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Fun in Acapulco is one of those films that might surprise you. Often overlooked, it is loaded with great music and a cast that really worked well together. The interplay between Elvis and Larry Domasin, who played little Raoul, was amazing. Elvis has a history of working well with children.

Mike, Played by Elvis, is fired from his job on a boat in Acapulco. It's The boat owners young daughter who gets him fired after Elvis refuses her charm.

Little Rauol Befriends Mike and helps him get a job as a Singer/lifeguard. The current lifeguard, who is a champion Cliff diver begins to feel threatened by Mike. Not only is Mike cutting in on his hours but he is making moves on his girl Margueita, played by Ursala Andress. Mike is also attracted to a lady Bullfighter. It works as a silly but very fun love triangle.

Will Mike get over his fear of diving that was brought on by an accident while performing a high wire act with his family? And who will he fall for? It makes for a fun story line.

Fun in Acapulco was the #1 Box Office Musical in 1963. The soundtrack for this picture was wonderful. The single "Bossa Nova Baby" was a huge top 10 smash for Elvis. Also the performance of "Marguerita" was a highlight in the film.

If you have overlooked this picture I urge you to check it out. I know you will be entertained by this charming film.

Kyle, played by (Chris Kerner) is dealing with the death of his Fiancé. He is going through a time of depression and has decided to end his life. However before going through with it he is told by his doctor that he has terminal cancer.

This news works as a wake up call. He begins to look at his life and finds he really hasn't done anything meaningful to leave a mark. The plot take off from there. It really is well done and you are left thinking about your own life.

Jen Starr, who plays Mary, is very good as Kyles boss. She sympathies with him and tries to let him know she understands. The whole cast is good for that matter. Travis Rush as Tom and Rebecca Del Sesto as Rebecca were solid. I highly recommend this film.

This is a very entertaining film. Elvis (Charlie Rogers) is a rebel biker who has a reputation as fighter and a womanizer. He makes a living as a traveling singer.

Early on in the film he is fired for getting into a fight with a group of college toughs. While riding his bike to the next engagement, the father of a girl he was flirting with tries to run him off the road. To make ends meet, and to earn enough money to repair his bike, he joins up with a traveling carnival.

The carnival is run by Maggie Moran, played by legendary actress Barbara Stanwyck. Elvis falls quickly for her lovely daughter Cathy, (Joan Freeman). The film takes off from there.

It's a wonderful adventure and is sure to entertain. Plus there are some great music tracks. "Little Egypt", "Roustabout", and "Big Love, Big Heartache" are great examples. The soundtrack went to #1 on the Billboard charts.

Some fun facts: Raquel Welch has a bit part at the very beginning of the film, and Teri Garr is one of the dancers. The title song, Roustabout is one everyone remembers. However Elvis also recorded another song for the film called "I'm a Roustabout". "Roustabout" was picked and "I'm a Roustabout" was never released. The song was recently discovered and was released as a bonus track on a CD in 2003. The motorcycle Elvis rides throughout the movie is a Honda 305 Superhawk.

This goes down as a unique and well crafted storyline. Hats off to legendary producer A.C. Lyles who brought together a wonderful cast. They were able to bring this story home.

Clem Rogers, known as "the Hanging Judge" was played by film and television great, Dale Robertson. He is asked to come to town to try Pete Stone for Murder. Now Pete (John Agar) is the son of "Big Tom Stone (Barton MacLane), who for the most part, owns the town.

Big Tom hires the man who killed the Judges father as a tool in his pocket. If he can get Judge Rogers to react and take revenge, he will be shown as nothing more then a hypocrite.

But that's not all Big Tom has in his pocket. He also plans to set the Judge up by discrediting him. He orders one of his men to beat up the girl Rogers has taken a liking to, (Ellie) played by the wonderful Yvonne De Carlo, and leave her unconscious, and half dressed in his Hotel room.

The in's and out's of the trial will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is a wonderful Western. I highly recommend it.

In my opinion, "Mr. Lucky" is one of Cary Grant's finest pictures. Grant (Joe Adams) Stars as a Gambler looking to make a buck. Joe is a man with no scruples. He is willing to walk over anyone for a chance at a quick score.

