NutzieFagin

Anyone ever wonder how a blind person "views" a movie?

I have been dating a blind guy for some years now. What you would do is get a device called "audio description" (ask for it at the box office.) It is required by ALL theaters to have it due to the Handicap Law. But sometimes--theaters do not and it doesn't always work. It is about the size of a Walkman and descriptions are given to the wearer about the scenes and action going on in the movie. If you are taking a blind person---They definitely WILL need this device.

But anyhow...my "blind date" heard about the movie and wanted to "see" it. Don't Breathe is a movie that contains a lot of action and plot twists. The movie action and scenes move very quickly and to the point. Three punk teens are involved in a burglary ring. They make there vocation by breaking in homes, robbing and vandalizing them. For some reason, I don't know how but because of their lives--one girl named Rocky, a struggling abused single mother, one boy named Alex who lives in the shadow of his successful father (who owns a burglar alarm business--it's how Alex gets his info)and one common thief named Money that you tend to feel that they are somewhat justified for their crimes. But Alex gets some info about some blind war vet with a lot of money in his house. Perfect score, right?

WRONG! the blind vet turns out to be a homicidal maniac who is driven mad about the death of his daughter. The blind guy is VERY skilled with a gun and he uses his other senses to survive this home invasion. It I definitely no cake walk robbing this guy.

My blind date was amused somewhat about this blind vet turned into a "Super Blink" He knew just how to protect himself and he did no the basic skills they teach the blind for everyday life. (Blind people listen very accurately and count steps and doorways in homes.) The violence is there---by today's standards and the gore factor is slim but the action twists and turns are abundant. Maybe a lot of hokum --killing people and beating them and they STILL get up. I won't give away the ending--for some reason it give me a strange feeling--but I can see a sequel possibly.

So I would recommend it--good summer suspense that is not boring.

I was only a year old when this movie came out and about seven years old when I saw it on the Late show.---Yeah! I was one of these sick lil kids that adored monster and horror movies.

Black Sabbath is an Italian based movie that has been dubbed into English. I often wondered how the heck Boris Karloff got involved in such a project, but he and the movie don't disappoint with the chills.

The movie is composed of three separate stories ala Tales of the Crypt like with the infamous voice of Boris Karloff as part narrator. The first story, A Drop of Water really gave me the coo-hoonies as a kid. It has a Gothic scary atmosphere with the old plot that "crime does not pay" after a nurse steals a dead woman's ring. The second, The Telephone is similar plot but more of revenge from the dead ploy. The third, I Vderlack written by Tolstoy (REALLY, he wrote a vampire story!) staring our own Boris K, is a campy, but creepy vampire tale.

So if your up to just some plain chills and thrills or just a Karloof fan---try this, maybe with the lights out and enjoy!

"For Keeps" is not a totally bad movie show boating the challenges facing two oooey gooey teens in the arms of passion and in love & just trying to raise a family in modern times.

But there are some awkward and sappy moments. First, I can't describe it here, but to those who have taken sex-ed classes in school....The opening credits scene just leaves me with uncomfortable image...But we see two small town teens that you know will end up with a unplanned pregnancy because they are making out like rabbits.

Which is what happens....along with some sappy dialogue and those awful cliché moments, Darcy and Stan live the bitter with the sweet. Trying to fight the world, but you know it will turn out o.k because these crazy kids are just too much in love.

Despite the corny situations and scenes, it does show a perspective on teen pregnancies. In my opinion, I think life is a lot more tougher in the cold cruel world, but what the heck! it's only a movie

Bright Eyes is a film that probably made Shirley Temple go to that height of her career by performing her iconic song "The Good Ship Lollipop" And like the song, the plot, the acting and just Shirley---are so sweet you just may get diabetes watching the film.

Not to say that this type of diabetes is not enjoyable. It just fits into Shirley's character. "Shirley" (yes, that is her character's name) is an adorable Lil moppet whose attractive mother works as a maid for a snotty family named Smith (Please! pronounce it as Smythe!) I think I heard the person who wrote the screen play based this story while growing up, the Scottish maid in his home had a sweet little daughter about Shirley's age. Shirley's deceased father who was a pilot, died in a crash. But not to worry---His father's friends, especially best friend "Loop" treat Shirley as their own daughter by showering her with attention and presents. Sweet, unspoiled Shirley is surrounded by other love--The Smith's family invalid uncle who is charmed by the little girl as well as the servants and Loop's ex-girlfriend.

