Saw this with a friend in high school at the famous Olympic Drive-in in St. Louis MO. (Obviously management wasn't too concerned about minors getting in). Don't remember this being the title, though, but who could forget Mama Lupo. Friend and I used to pass the drive-in every day on our way to Normandy High School on the bus. Two award-winning titles I remember were "Sexus" and "Ouija Broad". We always got a big laugh. The view of the screen from the road was blocked by huge plastic tarps which inevitably were blown down or shredded in strong winds, permitting a peak at the action as you drove by.
Reviews
42 Reviews
The Big Country
(1958)
Problem
5 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really like this movie. Saw it as a kid with parents and brother when it first came out at Crocker Theater in Elgin, IL.
Problem, though: I just can't see Gregory beating up Charlton. Time I suspended disbelief.
Burl and Chuck were great. Jean Simmons real fine.
And the music by Jerome Moross! Favorite scene: cowhands rejoining Charles Bickford and Charlton in the canyon. Stirring scene, really stirring music. Liked Gregory horse-breaking scene, too. And Alfonso Bedoya (sp?). Remember him in Treasure of Sierra Madre? Wasn't he the "we don't need no stinking badges" guy? Will double check.
(Got soundtrack)
Problem, though: I just can't see Gregory beating up Charlton. Time I suspended disbelief.
Burl and Chuck were great. Jean Simmons real fine.
And the music by Jerome Moross! Favorite scene: cowhands rejoining Charles Bickford and Charlton in the canyon. Stirring scene, really stirring music. Liked Gregory horse-breaking scene, too. And Alfonso Bedoya (sp?). Remember him in Treasure of Sierra Madre? Wasn't he the "we don't need no stinking badges" guy? Will double check.
(Got soundtrack)
The 39 Steps
(1935)
Ending
10 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Only rated 7.6 here? C'mon.
My only problem with the movie is the ending. I just watched it again for 2,793rd time on TCM and recorded it even though I have two or three DVD versions. Criterion is great.
I always wanted Mr. Memory to survive, but it appears he croaked. Why, Alfred? I still like to think Mr. M just passed out. But why didn't anyone write down the formula for the MacGuffin?
Let's see. What else can I say to fulfill 600 character requirement?
Oh, Carroll and Donat were fantastic - a word I don't use lightly or often because I don't believe in using too many superlatives.
And Peggy Ashcroft was absolutely marvelous as she was in Passage to India.
I downgrade 39 Steps to 9.999 only because of the demise of Mr. Memory. But I laugh out loud when the movie fades out focussing on Donat and Carroll holding hands and handcuffed again for life this time.
My only problem with the movie is the ending. I just watched it again for 2,793rd time on TCM and recorded it even though I have two or three DVD versions. Criterion is great.
I always wanted Mr. Memory to survive, but it appears he croaked. Why, Alfred? I still like to think Mr. M just passed out. But why didn't anyone write down the formula for the MacGuffin?
Let's see. What else can I say to fulfill 600 character requirement?
Oh, Carroll and Donat were fantastic - a word I don't use lightly or often because I don't believe in using too many superlatives.
And Peggy Ashcroft was absolutely marvelous as she was in Passage to India.
I downgrade 39 Steps to 9.999 only because of the demise of Mr. Memory. But I laugh out loud when the movie fades out focussing on Donat and Carroll holding hands and handcuffed again for life this time.
The Last of the Mohicans
(1936)
Then and 1992
2 September 2023
First, I was born in 1951.
Chicago tv stations played movies and serials from the 30s. Flash Gordon with Buster Crabbe, on Saturday mornings, for example, and movies like Bedlam with Boris Karloff and his Frankenstein movies plus Bela Lugosi and old Ronald Colman flicks like Lost Horizon.
Last of Mohicans with Randolph Scott was only 15-20 years old when I was a kid. As kids, we didn't know what was up, of course. There it is on the 9-inch tv screen all black and white and everything in 1956. Our parents' movies and serials were suddenly ours.
Then appears LOM in 1992 when I'm 41. How do you reconcile things?
Here's how:
1. I prefer Randolph Scott to Daniel Day Lewis (but to be fair, I don't think Randolph Scott would have done a very good job in My Left Foot). Lewis' running through the forest re-loading and firing his long rifle and killing things was preposterous. And the hair! Scott wins.
