cbmd-37352 Reviews (49)

America: The Story of the US (2010)

America is not perfect

[6/10 · 11 August 2024]

When I started watching this, I did not realize it was a 10 year old rerun, it was freaky seeing a disbarred lawyer, Giuliani, and 2 convicted felons, Stewart and Trump. The show was not perfect, but neither is America. The use of celebrities as commentators, dumb as it seems, reflects how many Americans listen to and trust celebrities more than they do real authorities. Much as we admire t(he can do American attitude, the show did point out the costs of that attitude - decimating beaver and bison population, creating worn out soils ripe for the dust bowl , the cost in human lives to bring the Hoover dam in early, making money for the backers. Our virtues, taken to extreme become our faults. That independent attitude is often taken to mean I can do what ever I want whenever I want .

But the show makes it clear we are at our best and strongest when we work together.

Hawaii Five-O: Air Cargo - Dial for Murder (1971) Season 4, Episode 7

Interesting situations

[9/10 · 16 December 2023]

This is an interesting episode on several levels. It shows Hawaiis dependence on fast air shipments for critical medications and supplies.

There is a little history of medicine, the very expensive drug Glucagon was stolen, it was really quite new and rarely available at the time. The way people got mixed up in this big ticket item heist system without ever knowing whoever else was involved or in charge was a unique touch. But watching it now a lot of the enjoyment is seeing some wonderful actors like James Hong, who has been in more shows than most actors. Marion Ross got to play against type, a desperate woman critical to the success of the thefts. BarneyPhillips is just as solid here as he was as Doc Kaiser on 12 OClock High.

Numb3rs: Jacked (2009) Season 5, Episode 12

Exceptional storyline

[10/10 · 10 December 2023]

The writers outdid themselves with this episode. Repeated unexpected complications to the case, ever increasing tension and uncertainty. There is enough material here to turn this into a movie. The unusual denouement was possible only because of the personal introspection and growth of Don Eppes in previous episodes. The secondary theme with Alan and Fleihart was very poor, as if the writers used up all their smarts on the main story. No one else seems to have noted a special cast member Chris Bruno, brother of regular Dylan Bruno. They were in at least four other shows together. They are the sons of actor Scott Bruno.

Hawaii Five-O: Paniolo (1970) Season 3, Episode 15

Sad but true

[8/10 · 29 November 2023]

There is ring of truth about this episode, the connection native Hawaiians have for the land, and the takeover of that land for hotels and tourists rentals, and the great sense of loss. Lahaina on Maui was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, a whaling center, visited by writers like Mark Twain. Ranching and sugarcane have been replaced By tourism. This episode is hard to watch since the devastating fire that destroyed Lahaina, killed100 people, and displaced around 13,000. All those people feel a lot like the rancher, desperate and with no good options, but a strong connection to Maui that is all they have to hang on to. The one unfortunate scene is McGarrett chasing after the unfortunate rancher in a White Knight suit, really inappropriate.

12 O'Clock High: The Clash (1965) Season 1, Episode 21

One on one war

[9/10 · 30 April 2023]

There were multiple writers of this show and Robert Lansing is so powerful in the the role of General Savage, it's not surprising that several episodes feature him directly fighting various enemies. Jack Turley was one of this episodes writers, and he also wrote the one where Savage is threatened by a Nazi sympathizer. But What makes this one special for me, are the performances of the costars, Frank Overton and John Larkin and how they beautifully demonstrate their relationship to Savage.. General Crowe has been a mentor to Savage, and he struggles with his desire to send Air-Sea Rescue to look for him, with his need to use all available forces for the next days raid. Major Stovall is the man closest to Savage has been instrumental in saving him in a previous episode, and in this one his appearance at. Wing is the force that pressures Crowe to extend the search.

He also had some dialogue that is very moving without being mawkish or sentimental. The weather needs to clear up in order to extend the search for Savage, and he says "I'd give all this brass and a year's pay for the weather to clear." Overton was a master at expressing strong emotion in a restrained, understated way.