You know the sugar-now here is the spice. The Smith's daughter, Joy played beautifully by Jane Withers is a Super Brat! But such a brat that you'll love the performance that she unintentionally steals some scenes from Temple. It was said that Jane Withers got the part of Joy because she could make the noise of a machine gun.

Then,tragedy strikes! Shirley's Mom is killed in an accident. And during the joyful season of Christmas as well....Now, poor Shirley is an orphan. What will become of Shirley? Who will adopt her? So, if you need a little sugar, Sail abroad the Good Ship Lollipop and prepare to tug at your heart strings.

Father of the Bride is a classic tale of what one might suffer when planning a family wedding. And people who have planned their weddings or been in one can cherry pick many comic foils that you may see in this film.

The story is about just that. .A simple tale which happens in about every family. Proud papa, Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracey) is now faced with the upcoming preparations of his daughter, Kaye's (Liz Taylor) wedding. It is Murphy's Law running downhill from then on. Expenses keep mounting, families fight over the trivial matters of Wedding dates, reception costs and mounting invitation lists. And from a hot mess, we create the perfect beautiful wedding. Liz Taylor always looked stunning as a bride and you will not be disappointed.

A lot of people prefer the remake starring Steve Martin because this event is set in 1950, But it is a classic to be enjoyed because everything that is "old" never changes. So enjoy the show and hope you are the one to catch the bouquet.

Ahhh The ABC Friday Movie of the Week! If you couldn't get a date, at least they had something decent playing on the boob tube! Okay! I was only twelve yrs old when this gem came on T.V but boy, I remember that this movie creep-ed me out so much--The noises in the attic and taps on the wall kinda made me wary that I may not be alone in my house after all.

Anyway, the plot is simple. Ronald is a shy awkward, sort of geeky high school boy that is taunted by one of the pretty popular girls one afternoon. He lashes out at her in anger by striking her, she accidentally falls hitting a rock killing her instantly. Horrified, Ronald confesses the crime to his widowed mother, who wants desperately to protect her only son by hiding him from the police. She fixes up a false room accessible by only a small door and she is somewhat successful until she finds out she has to leave him because she needs a surgical procedure. All is planned until her return, but what she didn't plan on was dying on the operating table. Ronald is therefore left alone on his own devices wondering where his mother is. He finally reasons out the truth when a new family moves in the house that she is dead.

Poor lonely Ronald now is in a mess. He steals the family's food and possessions to survive. He doesn't leave because he does not know where to go. But he then grows somewhat mentally twisted from his loneliness. He starts spying on the family more in a not so nice way-especially the young teen aged daughter. He begins to equate her with the girl who originally bullied him. Will Ronald go...well bad...and something awful will happen? I wish this film would be shown again because I'm sure it will become a cult favorite. If anyone does see this listed, I heartily recommend seeing it.

I remember this movie when it came out in the 70's....the main song "Do you know where you're going too..." was VERY popular. Did this movie make the same perfection...ehhhhh....Wellll....

Okay! the plot is one that has been done over and over in movie history. Tracy, a poor black girl from the Chicago projects dreams of being a super model fashionista designer who wows them in the four corners of Europe. Her super designs gain the attention of a high fashion photographer played by Anthony Perkins....I know I know..in the past there has been some gossip about Mr Perkins real sexuality but supposedly he is playing a heterosexual (he says)and he is VERY interested in Tracy. But Tracy has another admirer played by Billy Dee Williams who aspires to be a helpful Politian for his community. And I do remember Billy Dee was advertised as major dream cake during his period of fame.

But when Tracy receives an offer to go to Rome with Anthony Perkins and become a major super model known as Mahogany, she leaps at the chance even though she regrets leaving her boyfriend, Billy Dee behind. But both go to follow their dreams like a moth to a flame. Tracy's career takes off as a super model-her designs are somewhat excepted but it is her modeling as "Mahogany" that is successful. Anthony Perkins becomes obsessed and too controlling and Billy Dee's political career falls flat but he learns to accept and work with failure. It is here we have to ask that same question as they did in Broadway. "Will Success spoil Tracy Hunter?"