2. Both Barrat and Studi were scary. Tie.
3. Wilcoxin rules! (saw him with Claudette Colbert on B&W movies in mid-50s on Chicago television). Win
4. 1992 version had greater soundtrack. Win.
5. And color and better locations and scenery (1992 wins)
6. Female cast: tie. All are pretty and do a great job. Stowe: va-va-va voom. Hubba hubba.
7. Creepiness: 36 version wins.
And now I'm 72 and watching '36 version. And I will watch '92 version next.
Bottom line: both are enjoyable.
But don't forget Lon Chaney Jr. As Chingachkook in tv version! Classic! And I remember Gary Larson's Far Side Next to the Last of the Mohicans cartoon.
Chicago tv stations played movies and serials from the 30s. Flash Gordon with Buster Crabbe, on Saturday mornings, for example, and movies like Bedlam with Boris Karloff and his Frankenstein movies plus Bela Lugosi and old Ronald Colman flicks like Lost Horizon.
Last of Mohicans with Randolph Scott was only 15-20 years old when I was a kid. As kids, we didn't know what was up, of course. There it is on the 9-inch tv screen all black and white and everything in 1956. Our parents' movies and serials were suddenly ours.
Then appears LOM in 1992 when I'm 41. How do you reconcile things?
Here's how:
1. I prefer Randolph Scott to Daniel Day Lewis (but to be fair, I don't think Randolph Scott would have done a very good job in My Left Foot). Lewis' running through the forest re-loading and firing his long rifle and killing things was preposterous. And the hair! Scott wins.
2. Both Barrat and Studi were scary. Tie.
3. Wilcoxin rules! (saw him with Claudette Colbert on B&W movies in mid-50s on Chicago television). Win
4. 1992 version had greater soundtrack. Win.
5. And color and better locations and scenery (1992 wins)
6. Female cast: tie. All are pretty and do a great job. Stowe: va-va-va voom. Hubba hubba.
7. Creepiness: 36 version wins.
And now I'm 72 and watching '36 version. And I will watch '92 version next.
Bottom line: both are enjoyable.
But don't forget Lon Chaney Jr. As Chingachkook in tv version! Classic! And I remember Gary Larson's Far Side Next to the Last of the Mohicans cartoon.
Curse of the Demon
(1957)
Demon
18 June 2023
I don't think we really need to see the demon, but I wish it had been created by Ray Harryhausen, who was supposed to do the special effects, but was doing 7th Voyage of Sinbad. Great movie., too. Niall has always been one of my favorites: Tarzan's Greatest Adventure, for example. Did you know he was a surgeon in WWII and later left acting to return to medicine? Dana is always great. Glad I didn't see this when I was a kid in the 50s; I would have had nightmares. The House on Haunted Hill with Vincent really scared the heck out of me at age 6 or 7. But now I'm 72. I just hope I get a good's night sleep after watching Curse on Svengoolie. One more thing: I prefer Night of the Demon title. Gotta get English version. And more: thanks Jacques for great movies, including Giant of Marathon with Steve Reeves. Mr. Reeves and Mr. Gordon Scott: my movie heroes as a kid. Thank you. Can't leave out Kerwin Mathews, either.
The Song Remains the Same
(1976)
Silly
28 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Every time I watch this I love Spinal Tap even more.
Note to Robert: you sounded a lot like Janis Joplin; that's not a good thing. That ship you sailed for the one-man invasion of Wales - no sail unfurled, no oars. A Middle Ages Mercury Outboard or towed in? Maybe good old-fashioned gut wind?
Note to Jimmy: Nigel Tufnel used a whole violin; you only used a bow. You are the king of overkill.
Note to John: you were a great drummer. RIP. I don't care for long drum solos whether it's Toad or Moby Dick. But yours gave Robert time to re-adjust his scrotum backstage, I'll say that much.
Note to John Paul: you should be proud you weren't really featured in this excercise in excess, pomposity, pretention and just plain nonsense.
Note to Robert: you sounded a lot like Janis Joplin; that's not a good thing. That ship you sailed for the one-man invasion of Wales - no sail unfurled, no oars. A Middle Ages Mercury Outboard or towed in? Maybe good old-fashioned gut wind?
Note to Jimmy: Nigel Tufnel used a whole violin; you only used a bow. You are the king of overkill.
Note to John: you were a great drummer. RIP. I don't care for long drum solos whether it's Toad or Moby Dick. But yours gave Robert time to re-adjust his scrotum backstage, I'll say that much.
