Thou Art-1

As our bubbly heroine and spirited protagonist {Enid},who likes to joke around with the customers and most anyone willing to lend an ear.Her's is a wonderfull persona that sometimes is lost on an unwilling audience of friends and those revolving around her sphere that seem unable to live life with as much verve and insight and also carefree status.Demonstrating a duality of character that at times is refined and ladylike and on other occassions is a bit pushy and forward and almost guyishly ballsy,she nontheless strikes a chord for being unique and also very perceptive for her age. As the movie starts out with Enid and best friend graduating from high school and seemingly set to spend the summer just drifting and experiencing things that at that age are commonplace and normal.A bit on the coming of age theme,mixed with a crossroads in life motif help make the storyline move with plausibility and fun as the two teens grow into adulthood as fast as their bodies and temper can permit.Yet,it is Enid who seems stuck in a changing world,and unable or willing to give in to the desire to leave the nest and make something of herself.Not caring about leaving home with very easy-going and mild-mannered father and also no interest in college,leave little else for her to occupy her time.But she manages to fill in the hours with possible job searches and much dabbling of local interest into the activities of others and one most notable middle-age man who stumbles onto the scene.And all for the good,as without this man's presence the movie would be just another in a long lone of same ol same old.Steve Buscemi is fortunate enough to play Seymour,the apparent man of middle age and loser tendencies that is picked-on and apart by Enid,first on a lark then as a kindred spirit.The coupling of these two characters is brilliantly realized within a storyline that offers up their quirky kind of social malaise with a divine structure of bonding and buddy status.It was refreshing to see a bubbly and introspective young adult teen and middle age man who's jaded facade and lackluster interests seem to comingle with one another.They find structure within their world's and move effortlessly,as if dancing on clouds,looking down on all others as less priviledged to share in their little secret.It is this pairing and also Enid's struggle to find acceptance in a world where others are earnestly trying to acheive success,and all she is doing is living for the moment and nobly gratifying herself with life's little pleasures.That is her wisdom beyond her years and special gift to all others who are willing to take flight and fancy in a world where one can be a Queen for a day,instead of a pawn for a lifetime.Enid manages to be a Queen for most everyday,and is overwrought at times by the inability of life to sound this bell to others,as the world changes and others move on in life,as if she were a ghost of christmass past and see's what others fail to notice.That the best part of life is the here and now,not constant change and moving up in life.To take the time to live life and breathe the air without the fast pace and authority of an ever intruding society of placement.With her singular mindset of not bending to society and its influences and pace,and her balanced insight into a world making ghost towns and ghost people out of us all she stands head and heels above and on high.A princess that needs no pledge of allegiance,only a few noteworthy kindred souls to nourish and breathe life into.A charming and in-depth portrait of strength and fancifull courage brought to life with a unique touch. 5 out of 5 star or 9/10 for a sound display of GenXerism.Finally.Dig Daddio Foolardi

