hhbooker2-1 Reviews

Piedras (2002)

Monica Cervera of "Crimen Ferpecto" is the real star here!

[10/10 · 5 December 2006]

In life, we first organize stones (Piedras in Spanish) such as a career, family, friendship, and love. In this way, we shall find space between these to fit smaller stones, our small necessities. If you act in an inverse way, you will not have enough room for larger stones. The five protagonists in this film are women who have not been able to organize the large "stones" in their lives. Ramon Salazar, a Spanish motion picture director defines his first feature Stones in this way. The film tells the parallel, conflicting trajectory of five women: Anita (Monica Cervera, 1975-), Isabel (Angela Molina, 1955-), Adela (Antonia San Juan, 1961-), Leire (Najwa Nimri, 1972-), and Maricarmen (Vicky Pena, 1954-).All are endeavoring to remove the stones that insistently appear in their path or, worst, that are in their shoes. They are five Cinderellas in search of Prince Charming and a new chance in life. The best story of these five Cinderellas is that of Anita (Monica Cervera) who also stars in "20 Centimeters," "Busco," "Crimen Ferpecto," "Entre Vivir y Sonar," "Hongos," and "Octavia." Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Konga Roja (1943)

Konja Roja (Red Congo) lives up to their title!

[10/10 · 27 November 2006]

The supervisor of a banana packing plant (Pedro Gregorio Armendariz-Hastings, 09 May 1912 - 18 June 1963) is a target of union opponents in KONGA ROJA. While defending the members of the plant's union, and keeping their goals alive in the workplace, the supervisor is robbed by a band of bad guys. Little does he know his so-called best friend (Jorge Arriga) is one of the culprits. Amist the office politics and union protest, his life is further complicated by a romance with a singer (Maria Antonieta Pons, 11 June 1922 - 20 August 2004) at a port tavern. Maria Antonieta Pons was one of a half-dozen stars who extravagant costumes dance numbers earned them the nickname "Tropical Queens" from this film and created a style that lasted until the 1950s, and helped define the tropical-dancer genre known as "rumbera" films. Pedro Armendariz cut his career short when he committed suicide by a handgun at the age of 51, sad to say! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

School for Scoundrels (2006)

School for Scoundrels equal to the 1960 British original!

[10/10 · 17 September 2006]

School for Scoundrels (2006) with Billy Bob Thornton as as Doctor "P," which starred Alistair Sim (1900-1976) in the role of Mr. S. Potter. Ian Carmichael (1920-) was the original Henry Palfrey, played now by Jon Heder. Terry-Thomas (1911-1990) was Raymond Delauney, this time played by Scot Armstrong. It is said that writer-director Todd Phillips asked for Billy Bob Thorton for the part of the manipulative Dr.P, an instructor at the Learning Annex, A perfect foil was needed for Scot Anderson and Billy Bob Thornton; Billy Bob was considered the "anti-Christ," so they needed an actor who was 180 degrees different, that is when Jon Heder was brought into the picture, he comes across and naive and very nice. There are similarities in both the old film and the newer one; this one mixed broad comedic sequences with loads of heart. The actors were allowed to improvise while on the set. There was a diagram more or less to follow, but as they wanted the actors to be funny, they were asked to be a little more organic about their approach. It is a farce about one of life's losers who enrolled in a school that taught "one-upmanship." Of course it is a secret class taught after hours by a very suave untrustworthy character, Dr.P! He says he can turn mouse-like men into roaring tigers. As in the original where Henry Palfrey (Ian Carmichael) woes April Smith (Janette Scott 1938), Roger (Jon Heder) woes his secret love too! The entire film is funny and keeps you laughing from start to finish and you'll want to buy a DVD of it when they hit the market! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

The Untouchables: Ma Barker and Her Boys (1959) Season 1, Episode 2

Kate "Ma" Barker (nee Arizona Donnie Clark) & her boys

[10/10 · 14 September 2006]

