flarepilot Reviews

Come Back, Little Sheba (1952)

interesting technique of filming

[10 December 2015]

Look Carefully at the scenes involving the automobile, in some scenes the passenger side front windshield is missing to allow for better filming without glare.

Beyond this, the movie is a fine example of real film making. Shirley Booth is incredible. At the ambassador east hotel in chicago, they named all the booths after famous celebrities. One of the booths is simply named: SHIRLEY.

I seem to recall that DOC is actually a chiropractor though he wanted to be a medical doctor.

There is a non musical version of "HELLO DOLLY" called, "THE MATCHMAKER" and Shirley Booth is wonderful in this film too. Far better than Barbara Streisand in the musical version.

The Jerry Lewis Show (1967–1969)

jerry lewis is usually misunderstood by so called moderns

[10/10 · 3 December 2015]

I've been watching the JERRY LEWIS show on retro TV the last few weeks. It is the comedy sketches from the full hour variety show. There is a slight fuzziness to the tapes, but it is still very worth watching.

Lewis is very funny. I laugh out loud at his stuff. Just now, Jerry was directing landings on an aircraft carrier and landed two jets just fine. The third landing turned out to be the FLYING NUN and she bolted and went around.

You would have to be a little older and experienced in 1960's TV to really enjoy it.

But give it a chance!

Hollywood Hotel (1937)

one of the great jokes of all time

[13 September 2015]

This is a fun movie and anyone who enjoys the WB musicals of the 30's should love it.

Now, the great joke. Ted Healy and Louella Parsons are in an elevator riding up to see Lola Lane (mona marshall).

Ted Healy: HEY PARSONS what do I have to do to get in your column, take a bath in champagne?

Louella Parsons: SOAP AND WATER WILL DO.

Fun songs, some great views of TWA DC3 airliners. Great musicians, Gene Krupa, Johnny Davis, Harry James, and many more. Great tunes too with a super and famous drum solo by Gene Krupa.

We'll Take Manhattan (1990 TV Movie)

This was a pilot filmed and rarely seen.

[23 August 2015]

I am a huge fan of Corinne Bohrer. She is very beautiful and under appreciated as an actress.

This show was an interesting and amusing attempt to meld "JACKEE!" and Corinne Bohrer into two girls against New YORK. It didn't take off. That doesn't mean it didn't have possibilities.

Suffice to say , our two heroines meet. One is the streetwise Jackee who watches Corinne lose all her money and hope. Somehow they team up to "TAKE MANHATTAN".

Corinne is a naive southern girl, Jackee isn't. Opposites attract but it was only 22 minutes. It could have been a contender, but wasn't.

Her Highness and the Bellboy (1945)

I am including a youtube of "HONEY"

[9 August 2015]

One of the interesting songs in this film is, "HONEY" (I'm in love with you, HONEY). It is very hard to find a copy of this, especially with lyrics, so I offer this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v-1MTlIK_w

go to 13:40 and watch a pair of charming dancers (barbara boylan and bobby burgess) with an original dance to this song, the lyrics are plainly hearable in the background.

A nice film for a Sunday afternoon. Well photographed, charming in almost all aspects.

Raggs Ragland is great. He always is especially with his, "ONEST" (won- st) which gets me every time.

This was released during WW2, though very close to the conclusion.

Man of the People (1991–1992)

Wish it had run for 7 years.

[16 July 2015]

I have to echo the views of the previous reviewer. And I too have seen tapes of this show recently enough to compare it to the modern sitcoms.

I still remember one of the episodes where Jim was on a hot streak at the horse racing track and ordered everyone to not change a thing including their underwear until they won the big race.

I think James Garner is great. But I have to admit that I am a big fan of the under appreciated Corinne Bohrer (tweet to her, she is on twitter)

It was at a changing time in sitcoms. And I don't think the change was for the better.

Hello Frisco, Hello (1943)

above post is wrong

[22 May 2015]

the post saying the score is anachronistic is quite wrong.

This is not San Francisco in the middle 19th century. It is San Francisco in 1915. Note that there are telephones, and they speak of the FAIR. The world's fair was held in 1915 in San Francisco

In one scene a depiction of the famous FLATIRON building in New York is visible, this building completed in 1902.

Early in the film a transcontinental telephone call was placed from New York to San Francisco. This event took place circa 1915 and was a famous part of the World's Fair.

I think this film is a beautiful example of technicolor's magic and few can compare. The only person who won't like this film is someone who doesn't like to entertained.

Three Little Girls in Blue (1946)

One of the best of the forgotten musicals

[19 May 2015]

Within minutes of watching this beautiful technicolor film, I was reminded of "Moon over Miami".

But this one is better. The music is better containing two great songs and lots of fine songs. "On the boardwalk in Atlantic City" was written for this film as was "You make me feel so young". both are worth the price of admission.

An unsung character actor, Charlie Smith, one of my favorites has a very nice role, perhaps his best.