In this very absorbing true life story about whistle blower from big tobacco company who causes quite a stir with his technical analysis of how that industry has manipulated and kept users in a habit that should have been obvious to any and all influenced.But it was the biggest hoodwink scandal of recent history,having adulterated and hooked many with chemical enhanced tobacco additives that create even more desire and fix than regular tobacco laden cigarettes. With an outstanding cast including Al Pacino,Christopher Plummer and most notably Russell Crowe,the story is driven and enhanced by the acting talents and storyline that reeks of big business,corruption and white collar crime that is effectively portrayed and brought to life by credible performances and moving drama that appear to take place as if for the first time for camera and viewer as if scripted per chance.This is first rate filmmaking that appears at once and yet altogether as if the action is forthcoming but nonetheless held back,as if by happenstance.With this technique,the audience is held in suspended animation,awaiting with bated breath each upcoming scene,that will either come clean or dismiss the previous telltall sign of doom or gloom.A great conspiracy film that is neither fake or contrived,being too real and straightforward and also documented to dispell any myth about its authenticity. The movie has a nice flow and rhythm and Crowe and Pacino play well off each other,building their characters from scene to scene and adding nicely to the drama that is unravelling with an almost surreal texture of undercover madness that is lurking to strike and knock down at any moment.But with its subtle nature of impending doom that coulda,shoulda,woulda but never quite does,the viewer is held in obligatory observance of results that seem too easily pending the fate and control of others that can't be seen or heard from.That is the true nature of grand mal conscienceness and conspiracies gone foul.Only in this film the conspiracy is all too real and perpetrated on an unsuspecting victim {The american public} for the good of big business who robber baron the health and pocketbooks of those who need its product.A better example of the fleecing of a generation or 2 of people and its filthy desire to profiteer from its insidious marketing of a product who's only true use is to futher its insatiable lust for more and deeper want,has not been put to screen with this degree of seriousness and savoir faire.Christopher Plummer is quite effective as Mike Wallace and the 60 minutes anchor who stands head over heels tall when it comes to integrity and life experience as a new journalist who knows the ropes and how to dance around power plays.But even he has a hard time with this agenda,being a historic ballbreaker of monumental status that defies even his grandeur.This uncover story is world shaking and touches many if not all of mankind. And this film will also touch many,as it is dramatic,very well acted and has all the ingredients of suspence and unravelling that make for great cinema.It also happens to be based on fact which heightens its impact. 4 out of 5 star or 8 out of 10 for a smoking display of drama and its aftermath. Foolardi

And that's a fact.Says so right in the opening credits,above the scripted name of Erskine Caldwell.As well it should,was standard reading for most high schooler's in my day,having read as a freshman.The jacket cover was as pretty a picture as any to come on book jacket,being a colorfull portrait of rural farmland,lush and ripe for the pickin and with that small plot of land to dwell-over.And the movie is just as ripe for the pickin and lush with characters that dwell upon and sweat their way into heart of plot.

A simple outline that requires much talked over dreams unrealized but yet to appear if only for some luck,superstition,and plenty of God's good graces.And of course that plot of land,being holed out as fitting a planet of unearthly gophers,so huge and gigantic as to make swimming pool size pot holes to dwell and store away life in.The characters aren't Sci-fi huge gophers,but their hearts and dreams seem as unbelievably huge and ungodly at first as to appear other wordly.This all adds up to bigger than life,almost cartoonish characterizations that are very interesting if not an outright hootfest.Their very countryfied and down-homesy,with work ethic that stretches any bounds of reality. Robert Ryan was just great as patriarch and Protagonist of very farmish brood of shovel toting and overall wearin duty.His is the way and they help with the means of carying out storyline with as much appeal as any blue ribbon fair could hopefully ask fer.With names like Pluto Swint {Buddy Hackett} Ty TY ,Darlin and Buck ,its easy to get Caldwell's drift on themes and fun natured story.The plot revolves around search for gold and lust within confines of farm,where the holes have been dug out and passions gettin heated up for 2 really hot damels ,one married and one waitin for shotgun wedding of sorts.Tina Louise and Fay Spain more than provide the sparks for all the mannish boys except a reclusive and outcasy Albino who gets pushed onto scene and fawned over by Darlin,all to great effect.With singular brawn in the marine tough form of Aldo Ray to compliment the very censor-prone nature of well-endowed and hangin-out,literally and figuratively,Griselda{Louise},the steam was sure to fog up some glasses.And it surely did,way back when.The DVD i saw had 2 versions.The theatrical and uncensored.Aldo Ray made a career out of raspy voice and hairy chested manly roles,which seemed to come quite naturally.All characters from TY TY to Pluto, Albino and Darlin were eccentric and unigue in a Caldwell sort of way.Which makes for fantastic realization of story,being almost too outlandish to be other than from the heart.They all came across as very human if not abundantly clever in their own way to plot,dig and wile the time away.

The B&W shooting was grand and splendidly done.Very good camera work,being in scope and in focus throughout.I prefer film to be shot in B&W.Almost all my favorite movies were done in B&W.Caveat Emptor {Good thing Ted Turner} is done trying to colorize everything but Jane's early 60's roles.She didn't need a bra,so to paint one pink or brown,could only help to further their marriage whoa's.