Kate "Ma" Barker was born Arizona Donnie Clark on 8 October 1873 at Ashgrove, Missouri and died 16 January 1935, aged 58 years old. The actual degree of her criminality is in doubt. Though her children were undoubtedly criminals and their Barker-Karpis Gang committed a spree of robberies, kidnapping and other crimes between 1931 and 1935, it appears that the popular image of her as the gang's leader and mastermind is a myth. Though she must have known of the gang's activities and did help them before and after them after they committed their crimes, there is no evidence that she was ever an active participant in any of the crimes themselves or involved in planning them. Alvin Karpis ("Old Creepy") was born Alvin Korpowicz 10 August 1907 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and died 26 August 1979. He was the leader of the Barker-Karpis Gang, he said Ma Barker did not have the known-how to rob a bank. Her son Herman Barker was born 30 October 1893 and died 29 August 1927, by suicide during a gun fight with the police, not as a teenager as on the "Untouchables." Lloyd Barker was born in 1898 and was killed by his wife on 18 March 1949, and Arthur "Doc" Barker was born in 1899 and died in 1939, not in 1935 as in the "Untouchables." Fred Barker was born in 1902, he did die in 1935, but not the other two brothers.Ma Barker did die in Oklawwaha, Florida as suggested in the "Untouchables," they got that part right! Nonetheless, it is still an entertaining version of "a" Barker and her boys! The FBI did shoot it out with Ma and Fred, but it is not recorded Eliot Ness was there or not? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Ferpect Crime (2004)

The tragedy of an Elegant man

[10/10 · 13 September 2006]

This film is about the tragedy of an elegant man, Rafael, played by Guillermo Toledo. The most seductive and ambitious salesperson of a large department store who loves beautiful women, elegant clothes, and select environments. He considers himself blessed. He is convinced that one day his triumph shall be absolute. Rafael possesses a very distinct talent, he was born to sell. It is in his blood. That is why he works in a big department store. He has turned the ladies' section into his domain. The perfume girls are crazy for him.Rafael also has a definite goal in life. He aspires to become the new floor manager. His main rival for the position is Don Antonio Fraguas (Luis Varela), the veteran responsible for the gentlemen's section. Due to fatalities of fate, Don Antonio accidentally dies after a heated argument with Rafael. The sole witness of the crime is Lourdes (Monica Cervera), a very ugly, insignificant, and obsessive co-worker. Aware of the unusual situation, Lourdes begins to blackmail Rafael. She first obliges him to become her lover, then, her slave, and finally, her husband. Rafeal becomes exasperated to see his highly refined milieu degenerate to a vulgar-hell. In the verge of madness, he plots to end with Lourdes once and for all. This time Rafael, cannot commit a mistake. The motion picture is in the Spanish language with English sub-titles which are brief and very easy to read, even if they were not present, the acting speaks for itself in a universal language that crosses all boundaries. Respectfully yours, Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Hawaii Five-O: 'V' for Vashon: The Son (1972) Season 5, Episode 9

V for Vashon are the best 3-part episodes of Hawaii 5-O

[10/10 · 7 September 2006]

Chris Vashon (Robert Drivas 1938-1986) plays the son of Honore Vashon (Harold Gould née Harold V. Goldstein 1923-) and grandson of Dominick Vashon (Luther Adler 1903-1984) in the first episode of the trilogy titled V for Vashon; The Son, The Father; The Patriarch. Chris Vashon is the scion of an old-line Hawaii crime family, goes on a robbery spree. When Five-O catches Chris, his father Honore engineers an acquittal by bribing or removing witnesses, then on the final fling, Chris is shot by Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord 1920-1998), Chris drives home and dies. McGarrett is absolutely furious in the last ten minutes of this episode. His gun fight in the stairwell with Chris Vashon, while yelling "Halt! Halt!" Chris Vashon had it all, but being spoiled led up to the events that made his father say "My son is dead McGarrett and you killed him!" "No, no Vashon, you killed him, you and his grandfather, a long time ago!" "No, Vashon, no ... " with the scornful shake of the head. The facial expression expression of Dominick Vashon was priceless. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Daniel Boone: Fort West Point (1967) Season 3, Episode 25