Note to John Paul: you should be proud you weren't really featured in this excercise in excess, pomposity, pretention and just plain nonsense.
Real fine
20 September 2021
Up Periscope
(1959)
Like it
29 May 2021
Andra Martin: va-va-va voom, baby. And she's from my neck of the world - northern Illinois. Any movie that stars Edmond O'Brien and James Garner, plus Andra, is all right in my book. I think Mr. Garner hated this movie - he was fighting with Warner Brothers.
Also, this movie taught Alan Hale Jr. How to become the skipper in "Gilligan's Island".
Also, this movie taught Alan Hale Jr. How to become the skipper in "Gilligan's Island".
The Hot Rock
(1972)
Fun, great ensemble
24 April 2021
I think 6.8 is too low so I upped the ante.
This movie is so much fun. Great ensemble cast.
My favorite scene: Ron Liebman (sp?) and Charlotte Rae as son and mother listening to "Daytona 500 in stereo". "More treble".
I agree. I had it in mono; ain't the same.
And William Redfield as police lieutenant: funnee!
This movie is so much fun. Great ensemble cast.
My favorite scene: Ron Liebman (sp?) and Charlotte Rae as son and mother listening to "Daytona 500 in stereo". "More treble".
I agree. I had it in mono; ain't the same.
And William Redfield as police lieutenant: funnee!
The Sheepman
(1958)
Good
12 March 2021
My favorite Shirley MacLaine western!
Mr. Ford: you're one of my favorites, but please comb your hair!
Leslie Nielsen: Fine actor (did you know he tested for Judah in "Ben-Hur"? ) but whenever I see him now I think of "AIRPLANE!" and other comedic roles. A great actor who had a wonderful sense of humor. Police Squad, for instance.
Shirley, I can't be serious.
Mr. Ford: you're one of my favorites, but please comb your hair!
Leslie Nielsen: Fine actor (did you know he tested for Judah in "Ben-Hur"? ) but whenever I see him now I think of "AIRPLANE!" and other comedic roles. A great actor who had a wonderful sense of humor. Police Squad, for instance.
Shirley, I can't be serious.
What?
12 December 2020
War & Peace
(1972–1973)
Superbiosity!
5 November 2020
I own the DVD set. So glad. Can watch whenever I want. Man, Hopkins and cast and the pretty English women. Quality city!
No, it wasn't part of the Masterpiece Theater lineup, I guess, but as I remember it was telecast weekly on PBS. Clue me in, please.
It was "must-see" every episode way back, something to look forward to when I was early 20s watching with Mommy and Daddy before I gradiated and left the nest.
By the way, I read a lot. Thanks to everyone for teaching me how to.
I haven't read every book ever written (life is too short), but Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is my favorite. What an experience! I recommend it highly.
Thanks for your time.
No, it wasn't part of the Masterpiece Theater lineup, I guess, but as I remember it was telecast weekly on PBS. Clue me in, please.
It was "must-see" every episode way back, something to look forward to when I was early 20s watching with Mommy and Daddy before I gradiated and left the nest.
By the way, I read a lot. Thanks to everyone for teaching me how to.
I haven't read every book ever written (life is too short), but Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is my favorite. What an experience! I recommend it highly.
Thanks for your time.
The Missing Postman
(1997 TV Movie)
Great
5 November 2020
I remember it well even though it's been more than 20 years. I'm watching library copy of "When the Boat Comes In" with James Bolam right now. Superb. Those were the days of superior British productions. The Englishers have acting in their blood.
Why can't PBS re-run some of those classic shows instead of peats and repeats and re-repeats of its current programming?
Masterpiece Theater isn't what it used to be, in my opinion. War and Peace, Upstairs, Downstairs, Duchess of Duke Street. I Claudius et al. A Golden era.
Why can't PBS re-run some of those classic shows instead of peats and repeats and re-repeats of its current programming?
Masterpiece Theater isn't what it used to be, in my opinion. War and Peace, Upstairs, Downstairs, Duchess of Duke Street. I Claudius et al. A Golden era.
Lousy video, great movie
14 September 2020
Got a DVD through Walmart, of all places!, $16, fast ship. But lousy video -blurred. Monterey Video the mfg.
It's the best I could find; at least I've got a copy and it will more than do.