The music grabs one from the get go,being enhanced during opening credits and again at close.Its hammy and sappy but very catchy and down home as with all the elements on parade in this wonderfull,dramatic rendering of characters and setting befitting a World's best selling Novel. 4 1/2 out of 5 star or 9/10 for I'm buying all that country goodness and charm,no matter how many spices that fried chicked recipe has.Dig Daddio's Foolardi

A very fascinating and often too realistic movie dealing with young adult angst and british pop culture torn between music and mode of dress.Not to mention lightly the Scooter's Vs. Motorcycle angle.All this and more play out nicely in a finely crafted youth picture that is dramatic,compelling and brings to life the mindset of 60's british culture.

The lead character,Jimmy,is a pill addicted young lad who is just crazy about his rocker style of music,but totally turned off by leather dress and Rockers {Motorcycle riding ,leather toting} opposites.Quite reminiscent of the earlier british motorcycle film ,1963 "The Leather Boys" which starred Rita Tushingham and also dealt with angst and motorcyle riding and conflict with family and friends.Since Jimmy loves fast and hard driving music,especially The Who,he nevertheless chooses to ride the much less fast and easier but fun scooter.Those Vespa scooter's were the rage in europe and still are in Italy and other gigolo infested countries.So we are taken on scooter driven and early rock tour of london and streets with an ocassional weekend trip to Brighton for much anticipated frolic and mayhem,driven also by way of Blues[Jimmy's drug of choice].Enter his many scooter driven and skirt-chasing friends to help keep lookout for foe {Rockers} and also keeping up appearances of cool demeanor.With trouble on the homefront,due to late night rampages and also at work with overly smirky behavior,he quickly needs more than pick-me-up for comfort.

This movie is a good character study on release,due to environment and bombardment of influences,which always are peer present within the youth of almost any era.How Jimmy copes or is lacking,develops with each scene and compells his activities.

The music is right on and very true to early british rock.Even,STING makes his presence known in first film as distant hearttrob who makes the scene with as much google-eyed anticipation and hysteria as any rock star could hope for.He does look quite dapper and cool in and amongst other Mods,as if he were their leader of sorts.He's the best dressed and rides fanciest scooter,and also has biggest temper except for our Jimmy,who also dresses with Modish flair and lives for confrontation.The chicks are on hand to head spin and help all the boys to keep their libido's active and alive.Jimmy is no exception here,except for pill crazed mentality and dependance.Which could more than help explain his late hours and attitude towards work and friends.

I think this movie is quite splendid as misinterpreted youth vehicle for both my generation and those to follow.Hasn't become dated so far. 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 for jolly good show,dear boys.Dig Daddio's.

Because style should not trump substance,especially when the content is so overwhelmingly dry.This movie is basically an unemotional display of lead character's need to fill in the void of his meaningless life {struggling writer,of sorts}by spending time on streets following other's for the fun of it.But we never get that opportunity,instead he quickly gets caught up in one person's world and is taken in to small time burgulary,by way of first person who caught him peeping.I was hoping for a voyeuristic journey like "Peeping Tom" the 1960's gem that portrayed an indepth character study on that social disorder with emotion and great photography.But instead was put on hold for very unemotional and ordinary display of character analysis.Basically the scenes were just rehashed attempts,one after another ,mimacking and cloned together lacking any real difference or insights as to importance of lead character.I knew little more about his personality and inner self ,halfway thru tham i did in beginning.And not too much more towards the end.A screen writer could put this together and add or delete scenes with ease as to the undefined quality of the characters and their dispirited nature.This movie is tailor-made for GenX'ers,who grew up on similac,instead of real thing and aren't discerning enough to comprehend style vs. substance.These same bottle-fed babies are also beholden to "Memmento" for same reason,Oh,Boy that's cool,to have surprise ending and shoot in retrospect.I guess when a movie lacks any real surprises during beginning and middle,it needs an uplift for ending.