The acting is very wooden and campy. Diana may belt out a song--look beautiful in fashionable outfits but sorry, the girl is not the best actress. In most films, Anthony Perkins plays the psycho characters---here you will not be disappointed. And Billy Dee Williams is the male dream cake as always.

Much better movie than The Wiz, Diana Ross fans will love it. if you are also a fan of the chi chi high fashion model scene--you'll love this Valley of the Dolls type drama. So go enjoy this kitzy campy glossy film---it's good for a soap drama!

One night I was bored out of my skull with the TV Cable----900 channels and nothing was worth watching! Then I saw Mountain monsters and they had the Fire Dragon episode. Well, what the heck-sounded more interesting than the everyday rerun.

First, Growing up in nearby state of Maryland, I have always LOVED folklore stories. Mothman, Bigfoot, even the Grafton Mosnster I heard it all. A lot of the mountain stories are bogey tales to keep the kids at home. What I saw was six guys running thru the woods chasing a legendary "monster" like the Three Stooges. It was like watching a train wreck that you couldn't turn your eyes away AWESOME!! The other weird thing is the characters of these sons of West Virginia seem to grow on you---sooner or later, you kinda get to like them! I mean, haven't you ever known someone like Wild Bill (I had a lovable neighbor like him) Yes! I do agree that the show is just pure hokum! They never caught any monster except some pig that they claimed was "Hogzilla" I just see this program as the old ghost or monster stories that I used to know (there are some I never heard of--The bloodless howler, for example) But just take it what it is---entertainment--possibly a satire of the Bigfoot documentaries. A Hillbilly mind's eye view! So stoke up the fire! Relax! and let the Monsters begin!

Escape from Planet of the Apes is probably the most memorable and beloved of the Ape series due to the likable characterizations of Corneilius and Zira.

And even though there are many unexplained plot holes in the film, it makes enjoyable viewing. The acting is good, but the script is sometimes corny. But through the cornball script we learn more about the characters--Zira loathes bananas-Corneilus hates boxing and violence and speaks only "when(Zira)she lets me" and the word "monkey" is a insulting slur! Which brings up to the opening scene. A spacecraft washes up off a LA beach thought to have been commanded by Col. Taylor (Charlton Heston)---How it got thru the time travel to Earth is unknown because we saw it sink to the bottom of the ocean in the first epic. But we digress--there are three apes found in the ship-Corneilius, Zira and Doctor Milo, a friend and colleague who was a genius who half understood the ship (smart ape) Unfornatly, Dr Milo was played by Sal Mineo who could not tolerate the make up was written off early by dying in a tragic accidents.

So the tables are now turned again---the humans rule! Corneilus and Zira are now on the other foot of the spectrum They are immediately befriended by a couple of animal scientists and a circus owner who takes them under their wing. They are peaceful creatures and they are soon befriended by a scientist couple and later a kindly circus owner. They are treated very well in the beginning-almost like pets until the paranoia starts to settle in a bit. The humans learn that the Earth was destroyed by a ape war--were they responsible? The final nail in the coffin is that they learn Zira is pregnant with child. Will their descendants take over today's ape and then the world? It is later heightened when Cornilius accidentally kills an orderly who playfully calls Zira's baby a "little monkey" (gasp!) So now the two apes and their baby become the hunted. Can they escape once more? It is interesting to note that when this film was made, abortion was a very hot topic with the Roe vrs Wade decision. There are many references and morality questions asked throughout the film. Could this have influenced the plot? Of course, when compared to the 2014 Planet of the Apes, most are unimpressed. But keep in mind that the make up was VRRY revolutionary for its time in sci fi films. The film reflects A LOT of the seventies in style and thought. It does have a very sad but shocking ending--see the film for some good time traveling.

Okay! I can understand---your TV show gets canned so what are your options.....that's right! A CARTOON!! But did they have to follow another classic cartoon like The Jetsons? Because of this The Partridge Family 2200 AD looks like a show just trying to cash it in on a previous success.. The original cast members do the voices except Shirley Jones and David Cassidy who must have recognized a bomb when seen. And for some reason (probably a legal one) Shirley Partridge is now Connie Partridge. Well, they try to spice up the cartoon with all the nifty tricks and mechanisms that the Jetsons have but it simply doesn't work due to the bad animation, story writing--even the laugh track is weak! The songs are made to sound a little more futuristic but bad all the same! Because there are few episodes this may be hard to find in stores.... If you are a hard core fan, you may enjoy it--but otherwise it is just EL Stinko!

