LACUES

This well acted movie is better than many of the so-called "A" westerns of the period. It has humor, drama, good dialogue, and a good story. Unlike, "High Noon" to which it has been compared in a previous review, it is more believable and less melodramatic. Randolph Scott, as usual, is in peak form and Wayne Morris is very effective as the easy going deputy. He has always been a favorite of mine because of his pleasant personality and natural acting style.

The action is fast paced even though most of it take place within the town. Joe Sawyer and the other veteran stars are convincing and the story line is original. This a film that I can watch repeatedly because it really entertaining. I only wish that today's writers, and directors could or would turn out movies of this caliber with actors who act and look like real frontiersmen.

I recorded "The Big Boodle" when it played on TCM and expected to see a "train wreck" of a movie based on articles and books I have read. I was most pleasantly surprised to see a very entertaining film. I thought that Errol Flynn and the supporting cast were uniformly good. Errol again showed what a great star and actor he really was. The plot was plausible and the pace of the movie moved right along. I am surprised by the negative reviews. "The Big Boodle" is a more substantial film than many more critically acclaimed films... and,by that,I mean mainstream movies that are supposedly "A" quality. Errol brings a worldly weariness appropriate to his role. I was surprised to see how fit he appeared and how involved he was in his portrayal. I believe that he would have been magnificent as Rhett Butler in "Gone With The Wind" which he lost reportedly, due to Betty Davis' refusal to make that movie with him in the leading role. "The Big Boodle" shows what a serious and outstanding actor he was in even a modestly budgeted film

I am surprised that this film has such a low rating. I watched it for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. As noted previously, Douglas Fowley who usually plays the villain really is perfectly believable as the hero. He always has such an ingratiating persona that I find it difficult to dislike him even when he is the "bad guy". He was truly a fine actor who deserves more acclaim. Clem Bevans was truly humorous as the supposedly wealthy businessman. The story was suspenseful and funny. Although it would be considered a "B" movie, it has more entertainment value than many "A" films.

I think so highly of this movie that I am going to keep it as a dvr recording until I purchase it on VHS or DVD. This is a gem that deserves more show time on television. I rank it an 8.

This is a low budget masterpiece, far more intriguing and suspenseful than most epic films dealing with the same subject. The film noir quality and acting are superb. As mentioned earlier, T-Men also made by the low budget studio Eagle-Lion, were and are memorable films. The cast is first rate . Robert Cummings, Richard Basehart, and Charles McGraw are standouts.

Thank goodness for Turner Classic Movies... it had been many years since I had seen it for the first time on television. Thanks to DVR I was able to record this film when it was played on TCM recently. This movie shows that with good acting, literate dialogue, and a great screenplay are what makes for an entertaining movie, which are in short supply today which too often offer computerized graphics, amateurish acting, and repetitive and crass dialogue instead. Kudos to Anthony Mann and the cinematographer for a great movie.

I have watched "Fail-Safe" more than once and consider it to be a classic film which shows the anxiety and fear which we faced with the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. The cast is top notch, Dan O'Herlihy, Henr Fonda, Frank Overton, Walter Matthau, and all the other fine performers. In comparison to "Dr. Strangelove, which I have also seen repeatedly, I must say that the main reason for my enjoyment of that dark comedy is the performance of Peter Sellers, as the Nazi scientist who is still devoted to the fuhrer; while in "Fail-Safe" I am involved throughout the film. It resembles a documentary and, interestingly, in some ways reflects Stanley Kubrick's tone in the "Paths of Glory", which I consider to be his greatest film.

Sidney Lumet direction is superb, maybe even excelling his direction in "Twelve Angry Men". I consider "Fail-Safe" as a thoughtful anti-war film in the company of "All Quiet on the Western Front and "The Paths of Glory". I recommend this fine film .