Or . . . how Benedict Arnold sold West Point to the British

[10/10 · 27 August 2006]

In this version, Brigadier General Benedict Arnold is called General Hugh Scott (Kent Smith 1907-1985), Major John Andre the British spy (Bill Fletcher 1922-)and he is captured by Daniel Boone (Fess Parker 1924-) and his native American Indian scout Mingo (Ed Ames a/k/a Edmund Dantes Urick 1927-). Daniel Boone was born in 1734 and died in 1820, during the American revolution he stayed in Kentucky and later moved into the Ohio Valley after the war. He did not venture east to West Point in New York nor meet General Arnold or Major Andre. Three soldiers in General George Washington's militia captured Major Andre. There is no mention of a native American Indian traveling companion to Boone and had there been, unlike Mingo who goes to a tavern and has a drink with Boone, in real life he would have not been allowed to come in and it was against the law to sell alcohol to native American Indians until 1964. Hard to see how anyone could keep a straight face in the making of this episode? Boone was called an "Indian Killer" and doubtful he had any for friends. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, Caifornia

Mission: Impossible: The Brothers (1969) Season 4, Episode 11

Why did Jim Phelps deposit a dime in the phone's quarter slot?

[10/10 · 17 August 2006]

When Peter Graves goes to a telephone booth with an Out Of Order sign on the pay telephone, after he removes the temporary sign, there are three coin slots for 5-cents, 10-cents, and 25-cents. He deposits a dime into the quarter slot and unlocks the coin box with a key to start the tape record with Bob Johnson's usual message along with a large envelope of photographs. The story is about an Arab prince who made the King a prisoner, supposedly on a religious pilgrimage for the past six months. The Impossible Mission Force trick the plotters by faking an emergency operation when they convince the Prince's henchman, Colonel Hatafis that Prince Samandal needs a kidney from his brother, King Selim. The story is well constructed and plausible as usual!

Time Flies (1944)

Time Flies was a very funny motion picture I enjoyed immensely!

[10/10 · 25 July 2006]

TIME FLIES was a really nice motion picture that was able to combine comedy, drama, musical, and science fiction all into one seamlessly. It was plausible that a "Time Machine" of a spherical ball would be the most logical way to travel trough time to the time of William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I. The people who took the trip back in time fit right in with their stage and musical talent. One quaint scene was when "The Bard" (Will Shakespeare) was trying to complete a scene and the leading lady gave him the words he was fumbling with. A capital scene was when the gambler among the crew taught the "Virgin Queen" how to win with the old pea in a empty walnut shell half, the "Shell Game," and later they smuggle a motion picture camera and film into a jail cell and flash it on the wall frightening the guards who had never seen such "silver screen" images on the wall of the cell. It does help them effect their freedom and they escape into the time machine sphere, but it is hauled in on a horse-drawn wagon to be set afire and of course the skill of the gambler tricks the assembled mob waiting to see the auto-de-fey! Those who had not been able to get back into the time machine do so in the ensuing confusion and they make their way to the late 1930s or early 1940s. All in all, it is a charming film worth a second and third look see! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Mission: Impossible: The Seal (1967) Season 2, Episode 9

Rusty the Ginger Cat Uncredited, but why?

[10/10 · 8 June 2006]

Animal actor Rusty the Ginger Tom Cat was uncredited although he was the main actor in the story in which it is he who retrieves the Seal from the glass case in a security vault. In the final scene the cast commends him and he meows twice his approval to his human actors and actress. Darren McGavin was at his best as the bad guy and the only person to be hurt is the security guard supervisor (Russ Bender)who gets fired by J. Richard Taggart for failing to account for a missing I.D. tag that turns up later.The two ambulance attendants are forced to go to the top of the elevator and it can only be guessed at if they were released without being charged as accomplices of the Impossible Mission Force?

