thejcowboy22 Reviews

Anita B. (2014)

After Shocks

[5/10 · 7 August 2023]

When is a person actually knowing when he or she is free? Many of these Holocaust films usually take place in the camps or before they are carted away to their horrible destiny. This film is seen through the lens of Anita, (Elina Powell) who is escorted by Eli. The emotional challenges she faces. First dealing with her. Domineering Aunt who lays down the rules and has poor Anita compromised. We follow Anita throughout the film as she handles each obstacle and realizes what be free really means. Fine performances from. Andrea Osvart and Robert Sheehan as Monika's Brother-in-Law. One thing you should take with you while viewing this fcitious story, just because you have a comminality with someone doesn't mean there is love or loyalty there.

Billy the Kid Versus Dracula (1966)

Where the term "MAN CAVE " was born!

[1/10 · 1 August 2022]

My parents showed their love for me by sending me away to summer camp. I would plead to my Dad " Please don't send me to sleep-away camp." He would smirk and say "It builds character, stop sniveling, toughen up!" When I arrived, reality set in when we had to make our own beds. The counselor demonstrated how to make a perfect bed. So perfect a quarter would bounce off the blanket. The counselor affirmed, "I'll be checking for hospital corners." Hospital corners? What the heck was that? Billy the Kidd Versus Dracula was, to say the least, a peculiar title. Scoundrel versus scoundrel? Cold-blooded gunslinger vs bloodsucking nocturnal victorian rogue? The story starts out with an aged wrinkly beady-eyed Dracula (John Carradine) taking passage on a stagecoach. During his passage, he is captivated by a photograph of a pretty girl. He is smitten with the image. Later in the evening Dracula randomly kills a young Native American girl who causes the tribe to attack the stagecoach and kill everyone except Dracula. Dracula takes the identity of Mr. Underhill. Dracula assumes the identity of the long-lost Uncle James Underhill. When he arrives, he meets the beautiful ranch owner, the young sweet Betty Bently (Melinda Casey). Betty presumes that it's her uncle. Dracula, I mean Uncle James, pushes his weight around, as his goal is to turn Betty into a vampire while her boyfriend, the newly reformed Billy The kid (Chuck Courtney) works on the ranch but has his doubts about this harassing, bossy stranger who claims to be her uncle. A familiar character actor, the housekeeper Virginia Christine and her husband Franz played by Walter Janovitz tend to the main house on the ranch. They are constantly threatened by the homely, lanky Vampire. One note, the daylight doesn't seem to bother Dracula/Uncle James. Special effects come into play here when Dracula has to travel by air. Just one of those awful films you have to watch with friends or adversaries to pass the time. Carradine does stay on point as a fraudster but there's a comical quality that seems to rise above all of this. Richard Reeves is also a period character actor as the saloonkeeper. Familiar faces, familiar dialogue, familiar ending except, Spoiler alert!!! When we see Dracula's cave and his beautifully made bed. The red bedspread is perfectly made. Boys and girls even the horrible Dracula makes his bed. That's right, Vampires have responsibilities. This movie was directed by William Beaudine who primarily worked on Walt Disney movies and shorts in his later years. Beaudine also directed a number of Bowery Boys movies. The Bowery Boys vs Dracula? Imagine?? I finally mastered the art of hospital corners in my camp bunk but it was all for nothing as the advent of the "Fitted Sheet" came into the mainstream of bed making.

Slap Shot (1977)

Snatch by the Pool. A Little Bit South of Saskatoon

[6/10 · 18 July 2022]

I recall Hockey announcer Tim Ryan's review of Slap Shot complaining about the off-color language before an NHL contest. Too many foul references, alcohol, infidelity, and violence. My response was curious. Off to the theater, I went and I wasn't disappointed. The scene in this picture shows the daily problems of running a drowning minor league franchise. Head player/ coach and pushing his late 40s of the Charleston Chiefs Reggie Dunlap (Paul Newman) struggles to find a way to keep the franchise going. Reggie is the consummate player's coach. Not separating his personal life from his players. They drink together, play poker together, watch daytime soap opera's in bars together and hang out in Reggie's motel room on road trips watching Bowling for Dollars. The team is basically floundering but Reggie and the boys enjoy the lifestyle of a minor league life. The reality is that the ruffled uncombed-aged general manager of the team Mr. McGrath (Strother Martin) basically appeases Reggie about the team being sold to new owners while he secretly is looking for other employment. McGrath always makes references to those early days working for Hall of Famer Eddie Shore. McGrath likes to name-drop former hockey greats to bail certain players out of jail. The team is on the verge of extinction Reggie concocts a story about a fictitious owner relocating the team to Florida to keep up morale amongst the troops. Unless Reggie turns the club around into a winning team and convinces the owner of the Chiefs, (whoever that is?) to keep the team afloat in town where the mill is closing the Chiefs will be no more. Other notable characters are the players, Jerry Houser as Killer Carlson, Yvon Barrette as the French-speaking goaltender, and the funny but fouled-mouthed Brad Sullivan as Walchuck. There is a serious side to this story that I would have edited from the film. A married couple of underachievers and clean hockey purist Ned Braden (Michael Ontkean) and his unfulfilled alcoholic wife Lily (Lindsay Crouse) are kind of a downcast to this film at times. Other notables are the lovely ex-wife of Reggie, hairdresser Francine played by Jennifer Warren. A familiar face in a candid unfamiliar setting is Melinda Dillan as the full-breasted Suzanne Hanrahan. The toupee-laden pretentious hockey announcer Jim Carr (Andrew Duncan) never gets a normal response from his interviews/guests. The movie takes a comical turn when a trio of bespectacled hockey men-children shows up punching a coke machine. I'm referring to the Hansen Brothers along with their toys. The scripts were loaded with sexual innuendos and language that would make any sailor feel right at home. You could see that the actors really enjoyed making this picture. Life on the road in the minors can be lonely and frustrating but playing for the Chiefs could cure the homesickness. Paul Newman who had a vast resume of movies said of this film was the most enjoyable movie he was ever involved with.

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A Little Game (2014)

I'm gonna call you Shmuel

[6/10 · 11 July 2022]

In1962 my Father had the notion to place me in a private school. His intentions were good as he wanted me to have the best education possible. What parent wouldn't? Struggling financially, he asked his Uncle Max for financial help and Max complied but under certain conditions. It has to be a Jewish school. Unfortunately, I was not a good student with behavioral issues plus a lack of attentiveness was a recipe for disaster. I had no knowledge of Jewish customs and practices. My mother was proud of being Jewish but knew nothing about her religion. I invited a classmate to the house after school. When my Mother had us in the kitchen to eat a snack. The boy was shocked as he noticed that my mother didn't have two sets of dishes rendering our kitchen not kosher. He called his mother to come to the house and get him out of this gentile home. A Little Game is a refreshing change of pace being hidden amongst the sex, violence-oriented movies. Max Kuftinec (Makenna Ballard) is tops in her class at her local New York City public school. She is a young pre-teen, cute with a thirst for knowledge. In addition, her friends gravitate around as seen in the opening playground scene. All seems right until her teacher called her over and says to the effect that she is going to miss her. When Max comes home her parents Tom (Ralph Macchio) and Sarah (Janeane Garofalo). They realize that Max would be better suited to a private school where she could be more challenged. Her parents take a financial risk as Sarah is a gourmet chef and requests more shifts to pay the huge tuition. Tom is a maintenance man for the apartment they reside which saves on rent payments. Other supporting characters are her loving Greek Grandmother YaYa (Olympia Dukakis) who she admires for her wisdom. Then there is her younger adorable sister Jez (Fina Strazza) with a wild imagination who for example turns her babysitter into a human closet draping clothes on each arm (Quite a site). Max finds herself in unchartered waters in her new surroundings at the private school. Already the upper westside snooty girls are teasing her about her old shoes. Max is basically alone in her new environment. In order to find new friends, she joins the school's chess club. Not knowing anything about chess, Max is ostracized by her snobbish classmate Isabella (Fatima Ptacek). Max retorts and tells her that someday she will beat her in a chess match. The real magic of this film takes place in Washington Square Park at the chess tables. Where a venerable gentleman is sitting. Max seems to gravitate towards this person. This is the hook for me personally as the dialogue between the two holds your interest. The screenwriting between a ten-year-old inquisitive youngster against the well-seasoned curmudgeon. F. Murray Abraham known as Norman in the film transcends this tale in a different but positive direction. Max Learns about chess and how life constantly changes through the subtle hints Norman provides giving Max a different perspective on the game. Some critics scoff at the film complaining that Garofalo, and Abraham, were not showcased more or to even appear in a children's film of this nature. Truthfully I personally was totally satisfied with the entire movie and was hoping that there would be a spinoff series. The casting was sheer perfection. Other notable players in the movie worth a mention were the bespectacled Becky (Oona Laurence) and her enterprising male friend Jaden (Gabriel Rush). A wonderful family film.