87th Precinct: King's Ransom (1962) Season 1, Episode 21

Strong writing and acting

[9/10 · 23 April 2023]

Lots of twists and turn in this interesting episode. A teen is kidnapped, ransom demanded. When it turns out the wrong boy was taken, the wealthy man doesn't want to pay , the actual father cannot. The wife of the wealthy man is horrified at his inhumane response. I was really impressed with Nancy Reagan,s performance in that role.

Charles Aidman is effective as one of the bad guys, and John Astin had a small comedic bit. The combination of these actors with the regular cast was unusual. There was also an unexpected twist at the end when the boy is rescued. A tense, well paced story , well acted.

12 O'Clock High: The Albatross (1965) Season 1, Episode 17

Vehicle for Robert Drivas

[5/10 · 9 April 2023]

This is the only episode written by Richard Landau, which is just as well. The pilot wit facial burns was an actor prior to enlisting, so both Doc Kaiser and the General handle his emotional outbursts more lightly than they would for someone with a mundane job. In addition the General feels guilty, because the pilot was taking an extra flight as a favor to him . Doc Kaiser himself points out that both he and the General are enabling the pilots emotional actions, but they don't stop that behavior, which seems quite unrealistic. Essentially this story seems like a vehicle for Robert Drivas exercise his considerable acting skills, rather than deal with the very real disabling injuries like amputation and blindness that many men faced.

87th Precinct: The Very Hard Sell (1961) Season 1, Episode 11

A strong episode in a strong series

[9/10 · 2 April 2023]

This episode focuses on Bob Lansings character Steve Carella and his investigation into a death at first assumed to be a suicide. But the more he discovers the more complicated it gets. Carella is very like General Savage, focused, driven very bright, but a little softer and more human as befitting a civilian in peace time. Eventually it becomes likely there's even worse than a single death going on, by the guest star Leonard Nimoy. He's very effective as the bad guy. Before Star Trek he apparently often played the baddie, as in Tate andPerry Mason. Knowing him as Spock, it's almost freaky how much he smiles in this episode. Most episodes also have very effective and familiar guest stars.

Stoney Burke: Joby (1963) Season 1, Episode 23

Deja vu Mockingbird and 5-0

[8/10 · 26 March 2023]

This show only lasted one season, but presumably made it on to DVD because of the impressive guest stars and Jack Lords long run on HAWAII 5-0. In this episode Robert Duvall and Frank Overton come close to reprising their roles in To Kill a Mockingbird. Duvall is a not too bright but, decent stable boy who singlehanded foils a robbery. He tries to stay out of the spotlight, but an ambitious and unscrupulous reporter hounds him, and decides he has something to hide. The reporter forces him to physically defend himself, gets him arrested and vilified in the paper. Overton is the Chief of Police who has to arrest Duvall, but has a sense of the reporters exaggerated claims, and treats Duvall gently while investigating his supposed past violent acts. Then Stoney goes into Steve Mc Garrett mode to save the day. Worth seeing just for the fine acting and strong writing. Note thatJack Lord will show up on Frank Overtons series 12 O'clock High in 2 different roles.

Dominic Frontiere supplied the great musical scores for both shows.

12 O'Clock High: The Suspected (1964) Season 1, Episode 13

Danger on the ground

[8/10 · 19 March 2023]

The original story was by Ken Pettus, the only thing he wrote for this show. It's was apparently revised by both Charles Larson and Jack Tully, who were involved in most of the first years episodes, and directed by Don Medford, also frequently on the the first year. You get a sense of the close working relationship between Savage and Stovall, with some lighthearted banter. Although the highlight of the show are the flight sequences, the focus is in men in war. And they all bring baggage from their past with them . Unfortunately Savages gunner has some really nasty baggage, despite his current status as loving husband and soon to be father, and respected airman.

Both the gunner and the General will struggle todo the right thing.

Ed Binns, so often seen as a lawyer or cop, excels as a muckraking newspaperman , determined to bring down the gunner. Before that happens he winds up dead, falling in front of a Underground train. The gunners handiwork or accident?