Virtually nothing about this movie stands out and grabs one.It lacks any qualified sounds,the camera work is one-dimentional and good overall use of shadows but not enough too make up for shallow cinematography.Low budget all around.The street scenes could have been more dynamic {it looked as if shot in same neighborhood block throughout}.

I am increasingly becoming dismayed at latest Avante Garde movement within film community to herald films such as Memento and this one as great leaps forward in filmdom.That is a great lie and urban myth.Any film aficionado worth his salt knows by now what stands the test of time and what will not,crystal ball or no.I personally don't need this film or Memento to explain the merits of good drama,thriller or Noir to satisfy by dilettante interpretation of such.Gen X'ers have managed to screw up music and are now about to do such with film.But not in my world.I calls em as I see's em.Good is good,great as such and lackluster is much downgraded good for certain film morons bent on surprises in the theatre box.With that cracker jack mentality,hopefully things can only get better and go upward.But I wouldn't bank on anytime soon.

This lackluster film that is neither too dramatic,urban sprawled or noirish enough to call anything other than ordinary attempt to capitalize on an uninitiated audience's attention span for crafty and well choreographed thrillers that develop character and scene with plausible deniability.Any other explanation for success of flat,one note harmony is beyond my understanding. 2 out of 5 star or 4/10 for very ordinary and unsung hero being sung over,regardless.Dig Daddio's.

In this truly unique and penetrating movie that both personifies a culture clash and its inherent differences,the viewer gets a first hand look at the late 60's,early 70's and what they stood for.A drastic change in the way people dressed,wore hair,talked and thought.A mindset of differing views amongst the populace.The establishment vs. the Hippies.For within this movie are more than just characterizations,but more specifically,an outlook on life,war,habits,religion and peace. The main focal point and protagonist {JOE} is an unworldy blue collar stiff,who's fierce loyalty to flag and country is aptly on display in his basement,being a showcase of sorts for his gun collection,war memorabilia and medals.Living in a simple neighborhood with clone together housing and working in a factory,his life is relagated to wife's ordinary meatloaf with plenty of ketchup,beer at local bar and more beer at home and in basement ,of course.A rather humdrum existance,except for his views on many a topic of late - war,peace and them Hippies.And of course the blacks.Couldn't be a good bigot without mentioning and uttering the N word as vociferously and with such ease of authority as our rude and crude lead character.Yet,for all his apparent character flaws,I was drawn too.He was the genuine article and real character of sorts. Enter the Hippie element in the form of Susan Sarrandon and very authentic-looking Hippie boyfriend and their pad.Living in the village and surrounded by all kinds of Hippieish stuff like candles,tie-dye sheets and of course plenty of hippie clothes and long hair.Their a couple of drug-induced pushers{heroine habit} who look and act the part with authority.Slacking their way thru society and on the nerves of upper class white-collar father Dennis Patrick,who finds comfort and kindship with JOE as the two battle them Hippies,as Sarandon flees the scene to escape her strong-willed and establishment father.So Joe and father have a twofold mission;to find his daughter,and kick a little Hippie butt ,while on trail. The village hunt is exciting and takes me back to my early hippie days,hanging around those hippie places{every big city had a village of sorts}.which were nicely photographed.The movie has a certain air of conscienceness and feel for the early peace movement and its supporters and detractors.As the viewer becomes more and more acquainted with Joe and new buddy {white-collar Patrick},we witness a tour of mind and manners,both alcohol and drug fueled for culture clash and intensified search on meaning and lifestyle of the times.Absolutely,one of the best movies to show disparate view on the subject of clashing generations With an unorthodox ending and stark realization of denouement,this is a truly unique and compelling tale of society as it was unravelling before a generations eyes. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for brilliant story of mores and manners ,circa late 60's.Dig Daddio

