cmdahoust Reviews

The Dick Van Dyke Show: Br-rooom, Br-rooom (1965) Season 4, Episode 31

Love Laura, but she's a b*%ch!

[8/10 · 12 March 2022]

Rob goes out and buys a small women's motorcycle. Laura with her feminine dominance takes over and demands Rob get rid of the bike. He takes it for one ride and gets all the adventure he can out of the machine before selling it. I wish Rob had hooked up with Doris from the motorcycle club.

F Troop: That's Show Biz (1967) Season 2, Episode 23

The Bedbugs ~ Yea, Yea, Yea!!

[6/10 · 10 March 2022]

This episode is another example of how much The Beatles had influenced us by the mid 60's. As I have written regarding other TV shows whose episodes had a plot involving a singing group, F-Troop was no exception. Although a bit late to the game (early 67') this episode involves a singing group which bears a striking resemblance to the Beatles. Most other sitcoms episodes involving bands aired in late 65' or early 66'. The plot is a bit weak, and the music is not a good as some of the other shows like 'Gilligan's Island' (Don't Bug the Mosquitos) or 'The Beverly Hillbillies' (Hoe Down a Go-Go)', but it is worth the watch. The Bedbugs look like the Beatles in late 65' which is probably when this episode was filmed.

Finders Keepers (1966)

90 Minutes of My Life Gone

[3/10 · 10 March 2022]

This film was lame and I should have known it would be a drag from the opening scene. The band is on a hay wagon railroad car and the footage and special effects are horrible. None of songs by the band stand out and the plot is weak. Robert Morley is one of those actors who always seems to always find his way into bad films.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)

The book is different! (Coyle was a stand-up guy)

[24 February 2022]

Dillion did not set up Scalise & Artie Van. In the book it was Scalise's girl who tipped of the cops to his workings. Dillion did not have enough info (only phone numbers). Coyle did not rat out his pals, but that's Hollywood. I still think this is a terrific film and it still is the best Boston gangster film to date.

The Flintstones: The Masquerade Party (1965) Season 6, Episode 11

Wayouts ~ Yea, Yea, Yea!

[9/10 · 22 February 2022]

As I have written about other TV shows during the mid 60's, the creators of the Flintstones tapped into the craze of Beatlemania that was at an apex at this time in the world.

From the music sound to the hair styles, anyone who watched this episode knew who these 'Wayouts' were really supposed to be. The episode is a typical fun Flintstones watch, but to me it's another example of how big the Fab Four really were and that by the end of 1965 they were everywhere in our culture.

The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Redcoats Are Coming (1965) Season 4, Episode 20

British Invasion ~ TV Shows

[7/10 · 8 February 2022]

Fun episode that captures the hysterical nature of 'Beatlemania' as well as the crazed teenagers of that time. This episode is a great time capsule of what it was like then with girls going crazy to obtain things like pillows that may have been used by their idols.

The episode shows the reality of what TV shows had to go through in providing security for these musical acts which crowds would go bonkers over. I really like part when Laura says to Rob that she just wants to tell someone that the Redcoats are staying at their house. Think of yourself if the Beatles were staying at your house, but you couldn't tell anyone.

The Beverly Hillbillies: Hoe Down A-Go-Go (1965) Season 4, Episode 11

If it's gotta beat, we can fake it.

[7/10 · 8 February 2022]

This is terrific episode that showcases the effect the Beatles had on us by the end of 1965. Infact, they are mentioned by Ms. Jane to Mr. Drysdale in the episode. Ms. Jane goes with Jethro to the Whisky A-Go-Go looking for a band to play at the Clampets upcoming party. When the Enemies show up, the Clampets think they are getting square dance band, but it's not the case. The older folks don't know what to make of it, but the young folks love it.

On side note, notice the guitarists of the band. They bear and eerie resemblance to Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. ~ Enjoy.

Gilligan's Island: Don't Bug the Mosquitoes (1965) Season 2, Episode 12

Bugged Out ~ Yea, Yea, Yea!

[10/10 · 31 January 2022]

To me this is the best episode for a number of reasons. By the end of 1965, The Beatles were the biggest thing on the planet. Several TV shows from this era reflected that with bands performing and the plots centered on that. Shows like The Beverly Hillbillies, Batman, F-Troop all had episodes featuring singing groups which were really homages to the Beatles and their influence ~ who can't remember the 'Way Outs' on the 'Flintstones'?

From the 'Mosquitos' hairstyles to the background guitar music throughout the episode, you could tell you were back in the mid 60's. The creators of Gilligan's Island produced a perfect time capsule of what music and pop culture were at this time in America. Everyone who saw this knew who these guys were supposed to be, and as side note less than a year later in August of 1966, The Beatles had stopped touring due to the demands. Life imitates art.

The Cool Ones (1967)

Looks Like An AIP Dud

[13 March 2020]

This film had all looks of the classic AIP (American International Pictures) film from the mid 60's. A very cheesy rock film without much plot or good music for that matter. Viewers will recognize a few of the films actors most notably Roddy McDowell just before he did the Planet of the Apes series. I found myself watching this mostly out of curiosity as to what music I might hear.