I really enjoy this film. It is a look back in time when this nation was truly at risk from nations who either attacked or delared war on us,i.e., the Japanese and Germans. Robert Cummings and Pricilla Lane were excellent in the lead roles. The supporting cast... Otto Kruger, Alan Baxter, Clem Bevins, and Norman Lloyd were also outstanding. The direction, pace, and finale held and continue to hold my interest. So much so, that I bought my own copy. Thank goodness for Turner Classic Movies, they show so many of the truly classic films, including this one.

Robert Cummings was certainly no light weight as an actor and although I am a great fan of Gary Cooper and Joel McCrea, two of my favorite actors, who were first offered the lead role, I don't see what they would have brought to the role that would have surpassed Bob Cummings' performance.

This is a film that I enjoy watching repeatingly and urge others to view.

This is certainly Kirk Douglas' best movie and that is saying a lot! The loss of individuality and the valuesof the West, if anything, are more pronounced today than when the film was made. Kirk's performance is perfectly understated as fits the character he portrays. No false heroics, gore, or sensationalism which all too often ruin today's movies . One reviewer commented that there was not a satisfactory conclusion... no last words by Douglas, uncertainty about his fate, and the ambivalent response of the sheriff, Walter Matthau. This is no simple movie with clear cut heroes and villains. There are only people who contend with the compromises one accepts or, in the rare instance of Kirk's character, one attempts to overcome. The affinity between Kirk and his horse are central to the theme and end of this fine film. Everyone connected in the making of this classic. I rate it a 10.

I rank this film with "The Paths of Glory", "All Quiet on the Western Front", and "A Walk in the Sun"; which I consider to be the most poignant and best acted war or anti-war films. The direction, dialogue, and acting in this film differ in the respect that the bloodshed and action are not graphic but obviously evident. It is certainly better than "Saving Pvt. Ryan", which is too long, pretentious, and relies on gory special effects to entice the younger audience.

The acting in "The Story of G.I. Joe" is realistic (not to be confused with the "method style") and understated.

Burgess Meredith and Robert Mitchum give two of their best performances and I really felt as though this was a portrayal of the every day conditions of the infantryman and not an exercise in false heroics.

I would rate this film a 9 out of 10. And I thank Turner Classic Movies for showing it. It is truly a CLASSIC.

"Kings Row" is truly a gem. The acting, photography,direction, script, and memorable score are outstanding. A number of reviewers have criticized Robert Cummings as not being up to the role of Parris Michell. I have to disagree. His earnestness and sincerity are what I appreciate in his characterization which is central to the storyline. Claude Rains, Harry Davenport, Ronald Reagan, and especially Ann Sheridan are outstanding in supporting roles.

I am not an "old geezer", a phrase used by Ronald Reagan in describing Dr. Gordon, who appreciates films from the 30's and 40's; unless being 59 qualifies me as such. I find myself viewing this movie several times a year on tape and Turner Classic Movies. Korngold's theme is truly one of the five top film themes. This is a sensitive and entertaining movie which stands the test of time.

"What's My Line" is one of my favorite programs. The host, John Daly, was an excellent host. He was erudite, respectful, and professional, unlike succeeding game show hosts, who, for the most part, try to be comedians. The panel was also insightful, witty, and humorous without being crude and trying to be funny. They were truly classy people. Even more important to me is to see the civility that existed on that program compared to current programming. It certainly was a different time in terms of respect, manners, and sophistication. As an earlier reviewer, game show formats now appeal to the lowest denominator. Noteworthy is the conduct of the audience. No loud cheering, yelling, and other obnoxious behavior on " What's My line".

How I miss the golden age of television...It was certainly heads and shoulders above most of today's programs which try to pass for entertainment. As we have progressed in so many areas in the past forty years. we have certainly declined in the quality, civility, and humaneness of that earlier era.

I have watched The Devil at 4 O'Clock several times on Turner Classic Movies, the BEST channel on television. It is a spiritual movie without being syrupy or preachy. The acting is superb, especially Spencer Tracy and Frank Sinatra. It is not the type of movie that would be produced today... no violence, filthy language, or sex. What is does have is the redemption of the main characters and their rediscovered or newly acquired faith.