Love to gather round a fire and tell a good ghost to scare the skivvies off the kids? How bout a good Sea Ghost story....with a thick fog bank curling outside to add the creepy setting. Welcome to The Fog!!

Which is what happens---the setting for the trap is done--a sea captain tells a bunch of kids a ghost story about the town they live in--the town's people murdering a bunch a leper sailors who were ship wrecked--and much worse---the town minister steals their gold and fashions a gold cross out of it. Next thing--lights go on and off, cars will start by themselves...Yep! there will definitely be trouble coming! and something....yes...something dangerous is out in the fog...

The success of The Fog is based on it's creepy setting. When the fog bank and chilling wind rolls in, the audience seems to feel it. Adrianne BarBaiou does a incredibly sexy performance as throaty town disc jockey. Jaimie Lee Curtis who is starring with Mom (Janet Leigh) gives good scenes also. The special effects are minimal but are effective---lots of loud noises and window/light breaking. The only bad thing is the script can get campy at times.

So pop the popcorn! The Fog makes a good Halloween treat!

Swing Shift Maisie is one of those screwball comedy films made in World War II that cheered people up thru those perilous times.

Maisie Revere, aka Mary Anastasia O'Conner, the stage performer with a heart of gold is at it again! This time, after a dog act literally breaks up and she is down on her luck, she is taken under the wing of Breezy Maclaughlin (James Craig) an aviator who slightly resembles Clark Gable and struck by Maisie's pretty "Snub nose" face He gets her a job in the aviation plant as a Riviterand room at Ma's Rooming House. Breezy, of course is a gentleman but it is very soon that he and Maisie become attracted to another. After a quick friendship, romance blooms between the duo until a sweet face, but devious girl named Iris comes into the frame. Iris seems to be a girl badly in need of a friend and Maisie could never, ever not lend a helping hand. But after she saves Iris from a "suicide", it becomes clear that Iris is becoming involved with Breezy more and more. Maisie begrudgingly accepts defeat and gives up Breezy because she is a true and blue friend to Iris. But is Iris a loyal comrade also? And does she have other designs on her mind?

Movie viewers will get a kick out of the witty, snappy dialog and plot intrigue. They may also get a glimpse of women and the wartime and the problems that they may have faced. Working the swing shift at the plant, keeping yourself occupied while your soldier was away in battle. I have a feeling this film was more or less to cheer up the people during the horrors of war like a USO show.

So pop the popcorn and go back into the wartime world with Maisie. It is a cute film with a happy ending

The promos blared it everyday! The Sound of Music done LIVE!!! Sheesh! You think that they discovered uranium! Needles to say, this was the most heavily touted program on TV. Was it worth the Ballyhoo?

Weelllll....yes and no. This was a production that was in heavy competition with the film starring Broadway's royalty, starring Julie Andrews. Carrie Underwood who took the role of Maria can belt out any tune-Pop, Country and Broadway. But as a actress, I think she needs a wee bit of polish---not that it was bad, but she seemed a little wooden or nervous. But her stiffness may have given her character a little bit of youngish shy charm. Ms. Underwood may also look like a blond Germanic woman but her mannerisms and voice were more like American. I don't know how to describe it, but Julie Andrews is better at European roles ---possible because she was born in Europe.

One other difference performing the musical in a studio is that wide open spaces are hard to find. They did make creative and good use of setting, however it lacked the luster of the location shots from the movie. Also, for dancing scenes it is very hard to choreograph

The rest of the cast performed well--The Von Trappe children sang beautifully but I considered Gaylord Von Trappe (the father) a little youngish looking not like the older Christopher Plummer. And yes. I did see one minor player flub his lines (of course, we were really looking for that) Audra MacDonald, who played the Head Abbes gave a beautiful performance singing the most difficult song "Climb Every Mountain" And I know I will be criticized as racist---but there was no African American nuns found in Austeria----casting for just political correctness.

But all in all, The Sound of Music does not measure up to their predecessor but still enjoyable to watch---and I'll sing once more....

Hammer Studios were probably the king of producers for Gothic horror flicks. Well known for their creepy sets that produced movies starring monsters from classics (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman & Mummy) the studio churned out these movies every year usually with success. So why not a movie starring the famous mad scientist, Dr. Henry Jeckell from the Robert Louis Steveson classic story?