Bewitched: Long Live the Queen (1967) Season 4, Episode 1

Queen Of The Witches for One Year, Darrin please drink responsively

[5/10 · 18 May 2022]

One evening, my father came home from work with an unsettled look on his face. Apparently. My Dad had a trying day at his boiler shop with customers complaining, jobs not completed, and trying to collect payments from intractable clients. Just the hard daily grind for a typical business owner. I suggested my Father have a drink to calm his spirits. He looked at me as if I was deranged which was common in those days of my youth asking outrageous questions or claims to my Parents. I received my epiphany by Watching the Supernatural TV sitcom Called Bewitched. Dick York plays our male lead in this witchcraft-oriented sitcom. York portrays Darrin Stephens, a wannabe partner of an Ad agency called McMahon and Tate. Our real star and the centerpiece of the series is elegant and magical Elizabeth Montgomery who plays a WItch. Yes, not in the negative sense of a nagging housewife but a real. Enchanter with unlimited magical powers. With a twitch of her nose or an encantation, Samantha can make objects float, turn humans into animals, go back in time or just come up with a badly needed slogan when Darrin is stuck on an idea. You would think that Darin has won the lottery, but on the contrary, He is against his wife using witchcraft and strives for her to run a normal household. To put a wrench into the story, you have our third party The irascible Mother-In-Law Endora played by veteran actor Agnes Moorehead. Kudos to the comedic writing of Sol Saks with the unlimited verbal abuse Endora and Darrin exchange whenever she pops into the Stephens' living room which I personally enjoy. Every show has Darrin under the gun trying to put together a catchy slogan for a new campaign. Our fourth participant in the show is the silver-haired boss (as the weather blows,) Larry Tate (David White). Tate's character goes to no end in overly accommodating his new clients by having Samantha and Darrin have dinners at their home plus a two-drink minimum, to soften up the perspective client. Witchcraft somehow always gets in the way of things. In this story, Darrin is leisurely getting ready for work when dear old Mother-In-Law drops in with scroll in hand notifying the great Ticheba is coming to the Stephens' home. Endora and Samantha Tell Darrin that Ticheba (Ruth McDevitt) is Queen of The Witches. Upon her arrival, Ticheba tells them that she is abdicating her throne and the honor is placed on Samantha to the delight of Endora. Darrin on the other hand is staunchly opposed. Sam has no choice but to take the position of the new Queen with all the responsibilities. She ensures Darrin that she will do her duties during the midnight hours and fulfill her daily chores as a housewife. Meanwhile, a client of a lifetime offers a million-dollar account. Darrin is fantasizing about the implications of landing the deal but as I mentioned the client Mr. Rhorbach (J. Edward Mckinley) wants to see how the Stephens live. The conservative client is shocked by what he sees. The unexplainable events, (which I can't mention), are worth the wait. What I can tell you is this, You don't need to send in moving men when it comes to furniture. Plenty of the unexplained when it comes to the Stephens residence. I found myself laughing out loud. The appeal of this episode is credited to the special effects department. As I watch the reruns as an adult, there is a negative overtone of promoting alcoholism. During the run of the show Bewitched, hard drinks were paramount in every episode, i.e.fight with the wife? The result, go to the bar. Fight with the boss? The result, make it a double scotch. Watch Warlock Uncle Arthur dress up and fly like Superman? The result, have a triple scotch. Now I'll leak one spoiler here. Darrin loses the account as Mr. Rohrbach storms off the premises. Darrin's strategy in this episode is to go to the local tavern and drink endlessly till the Queen's (Samantha's) reign is over) which will take one calendar year to complete. As an impressionable youngster, I often wondered what I would drink after hard days' work? That's easy, a tall cream soda.

The Housemaid (1960)

Beware of the stairs

[4/10 · 3 March 2022]

Longtime housemaid Margaret decided to hang up her apron and retired. She faithfully cleaned our house for 7 years. At first, it was weird seeing a woman ironing clothes and scrubbing the linoleum, as my Mom was off doing errands. Margaret recommended a replacement. When I got off the bus from school, I came into the house to find my Sister upset sitting in our living room. I asked, "What's wrong?" With a choked-up response, "Mommy took the car and drove that drunk woman to the Q4 bus stop." Shocked by her spontaneous remarks, she also explained what occurred earlier when she arrived home from school. As she entered the house she heard noises coming from our basement. She slowly went down the steps and found a middle-aged woman drinking a bottle of liquor at our bar. The woman yelled over to her, "Where you goin, child? Wanna nip?" My sister high-tailed herself out of the house scared out of her wits, as she paced and started to cry wondering where Mom is? Luckily, my mother showed up a few minutes, later and tactfully escorted the inebriated floozy out of our home. Housemaid is another of my international film gems which keeps you wondering how terrible a situation gets festering into a gigantic disaster. This film was made in South Korea. Without spoiling the story, I personally felt that the beginning and the ending should have been edited out of the movie and let the story speak for itself without a second interpretation by outsiders. Mr. Kim (Jeung-nyeo Ju) is a piano composer hoping to score the big one getting one of his tunes published He also is a piano teacher giving private lessons in the privacy of own home. One of his actions will come back to haunt him. Kim lands a job as a music teacher in a factory. With the upgrade, he moves his pregnant wife played by Ju-Jeung who helps financially with the sewing, constantly working on a sewing machine in the home. The Kim's have two children, starting with the elder of the two, Daughter Ae-Soon (Lee-Yoon-n) who is physically challenged using crutches to get around. The younger sibling, the boy, Chang Soon (Ahn Sung-Ki) is basically a wiseacre, to his sister. With the extra won (Korean currency) coming in from the new factory position they hire a housemaid. On first impression, she looks frail and harmless and perfectly pulled off by actor Lee Eun-Shim. She comes off apprehensive and appreciative. Her body language speaks volumes as she aims to please rather than her attractiveness which I didn't see. New home, baby on the way with the extra helping hands of our Housemaid. Everything seems to be in place. Infidelity and other acts of unfaithfulness put a wrench in the works and totally disrupt the whole family. Great physical acting by Lee Eun-Shim as her layers peel off right before your eyes from timid housemaid to a treacherous force, spewing her venom throughout the household with threats and manipulation. Very visual and I would even claim you would get the gist of the movie without the use of the subtitles. Action-packed horror within the cramp confines. The kind of film you can't walk away from. You sit through the frustration and wonder how this family ended up in a world of trouble. Things go from bad to worse as the film progresses. Plus other factors manifesting into a macabre atmosphere.

Split Second (1953)

Nuclear Noir

[5/10 · 15 February 2022]

When you really sit down and think about outcomes in your life good or bad, the waiting aspect seemed the most difficult. A personal story comes into relevance here, Mother's Day 1975. My parents went away to Pennsylvania to visit my sister. They left me their station wagon for the weekend. My Father said, Don't do anything stupid with the car." I was working for a florist and it was my turn to deliver flowers that morning. I had 13 stops on my run. I started in Queens and worked my way to Nassau County. I figured I would be done by One o'clock in time to watch the New York Islanders playoff match on Television. With two stops to go in Valley Stream, the clock was spinning faster as one o'clock was shortly approaching. I had to make time so I stepped on the gas and slammed into a car which forced my car into a traffic pole. Thank goodness the seat belt saved me from smashing my face against the windshield. Within minutes the police showed up and the neighbors came out and surrounded the car. Thank goodness for my cousin Ira, who came to my rescue as we miraculously got the disheveled car started. I drove the car home and waited for my parents to return. The front of the vehicle looked like twisted steel. Oh, the waiting was excruciating. I've watched this Classic over and over again and I never get tired of watching this "group" hostage thriller. Basically, Three trigger happy, cold-blooded convicts escape to the Nevada desert taking hostages along the way. They end up in a Nevada ghost town, unfortunately, located near ground zero for an experimental nuclear blast, which is set to go off at 6 am depending on the weather. One of the three is wounded with a bullet in his gut. Bart played by Paul Kelly winces in pain as our villainous leader Sam Hurley (Steve McNally) barks out the orders wielding his pistol at the quartet of victims. The hostages are, recently divorced Kay Garven (Alexis Smith) and her newly acquired lover Arthur Ashton (Robert Paige), reporter Larry Fleming (Keith Andes), and the woman he just met Dottie played by Jan Sterling. An old weathered prospector who looks like he came out of a time Machine named Asa Tremaine (Arthur Hunnicutt) also joins the group. Richard Egan also appears in the film. Time and tempers grow short as the countdown begins in this hostage thriller. Physical violence and murder along the way, but the question is, will our hostages get far enough away in time? Strong performances from the cast as Steve McNally plays another heavy in a film. Arthur Hunnicutt tells tales of the west to his fellow captures as he goes on to break the stress of the impending doom. Alexis Smith plays a woman with zero integrity. Frank De Kova who plays the mute as part of the evil three convicts, you might recognize as Chief Wild Eagle on the comedy Show F-Troop. As for my situation and my Parent' return trip from Pennsylvania, The first thing they noticed was the wrecked car in the driveway. Despite another failure on my part, My Father was grateful I wasn't injured and no one else was hurt. When I think back it was the two hours of waiting that was the most painful.