Mission: Impossible: The Survivors (1967) Season 2, Episode 3

One of the top ten episodes

[1 June 2006]

The plot for this episode involves Barney Collier and Wlly Armitage posing as employees of the San Francisco Gas Company in which they rig up a device that creates the effects of an earthquake and the fact that San Francisco suffered the great earthquake of 1906. Two scientists are being held prisoner while the bad guys try to track down the third scientist who is needed to solve a problem for a super weapon and we are led to believe the two men alone do not have the complete answer, so Cinnamon Carter and Rollin Hand allow themselves to be seen at a funeral of a deceased enemy of the state and they are taken prisoner thinking she is the wife of the missing scientist and they learn she is the wife, but Rollin is not her husband as she is legally separated and she talks her missing husband to come out of hiding and Jim Phelps shows up and is questioned in front of the other two scientists, one of them almost exposes his fraud. The wives of the captured men include their wives. Cinnamon calls in a fake alert to the police department who in turn clear out the civilians as they were told there was a serious gas leak. The building shakes as though they went through an earthquake and of course the bad guys force their prisoners to dig a way out and then they double-cross them and end up being captured one-by-one and the leader has a look on his face that tells the whole story of being fooled. It becomes apparent there was no earthquake, too late for the bad guys and the IMF team departs in a truck. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Mission: Impossible: Pilot (1966) Season 1, Episode 1

Steven Hill's contribution to Impossible Mission Force

[10/10 · 28 May 2006]

Without a doubt, the Impossible Mission Force could not have gotten off the ground without their leader, Daniel Briggs (Steven Hill). Fortunately when he left, Peter Graves (nee Aurness) as IMF leader Jim Phelps was able to take up the slack. In 1955 he directed Gunsmoke in which his brother James Arness (nee Aurness) starred in the main lead. As another side note, he played Martin Davis in Bayou, retitled POOR WHITE TRASH in 1957. In 2003 he played Noah Poole a former Nazi officer who passed himself off as a Swedish Jew in COLD CASE, he still looked in good form and turned in an excellent performance at age 77 too! Steven Hill looks quite different now on LAW AND ORDER as District Attorney Adam Schiff, but also quite distinguished at age 84! Martin Landau (1966-1969)was Rollin Hand and in 1969 Leonard Nimoy as Paris until 1971, both actors added a lot to the series as did Peter Lupus who played Willy Armitage did well with the limited parts given him. Greg Morris as Barney Collier was great with gadgets and made using them look very professionally done and quite believable too! Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter was more memorable than Lynda Day George as Lisa Casey or Lesley Ann Warren as Dana Lambert or Barbara Anderson as Mimi Davis. Sam Elliott as Doug Robert seemed forgettable and appeared to myself as playing a very limited role. Poor old Bob Johnson who was the voice on the tape never appeared before the camera and I wondered to this day what he looked like? Sad to say, the recent crop of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE motion pictures just do not seem to cut it, this is definitely a series that cannot be replaced nor more than I LOVE LUCY, SERGEANT BILKO, CAR-54, and a host of other great t.v. series! I am looking forward to the day they release the Mission Impossible series on either video-tape, DVD, or both formats! Steven Hill was and is a great actor! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

Birthright (1924)

Prelude to the sound version of Birthright by Oscar Micheaux

[10/10 · 26 August 2005]

This was a pioneer film by Oscar Micheaux that he made in 1924 and later re-made in 1939 in sound, both are timeless and equally great movies, despite the former not having sound, the message was as clear about the story of a young black hero who graduated from Harvard Univesity and overcame racial hatred to go on to build a school for black children in Tennessee. Other films by Micheaux include "The Exile" (1931), "The Girl From Chicago" (1932), "Lem Hawkins Confession" (also known as "Murder in Harlem -(1935), "Underworld" (1937),"Temptation" (1936), "Swing" (1938), and "Lying Lips" (1939). Oscar Micheaux died in 1951 almost alone and not remembered. Most of his films are still available for viewing in video and DVD.