However, like most Hammer films, they like to put on their own little spin to make the story a little less redundant. In The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll, the character is regarded as a quiet nebbish type scientist who speaks in a soft voice. He is also already married--to a beautiful redhead wife, who unfortunately is only concerned about her selfish whims and presently carrying on an affair with his friend. The friend, Paul Allen--played by the immortal Hammer studio star, Christopher Lee is a scoundrel who gambles away his money, and like Henry Jekyll's cheating spouse--only concerned for his own pleasures. So of course, this leads to poor Dr. J's disastrous experiment, which he transforms into a handsome but the cruel evil rake, Mr Hyde. Like Clark Kent in Superman, no one usually recognizes or connects the two men together. But the evil Mr Hyde takes the tortured Dr Jekyll to London's pleasure houses and commits various cruel tricks on people. Mr Hyde also makes Dr. Jekell confront that his wife is a no good cheating woman. But as you may guess, Dr. Jekyll loses control of his alter ego, and that's when the serum literally hits the fan.

This movie is well acted but it seems to lend sympathy to the character of Dr. Jekell. He seems to be so tortured by his wife infidelity but lacks the strength of character to confront the problem. But again, we have to agree as mad scientists go---it really is his own fault that these tragedies happen.

Not a bad flick, if you like the Hammer Film genre--I'd say it's a good bet for a late night popcorn viewing

If you love I Love Lucy, The Long Long Trailer will be a delight for you.

I don't know why but Lucy and Desi were one of the best paired married (in real life) male/female comedy teams. In The Long Long Trailer, they basically play the same Lucy/Ricky role. The only differences present are the slight character name changes (Tacy/Nicky Collini) Nicky is still the same macho Latin but Tacy is more neurotic. Tacy like to collect sentimental mementos ----like rocks and homemade jams and souvenirs from the places she and Nicky visited. Kind of showing some bad hoarding mental issues BUT it's because of her romantic heart and to retain those special memories with Nicky is the reason why she does it.

Anyway--when Tacy and Nicky marry, they come up with the bright idea of getting a trailer.....Nicky favors the saving money---Tacy likes the romantic idea of a cozy love nest on wheels...more places and more mementos to pick up as they tour the U.S. Hilorious scenes come from this idea which I'm sure that EVERY trailer owner has encountered. Getting lost, narrow mountain roads, high rental camp ground rates and yes....trying to cook that perfect romantic dinner in the trailer while the husband drives those bumpy roads (I think it is in some states against the law to ride alone in trailers) but what the hey---IT'S FUN TO WATCH!! Of course, the plot is not really there but these sight gags are just there to show the humorous side of situations in a marriage. The good and the bad side of marriage---will it work? But Love conquers all in the movies!---So if your looking for a Lucy/Desi film that is away from the I Love Lucy apartment---no Mertz's in this one....see it and enjoy!

One thing I LOVED when I was a kid was Dinosaurs! Second thing was on Saturday Morning, every kid I knew would be salivating over the Saturday Morning Cartoon Previews-giving all the kiddies a taste of what to see. Then they brought out Valley of the Dinosaurs---Life was Good again! Many may see this cartoon as mindless, but it was sprinkled with educating facts about dinosaurs (what do brontosaurs's eat? etc...) some scientific know how on tips of survival, cool action scenes and dinos! Based on a Jules Verne adventure story, a modern family is propelled to a land that time forgot. Befriended by a caveman family, both learn from each other and survive together.

I sometimes feel that today's kids missed out on some fun programming. Valley of The Dinosaurs had a lot of adventure, but it was FUN and ENTERTAINING! The animation was pretty good too---I feel sadness that the Glory Days of Hanna Barbara will never be back

The World of Henry Orient is a film about growing up and the pain of that first celebrity crush.....Come on! Admit it! All of us has had that love affair with a celebrity and the pain of finding out our illusions or gods had feet of clay.

Set in the majestic scenes of New York City in the early Sixties, we meet the two central characters, Marion Gilbert, a somewhat curious girl, eager and adventurous and Val Boyd, a lonely but boisterous in need of a friend because of her parent marriage is falling apart at home. The girls become fast friends and Val confides that she is in love with a pianist named Henry Orient played by the talented Peter Sellers. Even though the film is named after Henry Orient we don't see too much of the character in a lot of scenes. Henry Orient is really a shallow, untalented pianist who is more interested in womanizing than perfecting his art. Will Val discover her dreams of love are just youthful dreams or will fate deal her a unkind hand to shatter her fantasies?