Ironically his previous working ina war themed show was in Failsafe, also withFrank Overton, as one of the pilots that don't make it back.

12 O'Clock High: Soldiers Sometimes Kill (1964) Season 1, Episode 12

Death and danger on the ground

[10/10 · 12 March 2023]

Going to London is just as dangerous as flying a mission for General Savage. He's caught in a bombing, and can't remember what happened, but was seen with a woman who was murdered that night. Being an honorable officer, he tries to trace his actions that night to learn the truth, no matter how painful it might be. The original story was by Edmund North, the only one he wrote. But it was apparently reworked by Charles Larson, associate producer of26 episodes. I think that accounts for the strong roles of Doc Kaiser, and particularly Major Stovall.

He is always a strong support for the General, and in this episode his skills as a lawyer lead him to question a policeman's actions, and literally save the General life. There will be 2 more episodes where Stovalls actions save the General.

Studio One: Twelve Angry Men (1954) Season 7, Episode 1

INCREDIBLE LIVE PERFORMANCE

[9/10 · 12 March 2023]

YES , the movie version was a stronger production, but it would not have happened without this early TV masterpiece. Not only did they have only half the time to develop the characters, it was performed live- no retakes. Being on that set would have been just like being locked in the jury room, only worse, having to deal with the cameras and cables. It has always bothered me that this was an all male jury, till i found out what Reginald Rose was trying to avoid-a romance between a male and female jury member. The original play by a Hungarian playwright Ladislas Bird-Fekte, 12 IN A BOX. It was reworked and produced on Broadway as Ladies and Gentlemen by Hecht and MacArthur, starring Helen Hayes. The critics loved her, the play not so much. The 1950 film Perfect Strangers was a third attempt, mostly boring misbehavior by the sequestered jury. The actual jury room sequence was the the best part. There is one other film that had good jury room sequences, Ladies of the Jury starring Edna Mae Oliver. The film is a delightful farce , but Edna Maes character was just as logical as any male is figuring out the real guilty party. Reginald Rose had been on a jury once and was fascinated by the process. His first effort in recreating it was THE REMARKABLE INCIDENT AT CARSON CORNERS where children are prosecutor and jury. They are more rational and less biased that the adult juries in these shows, and they find there is plenty of guilt to go around.

Perfect Strangers (1950)

THIRD TRY FOR THIS STORY

[5/10 · 12 March 2023]

THIS story of jury members falling in love originated with Hungarian playwright Ladislaw BirdFekete, titled 12 IN A BOX. Unclear how well the original did, but other writers kept reworking it. In 1939 Hart and MacArthur produced it on Broadway as LADIES and GENTLEMEn starring Helen Hayes. The critics loved her, but the play not so much. This third try is from 1950, and reeks of the 1950s moralism-if a man loves a woman not his wife and wants to divorce her, he is morally corrupt and capable of anything including murder. The mechanics of jury selection were somewhat interesting, but it drags on as the sequestered jury acts like a bunch of misbehaving schoolchildren. Harry Bellaver as the official having to manage them has the best part-mature non biased. The deliberations in the jury room were fairly decent. Overall it is easy to see why Reginald Rose chose to have an all male jury in his jury drama. Did enjoy seeing Sarah Selby, Whit Bissell ad Anson Rainey in bit parts. Ironically Anson Raining played a convicted killer on death row in The Last Mile.

12 O'Clock High: Here's to Courageous Cowards (1964) Season 1, Episode 11

Action and angst filled episode

[10/10 · 6 March 2023]

This is a strong story written by Al Ward, who wrote the initial episode, and he has a good grasp of both Savage and Stovall. The director was Don Medford, who directed nearly half the first seasons episodes, further strengthening the characters. Savage is hard up for crews, but he has an experienced pilot burning out and a potential gunner who hasn't figured out if he has reason enough to fight. He's a clerk in Stovalls office, and Savage warns him against any father/son action. I have to wonder if that line was a late addition to the dialogue, since Brandon deWilde did play Frank Overtons son, another mixed up kid, in an episode of The Virginian.