The music complements the movie's theme. I am going to purchase this film because it has a timeless story and is entertaining at the same time. Spencer Tracy was able to convey so much with facial expressions and gestures that seem completely realistic unlike the stilted Method Acting technique ( which seems to me so patently artificial). I rate this film an eight out of ten.

I can only agree with the preceding praise of this wonderful movie. Art Carney was outstanding and deserved the Oscar. This is a story that relies on realism, fine dialogue, and excellent acting. There is no need for forced sentimentality here... the film's natural progression and true to life experiences provide the heart felt warmth, poignancy, and humor of this classic. I am going to purchase this film. It a movie that of which I never tire. It is sad that they do not produce films of this quality today. Kudos to all associated with it and a 10+ out of 10 rating.

Art La Cues

I caught this movie late at night on the Encore Mystery Channel. There was never a dull moment. The plot was plausible, the acting very good, and the photography great! I find it "amazing" how the scripts and dialogues were so often more intelligible back in the "good old days" of movies. There was not the incessant obscene and crude language that pervades most of today's films. The pacing was right on and the ending suspenseful. I only wish I could purchase it. Oh, by the way, am I the only one bored by the never ending credits? They seem almost as long as the movie. Does anyone, besides mommy or daddy, really care who the movie's caterer or grip was? With the above out of my system, if you get the chance, see this flick. It is a winner.

Certainly, Passage to Marseilles is no Casablanca or Maltese Falcon, because it is not intended to be. I find it a very entertaining and moving picture. The story, acting, and direction are excellent. I have no problem with the " flashbacks". Passage to Marseilles is just as entertaining and, in some aspects, more entertaining than Casablanca. The story line is complex and appealing. It was a film for its time and yet contains poignant and timeless truths about character and patriotism.

Bogart's elimination of the Nazi air crew is understandable in the context of the situation. The scenes although shot mainly on backlots, are compelling. The ending is sad but reflective of the movie's tone. I rank it as one of Bogie's best... right after The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and High Sierra.

Errol Flynn was outstanding in this film. An underrated actor, if given the right material, Flynn gave very affecting performances. This is one of those movies. It is realistic and reminiscent of "Little Big Horn", starring John Ireland and Lloyd Bridges.

As a confederate officer fighting a lost war, Errol and his companions save stranded stage coach travelers from Indians on the warpath. He has a sympathetic role in which he showed heroic characteristics without going "over the top". I wish this movie were available in video and hope that the Western Channel will show it. I heartily recommend this film with a rating of 9.

"The Culpepper Cattle Company" is a classic. There is no romantization of the living and working conditions. The acting is very realistic with no false heroics. The grime, sweat, and physical toughness are displayed realistically. Mr. Culpepper has a job to do and he expects that those who ride with him to do their part. When Geoffrey Lewis challenges Matt Clark, it is up to Clark to stand up for himself. No one steps in to defend him Clark, who is not, unlike Lewis, a gunman. But when Clark leaves the drive, Culpepper gives Lewis "What All" and also admonishes the kid for causing him to lose one of his best drivers.

At the end the kid returns to help the religious settlers and Lewis, Bo Hopkins, and their other seemingly uncaring compatriots, also returned to help the settlers. But not Culpepper, he had cattle to deliver and he was going to "finish the job". This is a fast paced, realistic, and wonderfully acted and directed film. It is not only a classic Western but a classic film, period. I am going to purchase the video. It is one of those films to be appreciated over and over.