Birthright (1938)

Oscar Micheeaux outstanding African-American Filmmaker

[10/10 · 26 August 2005]

This was the third of five films bearing the title: BIRTHRIGHT. This film was produced by the Micheaux Pictures Corporation by Oscar Micheaux and released in 1939. Micheaux was inclined to adapt from his screenplays from novels. Micheaux based this one on T.S. Stribling's novel of the same title which was about a black student who graduated from Harvard University who confronted the racism of of his time. The film had a subtitle also, it was: A Story of the Negro and the South, it referred to the heroic young man in his attempt to found a school for African-American children in a small town in Tennessee so as to "Uplift the Race," a phrase used by Spike Lee half a century later. Micheaux also made the earlier silent-movie of the same title in 1924.

The Merchant of Venice (2004)

Merchant of Menace

[10/10 · 5 January 2005]

There were at least a half dozen silent-film versions of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," and there have been several television productions. But no one has ever gotten around to making a big-budget theatrical feature from the play . . . until now. Given the nature of the play/s most memorable character, Shylock the Nasty Jew, it's a good guess that the little unpleasantness that transpired in Europe in the late 1930's and 1940's may have dampened filmmakers' enthusiasm. Sure the main motivation for Michael Radford's new film is to provide Al Pacino with a chance to shout, bray, brood, mutter, and be tormented - all of which he is quite good at. Like Richard III, the role of Shylock is a scenery-chewer's dream. It is ridiculous to call Shakespeare an anti-Semite, since he never met a Jew. Jews were banned from England from 300 years before his time to some decades after his death; and its unlikely that he ever traveled abroad. On some level, Jews might as well have been a mythological race to him. But, while Shakespeare may not have been anti-Semitic, his play certainly is. Pacino gives Shylock a strange accent that is probably meant to suggest the slightest hint of Yiddish. Unfortunately, the result is a 16th-century moneylender with the unmistakable diction and cadences of Fozzie Bear. Radford's version begins with a crawl about the wretched teratment of Jews and then spot Antonio (Jeremy Irons) gratuitiously spitting on Shylock (Pacino), who's really just standing around, minding his own business. Will buy it when it comes out on DVD, for sure! Sarge Booker

The Ghosts of Edendale (2003)

Haunting Surreal Ghost Story

[10/10 · 26 December 2004]

This haunting surreal motion picture takes place in Edenville in East Hollyood on the former ranch of Tom Mix, a famous cowboy actor of the silent era of the silver screen. Prior to the untimely death of Tom Mix, he and the studios were attempting to transition into sound films after 1929, but they and the makers of Westerns were having a tough sell of cowboy genre. In this tale, a young couple move from back East to make a new life in the West and get into a different lifestyle for the sanity of Rachel played brilliantly by Paula Ficara who appears to see ghosts along with her husband Kevin portrayed by Stephen Wasteall who has dreams of fitting into the Hollywood scene. They first encounter a neighbor named Andrew who does not quite fit in and then he mysteriously disappears leaving behind a vintage automobile and his possessions. Rachel starts seeing ghosts in the closet starting with a little boy who appears to have aged and rotted while being recognizable as a child and then she saw a ghost who looks like her husband Kevin dressed in cowboy costume like that worn by the late Tom Mix and as the apperation pulls away the kerchief over his face, it suddenly rots away and turns into dust. Later Rachel is watching an old black and white Tom Mix motion and notices Kevin's face on the cowboy in the scene, after that she falls apart and tries to leave and she herself becomes a ghost, the ghosts of those who just did not make it in Hollywood who haunt Edandale Hill! Although the film was shot in colour, it is like experiencing a black and white movie complete with shadows in the style of Orson Wells' "Citizen Kane" and ranks in my personal opinion as a soon-to-be CULT FILM and a must have DVD or VHS video for you and your friends. Sarge Booker

Our Hollywood Education (1992)

Dennis Woodruff Educates Hollywood

[10/10 · 9 December 2004]