As usual, Stovall has insights and knowledge about both troubled men, but Savage isn't pleased with any of it.

The battle scenes area scary and exciting . This episode is a good example that this show is not about the war, but men having to deal with war.

Hawaii Five-O: The Bells Toll at Noon (1977) Season 9, Episode 12

Unusual and entertaining

[9/10 · 28 February 2023]

There is a dramatic start as a man is gunned down on the steps of a church. Central Union Church is used for St Agnes Catholic Church since none of the local Catholic Churches settings could provide the high angle view.

As a local it's cool that a church were you have sung in the choir was viewed all over the country. The revenge killers obsession with James Cagney and his gangster roles provide unusual ongoing drama . Note that Jack Lord was the director of this episode, and he had the reputation of a perfectionist, whether he was actually directing or not. Also love the use of local actors Jimmy Borges and Kwan Hi Lim.

Hawaii Five-O: The Double Wall (1970) Season 3, Episode 14

Impressive episode

[9/10 · 24 February 2023]

This episode is timely, as a man who spent years in prison in Hawaii was recently proved innocent of murder. This is well written and acted. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep up the suspense. . I always like seeing locals in this show. In addition to Kam Fong, who really was HPD , there is BobSevey, local Tv announcer, and Ben Harrington who would eventually become a regular member of 5-0. I especially enjoyed Sorel Booke as the doctor held captive. Despite his life in danger he also manages to convey his concern for the prisoner .threatening his life. The motive for the origin Al murder and the frameup is the key , and is not revealed until near the end.

12 O'Clock High: The Hours Before Dawn (1964) Season 1, Episode 8

Solo Savage

[8/10 · 19 February 2023]

This episode has General Savage alone in trouble , facing 2 enemies, a German pilot and a cynical Englishwomen. This episode was written by Don Sanford, who also wrote a similar episode where Savage was alone and in trouble in France. The setup is a little artificial, a secret change in plans only Savage knows, he's driving himself instead of the usual sergeant as driver despite Nazi air raids. There are none of the wonderful flying scenes, but there is plenty of action. The excellent acting alone is reason to watch. The scenes with Savage and Crowe always ring true, their was real chemistry there. Lansing gives his usual intense performance. The hysterical woman bit was ridiculous, as a woman with long history of use and abuse by men, it was really out of character. But is was well acted. Fritz Weaver as the German pilot was very effective, especially since it was not long after his movie premier in Failsafe, as an American officer who breaks down under the strain.

All Fall Down (1962)

Watch it for the acting

[8/10 · 13 February 2023]

I could not resist watching a movie with both Karl Malden and Angela Lansbury, and they don't disappoint. It's easy to see why his character spends so much time drinking in the basement, it's her character. The repeated use of the name of the oldest boy- the annoying Berry-Berry, is obviously a childhood nickname ,a sign of the immaturity of his character, perpetuated by his mother. His father calls him rhinoceros, not an endearment, but a recognition of his destructive power. Constance Ford has a wonderful scene early on as a married woman , picking up the sexy younger man. They could have built a whole movie around her. Brandon De Wilde is interesting because he is the only one who gets to change and develop. He goes from just observing people and writing down what they do and say, to a person who stops writing and starts living his own life.

12 O'Clock High: Pressure Point (1964) Season 1, Episode 6

Fighting Nazis and politicians

[9/10 · 5 February 2023]

Strong writing and acting with incredible shots in the air. The visiting Senator has a long-standing loathing of pilots, thinks they are irresponsible children. He knew Savage years earlier and told him to quit flying. Now he is opposed to daylight and long range bombing and can influence funding. Even General Crowe and General Pritchard have to take crap from him and he threatened to replace Savage and Crowe. The subplot involves a crewman avoiding responsibility to his English girlfriend and Savage has to deal with it too. Savage tries a new tactic to protect the squadron and ignores orders to abort the mission. Too bad he couldn't take the Senator along and drop him on the Nazis.