Attack of the Puppet People (1958)

A Date with June. She comes in small and regular.

[4/10 · 14 February 2022]

One fall afternoon I was home alone when Chiller came on the television showing one of my favorite 50's Sy-Fi classics. As soon as the movie started I heard a knock on my back screen door. I peered out my upstairs window and saw my friends probably needing a fourth player for touch football. There was no way I was going to pass up an afternoon with the lovely blonde damsel in her dress June Kenney. The knocks turned to bangs as the boys were relentless. I wasn't budging. Another classic size-related Bert I. Gordon. I'm just a sucker for another Damsel in the distress-themed movie. Director Gordon is usually associated with Giants, i.e. Amazing Colossal Man and the Cyclops. This time Gordon shrunk the camera lens to display humans in miniature. Dollmaker/ inventor Franz (John Hoyt) made this shrinking machine and one by one deceives his victims and makes them small. Put them in plastic tubes with some sort of gas that makes them stationary and asleep. Newly hired and lovely Blonde Sally Reynolds (June Kenney) is Mr. Franz's secretary. At first, our jovial dollmaker is thrilled that his Dr. Jekly marionette is almost perfected. A Detective Paterson (Jack Kosslyn) arrives asking the whereabouts of the previous secretary. Mr. Franz replies by telling him that she suddenly went back east. Meanwhile, one of Franz's salesman Bob Westley (John Agar) takes an interest in Sally who reciprocates as the two lovers go dating as love blossoms in his convertible car. Bob proposes marriage and Sally excepts during a Burt I. Gordon Drive-in Movie. The next day Sally was dolling up for her wedding elopement but no word from Bob. She asks her Boss but he claims he left on short notice. Sally notices a glass case of people. From here on you'll have to watch the outcome yourselves. The special effects aren't that bad for low-budget productions. Other captive miniature players in the film include Laurie Mitchell, Ken Miller, Scott Peters and. Marlene Willis sings a cutesy song despite their dire situation of being trapped in Dollmaker Franz's workshop. In my opinion, Sally, June Kenny's presents steal the scenes for me as my heart starts thumping in all her loveliness. June Kenney's finest work to date. Famous screenwriter/ director Quenton Tarantino was also a fan of Ms. Kenney. Also appearing is Hank Patterson who plays the theatre janitor and watchman. You might remember Hank as the deadpan farmer and father of Television's most famous pig Arnold Ziffel. John Hoyt plays the heavy as the lonely Dollmaker who just wants to control everything. Susan Gordon plays the little girl in the film as her Father/Director Bert paid for her SAG card I'm sure. When the film ended I headed toward the park and joined in the football game. Dropped many a pass thinking of June.

Morris from America (2016)

Polite Racism Morris the fish out of water.

[4/10 · 9 February 2022]

Even at the tender age of five, I knew what it was like to be different. Being of the Jewish faith,all my friends were Gentile and went to a different school. Even in my own household I was the only male sibling among the three sisters. Health wise, I was among the only student in my class with bronchial asthma. These differences seem so minuscule by comparison. Let me multiply the situation a bit further. Your 11 or 12 years of age. All your friends and neighbors are the same race. They speak the same language. Have the same local customs. Then your parents announce some shocking news no kid wants to hear, "We are moving." But wait there's more. We are moving to a different country far away where the people speak a different language. Welcome to the world of 13 year old Morris Gentry. This stocky tween of color is thrown into a world of precision and the unfriendliness of Modern Germany. Morris is played by Markees Christmas as he ventures out into the town famous for its city scapes and where the first printing press was invented Heidleberg, Germany. Like most kids of Generation C he is attached to his devises i.e., laptop, IPhone. His Dad (Craig Robinson) recently lost his wife to illness, suggests he gets out and makes some friends. He is also prodded by the charming German tutor Inka (Carla Juri). Right from the start you see a reluctant young man of color thrown into the pool with Aryan sharks all around. Morris makes his way to the youth center where he pretty much keeps to himself. A few of his male counterparts are playing basketball as they suggest he joins them as they mock him openly calling him Kobe, This reference was after the top National Basketball Player of that era Kobe Bryant. Morris defiantly shows his disinterest until a girl catches his eye,and only in the movies, comes over and strikes up a conversation. The Blonde flirty Fraulein Katrin (Lina Keller) is breath of sunshine as Morris starts to show signs of receptiveness. She asked him what his talent is and he responds by telling her that he is a Gangsta Rapper. Katrin walks with him. They eat together. She even invites him over her house but I don't want to give this story away. Director and creator Chad Hardigan takes us through the eyes and ears of Morris as he tries to fit into a world that shows racism in a different manner. He is basically used as a prop by his peers but you'll see the subtle insults by his German counterparts. Combined with growing up into manhood with all its awkwardness and pratfalls, that comes with the territory, his dilemma is multiplied with a foreign twist. A truthful look and reactions to someone of color roaming the streets of Europe. A film that strikes a chord with anyone who feels different from the masses. Breakout role for Markees Christmas who is appealing in any language.

Mary Stevens, M.D. (1933)

Way Ahead Of It's Time

[4/10 · 3 February 2022]

Having three siblings, all-female, I never questioned the strength of women. My oldest Sister Elaine was talented in so many ways. Musically inclined, excellent marksmen, horse trainer, Community Organiser, a collector of Photography and she even flew solo in a single-engine airplane but doesn't speak French. Seriously, I never felt that the opposite sex couldn't handle many professions such as Law, Politics and the medical field. This brings me to a forgotten film from a forgotten actress Mary Stevens M. D. Starring Kay Francis. It was the date of the film that tickled my interest, 1933. !933? Before Roosevelt, before the New Deal, Pearl Harbor, and World War II. A female Doctor during the height of the depression with all those obstacles and stereotype reactions from patients male and female. Mary Stevens and her male friend Don Andrews (Lyle Talbot) have just finished their residency (post-graduate training) from Medical school. They decide to open a practice in New York Neighborhood with Mary specializing in pediatrics. Their relationship is platonic on the surface, but Mary does have feelings for Don as her strong, supportive nurse Glenda played by Glenda Farrell suggests. Right from the start, Dr. Mary battles a knife-wielding ethnic man whose wife is in labor, refusing her services cause she is a woman. Even a woman refuses her services and makes a u-turn out of her office. Mary is unaffected as patients fill the office over time as her Partner Don starts to date socialite Lois Cavanaugh (Thelma Todd) who's Father Hobart (Alf Simmons) is head of The state Medical Board and puts Don in an important position of power. Don decides to leave his practice and sets his sights for marriage to Lois and money. He also gives Mary an office next to his as her reputation grows as a fine Doctor. Meanwhile, Don starts to squander funds and drinks. Jealousy and mistrust cause Don and Mary to separate. Don escapes from the authorities in New York for West Virginia. Two years pass as Mary and Don reunite in West Virginia as Don falls for Mary but complications of divorce and deceit and pre-marital pregnancy come to the forefront of the film. Taboo subjects for that time in film making. This film was made before the Hays code which censored certain words, nudity, promoting drugs and, racial profiling. I had one problem with the film using a made-up serum for a virus called infantile paralysis. Technically called "Polio" the cure didn't happen for another 20 years by Dr. Jonas Salk. I was most impressed with the acting of Kay Francis, who shows the gamut of her range from a strong self assured woman to a woman on the edge of a mental breakdown. Lyle Talbot shows us that he could have some sex appeal and play a drunk. But the straw that stirred this movie was Glenda Farrell showcased her strength and compassion plus some well-timed quips along the way for flavor in a scene. Spoiler alert: I was also impressed with the Baby used in the film. Laughing all the time. I don't know what the studio did to keep the infant so attentive but it worked.