It is interesting to read the range of reviews regarding "The Paths of Glory". While some consider it a classic, others decry it as mediocre or much worse. As far as I am concerned it is indeed a great movie. Upon its release, the New York Times film critic, Bosley Crowther, was highly critical of it... for among other reasons, that the actors do not have French accents and are more likend to WW2 GI's. For me the message of this movie is not dependent on French accents,nor is it a microscopic view of one war time incident. It goes to the very heart of moral ambiguity, personal ambition, and rationalizations that enter into so many political and war time decisions. The dialogue, acting, directing, and characterizations make this a true classic. Being filmed in black and white evokes the somber and realistic theme of this movie.

I consider this to be Stanley Kubrick's and Kirk Douglas' masterpiece. It is a film that only gains in stature as the years pass. I rate it a ten.

Kirk Douglas, Adolph Menjou, Ralph Meeker, and the rest of the cast are superb. Wayne Morris is especially fine as the repentant officer who regrets the choices he made.

I agree with most of the preceding opinions relative to this great movie. It is a classic! My favorite genre is Western, but it qualifies as a classic movie...period! The actors are superb. Peck, Heston, Ives, Bickford, Connors, Simmons, etc. stand out in their characterizions and, as a previous writer mentioned, were at the apex of their careers. The dialogue, scenery, and story are first rate. The musical score by Jerome Moross is as memorable as the the theme of the Magnificent Seven. And I believe both of them of them along with Max Steiner's Gone with the Wind theme are the best of all musical scores... western or any other. The Big Country is a movie that is timeless.

"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is a great film! Humphrey Bogart's finest performances were in "The Caine Muntiny" and this movie. Walter Huston, Tim Holt, and Bruce Bennett were excellent. As previous reviewers have mentioned, there is no excess of violence, nor is there the sex and gratuitous vulgarity commonplace in today's movies. Instead, a good story, a fine script, superb direction, and outstanding acting make this a classic. Max Steiner' score, as usual, is superb. I can only repeat what has been said before, why can't Hollywood turn out this caliber of movie today? For the most part what is celebrated today as outstanding, would not even be considered a "B"picture fifty years ago. "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is number ONE on my list!

I have always thought that Errol Flynn was a fine actor and this is surely one of his best performances. As the contibutor from Leeds England wrote, this movie does not detract from the British role in Burma. Any knowledgeable person should know that the British were the primary Allied participants in this theater of World War 11. However, this story of an American unit is superb! Errol and the supporting cast are superb. This film portrays the horror of war without the unnecessary crude language and graphic bloodletting of modern war films. Errol Flynn shows a compassion and commitment to saving his men and accomplishing their mission. The direction, dialogue, scenery, and story paints a realistic story of what war really is. No false heroics or unnecessary theatrical baggage. Flynn, Henry Hull, etc. excel in their roles and this movie is a testament to the very best in theatrical productions.

Dynamite Pass is an enjoyable western. Although like all "B " westerns it had less than a substantial budget, it enjoys a good cast, storyline, and scenery. Whether starring in an "A" or "B" feature, the presence of Tim Holt usually guaranteed a worthwhile viewing experience. He had screen presence that is sadly lacking in most actors today.

"High Noon", move over. "The Hanging Tree", in my estimation, is by far the better picture. The story, characterizations, acting, and musical score put this movie in the class of "Shane", "The Big Country", and "The Magnificent Seven". Cooper portrays Dr. Joe Frail as only he can. He is perfectly cast as a man with "frail hope" and, yet, has the strength and caring to help and protect others. As others have commented, this film is not even available new in vhs format, let alone dvd. The last time I checked The Western Channel and Turner Classic Movies it was not scheduled for viewing.

If you want to enjoy a realistic story and superb acting from a great cast I recommend the "Hanging Tree."

"Little Big Horn" is a classic western with outstanding performances from the entire cast. There is no glorification of the calvary company's struggle with the Indians. Each character has a personal story and motivation for his actions. In the end the decimated unit realizes that their sacrifice is necessary to attempt to achieve the greater good. It is a shame that this movie is not readily available. I recently purchased a copy through Belle and Blade Videos. Lloyd Bridges, John Ireland, Reed Hadley, et al were never better. A "must see."