Not much substance and poor music make this film a disappointment for me. Some of the cinematography of L.A. and the mountains (tramway) is very good, but everything else in this film disappoints.

Hellzapoppin' (1941)

Dated, but unlike any film you will see.

[6/10 · 1 April 2019]

This has to one of the strangest movies I have ever seen. It's dated, but I could not get over the weirdness of it. Films like 'The Producers', and TV shows like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' had to have been inspired (stolen ideas) from this one. If it was made in the 1960's, the critics would have said the directors' must have been on a bad LSD trip. Shemp Howard starred in film this 5 years before rejoining 'The Three Stooges'.

I came across this film researching some of the background on the Monkees' movie 'Head' 1968. You can see some comparisons, but thing that stood out to me was how fast this movie moves along with the gags, jokes, etc. If you are not paying attention you will probably miss something.

The story line of the movie within the movie and the constant breaking of the 4th wall, make this a very unique film.

Sid and Nancy (1986)

Taxi Cab Finale

[6/10 · 18 March 2019]

I wont go into a lot what's good & bad about this film ~ there are enough reviews on it already. I will however give my take on the strange ending that the filmmakers went with. Seeing it was supposed to a warped 'Love Story', the ending where Sid sees Nancy in the Taxi Cab is a subtle way the filmmakers showed Sid's demise. There was enough drug use in the film without having to show Sid overdosing. The first time I saw it, I was confused. But after watching it the second time, I realized what the filmmakers were trying capture.

Iron Maiden: Behind the Iron Curtain (1985 Video)

Mid 80's Peek at Iron Maiden

[12 March 2019]

This documentary provides a fantastic peek at Iron Maiden in their 80's heyday. The first part of the World Slavery Tour 84' / 85' takes them to eastern European cities as the tour begins. It's a well balanced mix of concert footage, videos and brief interviews that make it a worth while watch for fans of Iron Maiden and music fans in general. In the video for 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' they producers added film clips of the Russian film 'Alexander Nevsky' a great 1930's film. Maiden's sound is heard through the film and the film provides a very human look at the members of the band.

Alexander Nevsky (1938)

Pieces of the film in Iron Maiden Video

[5/10 · 12 March 2019]

Parts of the film were included in Iron Maiden's 1984 documentary 'Iron Maiden behind the Iron Curtain'. In the song 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', clips of the film are intertwined with concert footage. I have yet to see this film, but hope to in the near future.

A Star Is Born (1976)

The Car Crash Scene

[27 January 2019]

Watched the film on DVD yesterday just weeks after seeing the latest version of this film with Lady Gaga. What I took from this film was the car crash scene. I could not help but think that it was a homage of some type to James Dean. It had a eerie similarity to what happened to James Dean some 20 years earlier. I'm not sure the film makers intended this, but it must have been in their thoughts as to how to take the character out of the film.

The Deadly Bees (1966)

The Birds & The Bees

[4/10 · 23 September 2018]

So so horror film, but what intrigued me most was the footage at the beginning of the movie of the British Mod band 'The Birds'. Not the Byrds from the USA (Roger McGinn, David Crosby), but the band from England. Their song 'All That I Need You For' is a classic edgy R&B number. It gets cut short due to the editing and story line, but man does it rock! You'll notice a young Ronnie Wood on guitar. The band never really achieved much fame, but their brief cameo in this film is worth watching. My guess is that the film makers where doing a play on the 'Birds & Bees' thing and that's why they were given a cameo in the film.

Out of Sight (1966)

Another Lame 60's Pop Movie

[2/10 · 29 April 2018]

As someone who enjoys watching movies from the mid 60's for time capsule effect. This is another lame movie that just doesn't cut it. Robert Pine who played the Captain on CHIPS is the only actor I recognized in this flick. It's a mish mash of unlikely themes and story lines which don't come together. The musical acts are ok, but with Freddie and the Dreamers being the top billed act, I cannot recommend this movie to anyone. If you double billed this movie with 'Hold On' another flick from 1966, you would have the worst double feature possible.

Hold On! (1966)

Really, Really, Really Bad !!!

[2/10 · 26 April 2018]

When I saw this movie had Herman's Hermits in it, I figured I would check it out. What a waste of time this was. Not only does it not feature any of the Hermits good songs like 'Henry VIII' or 'Something Good', but the plot is so lame and just bad overall. The actors who stared in this dud should be ashamed for ever agreeing to do it. Everything about this movie is fake including the airport mob scenes where the film makers were trying to make it seem like the Beatles frenzy seen in many footage reels. Oh well, an hour and a half of my was wasted. For anyone considering watching this, I have two words: Don't bother.