The Cape Canaveral Monsters (1960 TV Movie)

Critics agree, A great title for a movie.

[3/10 · 31 January 2022]

During the cold weather months, I would come home from school and hit the books for hours of intense homework. NOT!! Instead, I would watch channel 11 WPIX in the New York market. Day after day I would waste valuable time watching their afternoon lineup of mindless shows starting with Popeye and ending with F-Troop. During the commercials, the booth announcer for WPIX would read a promotional trailer showing two disheveled grownups in jumpsuits, a woman with a grimy smudged face and an older man with his arm missing. The booth announcer's voice underneath tells the audience as follows," THE CAPE CANAVERAL MONSTERS will be on Chiller this Saturday night at 8:30." The title alone captured my attention. I was always fascinated with space exploration and anticipated with excitement those rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. Chiller is going to present monsters and space travel I can hardly wait. Our movie begins with a middle-aged couple relaxing on a beach. A gaunt 50-year-old male puffing on a pipe as his female counterpart comes towards him after a swim. They pack up and drive away as two bright orbs float into the car causing the vehicle to crash. Two stark figures are dead and bloodied. I noticed, even as a 7-year-old what appears to be a mannequin arm hanging over the car door. The orbs meld with the dead humans but the male, Hauron (Jason Johnson) forgot to take his severed arm as the dominating female Nadya (Katherine Victor) tells him to take it back to the cave and she will sew it on. Amputation alone is tough to witness at that tender age, but I must keep watching for more gore if any. Meanwhile, back at Cape Canaveral central headquarters. The scientists are baffled. After each unmanned launch, the rocket ship would explode. Our resident scientists Tom Wright (Scott Peters) and Sally Markham (Linda Connell) with the oversized spectacles to make her look more ridiculous have an attraction towards each other, much to the objection by the head scientist Dr. Von Hoften (Billy Greene). Despite obvious flaws in the set and continuity issues, for example, mountains and rough terrain which does not exist in the State of Florida. The issue of Hauron's arm, which you could use as a drinking game when it appears on and when it's torn off. Sally's oversized glasses with no lenses are obvious to the naked eye. Oh, by the way, get that woman, Nadya. A washcloth. As for the acting, Billy Greene's overexaggerated accent was annoying as the discerning head Scientist. Deaths do occur during the movie but are not actually shown, i.e. Amputation of body parts. As for the players in this film, Old man Wesson played by Brian Wood tries to steal scenes but comes across as farcical. The sheriff (Lyle Felisse) looks more like a big city crook than a small-town chief deputy. Billy Greene (Dr. Von Hoften), as the head of the space launches, has a European accent as good as mine. The only decent performances goes to our two diabolical aliens. Katherine Victor plays a strong woman. Very formidable and demanding. As I viewed this movie recently, over a span of 50 plus years, I noticed that this story was plagiarized in a Star Trek episode entitled RETURN TO TOMORROW where alien forms take over the human body in the same manner. It's a bad movie with all of the elements. Poor lighting, sketchy editing, stock footage, and poor music selection. But it has a good flow as the scenes and dialogue didn't drag along. It's probably writer-director Phil Tucker's best work which doesn't say much. Makes you wonder if Ed Wood and Phil were classmates in Film school and both finished at the bottom of their class.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Horseplayer (1961) Season 6, Episode 22

The Lord works in mysterious ways

[5/10 · 16 December 2021]

While attending community college on Long Island, I would spend most of my downtime studying. NOT!!! Instead, I would go and play video games at an establishment called "Pinball Palace." The joint was run by James Johnson. A tall fellow, lanky in stature with a toothpick attached to the side of his mouth. Every so often he would ask me to go to the Off Track Betting office and place bets for him, mainly harness racing. Oddly, he would rarely ask me for the receipt /ticket stubs for the purchase. I would offer the stubs but he would say, "You Hold 'em." One day I got to thinking instead of going to place the bet, just pocket the money in hopes of him losing. Such a despicable act on my part, but I figured as long as the losing streak would continue I might as well reap the harvest of his bad luck. The Horse Player is a curious sort of story about a Church in a badly needed repair. The elder priest who runs the parish, Father Amion (Claude Rains) finds large denominations of bills in the collection box. Each day he would receive generous donations when a Mr. Sheridan (Ed Gardner) comes forward and tells the curious Father his recent philanthropy toward the church. Sheridan tells him that the power of prayer and attending daily Mass is due to his winning streak at the Horse Track. Father is baffled at first but realizes that gambling winnings can fix his leaky roof. Sheridan offers the Priest a no-miss winner in tomorrow's race. The priest jumps at the chance and throws in all his savings on Sally's Pal. Then the priest realizes that gambling is sinful and asks the Bishop (Kenneth McKenna) for advice. The Bishop instructs the Priest to pray for the horse to lose. The results are astounding as only a Hitchock directed story would develop. Ed Gardner's performance was so natural as our trackside prognosticator and plays well off the kindly Claude Rains. This is one of 17 episodes Alfred Hitchcock directed in his titled half-hour program. Luckily I also used the power of prayer and prayed for the horse not to win and Jimmy was no more the wiser.

Thriller: The Remarkable Mrs. Hawk (1961) Season 2, Episode 13

Impermanence is the curse of the eccentric.

[5/10 · 2 December 2021]

I attended a Jewish Parochial school in my youth. This learning institution tried their best to teach us about the dietary laws handed down from generation to generation. An indoctrination of what you could eat abiding by the laws of Kashruth. For those who are not familiar with that term a simple definition is Jewish laws concerning the suitability of food. Simply the observance of eating only kosher foods. It didn't take long before I strayed and entered Young's Tea garden Chinese restaurant for some Pork Ribs. In 1960 National Broadcasting Company ran a competitive TV series called "Thriller". Hosted by the deep throated distinguished actor of mostly Horror movies, Boris Karloff. In this episode, The remarkable Mrs Hawks, the series crosses over to horror and black magic. Jo Van Fleet plays a high shrilled slightly aged owner/ femshep of blue ribbon hogs. She runs a farm and seems to attract vagrants and the neighboring railroad hobo's as farm hands. There is no shortage of pigs on this farm. The help checks in to work on two feet and leave on four hooves. One such well read vagrant, a Mr. Longfellow played by the colorful actor John Carridine. Longfellow, formally a Phi Beta Kappa is on to Mrs. Hawks diabolical disposal of his friend Johnny (Bruce Dern). He reads up on Greek mythology and the his discovery is quite shocking. The heir apparent Pete (Hal Baylor) who, on his first night saw unbelievable sights of black magic, tries to leave the grounds, but greed also falls into play as curious Longfellow has monetary plans. Instead of notifying the local sheriff (Paul Newland), tries to extort Mrs. Hawks and her secret. A fascinating script that was very effective. No gore or gross visual effects to speak of but you're riveted to this hour long mystery. Jo Van Fleet does a masterful job and is always in control of the situation. Consistently slippery and cunning throughout the story you won't be disappointed. As for my edible journey outside my kosher world, I tried the pork spare ribs and they were a gastronomical wonder.

Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

Before your next trip to San Francisco, watch this movie

[5/10 · 12 November 2021]

American travel expert Rick Steves who has practically traveled the globe to fascinating destinations shares his discoveries for the common tourist. Mr. Steves produced and starred in his Public broadcasts travel shows. He also had written 24 travel books guides. Steves stressed the fact that before traveling to a foreign country, you should research the landscape. Take a moment to learn the basics of the local culture and customs when you decide where you want to travel. My wife and I happen to watch Escape from Alcatraz about the infamous daring escape from one of the most escape-proof prisons in America. This was the fifth and last collaboration between Producer/Director Don Siegel and Clint Eastwood. A falling out was developed by the two. A compromise combined the two forming the Malpaso Siegal Productions as Eastwood and Siegal reconciled and the production was finally underway. As for the movie, Alcatraz was perfectly crafted in every detail, restoring the dilapidated prison to look as it was in 1963. Director Siegal was no stranger to the Island penitentiary visiting the "Rock" in the mid-1950's researching "Riot In Cell Block 11 when it was still operational. Eastwood was no stranger to the Island either filming on-location scenes in the Sequel to Dirty Harry, "The Enforcer". The movie observes in detail the well-planned escape from the Island as Eastwood plays Frank Morris who was sent there as a "bad egg" Referred by the current Warden (Patrick McGoohan). The film shows the indoctrination of the newly received convict. He meets a veteran inmate English who explains the laws of the land and personally you'll enjoy the well-written quips and exchanges by the two throughout the film. Morris also encounters the dominant psycho Wolf (Bruce Fischer) who wants him as his bondsman. On a milder note, he does have his own circle of inmates. Doc played by Robert Blossoms, Litmus (Frank Ronzio), Butts (Larry Hankin) and his two bookends, the Anglin Brothers Clarence. (Jack Thibeau) and John.(Fred Ward). Morris discovered that the salt air from the surrounding bay is causing the concrete to fracture. Basically, time and weather have beaten down the prison walls to point that basic silverware could be used to dig their way out. Stealing and switching hands is the norm to get the supplies they need for their daring escape. Meanwhile, the warden shows his dastardly exploits to the prisoners taking away what's left of the little privileges they have. Patrick McGoohan our main antagonist, with those deep blue eyes giving cold looks and pauses plays the Warden so meticulously. Despite some tense moments there always seems to be a calming demeanor in Eastwood's performances. So in conclusion when My wife and I traveled to the city by the bay. We took a tour of Alcatraz and we weren't disappointed. On the tour, folks asked where the Clint Eastwood cell was located?

Bright Victory (1951)

It takes a blind man to see the world more clearly.

[5/10 · 8 November 2021]

Sunday evening, the fall of 1965 watching the Ed Sullivan Show with my Grandpa Abe. Generations have passed since this landmark variety show aired on the CBS network. Mr. Sullivan was originally a columnist for a large New York newspaper who branched out to the new medium of television. Originally coined "The Talk Of The Town", the one-hour program was a rating success because Ed being a marketing genius, knew what the viewers wanted to watch. Ed would circle the globe to pick the best acts from music, opera, ballet, comedy, magic/novelty, and contemporary rock and roll groups. One such novelty act consisted of twenty-five men singing patriotic favorites, The U. S. Marine Corps choir. One of the men was Black as the camera gave a close-up shot to each of the participants. . When the camera came to the black soldier's closeup I began to laugh and said to my Grandpa he looks funny with those big lips. My Grandpa's disposition changed dramatically as his face was filled with irritation by my racial comment. His response was, "You don't know this man. For all you know he is probably the best singer in that group and maybe the best soldier on the base. I watched Bright Victory many years ago on the Million Dollar Movie. The movie starts as a typical war-oriented action movie but quite innocently. Sargent Larry Nevins (Arthur Kennedy ) gets stuck by a snipers' bullet to the head. Next, our recovering Sargent is recuperating in a stateside Army hospital for blinded soldiers. After getting over the shock of being permanently blind, he works on his disability by memorization and the use of a cane. Larry walks the hospital grounds and befriends a fellow recovering blind soldier named Joe Morgan (James Edwards). Larry's progression is going smoothly as he ventures into town and meets a bank teller. Judy (Peggy Dow) who also contributes her time at the hospital for disabled soldiers. One day Larry blirts out a racial comment in front of newly acquired friend Joe. What Larry didn't know is that Joe is Black Man. Larry's progress earns him furlough as Judy takes an interest in Larry. She invites him to her Brother-in-law's cabin for a weekend of fishing. There Larry meets Bill Grayson (Jim Backus). Bill explains to Larry that his life is not over and tells him about a Blind lawyer friend he wants him to meet. Judy professed her love for Larry but Larry says he has a fiance in his southern hometown. More obstacles and life lessons for Larry as he ventures down south to his hometown. I personally learned a few life lessons by watching this film. The mirror scene got to me personally as Larry learned for the first time that his vision was permanently gone but this doesn't ruin the story. We learn that there are kind and caring strangers out there. We also learn that you judge people not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Notable players in the film,. Will Geer plays Larry's father. Julie Adams as Larry's fiance. Others participants; Larry Keating as the blind lawyer with an eye-opening pitch for his future. Richard Egan, Minor Watson, and, mentioning Minor, Rock Hudson and, Murray Hamilton in minor rolls. I often think back to that evening with my Grandpa watching the Marines singing in harmony and my error in profiling someone who is different.

City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994)

Wayne Newton, ELEVEN!

[5/10 · 25 October 2021]

September 2001, a few weeks after the tragedy that rocked America and the world. I was working for an armored company making deliveries to jewelry companies throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. We delivered various items including gold and silver grain, but what really dazzled me was the first time I actually saw and held a real bar of gold. So shiny, exquisite perfection in its purest form. I personally enjoy sequels despite the views of the majority of film critics across the country. It's basically hit or miss. Moreover, the sequel is a casting department nightmare getting actors from the original together and recreating the magic that made it a success the first go-round. City Slickers II is a continuation of the life of Radio executive Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal) now living in Suburbia with his family and a new edition bull named Norman. Mitch in his possession has a hat belonging to the late trail boss Curly Washburn from the previous movie. One night Mitch naked, wearing a bow tie to please his over-aroused wife (Patricia Wettig) seems to see images of Curly outside his bedroom. Mitch battling his radio job where management suggests he fire his close friend Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern). Phil left his wife along with his in-laws to latch on to Mitch for a new start and livelihood at the radio station. Mitch takes Phil home to celebrate his 40th birthday and to try to break the awful news to him in a comfortable setting. While riding the Metro-North train, Mitch sees Curly again. Either Curly dug himself out of the ground or Mitch is having a nervous breakdown. Upon their arrival, Mitch is mortified to learn that his deadbeat brother Glen (Jon Lovitz) is there. He appears from the den watching TV and stuffing his face. Phil wonders if Glen will recite the Godfather routine? Glen performs the Hyman Roth dialogue on demand which I found entertaining. Mitch shows Phil Curly's hat which they discover has a treasure map with a piece missing from the map by L. Washburn. The next day Phil and Mitch head to the library to research the piece of the map and learn that there was a train robbery by Lincoln Washburn, Curly's Dad. Washburn hid the gold bullion in the Nevada desert outside Las Vegas. The bounty today would be valued at 20 million dollars. As a guise, Mitch tells his wife that he is going to a convention in Las Vegas when in reality the trio Mitch, Phil and, Glen are out to search for the gold with the fragmented map. The clueless trio with picks and shovels and no sense of direction and no sense period trek across rough terrain in hopes of a long shot at finding the gold. The success of the first film City Slickers was putting two gloom-ridden guys pushing forty into the rugged southwest learning a new trade of being real-life cowboys. The brochure also claims they will bring in a herd of cattle and that would bring a smile to their faces. The success of that movie was the human interest side of each person and how they dealt with their frailties and overcame them. In this film, the real treasure wasn't finding the gold but discovering the real integrity, honesty of each of the characters. Maybe in most cases of the human condition, this could be that one thing Curly stressed in the first film. This film minus Bruno Kirby doesn't hurt the film and would eliminate some badly needed comedy if Bruno was in place of Jon Lovitz. Jack Palance does show a more human open side in this movie, but to show how he is connected, well, you'll have to watch this adventure unfold.

King Creole (1958)

Crawfish CRAWWWWFISH!