However his cold hearted ways begins to melt when a beautiful woman comes into his life. Laraine Day, (Dorothy Bryant) gives a strong performance as a volunteer for a war relief organization. She offers Grant a chance to help raise funds for the group when he suggests a casino night.

However Joe intends to use Dorothy as a pawn in a fixed game. That idea quickly changes when he falls for Dorothy. Joe must choose between his loyalty to his gang or his love for Dorothy.

Mr. Lucky is a wonderful mix of comedy and drama. One of the best moments is where Joe is learning to knit. Very funny! This is a picture that display's Mr. Grants full range of talents.

The cast included Charles Bickford, Gladys Cooper, Alan Carney, Henry Stephenson, and Paul Stewart. It was expertly Directed by H.C. Potter. The wonderful black and white cinematography was by George Barnes.

I highly recommend this picture.

Fun Facts. -Laraine Day was on loan-out from MGM. -Mr. Lucky was RKO's second biggest hit of 1943 -Writer Milton Holmes said Mr. Lucky was inspired by a real event in 1936. A nightclub owner put on a gambling benefit at the Beverly Hills Hotel to raise money for a church.

Dark City is a well crafted film. Most film noir fans will love it. It was released in 1950 and Stars Lizabeth Scott and Charlton Heston.

Heston plays a gambler (Danny Haley) who along with two friends sucker a man from out of town into a game of poker. Only one problem...it wasn't his money to gamble with. He signs over his check with the knowledge, (I'm in big trouble!) It is later revealed that he hung himself.

Now the story really takes off. The dead mans brother (who is insane), vows to track down those who were responsible for his brothers death, one at a time! This is a very intense storyline and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Heston is wonderful in this film as is Lizabeth Scott. Scott had been in the film business for a number of years by the time she made this picture. But remember, this was Heston's first film. To watch him, you would never know. However it didn't hurt to have so many veteran actors surrounding him. Names like Dean Jagger, Don DeFore, Jack Web, Harry Morgan, Walter Sande, and Mark Keuning. This was a solid cast! If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. You will need this for your film noir collection.

"Young Man With A Horn" is a classy, yet very dark film. I was glued to my chair from beginning to end. In a sense, it's a case study of a man obsessed by the only true meaning he has found in life.

Kirk Douglas plays (Rick Martin) who was an orphan left to fend for himself. His mother was an alcoholic. He would roam the streets at night looking for a sense of meaning. One night he came upon a nightclub and was taken back by the music. Through the window he heard the sound that would change his life.

The trumpet player Art Hazzard, played by (Juano Hernandez), Befriended Rick. He taught him to play the trumpet and became a father figure to him. From that point on Rick lived and breathed the trumpet.

As he grew older he put his skills to good use and joined several bands. He never really found meaning in the style of the day. His true love was jazz. He would work all day then play all night in the black Jazz clubs. Along the way he made a few friends.

One girl of interest was Jo Jordan, Played by (Doris Day). She was the lead singer with the swing band he was working for. Jo later introduced Rick to a friend of hers by the name of Amy North, (Lauren Bacall). Rick was fascinated with her. He really couldn't put a finger on it, but there was something about her.

Lauren Bacall was wonderful as a woman born into wealth yet totally empty inside. She is a woman with no direction who starts things in life but is never motivated to finish what she starts. That is a bad recipe for Rick who has found a calling in life but has become obsessed with it. The two are poison for each other. Amy's jealousy leads her to despise Ricks musical gift. The fact that Amy won't respect his obsession, leads Rick to the bottle. Things go from bad to worse.

This was a wonderful film with actors who were at the top of their game. It really doesn't get any better then this. I highly recommend it.

In my opinion, National Velvet is one of the top family classic's of all time. It features Mickey Rooney as (Mi Taylor) and Elizabeth Taylor as (Velvet Brown).

Velvet wins a race horse, named (Pie) in a raffle. She falls in love with it right away. With the help of Mi, an ex-jockey, they train it to race in the Grand National's. After the jockey who was scheduled to race Pie backs out at the last moment, Mi convinces Velvet to take his place.