Mr. Lansing is great. All in all, a very, very good movie. Well done.
Why can't PBS sneak in some archived stuff now and then as part of its programming. Do we really need so many repeats and marathons of recent stuff? I'd love to see "Upstairs, Downstairs" again. (Not a fan of Downtown Abbey - in my book it's just a remake of UD). I would add War and Peace, Fawlty Towers, All Creatures, Rumpole, Pallisers, Duchess of Duke Street, Singing Detective ... but thank God, I've got them (except for Pallisers) on DVD. Complete UD is too expensive for me; I get it from local library instead).
It's the best I could find; at least I've got a copy and it will more than do.
Mr. Lansing is great. All in all, a very, very good movie. Well done.
Why can't PBS sneak in some archived stuff now and then as part of its programming. Do we really need so many repeats and marathons of recent stuff? I'd love to see "Upstairs, Downstairs" again. (Not a fan of Downtown Abbey - in my book it's just a remake of UD). I would add War and Peace, Fawlty Towers, All Creatures, Rumpole, Pallisers, Duchess of Duke Street, Singing Detective ... but thank God, I've got them (except for Pallisers) on DVD. Complete UD is too expensive for me; I get it from local library instead).
Tomorrow Is Forever
(1946)
Surprise
27 August 2020
I've never seen this movie; so far, so good. But I'm thrilled and I laugh to see such a young Natalie Wood! Funny and kinda sad. She was such a beauty and fine actress - a great Maria. So sad, so strange the days that are no more.
Bullitt
(1968)
Frankly
14 August 2020
The major reason I watch this movie over and over again is for the car chase. That Mustang!
Steve and cast are great! A well-made movie. But who cares about the plot? A Hitchcock McGuffin.
Watching it again for the 4,138th time. Played like crazy on tv. Rightly so. Thoughts: how does that Green Beetle keep up with the Charger and Mustang?
Steve pronounces Chicago correctly - chi-Caw-go. You can always tell someone ain't from the midwest by the way they say Chicago. Hint: It ain't chi- Cah-go. Steve would know that, being born in near Indianapolis, I think.
Driver of Charger was Bill Hickman, a supreme Hollywood stunt-driver. I think he may have done some driving in "French Connection."
Steve and cast are great! A well-made movie. But who cares about the plot? A Hitchcock McGuffin.
Watching it again for the 4,138th time. Played like crazy on tv. Rightly so. Thoughts: how does that Green Beetle keep up with the Charger and Mustang?
Steve pronounces Chicago correctly - chi-Caw-go. You can always tell someone ain't from the midwest by the way they say Chicago. Hint: It ain't chi- Cah-go. Steve would know that, being born in near Indianapolis, I think.
Driver of Charger was Bill Hickman, a supreme Hollywood stunt-driver. I think he may have done some driving in "French Connection."
The Train
(1964)
Burt!
7 August 2020
I love this movie. TCM has a Burt-fest going today. Elmer Gantry on now.
My question about The Train: I first saw it in September, 1967. But it was supposedly first released in 1965. I couldn't be wrong about 1967; it was my first real date, and The Train played at Grandview Plaza Cinema in St. Louis County, Mo. Double-feature with "Divorce, American Style" which indeed was released in 1967. I didn't watch much of either movie: too busy enjoying her company, talking, etc. And this was at a time when some theaters had smoking sections - ash trays on the back of seats. Yes, we shared a couple of Marlboros at age 16.
Can anyone shed light on this 1967 release date? Re-release? But how did I miss the train in 1965? I was a Burt fan even then.
Thanks.
My question about The Train: I first saw it in September, 1967. But it was supposedly first released in 1965. I couldn't be wrong about 1967; it was my first real date, and The Train played at Grandview Plaza Cinema in St. Louis County, Mo. Double-feature with "Divorce, American Style" which indeed was released in 1967. I didn't watch much of either movie: too busy enjoying her company, talking, etc. And this was at a time when some theaters had smoking sections - ash trays on the back of seats. Yes, we shared a couple of Marlboros at age 16.
Can anyone shed light on this 1967 release date? Re-release? But how did I miss the train in 1965? I was a Burt fan even then.
Thanks.
Fargo
(1996)
Pretty darned good, yah
29 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A great movie, no doubt. Screenplay, acting, everything. I'm watching it again right now: can't wait for Frances to appear.
