doubt one of the best made for Television films ever made. It was the story of two Chicago Bears Football players, one black and the other white, who become close friends and room mates until cancer claims the life of one of them.

James Caan and Billy Dee Williams give splendid performances as did the rest of the supporting cast. The final scene when Piccolo is dying bring tears to my eyes every time I watch the film (I've seen it at least ten times.) It's an unforgettable story of courage and true friendship. This is one film that should be in everyones library. A joy from start to finish.

Forrest Gump (1994)

A Brilliant Triumph!

[15 December 2002]

This is one film I must call a brilliant triumph. It is the simple story of a simple man, who through dumb luck, becomes a multi-millionaire. He never forgets the love of his life and he ends up marrying her in the end.

I am not an emotional person, but I get tears in my eyes every time I watch the ending of this movie (when Forrest is standing at his wife's grave.) I am not a fan of sequals, but I would love one made of this film. Forrest Gump II, I feel, would be equally enjoyable. Overall, I would rank this one in my top five films of all time. A remarkable film.

Charlotte's Web (1973)

Beautiful Adaptation of E.B. White's Classic Story

[4 December 2002]

I remember watching this animated film as a child and loving it so much. This was one of my favorite books and the movie really followed suit.

Now as an adult, I can still watch this delightful film almost as I did as a child. I learned so much from it: the miracle of birth, life, death, and love. It showed the real meaning of true friendship. The voices of Henry Gibson, Debbie Reynolds, Paul Lynde, Agnes Morehead, and others were very well done. The ending can be a real tear jerker.

My only complaint: I want a remake of this movie! I wish they would remake this but in real life style, similar to the way "Babe" was made. I'm sure this would be fun for the whole family like the origional was.

So parents if you haven't done so already, buy or rent this wonderful film for your children. It's one they'll never forget.

Dragnet (1987)

Weak Adaptation of a Great Series

[1 December 2002]

This was a weak adaptation of the Great Dragnet TV series. While Jack Webb and Harry Morgan were great in their roles in the series, Akroid and Tom Hanks were mediocre at best in the roles. The plot really made no sense at all.

I love both Dan Akroid and Tom Hanks as actors but these roles really were not for them. I loved the Dragnet TV series, so I figured I'd check out the movie. About a half hour into it , I realized I made a mistake.

The film was a disappointment all around and nowhere near as good as the TV series.

Batman (1966–1968)

Campy, But Still A Great TV Series

[1 December 2002]

Batman was and is one of my favorite TV series of all time. Campy, yes; downright rediculous sometimes, yes; but this is what made it a great TV show. Adam West and Burt Ward were made for their roles; also Neil Hamilton, Stafford Repp and Alan Napier. Most of the actors who played Villains also did a great job(with the exception of a few.) Ceasar, Burgess, and Frank Gorshin were great as was Julie Newmar as Catwoman. Julie was the best catwoman by far; better than Ertha Kitt or Lee Meriwether or any of the movie catwomen. I also liked False Face, Egghead, and the Bookworm; they should have done more episodes with these villains. I think my least favorite villain was King Tut. I could never relate to a guy getting knocked on the head and turning into King tut.

I loved the two part episodes where the pair were always put into a trap of some type and the next night they'd always escape. Batman would always pull some gadget out of his utility belt. Robin's holy words were also a gas.

As much as I liked the show, however, I still have a few complaints about it. First, the addition of Batgirl in the third season.Don't get me wrong, I feel Yvonne was a very beautiful and tallented actress;but Batgirl to me,just didn't fit into the series. Second, the ending of the two part episodes in the third season. The first two seasons with the two part episodes were much more exciting. With the exception of a few, I didn't like most of the third season's episodes.

Perhaps if they would have left the show with two part episodes like the first two seasons, it may have lasted a little longer.

All in All, it was a great series and I still watch and tape the episodes on TV Land. So in conclusion, may I say: Tune in Tomorrow.

Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.

The Honeymooners (1955–1956)

One Of The Best Sit-Coms of All Time!