I prefer the period this is set in (1902) to the other versions of this film ("Moon over Miami" in 1940) and ("How to marry a millionaire" in the 1950s".)

The story is three girls with a little money looking for boys with a lot of money. 'nuff said there.

Great Technicolor, Great orchestrations, Beautiful costumes.

There are now four movies that rank with very nice technicolor musicals that deserve your attention. Some are remakes, Some are better in some ways. Some are musicialized versions of plays.

"Summer Holiday"(mickey rooney) "Three Little Girls in Blue" "One Sunday in the Park" "Two Weeks with Love".

Overlooked, but top quality!

One Day at a Time: The Maestro (1976) Season 2, Episode 11

Ann meets a handsome , charming Symphony conductor. He conducts himself in a less than reserved manner.

[20 April 2015]

Ann has to take a young symphony conductor to lunch on behalf of her public relations firm. She misidentifies the conductor but ends up in a romantic interlude.

This was actually one of the better episodes of the series. Amusing, romantic, missing the daughters it seems.

Ann found her match, and was swept off her feet. The conductor postponed his flight to Russia to spend more time with Ann.

I think this was one of the latter episodes, better preserved video tape.

The whole series was a bit uneven, even when first run on TV. But this episode was lots of fun and a little less feminist,preachy, or difficult.

An American Romance (1944)

spoilers

[10/10 · 8 December 2014]

THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES EVER! Provided you like America!

This is what the head of MGM said about the film: "I was determined to tell the story of steel from the viewpoint of an eager immigrant in 'An American Romance….' When the picture was previewed in Inglewood, Louis B. Mayer came to me on the sidewalk in front of the theater, put his arm around my shoulders and said, 'I've just seen the greatest picture our company ever made.

Look especially for the series of B17s rolling off the assembly line faster than anyone could imagine.

For all those American naysayers. see this film! GREAT.Brian Donlevy is great.

One Sunday Afternoon (1948)

spoiler warning. Wonderful Movie

[8/10 · 14 August 2014]

There are a number of musicals out there that deserve more attention. Among them are, "Best Foot Forward", "Two Weeks With Love" and now I can add this version of "One Sunday Afternoon".

For the record, I've seen, and love "The Strawberry Blonde". By now you should all know this is basically a remake, by the same director, but in color and music that moves the plot along a bit.

We could dwell on the differences, and what could have been included in "one Sunday afternoon" (and yes I love, "And the Band Played On". But now I love the tune, "One Sunday Afternoon" which plays the same role in this film.

I was very surprised perhaps most of all to learn that Don DeFore has a fine singing voice. I do wish that Janis Paige was featured a little bit more. She is really a wonderful addition.

Don't try to compare James Cagney to Dennis Morgan. Don't try to compare Rita Hayworth to Janis Paige (though I would take Janis Paige). Don't even try to compare Alan Hale Sr. to Alan Hale Jr. (he even mentions a boat trip!)

But I do think this is a fine, enjoyable musical of a classic story.

But there is one thing better about this film than "the strawberry blonde" and that is Ben Blue as Nick. Now , don't get me wrong, I think George Tobias as Nick in , ''the strawberry blonde" was fine. But Ben Blue really added a nice, buster Keaton like, comedic relief.

I purchased the DVD from Warner Archives and had some trouble viewing it on one of my DVD players, and contrary to what the packaging says, I tried it on a DVD recorder and it played fine.

Is this , "Oklahoma", "The Music Man", or "Showboat"? No. But it is a movie you probably haven't seen and you may very well enjoy.

But that's just the kind of hairpin I am!

The Lawrence Welk Show (1955–1982)

The Lawrence Welk show has great music, great performers and is not ''elevator music''.

[19 June 2014]

I've been a drummer since 1971. The musicians are first class. And contrary to another reviewer,the music and swing are NOT watered down. Lawrence Welk indeed was a fine musician. He made quite a living playing the accordion when people were lucky to have a crystal set to listen to the radio.

If there can be any complaint about the music, one must realize that the audio recordings of TV shows of this era were not as widely dynamic or in stereophonic sound. Most TV sets of the era were pretty low fi in terms of sound.

IF there was one episode of the show that you could use to introduce people to the greatness of the show, I would suggest: Strike up the Band from 1964. Great, Great dancing by Barbara Boylan and Bobby Burgess. A perfect solo by Bob Ralston. And talk about swing? How about, "Slipped Disc" in the style of Benny Goodman? A great solo by Norman Bailey on trumpet of the great, "Sugar Blues" in the style of Clyde McCoy.

There are even more great tunes by the lennon sisters.

The Black and White quality is sharp as a tack.

Lawrence Welk single handedly kept big bands alive along with the Great American Song Book.

Is it corny? Well, corn is good for you! But its only corny if you are one of those guys who think you are too cool for school.