If anyone helped educate Hollywood, that person has to be the great character actor Dennis Woodruff, Oscar worthy actor who turns in an outstanding performance along with fellow actors Glenn Ford, Spike Lee, and Oliver Stone. Who can ever forget Glenn Ford in Blackboard Jungle (1955), The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956), Don't Go Near the Water (1957), Torpedo Run (1958), Cimarron (1960), Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (1962), and The Brotherhood of the Bell (1970). Or Spike Lee who directed and acted in Malcolm X or Oliver Stone who gave us Born On the Fourth of July, which he directed in 1989, or 1993 film The Joy Luck Club and so many other memorable films. Well, along with Dennis Woodruff, Glenn Ford, Spike Lee, and Oliver Stone, this film could not miss! All that talent in one package! This film speaks for itself and it'd rank high on my list as a gift as a DVD for friends during these holidays. Sarge Booker (Dennis Woodruff fan)

The Bogus Witch Project (2000 TV Movie)

Dennis Woodruff in Funny Spoof Film

[10/10 · 9 December 2004]

A very funny comedy that spoofs "The Blair Witch," this movie must be seen to be truly appreciated. It was really hard to stop laughing, almost cried because I laughed so hard and spilled my hot buttered popcorn and ice cold soda-pop all over my best clothes, but it was worth the cleaning bill from the laundry. Especially funny was Dennis Woodruff, the great actor and comedian who ranks up there with Charlie Chaplain, Buster Keaton, Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Jonathan Winters, and Martin Lawrence. Also adding to the film was James DiStefano as the cameraman in the Paulie Shore segment, Bil Dwyer as the anchorman into the woods segment, Mark Mower as the man with the dog in the Bel Air Witch Project, and Crystal Scales as Pookie in the Willie Witch Project; it even featured Paulie Shore who was playing off his special brand of humour with Dennis Woodruff who played the straight man with this other outstanding comedian. This is definitely a stocking stuffer for the Yultide Season and I would like to buy many copies either on video or DVD to give to my acquaintances, friends, and relatives this holiday time. Sarge Booker (Dennis Woodruff fan)

Fever Pitch (2001)

Dennis Woodruff Demonstrates His Talent

[10/10 · 9 December 2004]

Willard Morgan brilliantly directly this exciting fast-paced adventure film as well as wrote it in collaboration with Jeff Orgilland acted in it as well! The cast included Tom Arnold, Michael Moore, Willard Morgan, Dov Simmons, Dennis Woodruff, and many other notables who took cameo roles in this adventure motion picture. Though the film is only 27 minutes long, Dennis Woodruff makes himself seen through his pure genius as an actor and makes up for the shortness of the motion picture by his presence. Willard Morgan chose well when he enlisted Dennis Woodruff who is complimented by Michael Moore who later wrote FAHRENHEIT 9-11, Stupid White Men, and other earth shaking novels, with Frahrenheit 9-11 being filmed and bringing in millions in profit. Tom Arnold also is a good actor in his own right and between Tom Arnold and Michael Moore working with Dennis Woodruff, they helped to create an Osacer worthy film that certainly would have garnered other awards as well, thanks to brilliant actors like Arnold, Moore, and Woodrow. This is another worthy holiday gift for the Christmas or Vhannukah stocking this year as either a video or DVD. If it becomes available, we'll certainly include it in our "must have" shopping list. Everything DENNIS WOODRUFF appears in be become memorable. Like the other greats, Victor McLagen and John Carradine, Dennis Woodruff starred in more films than Carradine and McLagen combined, I salute this great actor, Dennis Woodruff! Sarge Booker (Dennis Woodruff fan)

We're Talkin' Serious Money (1992)

Hollywood's Greatest Actor - Dennis Woodruff

[10/10 · 9 December 2004]