[5/10 · 20 October 2021]

It was my senior year in college. A year earlier I was plagued by trouble, most of my own doing. First, I got caught flattening a tire of a guy who threatened my friend. Secondly, I spoke out against the faculty running the College radio station. When I look back on these acts, they were stupid and unnecessary. My senior year came and a new crop of unruly students entered my dorm. Especially the ones that lived above my room. Blasting their stereo all night after night. I couldn't take it anymore so I took things into my own hands as I broke into the room above and damaged the stereo. A witness turned me in. Despite those infractions, the college gave me multiple chances, but I went to the proverbial well too often which got me suspended from the College. So close to graduating. In this movie, King Creole, 19-year old Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) is cleaning up before school in a New Orleans dive. During his cleaning duties, he rescues a woman patron Ronnie (Carolyn Jones ) from an abusive date. For his chivalrous act, Ronnie drives him to his high school. Upon his arrival, for all his classmates to see, she kisses him. Taunted by one of the students Danny proceeds to punch the kid in the mouth as witnessed also by his teacher Miss Pearson played by Helen Hatch. Miss Pearson had enough of Danny's poor attitude and is immediately summoned to the principal's office. You see it's the last day of high school for Danny and his second attempt at graduating from school. Danny and Principal Evans (Raymond Baily) have a heart-to-heart talk about his infraction. On behalf of Danny's defense, he explains, his unemployed Pharmacist's father (Dean Jagger) is in a downward spiral ever since his Mom died in an accident several months ago. Danny has to work before and after school to pay the bills with the help of his sister Mimi (Jan Shepard). The Principal insists that his hands are tied and prohibits Danny from graduating a second time. Danny walks out and quits and takes his chances hustling for a buck here or there. On the street, he encounters a local gang led by Shark (Vic Morrow). Shark orders his gang to attack Danny but he defends himself so well Shark asks him to join. The gang uses Danny as a diversion with the use of his velvety voice as he mesmerizes the masses with ballads in a local drug mart in which Shark and the gang perform their petty larceny. All but one is wise to the shenanigans, counterperson Nellie played by Delores Hart. Taken by Danny's looks she doesn't turn him in. Coincidentally Danny's Father gains employment at that particular establishment. Later That night Danny is working at the Blue Shade nightclub where Ronnie pretends not to know him. She tells her boyfriend Maxie Fields (Walter Matthau) she heard Danny sing once. Danny performs the song "Trouble" which I personally enjoy. Meanwhile, Danny's singing talents catch the eye of the owner of a club called King Creole. The club's owner. Charlie (Paul Stewart) hires Danny to sing. Tensions mount from all sides The gang, the club owners, the abusive behavior of Maxie as the film transforms into a film noir genre with Danny caught in the middle. This is truly Elvis Presley's finest work. I never get tired of watching this film. My first introduction to the Cresent City and its culture of the adult American playground called New Orleans. The opening despite being filmed in Black and white gives you a curiosity of things to come as you hear the duet between the King, Elvis, and Kitty White singing "Crawfish". The movie was an anomaly for the childhood TV watcher of the '60s. Seeing Carolyn Jones as Morticia in the Addams Family and Walter Matthau in mostly Comedy motion pictures was unusual but their characters never wavered as Matthau played the villain in the film to perfection and MS Jones playing the gun mole was equally displayed as adequate. To my surprise, the screenwriter was Michael V. Gazzo who is associated with the film The Godfather II as he plays screechy-voiced informant Frank Pentageli. To this day I wonder if I had finished College would my life be different. Despite my poor decisions could I go back and time and get through to that stupid kid?

Buster and Billie (1974)

A Hard Lesson in the Meaning of True Love.

[5/10 · 28 September 2021]

I remember my first double date with my older sister and future brother-in-law. That was a milestone in my young life at the time. I never felt so grown-up. By chance, we picked at random the movie Buster and Billie. I had no idea what I was about to see. Never saw a trailer for this picture. Wasn't familiar with the actors either. We just took a chance. Our movie starts in a small Georgia town post World War II. Buster Lane (Jan Michael Vincent) is our lead character in this love story. Popular and handsome, this high school senior is set to marry his high school sweetheart Margie Hooks played by Pamela Sue Martin. The typical alpha couple is destined to be Prom king and queen. Everything seems in place, but the issue of intimacy gets in the way as Buster wants more. Meanwhile, Buster's group of male buddies finds ways around relieving themselves sexually by visiting a mountain girl named Billie (Joan Goodfellow). At first glance, you see a helpless. Demure young Billie excepting sexual acts. Very rough for anyone to witness as Whitey (Robert Englund) yells phony "love you" innuendos while working up his personal climax. Buster joins his buddies in coitus at Billie's expense but this time Buster has feelings for her. He drives to her home in the woods and brings her trinkets and a relationship is developing. A beautiful thing to watch. The chemistry between Buster and Billie was so natural. I personally felt like I was on a first date with the shy reactions of Billie not knowing Buster's true intentions. Then he started to take her to Church which had the congregation in an uproar and then he boldly takes her to the School dance which was not well received by the classmates. The moral of this love story is simple. Don't be preoccupied with the masses and go with your heart. Follow your heart. Around the time this movie was made, there was a resurgence of Nostalgia, especially in the era1950's. Hollywood had many programs dedicated to that time. I thought this movie would follow with malt shops and sock hops but instead, it was a case study on peer pressure and shaming. I was shocked to learn that the character Whitey the Albino was played by Robert Englund who later gained fame as the deadly in your dreams Freddie Krueger. Pamela Sue Anderson also blossomed her career as the TV detective in the Nancy Drew Series. I was taken aback by the acting of Jan Michael Vincent who before this film had a small role on a Dragnet episode. It's a shame they don't show this film more often. Like most romance movies, well, I can't give the ending, just watch!

Columbo: A Friend in Deed (1974) Season 3, Episode 8

I Live Here!

[5/10 · 24 September 2021]

Profiling can be hazardous to one's own self. Judging someone by their appearance or speech without really knowing that person can end up biting you in the blank. One night back in my teen years I was involved with some mischief with my two friends who decided to shoot bottle rockets at a neighbor's front door. We fired the missiles. The rockets exploded on the front porch as we ran for safety in my friend's home a few doors down. We entered his home from the rear entrance. Meanwhile, at the front entrance, which opened to the huge living room, my friend's parents were simultaneously throwing a party. We settled in my friend's bedroom for cover. A few minutes passed and to our surprise, my friend's father opened his door. He asked his son if we shot fireworks at the neighbor's front porch and my friend quickly confessed. My personal contact or experience with my friend's father was basically that he seemed affable, laid back basically mild-mannered. He told us that the neighbors rang the bell and knocked on the front door in anger. They began to yell and complained that they saw three teens running toward our home after they fired fireworks on their front porch. The father's response started as usual, where he actually started to laugh about the prank when actually he was baiting us. We laughed along with him and then his demeanor changed one hundred and eighty degrees to anger as he personally degraded each of us for our stupid act. The detective series Columbo starring Peter Falk is about a disheveled wrinkly Los Angeles Police lieutenant who solves murders without the use of guns or brut force. Instead, he uses relentless questioning and cerebral methods to solve his cases. Each episode shows how the murder was performed in detail. Most of these murders are elaborately done using electronic devices. Columbo, situated in the Los Angeles area has our slovenly looking detective involved in solving murders. At first impression, you would assume he would be hunting criminals in Skid row or East L. A., but instead, he deals mostly with the elites in showbusiness, wine connoisseur, architects, college professors, and even iconic movie stars. Because of his non-threatening appearance, his suspects do not take him seriously This episode which in my opinion is very unique. As he is trying to solve a double murder in the posh Bel-Aire section. The problem Columbo has is that he's up against his boss. As the episode moves along, all the leads point to his boss the Deputy Police commissioner Mark Halperin played by Richard Kiley. Even in the early stages, our ruffled detective is Stymied as he questions his boss about the irregularities in how these murders were performed. Columbo asked his boss how soap and lather were found in his dead wife's lungs when she supposedly drowned in their swimming pool? During the entire episode, the arrogant Commissioner would berate Columbo threatening his job, but our detective also has one more trick up his wrinkled sleeve. This personally is my favorite ending in the entire Columbo series but you have to watch this unfold in its entirety. Fine script by Paul Fischler and a fine performance by Val Avery. I was also surprised that the episode was directed by Ben Gazzara. The point I was making earlier was that I never took my Friend's father seriously figuring he was a softy. His reaction was pretty hard.