This motion picture was put together well. Fine storyline and top notch acting. The inner play between Elizabeth and Mickey was magical. This is a wonderful family picture expertly Directed by Clarence Brown. The photography is stunning. This is a movie you will enjoy for years to come.

This picture is what made Elizabeth Taylor a household name. Both Mickey and Elizabeth remained close after the film. They still send post cards to each other after all these many years.

One side note. Elizabeth loved the horse "Pie" so much that the studio gave it to her.

"Yours, Mine and Ours" was based on the true life story, Who Gets the Drumstick?….written by Helen Beardsley. This was a wonderful film starring two of Hollywood's greatest legends; Henry Fonda, and Lucille Ball. Both have recently lost their spouse and are trying to come grips with life as a single parent...and at the same time, provide a stable home for their children.

Helen North (Lucille Ball) has 10 children while Frank Beardsley (Henry Fonda) has 8. Frank Captains an aircraft carrier while Helen is a Nurse in the Navy. They first meet after crashing into each others shopping basket at the local market. Later, they meet again after Frank takes his daughter in for a checkup. That leads to their first date. The funny thing is…neither has a clue about each others kids. As fate would have it, they fall in love. That's were things really get interesting.

What makes this film great is the fact that they present real issues that most blended families face. It's not always pretty. The struggles are real. However with the use of humor, you get a good sense of what it is like on the inside.

The cast was wonderful. Van Johnson played Franks Navy buddy. He was wonderful. Tom Bosley played the befuddled family doctor, while Tim Matheson (aka-The West Wing) played Franks oldest son. This was film making at it's best. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you pick it up. You won't regret it.

Girls! Girls! Girls! is one of Elvis' best. From Storyline to soundtrack, you will be entertained.

Elvis (Ross Carpenter), Plays a fishing guide. He works for a kind old couple,(Papa Stavros) played by Frank Puglia and (Mama Stavros) played by Lili Valenty. They own the (Westwind) a boat that was built by Ross Carpenter's father. When the old couple breaks the news that they are retiring and moving to Arizona, Ross must find a way to buy the boat.

The lovely Stella Stevens (Robin Gantner) plays a singer in a night club that Ross frequents. He also sings at the club from time to time. The two become personally involved.

At the same time Ross has feeling for (Laurel Dodge), played by Laurel Goodwin. Who will he choose? I'm not going to spill the beans. I'll let you find the answer on your own. I can tell you that this picture is well worth your time. Both Stella Stevens and Laurel Goodwin give strong performances. Presely was very strong throughout this picture as well. He looked like he enjoyed working with the cast.

The two little girls in the movie, Ginny Tiu and Mai Ling were very charming. The inner play between Elvis and the children was remarkable. It gave this film a sweet touch.

(Interesting Facts) Girls! Girls! Girls! was released on November 21st 1962. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best picture. Elvis won the 2nd place trophy for best actor at the Laurel Awards. The sound track was one of Elvis' best. It included the #1 smash, "Return To Sender"

Easy come, Easy Go was released in 1967, two years before Elvis' last feature film, "Change Of Habit." Elvis plays a frogman who is about to complete his time with the U.S. Navy. He stumbles onto a sunken treasure on his final dive. One big problem..... someone else has made the same discovery. This makes for a fairly compelling story line.

Of course there are plenty of pretty girls. The cast was wonderful. Dodie Marshall, the beautiful Pat Priest, and the wonderful Frank McHugh who played the (frightened of water) Captain Jack. The whole cast was great.

The photography was stunning. Hats off to William Margulies for his incredible Cinematography. The scenery and settings were wonderful. The underwater scenes were very well done. This was a tough shoot. The credit goes to underwater photographer Michael J. Dugan.

The drawback in this film was the Yoga scene. This has to be one worst scenes ever shot in film history. What was John Rich thinking? For that matter what was film editor Archie Marshek thinking. This was a no brainer. That scene should have been cut. I really believe that if it wasn't for that one scene, This would be one of Elvis' best. It was really that good. Well acted and Elvis looked like he really cared. If you can overlook the (Yoga) scene, this film is well worth watching.