12 O'Clock High: The Climate of Doubt (1964) Season 1, Episode 5

Even Generals are Expendable

[9/10 · 30 January 2023]

This episode was written by Harold Jack Bloom who wrote 5 episodes of this show, including the first episode of the second season., many more than other writers. He has a real feel for the recurring characters. His previous episode was The Men and the Boys where General Crowe pointed out to General Savage that even Savage could be expendable for poor performance. This time its General Crowe in the hot seat. I like the fact we learn more about both Savage and Crowe, see them as vulnerable human beings in incredibly difficult situations. Savage considers Crowe his best friend, but opposes his plan for bombing two targets but must obey his superior officer, and suffers big losses doing that. Crow is a widower who fell for a Frenchwoman while stationed in France before the US entered the war, and she is now in the Resistance. Crowe's desire to maintain moral in the Resistance is consistent with his comment in that previous episode, that we can't win now but we can lose the war now. The results of the inquiry will hinge on Savage's testimony. Crowe will win something and lose something.

Bob Lansing and John Larkin work so well together, they have real chemistry. According the the 12 O'Clock High Logbook, they were especially friendly on set. Ironically the second season was supposed to have more romance, but already by the 5th episode Savage is kissing his English girlfriend and Crowe his Frenchwoman. I guess if you are mature, it doesn't count.

12 O'Clock High: The Men and the Boys (1964) Season 1, Episode 3

Friends vs Orders

[10/10 · 30 January 2023]

This is a well written and acted episode. To save a friend pilot disobeys orders, putting his own crew at increased risk, as well as the whole squadron. His punishment leads to low moral and poor performance. Frank Overton as Major Stovall is the man in the middle, trying to support Savage and the pilots John Larkin as General Crow twice pressures Savage because of the poor performance -"We won't win this war this year or the next...but we can lose it now" Later he points out that everyone is expendable, even Savage. Hearing that now is really weird, because both John Larkin and Bob Lansing don't return in the next season, John died from a heart attack, and Bob was dumped despite giving the performance of a lifetime.

Lonelyhearts (1958)

Everyone has a problem and makes things worse

[7/10 · 20 January 2023]

The first time I saw this film I was repelled by terrible way people treated each other, and saw no point in it. After reading some reviews I watched it again and made more sense of it. The Lonely hearts column gets letters from people with all kinds of troubles, but most of the newspaper staff make fun of then. They do not realize they have unresolved problems too. One reporter whines incessantly about not getting the assignment he wanted, unaware that attitude will never get him anywhere. Shrike had his expectations dashed after a sports injury, then his wife got drunk and had a one night stand. Despite his own infidelities he continues to emotionally abuse her. Adam made contact with Shrike though his wife and breaking him becomes part of Shrikes way of hurting his wife. Pat Doyle has a war injury and can't perform as a husband, so he beats his wife because she seeks action elsewhere. Adams own father is in prison for killing his wife and her lover. These 3 couples all had problems, but instead of trying to solve them or even just break up they chose actions that prolong the hurt and make it worse. All three men literally feel their manhood was threatened.

Despite being too old for the role of young writer, Clift's frailty makes him believable .It'snot surprising his character is breaking down under all the suffering in the Lonelyhearts letters. Physicians have a higher rate of suicide than the general public, and psychiatrists the highest. Theres a limit to how much suffering you can deal with. Justy gets all the credit for saving Adam, but she wouldn't have been able to do that if it were not for her father.

This is a man who has lost his wife and has to raise three children on his own. He doesn't take to booze or sex with random women or complain about the burden or loss. He gets up everyday, gets his boys off to school goes to work, comes home and mows the lawn and takes the whole family out to the movies. Then he tells his daughter if she really Loves Adam to forgive him his lies and go live her life. Thats real manhood. That scene could come off as soap opera, but Frank Overton has the ability to underplay scenes where there is strong emotion, coming across as real and heartfelt. Although Ryan and Stapleton are very effective in their roles, this restrained one is much more difficult.