Hatari! (1962)

A Beautiful Slice of Africa, No Inoculations Necessary

[4/10 · 20 September 2021]

My oldest sister and first cousin are true to nature lovers. The both of them set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Dark Continent, Africa. What better way to see the animal kingdom in its natural setting than in the vast open outback of Eastern Kenya. There they were wearing the usual attire, Khaki clothing, boots, and pith helmets. As their convoy of jeeps and cargo trailers made their way deeper into the bush. Civilization as they were familiar with, was gone. Upon their arrival, They unloaded the trailers, pitched their tents, and ate their dinner from an open fire. The guides stress some important rules for the group. One such rule was ignored by my cousin. After dinner as the sun sets over the Serengeti, most of the others went inside their tents. Cousin and Sister were gazing at the stars as two adorable monkeys appeared begging for nourishment. My cousin couldn't resist those adorning eyes from the little cuddly-looking simians. No sooner. My cousin opened her satchel and pulled out a large bag of trail mix. She began to toss the berry and nut kibble to her little furry friends as two monkeys became four and then eight and by the time she finished the last of the mix, there were two dozen monkeys waiting for more. Hatari is another of those films I personally get lost in. An anomaly for John Wayne fans who are used to seeing him tall in the saddle out west settling the law with his six-shooter. Our story takes place in eastern Africa, Tanganyika to be exact, Home base is the Momella Game farm owned/ inherited by Brandy de la Court (Michele Girardon) where our trappers live and work. Their days are spent using off-road vehicles, lasso and, cage traps to capture their bounty. Sean Mercer. (John Wayne) runs the expedition. The rest of the crew is culturally diverse. An ex-bullfighter whose name is Luis (Valetin De Vargas) a native American,"Little Wolf" (Bruce Cabot), A New York City cab driver called Pockets (Red Buttons), and a German race car driver. Kurt is played by Hardy Krueger. Our story starts out with an accident causing Little Wolf to need a blood transfusion. At the Hospital as the crew members wait, Enter. French marksman Chips (Girard Blain) wants to work for the game farm but Kurt and Chips have an altercation, but despite their contempt for each other, Sean hires Chips as they make their way back to the compound. Upon their arrival, we meet the lovely and. Tenacious Anna Maria "Dallas" De'Allesandro (Elsa Martinelli). Dallas as she is called came unannounced but as insurance, she shows the reluctant Sean her letter that she was hired by the Bazel Zoo who is the compound's biggest client. The crew takes a shine to her which isn't hard to imagine but her real love interest is Sean. The hook in this adventure is the trapping scenes. Now, this might sound a bit caustic by today's standards with the animal activists groups preaching cruelty to animals, but for the most part, the capture of animals was tastefully done. There are some cute scenes involving Elephants and mud baths. The comical Elephant Walk music by Henry Mancini earned him a Grammy Award. The only downside was the forced romance in the screenplay. The aging John Wayne and the young and stunning Elsa Martinelli I personally found awkward. Despite the forced romance, just soaking up the African countryside was a true feeling of escapism from the daily grind of my urban existence. Some might find this film displeasing, terrible to watch putting animals in cages. I guess I'm from an older generation and not that I have malice toward the animal kingdom but a place to take my Grandkids on sunny afternoon instead of traveling thousands of miles to the far reaches of Africa. As for my sister and cousin, they went inside their tent and within minutes the monkeys were screaming for more trail mix. They destroyed the makeshift kitchen and scratches all the tents apart. The next day they moved the site to a different area.

Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953)

I'm Taking a One Hour and Twenty Three Minute Holiday

[4/10 · 20 July 2021]

One of my most cherished memories was my first family vacation. Traveling north in a cramped fin-styled red and black Plymouth, we approached the Adirondack mountains. Situated in the middle in all its grandeur is the turquoise-laden Lake George. Certain sights and smells transport me back in time. When I see a neon sign it reminds me of the motel where we resided. The smell of plastic from a beach ball in which we spent lazy afternoons splashing in the pool and lastly, the sounds of cards shuffling as other guest spent their days playing bridge. Just a simple, relaxing vacation in the country. Monsier's Hulot's vacation gave that same visceral response. Hulot (Jacques Tati) is driving to a European seaside hotel for some rest and relaxation in a scanty car that doesn't quite suit him. To describe our Monsier Hulot you see a tall, gangly pipe-smoking individual who is friendly yet for the most part ignored by the other guests. Despite his clumsiness, you find him most captivating just waiting for the next mishap. Here you have a hotel with their clientele and this tall awkward loner who gets entangled in everything he interacts with. Despite being ignored it doesn't diminish from the storyline of carefree summer days. The sight gags are meticulously timed. I love the scene when Hulot is painting his Kayak on the ocean shore with the paint can floating in and out with the tide. Each time the paint can float toward him, Hulot would dip his brush into the moving can. Another example of this comic genius would be Hulot's boat folding/capsizing inward resembling a shark as our neighboring guest run to shore for cover. I also love the comical dexterity in Hulot's tennis serve. Each sight gag is meticulously timed to perfection and yet despite the failures Hulot is unaffected by the result. As for Hulot nothing goes as planned but it's perfectly fine because we're on holiday and it's time to step back and breathe easy between laughs. I also noticed that there aren't any closeups of Hulot. Tati who is a master of mime wanted to showcase his whole body rather than his facial expressions that you would see in other physical comedy stars the likes of Chaplin, Keaton, More recent Jerry Lewis or Lucille Ball. This film engrained in my thoughts, those past vacations many decades ago and from now on each time I watch this movie, it will be like coming back for a new summer season of fun. It's like returning to that Motel with the green neon trim all over again.

An American Pickle (2020)

Fiddler on the Pickle Barrel?

[3/10 · 1 July 2021]

On my way home from Florida flying on Delta Airlines, I noticed the movie screens recessed in the seat in front of me. One of the selections that caught my eye was a man who looked exactly like Tevye the milkman in the classic production of Fiddler on the Roof. I also love Pickles, so I chose this movie to pass the time heading north to my destination. My experience with actor Seth Rogen goes back to 2011 in the film the Guilt Trip. In that film Rogen playing a momma's boy opposite his domineering Mom Barbra Streisand. This film starts with Rogen's narration showcasing a bearded ditch digger Hershel Greenbaum, heavily made up with heavily accent. Having a meager life, the lonely Hershel meets the love of his life Sarah (Sarah Snook). Kudos to the makeup department for the authentic turn-of-the-century sets and local peasant characters. As I was watching I was wondering about my ancestors who struggled each day to make ends meet. The sets seemed authentic with the Russia/Poland village resembling the Fiddler on The Roof motif. (Not quite clear the locale), Sarah and Hershel Wed then Kosak's invade destroying their village. The two end up in America. Another blessed event occurs when Sarah is expecting. Hershel gains employment in a pickle factory. His job is mainly killing vermin with a cleaver. One day as fate would have it, Hershel accidentally falls into a pickle barrel. The factory workers are distracted and close the lid without knowing that their co-worker is trapped inside. Concurrently the Health Department condemns the building. One hundred years have passed as we see a decrepit building. Two youth stumble upon the dusty baron factory. They hear sounds emanating from an abandoned pickle barrel. To their astonishment they see the bearded relic submerge through the brine. Hershel appears unaffected. Apparently, the brine preserved Hershel who hasn't aged. Lack of continuity plays a role in this film as the Scientist or caregivers in handling this freak of nature (Hershel), have to educate and rehabilitate this one hundred old relic on how to adapt to his strange new environment of horseless carriages and buildings that touch the clouds, but this movie has only 88 minutes to tell its story. Hershel finds out that his last living relative is his Great Grandson Ben also played by Seth Rogen who lives nearby. Alone in his apartment Ben is unattached. He welcomes Hershel into his world unconditionally. Ben is a product of the computer online, web site age and is working passionately for 5 years on a project he hopes will sell. Pleasantries are exchanged as Hershel learns the fate of his beloved Sarah and wants to visit her grave. To his dismay, the cemetery is neglected and abutted by a superhighway. To add to the degradation, a tacky billboard is being erected which causes our story to go into a negative light with cultural differences between Ben and Hershel a sort of self-loathing erupts starting with Ben and Hershel in a scuffle causing them to be arrested. Hershel starts out on his own with a makeshift pickle cart. Jealousy and cultural, religious beliefs also cause problems for our Jewish Rip Van Winkle. To me personally, the loss of the old world cultures disheartened Hershel as he couldn't fathom his grandson not knowing how to say the prayer for the department or keeping with traditions. I would have rather had Ben ask Hershel about his time in history and his experiences in the old country. I solely would find that fascinating. But again the story has time restrictions. This was a good attempt in measuring Rogen's range as an actor playing a dual role. Despite the holes in the story, It kept my interest. I guess as the movie progresses Ben and Hershel recognize themselves as each other. They also realize that Ben existed within Hershel and Hershel's spirit lives through Ben. Currently living in a country that is divided, I didn't appreciate the writers putting in current political views to the clueless Hershel who fumbled verbally on the topic of Christianity. I would have preferred the fish out of tank responses rather than political correctness but that's my opinion.

Doc Hollywood (1991)

Country comfort. Please Clock in!