Top notch musicians. I mean they could play any style and go between styles in the same show as easily as you can imagine.

I've heard great Dixieland music, followed by popular music of the day, swing from the past and folk songs all in the same episode. All played very well.

Anyone who thinks otherwise might not know too much about music. Go to the shows of the late 50's and early 60's and you can see some GREAT electric guitar by neil lavang and the great buddy merril.

A leading exponent of traditional jazz/dixieland trumpet playing was the great Richard Cathcart. He was so good he did the trumpet work in the fine film, "Pete Kelly's Blues".

And then there was Bob Havens. Talk about excellent trombone players, he studied with the famous Jack Teagarden.

There were more than 1000 episodes of this show made. I only wish they were all available on DVD. I would pay top dollar for all 1000 eps!

What's wrong with this show? Nothing. Not a thing.

Somehow, this was pigeonholed as nothing but a polka show. Believe me they do polkas , but there is so much more. And they make the polkas lots of fun too.

Its on PBS now on almost 300 stations throughout the USA. Check your local listings. Some big fancy towns think they are above it all and you might not find it in some towns.

This show has been on as long as "I Love Lucy". And since there are MORE shows than "I Love Lucy" there is that much more entertainment.

I just wish I could personally tell all the performers what I really think of them.

to Barbara Boylan, the best looking girl ever on the show, you are a fantastic dancer and you are my favorite.

To Norman Bailey, what a great master of the trumpet, esp the mute!

To John Klein, the drummer, you did it all with such taste and dignity.

There isn't anyone on this show that I wouldn't be lucky to meet in person. God Bless you all!

Iceland (I) (1942)

US Marines in Iceland

[10 May 2014]

The reason US Marines went to Iceland prior to Pearl Harbor was part of a deal to relieve English troops so they could fight in North Africa and other locations. Denmark, the country actually responsible for Iceland allowed this to happen . It was not part of any conspiracy.

Contrary to many of the reviews, this is a fine, entertaining movie. I like this movie better than "Sun Valley Serenade". Anyone interested in Sonja Henie films will find this delightful.

The cast is actually quite good. Sterling Holloway is quite amusing. Jack Oakie is laugh out loud. The stars are very attractive.

And you can swing and sway with Sammy Kay.

The Twilight Zone: The Odyssey of Flight 33 (1961) Season 2, Episode 18

I liked it a lot

[19 April 2014]

By the way, 3000 knots is 3450 statute miles per hour, not 2800 as someone wrote.

Interesting to note that La Guardia airport does have a runway 22 and I've landed on it (as the pilot). And thanks to the person who cleared up what the name of this airport would have been in 1939.

I really like the dialogue in the cockpit (rod's brother, robert serling wrote it...he wrote some excellent aviation books). Especially well done is the use of the "HORN" which stops the landing gear warning horn from sounding when pulling the throttles (thrust levers) back. nice to are nicknames like "magellan" for the navigator and "sparks" for the radio guy.

One of my favorite TZ eps. The other two are: I shot an arrow into the air. and , "Over the Rim".

And for anyone who cares, while JET FUEL would not have been available in 1939 to refuel the plane, a jet engine can actually use gasoline in a pinch with some restrictions like adding some oil to the gasoline to provide lubrication to fuel pumps.

Fate Is the Hunter (1964)

Many times a book does not translate to a film well. BUT! (spoiler note, I use one line from the film, not critical to the story)

[3 April 2014]

First off, I am one of the rare pilots who loves this movie. I'm a 737 captain for a major airline in the USA. Also a flight instructor, an instrument instructor and multi engine instructor.

I've read the book and am glad the book and movie are so different. IN this way I get two amazing stories, but with that special flavor expressed in the title.

I won't describe the movie, others have done that. But if you are a pilot and don't "GET" this movie, you better take some more flying lessons.

I mean it. If you don't like the fictional airliner, well that' s fine.

Get over that part of it.

Here is a movie that actually talks about a rudder power switch!

I can also say that the cinematography is wonderful and the opening 12 minutes and last 10 minutes is the most amazing stuff I've seen. (short of reality).

So, see this movie. And shut off the damn bell.

Gilligan's Island: X Marks the Spot (1965) Season 1, Episode 18

Regarding Latitude and Longitude

[8 March 2014]

a number of times in this episode the location: 140 degree latitude and 10 degrees longitude.

I think this has been reversed as latitude doesn't go higher than 90 degrees.

the north pole is 90 degrees north latitude for example. The equator is zero.

I THINK , therefore, they meant to say: 140 degrees longitude and 10 degrees north latitude.

despite this, I did enjoy the episode.

also the plane in question, at least as it goes away is a B45 Tornado, one of the earliest jet bombers of the USAF and also used a Recon plane.

remember latitude is like a ladder that you climb north or south of the equator

longitude is the LONG lines on the globe starting at zero which runs through Greenwich England, the PRIME meridian of Longitude!