Only later did I find out how much art had imitated life. When Frank Overton was 14 his father died, and his mother who had been the mayor's wife and a member of the Board of Education became just a widow raising 3 boys on her own and an employee of the school district.

One Step Beyond: The Peter Hurkos Story: Part 2 (1960) Season 2, Episode 31

More fiction than most episodes

[6/10 · 1 January 2023]

PeterHurkos was studied by a single parapsychologist who was impressed, most police much less so. It's unclear if the murders recounted in this episode really happened. If he was really good Hurkos should have picked up on the tragedies ahead for the actors playing him and the murderer. Andrew Prine was a little over the top as the killer. He would also play a killer in an episode of Peter Gunn before becoming a suspect in an actual murder. He and his estranged girlfriend received letters threatening their lives, and then she was found murdered. It turned out she had sent all the letters, and the murder was never solved.

Albert Salmi played Hurkos, making him quite believable . When separated from his second wife and severely depressed he apparently killed her and then committed suicide. Real life beats this self serving episode.

One Step Beyond: The Justice Tree (1960) Season 2, Episode 16

Believable and great acting

[9/10 · 1 January 2023]

So much of his early TV performances were not preserved, so this rare episode is a real treasure for Frank Overton fans. Remembered mainly for a few of his later roles as authoritative figures - lawyer, police and military, this episode is a great example that as a character actor he was fully capable of playing good guys, bad guys and all kinds in between. First we see him as cold blooded killer, then as a presumed down on his luck guy willing to work for room and board He has a smile that is downright scary.. The family lives in an isolated area, so the boys snooping on the stranger is quite believable. The tension builds well as the audience senses disaster before the characters do. The tree has the final word.

Posse from Hell (1961)

Decent western trying to be more

[6/10 · 27 December 2022]

I am no fan of Westerns, although grew up watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza because of the regular cast. Only watched this because had never seen an Audi Murphy movie and recognized some other cast.. Loved the powerful beginning, four escaped convicts with nothing to lose doing whatever they wanted, holding hostages and killing freely. The final scenes of the posse remnants chasing the bad guys were very beautifully filmed. It was all the stuff in the middle that didn't seem to fit. I then read the reviews and watched it again. I originally recognized John Saxons strong performance, but on reviewing the film I realized that he also that the best part in it. His is the only character that actually grows and develops, going from a New Yorker pressured by his boss to be part of the posse, to being a man giving his all to the the unenviable task. There are 2 great lines in this movie and he has one of them. Jock(PaulCarr) gushes about them becoming famous and being in every newspaper in the country, and Saxon replied " Hopefully not in the obituaries." One reviewer thought Frank Overton's performance was iffy, but I think it's the character he plays that's iffy. He joins the posse because his brother was one of the men killed, but he tells the undertaker that the cheapest coffin is good enough. Not surprisingly as soon as one bad guy is dead, it's good enough for him, he's done. After getting punched by Banner Cole for insulting Jonny Caddo he gets the last word "At least I didn't have to shoot one of our own men!" , as Cole was forced to do. Many people cite their trouble seeing the soft spoken, babyfaced Murphy as the guy with the Right Stuff. I think there is something similar when they see Frank Overton as this iffy character. He is a big man with a strong rich voice best known for authoritative roles as lawyer, police or army officer, and he clearly is not that in this film. But as a superb character actor, he has also excelled playing wimpier types like Morris Lacey in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and Lee Remick rejected suitor in Wild River.

Both Paul Carr and Robert Keith are overacting, but I put the onus on the director, they fit with the heavy handed irony that weighs down the middle of the film. The ultimate irony is actually the title, the posse is from the town of Paradise, and it's headed toward Hell.

Robert Keith was in Boomerang , in which Frank Overton had his first uncredited movie part. Franks first speaking role was in No Way Out. Strangely that title was first used for a Broadway play years earlier , with Robert Keith.