Jane Russell (Joan Kenwood) plays a young wife who has just lost her husband in the war. She goes through a range of emotions as she tries to deal with her loss and tries to find her place in life.

Jane was wonderful and handled a complex role like a Pro. Remember This was only her 2nd movie. You had the feeling she was a tried veteran. Mrs. Russell was made for the camera.

Louis Hayward Plays (Lt. Jim Cameron). He falls in love with Joan the moment he laid eyes on her. He soon finds out her tragic story. Louis was a great choice as the (new) man. They really worked well together. The inner play between the two was magical. This really was a well crafted motion picture, Well worth your time.

For some reason It has never been release to the public on VHS or DVD. I was able to get a copy from someone who had an original copy of the 35mm film. This movie needs to be made available!!!

This is one of the all time comedy greats. Jerry Lewis plays a guy who can do nothing right, (to the extreme). Jerry plays a young man who wants to make something of himself so he can marry the girl of his dreams. Jill St. John is wonderful as the girl of his affection.

I can't say enough about John McGiver. He plays the "milk toast", Mr. Tuttle. I've seen him in a number of fun films and he always gives a strong performance. His wife, who wore the pants, was played by Hollywood legend, Agnes Moorehead. She gave a strong performance in this film. She was simply wonderful. The things she puts Jerry up to are extremely over the top! Very funny.

I was to young to see this film when it came out. However as a child I can remember seeing it on television. I can remember my dad falling out of his chair and rolling on the floor in laughter. I remember joining him on the floor and finding it hard to breath because I was laughing so hard. My mom was hitting the side of her chair and screaming. You can't buy memories like that. I truly believe Jerry Lewis was the best comic of his time. For that matter, Our time.

Jerry Lewis is a true comic who isn't afraid to be the butt of every joke. That's what separates great comics from the rest. People like Jack Benny, Phyllis Diller,George Burns, The Three Stooges and on and on. It wasn't about them, It was about laughter.

If you want to take a break from the stress of life, if just for a moment, and simply enjoy a little nuttiness for the sake of nuttiness, this is the film for you.

When I first heard of this movie my mind went back to the Classic film, The Long, Long Trailer. I also thought of the great Chevy Chase Vacation series. Although the premise was similar, RV breathed new life into it.

Robin Williams, (Bob Munro) is at the top of his game as he tries to bring his family together. His solution; Rent an RV for a wonderful family vacation. But is there more to the story? Things go from bad to worse. This is just the kind of role that brings out the best in Robin Williams. His wife Is played by Cheryl Hines as, Jamie Munro. She was a good choice as the no non-sense mother.

As good as Robin and Cheryl were in this movie, Jeff Daniels as (Travis Gornicke) and Kristin Chenoweth as (Mary Jo Gornicke) were better. As a matter of fact Jeff Daniels stole this movie. He played a Cowboy type caricature. He was wonderful and worked well with Robin Williams. His Wife, Played by Kristin Chenoweth played a character that can best be described by the phrase, " goody two shoes". I found her to be very funny.

This movie is entertaining but I feel it won't get high marks by other critics. For some reason Comedy at times doesn't sit well with those in this business. Very few actors and actresses are given the credit they deserve. Case in point; Cary Grant. He was truly One of the all time greats but he never received an Oscar. He started out with screwball comedies and the critics never forgot. The list goes on from there. The (Art) of movie making-The craft is how many in this business see it. For the most part, comedy is frowned on.

As Jack Warner once said, " why sell a ticket to one person when you can sell it to the whole (family)". This is a very good movie and I think you and your whole (family) will have a great time.

This movie truly handled the true life story of Steve Prefontaine with care. The photography was stunning. It was filmed on location in Eugene Oregon. Tom Cruise Produced the picture and his choice for director was key. Robert Towne Directed and co- wrote the screenplay.

Most people think of Mr. Towne as a writer. His movies include the screen play for Mission Impossible and the Classic, China Town. China Town brought him both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best Original Screenplay. He has directed very few films over the years but the fit for this project was on the mark.