The World of Henry Orient is one of those films that I encourage the young to see. It is a story of innocent youth maturing in a quiet sweet way. Perfect for that tween age between childhood and adult when a girl copes with the feeling of "falling in love". It is also a film where most adults look back at some fond memories The scenes of New York are visually beautiful and compelling---very much "New Yorkish" with it's scenes of Central Park and row townhouses. So if you are looking for one of those sweet silent comedy films---this would be the one!

I was somewhat disappointed to the HBO showcase film "Behind the Candelabra" The film was based on a book written by Scot Thorson, the late Liberace's ex lover. That's about all I can say about the truth of it.

What is shameful is the depictions of both Scot Thorson and Liberace. Scot Thorson who is adequately portrayed by Matt Damon is shown as some innocent wide eyed young man who is smitten with the glitz and glamor of Liberace, his life and house and estates. He seems to act how he has no idea that Liberace is sexually attracted to him. When he discover Liberace has some feelings for him, he does anything for him no matter how ridiculous or bizarre it is. He even enters like a blind puppy into the world of drug addiction with no caution or qualms.

As for Michael Douglas's portrayal of Mr Showmanship-he is playing more of a horny drag queen than a seasoned performer. Liberace is shown more as a lecherous manipulative man who sends out someone to pimp new boyfriends. After he gains their friendship and trust, he then proceeds to control every aspect of their lives giving them free plastic surgery (to look like him) and "adopting" them into his family. After he is bored or tires of them, he throws them out like an old rag. Does the deceased talented Liberace deserve this?

The best thing of the film is that it does showcase Liberace's remarkable talent. I've personally never been to his shows but I heard that they were very entertaining with a lot of glitz,glitz,glitz--pure Vegas acts which seem to be losing their art today. What is even more interesting about Liberace's life is how he lived like a king! Gorgeous furnishings and yes...he did have a problem with his dogs (babies) pooping on the Turkish rugs. But Wow! he was the king of Vegas Outrageous!

But lastly, please remember the film painted Thorson's character as more of an unwitting victim. Scott Thorson was arrested for burglary,credit card fraud and he knew a LOT of Gang and underworld characters so I ain't buying the victim story entirely and Liberace is not alive to dispute anything of course. I know Liberace was a VERY private person about his life and sexual preferences but I often wonder how hiscfamily feels about this "chicken hawk" character they gave Liberace.

Also, as for parental guidance rating---please remember there are a LOT of explicit sex scenes....I don't care if they are homosexual or not, just not the right type of picture for the very young to see.

People may bash the seventies, but I grew up in that decade and it wasn't so bad. The young ones today will find out one of the best things out there is Retro TV and one of the best shows from the seventies was Emergency! One of the things about Emergency was that it was rarely boring to watch. Each show was comprised of usually one plot with many sub plots (or the situation and accidents fireman and paramedics encounter on the job) And BOY! did they think of some doozies! Besides your run of the mill car accidents, heart patients and slips and falls, you may get kids trapped in tree trunks--hang gliders banging into cliffs--or lovely naked women getting their big toe stuck into a bath facet. Whatever the situation, call the boys at Station 51 they can handle EVERY job!.

Of course for the show, you will need the medical hospital staff as back up to help after your victim has been rescued. The staff at the Emergency (Rampart hospital) is basically professional and the most expert I've ever seen since Marcus Welby. They also seem to work 24 hrs a day because I've never seen any other personnel working. The "staff" consists of the ever caring "Dixie McCall" (Julie London) the concerned "Kelly Bracket" and "Joe Early" played by the Bobby Troupe. Boy I wish I had these guys as my personal doctors--I'd would probably live a good long life! And those lovable guys at the firehouse Station 51 ain't bad neither. Each member at Station 51 may have their troubles but all of them support each other. Mike Stoker (I figured he was a real firefighter because driving the truck IS NOT easy) Marco who gives that Latino ethnic quality, Chet Kelly--who seems to act like the Firehouse Mum because he is always concerned about the health and welfare of his comrades, and Capt'n Stanley whose job it is to keep this motley crew in line.