[28 November 2002]

I would have to rank The Honeymooners as one of the best comedy series' of all time. The show was hillarious, especially when Ralph and Norton would fight, or Alice and Ralph would fight. I loved when Norton got Ralph so mad that he'd throw him out. Alice and Ralph also got into some heated arguments where Ralph would always give her a "to the moon Alice," or "bang-zoom." In the end however, he would always give in and say, "baby you're the greatest."

Another great thing about the show was it was pure comedy; no sex, no violence, just pure comedy. Unlike any of the commedy shows on today. Jackie really knew how to act; I can't believe he never won an emmy. The rest of the cast (Carney, Meadows, and Randolph) were also great in there roles. I also liked the woman who played Alice's Mother. (I don't know her name; she was uncreditted, as many of the supporting actors on the show were.)

As for my favorite episodes, I loved the one called "TV or Not TV," where Ralph and Ed chipped in for a TV. My other favorites include "Funny Money," and the "Bensonhearst Bomber." In this one, Norton gets Ralph into a fight with a big bully and thinks of a scheme to get him out of it. I had other favorites too, but these are too numerous to mention.

The Honeymooners, after fifty years, can never be beat. It remains the best of the best.

P.S. - I even named my dog Kramden!

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

A Spectacular Motion Picture!

[10/10 · 26 November 2002]

I must say I have seen Jesus of Nazareth at least ten times and I never get tired of watching it. I purchased the video and try to watch it every year at Easter time. Every actor did a marvelous job especially Robert Powell. I think he looked more like Jesus than Jesus did. As for all the comments nitpicking about the movie, to them I say this: try to look at the film for its true meaning: the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Look at how much he suffered for us. I'll admit there were a few minor flaws, but to me, these were meaningless. The crucifixion scene in this film was the most moving I have ever seen in this type of film. Even the musical score which was played throughout the movie was excellent. I am trying to persuade my church to show the movie during Lent this year; I liked it that much. To me there never was, nor will there ever be a better film on the life of Christ.

Congratulations to Franco Zefirelli for making such a spectacular motion picture. It was truly a masterpiece.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

An Average Film on the Life of Christ

[26 November 2002]

I would have to call The Greatest Story Ever Told an Average Film on the life of Christ because it was just that, average. Although the story was good and it followed the bible very well, the way it was presented was weak and unemotional. The adding of big stars in very small parts was also a weakness. Like John Wayne's famous one line: "truly this man was the son of God."

There were a some good moments in the film and Max VonSydow does a good job as Christ. Also noteworthy were Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, and Dorothy McGuire as the Virgin Mary.

Overall however, it was a disappointment.

1977's Jesus of Nazareth, always was and always will be the best version of the life of Christ.

The F.B.I. (1965–1974)

Please Bring Back this Great TV Series!

[26 November 2002]

I remember watching this great crime drama as a child every Sunday night with my Father. He was a big fan of the show and I got to be one also. Ephrem Zimbelist Jr. was great in the part and the stories were always very believable. I think this was one of the best crime dramas ever made. (I'd rank this one up there with Dragnet.)

My complaint is: Please bring back this wonderful series in reruns! I do not think I've seen it since it went off the air in 1974 and I'd love to see it again. It's hard to believe a great show like this was never shown in syndication.

The great shows are the ones that are many times overlooked.

Dragnet 1967 (1967–1970)

One Of My All Time Favorite Police Dramas

[24 November 2002]

This was one of my all time favorite police dramas. Jack webb was truly a great actor and a director; he knew how to play Friday with realism. I heard comments from people that they didn't like the show because the actors all seemed like they were reading their lines. To me, this is what made the show unique. Fridays dress(he always seemed to wear the same suit) and facial expressions were also a joy to watch. My all time favorite episode was the one when the couple let their baby drown in a bathtub because they were high on marijauna. This taught a valuable lesson that drug use can lead to tragedy. My second favorite was the one entitled "The hit and Run Driver." This also taught a lesson on what driving under the influence can do. Most of the shows taught a lesson and that's what I liked about it. The shows may seem dated to some, but to me, a great police drama.