[5/10 · 16 June 2021]

Did you ever get stuck in places you didn't want to be? July 1973: With my younger sister away camp and my other siblings married and out of the house, my parents planned a trip to Maine for the long weekend. Being a teenager alone, I figured they would let me stay home to watch the house. I had no intentions of keeping them company on their trip north. My parents forced me to travel up to Connecticut for the 4th of July weekend and spend time with his Foreman and his family in a motel. There I was alone in a room spending time with this strange family. At least they gave me my own room. Now I'm stuck in Connecticut for three days. Doc Hollywood is basically a blossoming love story mixed with colorful supporting characters. Let's start at the beginning. Fresh out of Medical school Ben Stone (Michael J. Fox) decides he wants to become a plastic surgeon. A position opens in Los Angeles so our good doctor decides to drive cross country in his Porsche 356 Speedster. While driving, the Doc gets distracted and plows into a fence of the Local Mayor Nick Nicholson (David Ogden Stiers). The Doc wasn't injured but his sports car totally destroyed. The young Doctor finds himself immerse in the town of Grady made by the local judge. The decision of Judge Evans, was for the young sawbones as punishment to do public service at the local Hospital. Nurse Packer who runs the operation, is a brassy authoritarian typed wisecracking taskmaster played by Eyde Bryde. The hospital is a one-story wooden house complete with a cot for the doc to sleep plus a time clock which Doc Stone feels degrading. Our story shifts into a love interest when Stone meets the ambulance driver Vialula (Julie Warner). The incumbent resident Doctor of the town is the crusty Doctor/Poet Laureate Hogue (Barnard Hughes) who mocks the big city Doctor, hence Doc Hollywood. Through Doc Stone we shift to secondary stories as the two local mechanics keep sending away for repair parts. The unusual house calls Doc stone encounters adds to the movie. Reading to an illiterate family their mail by their request all the gossip from their relatives. The local insurance salesman (Woody Harrelson) plans to marry Viallula who doesn't know whether to beat up Doc Stone or sell him a life insurance policy. The dizzy Mayor's daughter played by Bridget Fonda, who has eyes for Stone. The writing is clever and sometimes heartwarming. You would expect a less intelligent dialogue from a sleepy squash capital of the world, but the characters and supporting residents want you to stay a little while longer. I especially like the boat scene with Doc and Lou are watching the fireworks. The events remind us of what a small town can offer. This made me wonder? Should the Doctor stay or should he go? As for my weekend, very few fireworks, but I got some relaxing time in the hotel pool. I noticed a familiar face poolside with a guitar in hand and it was TV legend Fred Gwynn. A group of patrons gathered around the lanky distinguished actor. Asking him all kinds of questions. Fred was there as a stage manager in a production of Our Town at the American Shakespeare Theater Stratford Playhouse. Fred told us about working with Brando and his early days after graduating from Harvard. The weekend wasn't as bad as I expected.

Monk: Mr. Monk and Little Monk (2005) Season 4, Episode 8

Traumatic Experiences Can Be So Vivid And Significant

[6/10 · 14 June 2021]

I can remember my first day of school at age five. I was petrified and remember walking into this huge bus with a vast array of riders from 4 different schools. I even recall the older students listening to The Four Seasons on their portable transistor radios singing their hit song Sherry. In this episode of MONK starring (Tony Shaloub) gets an assignment from an old classmate from his middle school days. This wasn't any old classmate, this was Sherry Judd (Donna Bullock), his first middle school crush. Sherry shows up at Monk's apartment. His assistant/helper Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard) answers the door and Monk stunned and panic-stricken reacts by saying he can't help her because of events from his past. But Natalie tells Monk that out of all the private Detectives in this town she picks you. To Sherry's amazement, she compliments Adrianne on how great he looks. Adrianne in turn gets that old feeling back from those lost days of yesteryear. Sherry tells Adrianne about the murder that took place in her home the previous evening when burglars broke inside and killed her housekeeper and then vandalize her Grandmother's portrait. Monk and Natalie go to the crime scene where the motives don't make sense. They are interrupted by Sherry's ex-husband who writes her an alimony check on the spot. To understand Super sleuth private detective Adrianne Monk's unusual, bazaar behavior, Besides the normal issues of lacking self-confidence with women, he also suffers from (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite his frailties, quirkiness, Monk is a full-fledged germaphobe with an endless pack of Sani wipes provided by his assistant Natalie, Despite all those difficult phobias, Monk views the world with more clarity, he is a genius when it comes to solving crimes. This episode flashes back to his middle school experience. Young and stocky with curly hair, Young, Adrienne (Grant Rosenmeyer) is controlled, constrained by his cold forbidding mother played to perfection by Rose Abdoo. Just looking at her you get the shivers. She is only in one scene, but it's worth a look. No hugs. Just firm handshake. In this episode, you see the makings of the foundation that formed the Monk of today. Young Monk and Young Sherry (Katelyn Pippy) are working together. Collect money for a school dance in a form of a bake sale. The school bully harasses Young Monk and Sherry which manifests into accusations of stolen funds against Sherry. This prompts young Monk on the case as the junior Sherlock Holmes. The story switches from past to present in an orderly fashion. History repeats itself here in this cleverly written story of past and current criminal cases. When as they say, as much as everything changes, some things never change. Young Grant captures the mannerism so naturally. Maybe they should have a spin-off series of Young Monk episodes. This story also shows second chances in life but to find out the outcome you must watch this memorable episode.

Forrest Gump (1994)

You know they let me cut the grass for free.

[6/10 · 11 June 2021]

My Grandmother took joy in gardening. I mean she really took joy in gardening/puttering. There she stood in my backyard with a rake in hand 5' tall and 85 lbs in a sundress and apron ready to work. As a youngster, I asked my Granny why she would work all day in the hot sun when she was in the leisure years of life? Forrest Gump is one of those films that is a fairy tale of a mentally challenged man who we follow from childhood to adulthood. What makes this movie appealing is the events in his life, whether it be historical or circumstantial. The scene starts with Forrest Gump sitting at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia waiting for the #9 bus to arrive. Gump is accompanied by strangers on the bus stop bench. He begins his life's story and his early years growing up in a huge boarding house. His mother, played by Sally Field Is a single woman who runs the estate. She is a take-charge type who emphasizes to young Forest that he can do anything if he puts his mind to it. She takes no gruff from the locals which reminds me a little of the Norma Rae character that Sally perfected in winning an Oscar a few years earlier. Gump had health problems being born with a curved spine and limited intelligence. Despite his afflictions, Gump attends regular school as he meets his first friend Jenny on the school bus. I must say I was taken by the performances of the child actors. Michael Conner Humphreys and Hanna Hall look so adorable sitting together on the bus (like Peas and Carrots.) We follow Gump's life meeting famous people from the boarding house and then fast-forwarding into his teen years with a penchant of running at record speed or as Gump puts it, "Runs like the wind blows." We follow Forrest, who ends up in College as an All-American Kick returner. While in college Gump has front-row seat to the end of segregated schooling and a trip to the White House. Next Forrest enlists in the Army and ends up in Vietnam. There he meets on the bus Bubba Blue who seems a little off, but constantly promotes his idea for his post-service plans of being a shrimping boat captain. The scenes from the jungle are captivating and rival some of the greatest war movies on the screen to date plus the musical soundtrack with songs from Jimmie Hendricks and Buffalo Springfield. There Gump meets his commander, Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise) who he becomes entangled in a heroic way. Gump gets wounded and while recovering, he takes up Ping pong and becomes an expert player. Gump represents the U. S. in the sport and visits mainland China. With his tournament money he earned plus a sneaker endorsement, Gump takes the money and buys a run-down Shrimping boat. While all this is going on, Gump would always keep up with Jenny (Robin Wright). The love of his life, Jenny strayed off to the hippie culture scene as the camera follows her experience experimenting in magazine modeling, showbusiness, anti-war protesting, and drugs. Gump and Jenny's paths cross a couple of times but only for a moment. More historical moments and famous people are edited throughout the movie. Multiple landscapes and urban dwellings fill the story as Gump's journey continues as Hanks's narration using a southern drawl underlines each scene. A potpourri of historical events well-edited putting Gump in the center. The visual and special effects are barely noticeable. When viewing I personally want to just run out of my home in the open country, but that only happens in the movies. As for my title, with all of Gump's accomplishments, the only time you see him truly at ease, besides keeping Jenny company, was when he rode his lawnmower over his personal acreage. Gary Sinise does quite a job physically and Sally Field a Mother Gump mentoring her deficient child should be a benchmark for parenting. Also, the undertones and subliminal messages of historical events past fill the story. Just another improbable journey that seems probable under the direction of Robert Zemeckis. As for my dear Grandmother, she always got the yard in order. Just one thing less to worry about!