Leave It to Beaver: Beaver Joins a Record Club (1962) Season 6, Episode 9

Build Your Record Collection - LOL

[8/10 · 25 April 2018]

After watching this episode, I couldn't help but recall my days as a member of the Columbia House Record club. You saw the ads in magazines and it seem like a great way to build your record collection up quickly. My guess that record companies were doing this long before this episode aired back in 1962. The episode does provide a good tale about responsibility and understanding what you are in for when you join these clubs. I was always able to stay ahead of the game an eventually fulfill my obligation to the record company. Beaver, on the hand lost focus and ended up in a small crisis owing more money than he could afford. Cudos to the writers of the show for using this subject as way of teaching lessons to young folks about entering into an agreement that seems too good to be true.

Crossfire Hurricane (2012)

Great Stones Retrospective, but.....

[9/10 · 14 February 2018]

I really enjoyed watching this documentary and seeing the footage complied in an excellent manner. My only complaint is that the viewer is left somewhat in the lurch as to the time frames and years of performances and interviews. The first part of the film bounces around the early days of the band from the mid 60's. It would have been good to see some sub-titles on years and concert locations included with the footage. The last part of the film is mired between Ronnie Wood joining the group and Keith's drug problems in Canada. The only way to ascertain the time line is the footage of the newspaper clippings that contain the dates. Hardcore Stone's fans who have followed the group since the early 70's would know the time line, but other casual fans would have difficulty in determining the dates of the events. The end of the movie seems to jump a gap of about 30 years with footage from their mid 80's tour to a recent performance at the time of the film (late 2000's). Again, this is a great film and the closing credits show how much research and effort went in to obtaining the footage and overall presentation of the content.

Kill the Umpire (1950)

Three Stooges fans take note....

[6/10 · 2 February 2018]

What I noticed first about this flick was the opening soundtrack of 'Three Blind Mice', I thought I was watching a Three Stooges short. As the film went on, a number of characters appeared that I remember from the Stooges films (Vernon Dent, Emil Stitka, etc. Columbia Pictures released this film in 1950 at the height of the Stooges popularity. These characters are not in the movies' credits, but do appear listed on the IMDB database.

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)

~ Finally got to see this film !

[7/10 · 25 January 2018]

I have heard of this film for a number of years, but finally had to opportunity to see it via DVR. The title of this film has always intrigued me and made me curious about this film. I really enjoy movies from the 60's & 70's and this one was no exception. As other's have mentioned it's a great time capsule from the 1960's and for baby boomers it will take you back. Yes, it is dated but holds up well. Some of the things that stood out to me were the circumstances the characters got themselves into that would not happen today (the man loosing his wife for a few days - i.e. no cell phones). Having traveled to Europe several times, I enjoyed this film because it brought me back to places I have seen and makes me want to go back again sometime for some new experiences. The remark by the character played by Peggy Cass at the beginning of the tour about Europe being so different than the U.S. reminded me of John Travolta in Pulp Fiction comparing Europe to the U.S. 'They have the same things we have, only their things are a little different. ..~ Chow.

There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)

The part that stuck out for me is....

[9/10 · 8 January 2018]

At the end of the movie when Ethel Merman is singing the number and her son (Donald O'Connor) who has been missing for a year shows up. Her family is on the side of the stage trying to get her attention that he is there. She looks over and sees him, and stops for a spilt second. Then she finishes the song without missing a beat. She then rushes off stage to hug him. That one scene is a microcosm of the life in show business. She kept her composure and finished the song under the most difficult of circumstances. Merman's character exemplifies what being in the industry meant to people. Thus the title of the movie.

The Wild Racers (1968)

4th Tier Racing Flick

[4/10 · 1 December 2017]

This is a typical AIP (American Intl Pictures) flick. Fast cuts with no real story line. The action scenes are good, but I would rate this film below Lemans, Grand Prix and Winning. All these racing films came out between 1966 and 1970. The story lines are similar. Fabian's character of Jo Jo Quilico exemplifies the quintessential race car driver persona. The other reviews here sum it up pretty good. It's worth a look just for some of the cinematography. ~ Enjoy

The Parallax View (1974)

A very chilling scene ~ The photo montage

[8/10 · 28 March 2017]

After watching this film a number of times, I had some thoughts on one of the film's most chilling scenes. In the middle part of the film when Beatty's character goes for the test at Parallax Corp, he subjected to a 5 minute mind control photo montage. This has always seemed too real for me, and I look back at what it must have been like to watch this in a movie theater back in the day. It's a brilliant piece of film work, but a bit scary in that the director puts the viewer into the mind control experience. They are for the most part photos we have all seen in the past, but organized in manner with a musical score that brings the subject to a brainwashed state.

Hooper (1978)

Robert Klein's Character

[8/10 · 27 March 2017]

Robert Klein does a great job portraying the quintessential Hollywood director with an over sized ego. The trivia section states that his character is based on Peter Bogdanovic, but I think he is based more on John Frankenheimer. Several of the movies I have seen with Frankenheimer's commentary, lead me to believe they were thinking of him when they created this character.