It's blacker than most black comedies. Strangelove was funnier, and it ended on a positive note after nuclear holocaust with Vera (RIP) Lynn's "We'll Meet Again"! A black comedy about what might have been - and still could be.
But Fargo is too close to now: psychopaths, sheer, mindless violence, hitmen, crazies.
I'm still waiting for Frances - she saved this thing. Well-deserved award There she is! Gotta go
Right off the bat: why no state police at the scene and taking over the investigation? Margie's right-shoulder US flag is facing the wrong way: stars should be facing forward.
I believe in suspension of disbelief.
But Fargo is too close to now: psychopaths, sheer, mindless violence, hitmen, crazies.
I'm still waiting for Frances - she saved this thing. Well-deserved award There she is! Gotta go
Right off the bat: why no state police at the scene and taking over the investigation? Margie's right-shoulder US flag is facing the wrong way: stars should be facing forward.
I believe in suspension of disbelief.
Move over, Sandy Nelson, let there be Stella drums!
22 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Nice, wholesome movie on Father's Day. Glenn, Shirley, Dina, Opie and whole cast did a great job.
I've seen this a few times, but I didn't appreciate Stella Stevens' drumming before! She was for real! What a woman! A charlatan is soon found out; Stella was no phony.
But I thought the subplot, Van Dyke and Stevens, was contrived so that Stella could sit in with the combo (Vito Scotti on flute!)
If so, fine with me.
Not crazy about Eddie hopping on a truck to NYC, though. Kinda unbelievable. Who cares?
Interesting: Ronnie Howard, Mr. Van Dyke are Andy Griffith Show guys. And Glenn Ford's name is mentioned at least twice on same show.
I've seen this a few times, but I didn't appreciate Stella Stevens' drumming before! She was for real! What a woman! A charlatan is soon found out; Stella was no phony.
But I thought the subplot, Van Dyke and Stevens, was contrived so that Stella could sit in with the combo (Vito Scotti on flute!)
If so, fine with me.
Not crazy about Eddie hopping on a truck to NYC, though. Kinda unbelievable. Who cares?
Interesting: Ronnie Howard, Mr. Van Dyke are Andy Griffith Show guys. And Glenn Ford's name is mentioned at least twice on same show.
Hercules
(1958)
Love it
19 June 2020
Shortly before the last reckoning, the last assize, I want to be granted some wishes.
Judge: what are they?
Q: Last meal? A: New York Strip medium rare, baked potato with sour cream and chives, fresh green beans, dry red wine - or spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, Caesar Salad, Chianti. If not, McDonald's double-cheeseburgers with CRISP! fries and a Coke.
Q: Last book? A: "War and Peace". (If only to prolong the inevitable) I know it's a long book, but it's the finest novel I've ever read.
Q: Last movie - Citizen Kane, Birth of a Nation, Son of Hercules Against the Mole Men, Star Wars, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Attack of the 50-foot Woman? Heaven's Gate, perhaps?
A: Hell no, sir. Please, sir - a double feature: Hercules and Hercules Unchained!
I'm serious. Watched both today and I'm as happy as a clam. (Why are clams so happy?)
Anyway, I want to leave this world with a big grin! Have some fun! Steve Reeves and his movies do it for me. What fun. Mr. Reeves was one of my heroes in the 50s. Ernie Banks, Randolph Scott, Gordon Scott, too.
God bless all of you and stay well.
Judge: what are they?
Q: Last meal? A: New York Strip medium rare, baked potato with sour cream and chives, fresh green beans, dry red wine - or spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, Caesar Salad, Chianti. If not, McDonald's double-cheeseburgers with CRISP! fries and a Coke.
Q: Last book? A: "War and Peace". (If only to prolong the inevitable) I know it's a long book, but it's the finest novel I've ever read.
Q: Last movie - Citizen Kane, Birth of a Nation, Son of Hercules Against the Mole Men, Star Wars, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Attack of the 50-foot Woman? Heaven's Gate, perhaps?
A: Hell no, sir. Please, sir - a double feature: Hercules and Hercules Unchained!
I'm serious. Watched both today and I'm as happy as a clam. (Why are clams so happy?)
Anyway, I want to leave this world with a big grin! Have some fun! Steve Reeves and his movies do it for me. What fun. Mr. Reeves was one of my heroes in the 50s. Ernie Banks, Randolph Scott, Gordon Scott, too.
God bless all of you and stay well.
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