Of course, lastly there are the two stars of the series, Randolph Mantoot( John Gage) who probably had to fight off the female fans with a fire hose and Kevin Tighe(Roy Desoto)with his expert medical knowledge on the job. I did remember hearing that some viewers who saw how Gage and Desoto worked on the job (CPR etc) actually saved lives from watching the show. These two seem to have great chemistry between each other as co-stars---whatever their magic is, it seems to work with the viewers.

So Hail Retro TV!! Watch the show and fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride from the firehouse.

Going on to vacations in Europe...seeing the sights of the world and experiencing new adventures! Great Idea! Going to a contaminated nuclear reactor and radioactive city? BAD IDEA!!

And that is what six brainless Americans do within this movie. They want adventure and some vacation that no one would ever have in their life time. Considering that they are touring a city where they could contract radiation sickness and contaminate their friends and relatives and die themselves--what the hey! Tally Ho!

Enter a young Russian man named Uri who volunteers his services as a tour guide to visit the city near the famed Chernoybl radioactive reactor. Probably looking to make a quick ruble off of these stupid Yanks, but off they go! They have a grand time taking snaps, and somehow get the creepy feeling that they are not alone. Well, you probably will guess what happens next! The car won't start--looks like somebody "chewed" the spark plug wires...Hmmmm, was it the roving packs of wild dogs turned into car vandals...maybe..

What you will see next is basically a lot of these people running thru building from bald hulking figures who hiss and grunt a lot. They do come on a couple of victims and deduce that they must be cannibals. But they wished they stayed at the hotel now!

Basically that is it! A lot of running around and banging noises in a Blair Witch type nervous camera photography. The script is somewhat thin and profane but I've seen worse. The Chernobyl Diaries somewhat resemble an earlier Horro film entitled "Stag Night" where party growers gets themselves trapped in a underground subway only to be hunted down by homeless mutants! I wouldn't call this a horror film though...maybe bordering on suspense---just needed a little more UMPH! to make it more enjoyable!

So please people, next vacation you plan...DON'T GO to a radioactive city---keep going to Disneyland!---sure Disney may have it's hiccups--just better chance to come back.

I saw this whole series when I was about 10 yrs old on Masterpiece Theatre back in the 1970's and I remember it made a huge impression on me concerning Tudor history. It motivated me to read more on the time period and English history. There are six episodes, each devoted to the stories of his wives. But not only the stories of his wives backgrounds and who they were in history, it also gives the history of what was going on during Henry the VIII's reign---The Reformation of the Church of England and the break from Roman Catholism. The act of Succession. and the relations and intrigues between foreign countries lined up against each other like a chess board.

The acting is superb! The costumes are rich and magnificent. Keith Mitchell looks so much like Henry the VIII, you think he's been resurrected. The settings or back drop may have been the only thing that the production company did not spend a lot of money on--lots of wood paneling and open hallways. But the Tudor homes and palaces were althoug opulent in construction--they did not have a lot of furniture or knick knacks of the homes of today.

Young people should be compelled to watch this series. It is a kingly delight and not to be missed by future generations.

Ahhh the 70's!! Most people disdain the 70's but I grew up in the decade and the movies have fond memories for me. One film I remember was the 1976 remake, King Kong.

When news came out about the film, it was heavily touted and publicized. Of course everyone has seen the classic Fay Wray original, can a remake be better? well....yes...and no...

This film marked the debut of Jessica Lange and launched her on an acting career. Previously she was a model and heard a casting call for a part for a blond actress for the part of Kong's hapless mate. It was said that they were seriously considering Barbara Striesand (oy vey) for the role. But rumor had it that Babs was VERY demanding so they decided to go with an unknown for the part.

Some imaginative special effects are used but by comparison with today's technology, they are considered to be pretty lame. There are major plot changes since the film is set in modern times. First, the gas shortages or "Energy Crisis" was alive and well during this time. So it is not surprising that an oil company is made the primary villain in the 70's Kong. Also the environmental movement was starting out and the character of Jack was influenced by it.

Much was published that the "New" World Trade Center was picked as the building which Kong would make his famous climb on. Looking at it now and seeing films from the past 911 tragedy still gives me a little chill and a sorrow for past days.