Victor McLagen and John Carradine for a long time held the record of starring in the most motion pictures, that is until DENNIS WOODRUFF came along and not only broke their records, but starred and appeared in more than their appearances combined. Mention the name DENNIS WOODRUFF and even the extras know his name right away and his sterling reputation. Its a wonder he has not walked away with one or many Academy Awards for his fine acting and his great sense of comedy. I've been on the bus and have heard bus drivers comment as they passed the place he lived at, saying: "That is the home of DENNIS WOODRUFF and there is one of his famous vehicles!" Passengers would crane their necks to get a better view as the driver would slow down so they could all see where Dennis Woodruff resided. Sometimes you can see the great actor in Glendale at the coffee section of a well-known bookseller. This movie was a jewel and launched the careers of Dennis Farina, who greatly benefited from working with the great Dennis Woodruff. Sarge Booker (Dennis Woodruff fan)

Dead Man's Revenge (1994 TV Movie)

Adult Western in the Genre of High Noon

[10/10 · 27 April 2004]

Not since Gary Cooper starred in High Noon has there been an adult Western like "Dead Man's Revenge" which starred Bruce Dern and Tobin Bell as the "bad guys," it also starred Doug McClure, this was his last movie prior to his death from cancer, he was brave up to the last and always in good spirits on the set! Also in this motion picture was Larry Polsen as the bartender who added so much as a character actor with his distinctive gaunt looks. Herbert H. Booker 2nd (Sarge) was the Piano Player, a ruggedly handsome longhaired bearded character, who like the bartender, added so much to the background colour of this remarkable film. Vondie Curtis-Hall turned in an excellent portrayal of an African-American in the old West in a role that was not servile and demeaning, but pride and dignity to the role of the black cowboy, he would rank with Herb Jeffries, the Bronze Buckaroo! Believe it or not, Michael Ironsides who is the main star is also the good guy! Melora Walters plays Bunny, a strong woman who ranks among Barbara Stanwyck and Kathrine Hepburn. This is a "must-rent" or own movie available on VHS video and DVD. This is the best Adult Western since "High Noon" and "Shane."

Came a Hot Friday (1985)

Rip-Roaring Down Under Comedy!

[10/10 · 22 April 2004]

This is a rollicking comic adventure set in 1949 against a background of horse-racing and crap games in a seedy backwater not unlike Woop Woop, Australia. Wes and his sidekick. Cyril are two down under confidence men who have been than successful in cheating bookies over hill and dale in New Zealand. The bad luck gets worse when they arrive in a dusty run down town in a rattle-trap junker of an automobile that is in critical need of a primer and paint-job after they arrive at the local gin-mill that offers dance and a so-called "casino." Before the dice stop rolling, Wes and Cyril find themselves at odds with local law enforcement and the casino boss. Just as Wes wins with a last toss of the "bones," the town constable shows up and raids the joint, the casino boss took off with the money which the boys try to recover later with a dim-witted overgrown lughead known as the "Tainula Kid," an absolute zero on the scale of one to ten. In and out of the picture we glimpse a character that appears to be a Mexican Vaquero, who comes into full view at the end of the motion picture, really an Aboriginal who believes he is Latin American and missing a few screws. The bad guy dies in an explosion and everyone lives happily ever after except for Wes and Cyril who have to motor to the next village for slim pickings. The "Tainula Kid" ends up with a shinny red rag-top (convertible) and the local girl while he buys his father a new artificial leg. Who would have expected such great comedy in New Zealand like this? Maybe in Australia? This is a must-rent-see video!

Tokoloshe (1965)

A Hard Hitting Motion Picture!

[10/10 · 7 April 2004]

Sydney James of the "CARRY ON" comedy fame really adds a lot to the motion picture in the role of a blind man. How can any movie with Sid not be a total success? The actor who plays the Zulu Chief should have gotten a supporting actor award as well. Would have been nice to have had Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, Charles Hawtrey, and others in this film to make it even better, it would have been called "CARRY ON TOKOLOSHE" by Peter Rogers! Still, it holds its own as a remarkable film worth seeing several times a year! This would be a hard film to do over as there isn't anything that could top this. The DVD or video should be in the collection of every true film buff who admires the work of Sid James.