Steve Prefontaine was a larger then life figure. To tell his story right Robert really had to do his home work. He chose to film the actual locations surrounding Prefontaines life. This really gave it a realistic feel. To see the actual track where Steve broke almost every long distance record on the books. The track where he was never defeated. That had a lot of meaning. Just a side note: This track today, is the site of the Pre- Classic. It's one of the worlds biggest track events of the year. The worlds top track and field star's take part in this event.

I had the good fortune to play an extra in this film. I owned a 1965 Pontiac. Warner Brothers was scouting out some car shows and asked if they could use my car in the movie. ( you can see it in the outside scene in front of the bar called, The Pad). Later I was asked If i would like to appear as an extra. Of course i said yes. After a long shoot the director, Robert Town came over and asked me to go to makeup. He had a scene for me. I was to appear with Billy Crubup, who played Steve Prefontaine and Monica Potter who played Mary Marchx his girl friend. Although the scene was cut from the movie, i got to meet some wonderful people. I had breakfast with Billy who turned out to be a warm person and later met Monica who seemed to be lonely during the long down times between takes.

As i was moving my Pontiac on the set, Donald Sutherland who was going over his script for an upcoming scene, came over to me and told me how much he like my car. I showed him around and he seemed interested. He was really a great guy.

I bring all this up to point out that a lot of wonderful people who took pride in their craft came together and put out a wonderful picture. If you haven't seen it, watch it I know you will enjoy it.

Movies that stand the test of time have a few things in common. First, a compelling story line. Second, a strong cast. Finally, the drawing factor. The Bishop's wife has all three.

Dudley, Played by Cary Grant, is an Angel sent to David Niven, the Bishop who wants to build a grand Cathedral. The angel (Cary) Is sent as an answer to his prayer. But the answer may be surprising. The cast includes Loretta Young as the Bishop's wife (Julia) and Monty Wooley as the professor. Loretta Young was a wonderful choice as a caring wife and mother. I can't say enough about Cary Grant. He is as good as it gets.

Karolyn Grimes was very charming in this picture. She Played Loretta Young and David Niven's little girl. She appeared in a number of important scenes and was simply tremendous. I had her on my radio show last year and she was very warm. She talked about how Cary Grant would read to her on the set and how kind he was. Not only to her, but to everyone around him. She said he really loved children. Karolyn also spoke warmly of Loretta Young. Their Relationship lasted long past this movie. She said Loretta sent her uplifting bible verses up until the day she passed away.

"The Bishop's Wife" was released February 16th 1948. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won for, Best Sound. My daughter and I were taken on a private tour of (The Lot) Formerly United Artists Studio, by a friend of ours. This was where "The Bishop's Wife" was filmed. We were taken to the executive building and shown the trophy room. "The Bishop's Wife's" Oscar for best sound was there on display.

When the filming began, Cary Grant was cast as the Bishop and David Niven as the angel. After Henry Koster took over as director, he felt the casting was wrong. The scenes that were shot to that point were tossed and they started again from the beginning. Mr. Koster was on the mark with the change, This was one of Cary Grant's most widely praised roles.

One final note. Karolyn Grimes, Who played the little girl, is best known for her role in another Classic. She Played Zu-Zu in It's a Wonderful Life. You Remember her legendary line..."Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings".

Cary Grant and Irene Dunne give unforgettable performances in the this simple tale. Grant plays a small time newspaper man who is determined to run his own show. This leads to money troubles which puts undue pressure on his marriage. This is a 65 year old film but the same struggles face us today.

This movie touches on the subject of adoption. It handles it in a loving and emotional way. Grant and Dunne deal with real and difficult issues in a realistic and wonderful manner.

The children used to portray their adopted child over the years were excellent, as was the case for the whole cast. Hats off to George Stevens. The film had funny moments and some very emotional moments. It required actors with range. That speaks volumes to the level of acting in this picture.

The scene that hits this point home is the one in which Cary Grant is confronting a Judge while his young daughter is in the room. This is acting at its highest level. It earned Mr. Grant an Oscar nomination. If you want to see a picture that pushes a story line backed up with actors that can handle it, this picture is for you.