However, all and all, despite the God forsaken cheesy script, the mechanical gorilla arms etc... I would recommend King Kong 1976 as a popcorn guilty pleasure or cult film. Just see it--like all monster films it is pure fantasy magic.

What would happen if there was a nuclear attack?

I don't want to even know or find out. But if you want to catch a glimpse, see the movie "Threads"

Threads is a British movie done in effective documentary style. Each time, event is recorded for the viewer to give them a specific time line of what would happen if you are in a nuclear attack. Threads is VERY graphic, not for the faint of heart or younger viewers. It seems to show that we, the public view nuclear war as a minor annoyance or inconvenience like a power outage in a thunderstorm. I wish it could be that simple.

The acting is fair but what really matters in this movie is the action. Britain is attacked with a nuclear warhead. Millions die instantly. you may think if you survive, you are lucky. Not so...a much worse fate awaits...no medical help, no food or water, no shelter. You will have to deal with criminals looting and everyone killing each other just to survive. If there is hell on earth, you will see it in this movie.

"Threads" is a warning for all against nuclear war. God help us if there ever is a day with that fate!Please God, never let that happen!

If you need a quick synopsis of the plot line for Goergy Girl, listen to the lyrics of the intro song Goergy Girl at the beginning of the movie.

Sweet Georgina, a lonely British girl in the 60's dreams of what usually some unattractive, overweight girls wish for. A knight with shining armor to sweep her off her feet, marry her and live happily ever after in a castle with an adoring husband and especially lots of children.

Well... as you may know, life does not turn out like we wish. Georgina or better known as "Georgy" does have an admirer. He is her parents employer, James Learnington, played by the stately James Mason, a wealthy, soon to be widowed, slightly lecherous millionaire who is captivated by Georgy's youth, wit and charm. Because of his fondness for Georgy he seems to treat her parents (his servants) almos6 like family and allows Georgy to teach a kindergarten/dance class in his home. But Georgy still craves to be like her room mate, vain, conceited Meredith who is is popular with all men and the IN crowd. Meredith's boyfriend, Joes, a clownish, childlike man, follows Meredith around like a love starved puppy and overlooks her catty abusive behavior. Suddenly, Meredith announces "she's bored" ...and pregnant and this two, who really make the image for bad parents decide to get married. Georgy, a true blue friend and the usual third wheel, supports their decision and provides gifts for the baby from her senior admirer.

But as expected, selfish Meredith and irresponsible Joes are not the picture of good parents. Now Georgy makes a decision...what to wish for or what can she go after and get because she has fallen in love with their baby and she wants to adopt her.

Georgy Girl is a modern tale of a girl who breezes thru life with a sort of low self esteem. But she has a happy ending because like the Wizard of OZ, she realizes she has what she wants in her own backyard and she has the ability to get it. The acting is very good and this movie launched the career for Lynn Redgrave. Also, with a good Supporting cast, a well written screen play, and like the pop song, Georgy Girl by The Seekers, it is a fresh and bouncy British film.

I love seeing a movie that I hadn't planned to see and actually LIKING it!! And that is what happened to me one early morning when I awoke and could not go back to sleep. I thought watching a movie would send me back to dreamland. I saw 03:34 Terremoto en Chile. The movie was of course made in South America and it is entirely in Spanish with English subtitles. I remembered this terrible event about a year or two ago. There was a bad earthquake near Santigo Chile, and a coastal town was wiped clean from a terrible tsunami. I also remembered a report or video shot from inside a night club when the earthquake hit. It was in the middle of the night--many people were trapped in the rubble because they were asleep.

The movie has three major plots and somehow each plot line intersects with one another. A pre wedding party in a nightclub is interrupted and panicked patrons run out screaming. A woman who is separated from her estranged husband is vacationing in a town some miles away. When the earthquake hits, she must find away to get back to her children. A prison is destroyed by the tremors and all prisoners escape into the city and countryside. One prisoner must get to his daughter raised by his parents and try to help or save them. One could feel the panic and desperation as they try to get back to their families in each character. What horrors and challenges do they find while trying to survive a natural disaster? Even though it is spoken Spanish (I know a little) it is one of the more interesting and well made disaster flicks. The special effects are also good. I was in a minor earthquake myself (no big damage) and boy! did it bring back some memories! So if you are the disaster flick fan or to see a factual part of history, I would highly recommend seeing this little known film.