Great story,Great filming,great acting.Also great sets,locale,music and plot.If it were any better it would hurt.Has all the ingredients of great filmmaking.A movie like this with outstanding story and performances comes along,maybe every other decade or so.Best Picture Kudo's and hopefully a must see for many generation's to come. It is not an easy task to build a credible and sustainable storyline around two polar opposite characters,and display every emotion known to mankind in the process.But this film did,and does.From the overt hucksterism and chicanery,to the innocent bravura and extending with heartfelt range to loyal kinship and eventual pathos.Not just a typical buddy movie,but rather an exploration into the inner depths of human conscience and soul. Jon Voight starts off the movie as young rascal from texas who wants to exploit his looks and libido for profit in far away N.Y.City,since he has been local hearttrob to many a country girl in his hayseed hometown.Fed up with washing dishes in local beanery,and considering himself spirited enought to play lothario in biggest of all big cities.So,with pocket change and quick dismissal from hash house he takes first available bus to big apple.Thereupon he learns with as much quickness as his pocket monet will allow,that being a male Hustler in N.Y.City isn't the piece of cake,he figured. Enter the King of N.Y.City street hustlers Dustin Hoffman as sleazy Rizzo,con artist and scam man.With gimpy leg and overly slicked back greasy hair he coughts himself on to the scene for mischief and much needed help,himself.Strong enough,initially to give Joe Buck {Jon Voight} the quick give and take,they eventually fall in with each for support and survival.Mostly survival at first.Their friendship is built around money and shelter and the desperate search for the two. The music and film quality is state of the art and some scenes have fastest editing,sans Russ Meyer{fastest on planet}ever put to big screen at that time.Just within last few years,fast editing has been at forefront of new movie movement.I like most if not all the songs being played and they are well placed.Title song is catchy and very fitting of movie theme. I particularly like movies shot in the heart of N.Y.City.The street scenes are textbook examples of realistic and grim inner city hubbub and bustle.Brought to life with a panoramic view that both takes viewer there and creates excitement,of the big city variety But the true crux of the movie is the innerplay of emotions felt by the two lead characters.One can really feel their predicament and cause for concern,especially near the end.The ending is true pathos,but never sappy.I felt good for watching a cinematic masterpiece unfold and come to terms with reality and its near tragic consequences. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for Great filming of Great story,realized with Great intensity.A one of a kind great experience.Dig Daddio.

In this very watchable and highly entertaining western {shot in Canadian Northwest} it plays with all the veracity and dishonesty that marked the 'OL WEST and Klondike rush of period.With breathtaking photography and backdrop of big unconquered Alaska,we are taken on tour with Jimmy Stewart and crew to witness the fervor and passion that marked the hunt for GOLD. Chock full of twists and turns and double crosses it both seeks to give dramatic portrayal and morality play lesson on life and times of grub-stake dwellers and their thirst for riches.Very notable,given it's place in history and importance during that era.Men were of all types,per usual,however their motivations for a pot of gold and better life was never better displayed with a western accent and horses Vs.Dogs as vehicle of transport. With a cast of significant players,John McIntire {Top Hat wearing local magistrate} and Walter Brennan {side kick and partner to Stewart} and lovely but too strong-willed independent lassie Ruth Roman on hand to make believably interesting ,the movie never fails to be fun and gripping.I couldn't find any weak spots,where either action or interest lulls.Very good sign of filmmaking,to let the movie play out with nary a weak or insignificant scene.One of the main reasons for my big approval of.The scenes all play and build upon one another,with such ease as to seem effortless.Another good sign. The actual filming of backdrop and landscape is as good as it gets for any picture.Whether it was shot in early Cinemascope or Technicolor ,it should have bragging rights for production value and credibility.The color was never truer or richer and as clear as that bell 'OL Walter kept talkin about,that he gave his fiercely self-reliant and sometimes cold of heart buddy-Stewart.Speaking of which,he goes thru kind of transformation during scenes and starts caring more about his fellow frontier blazing man,which can be both hazardous and rewarding for his character.Since Stewart personified the ordinary man,and his pursuit of happiness or just life,he doesn't fail to deliever the gods here,except to the extent upon which he is brazen about many men in general,since crooks,liers and killer's were in abundance.Who better than cinema's Jimmy to sing praises of or cast dispersions upon one's character. The action is very real and true to storyline,giving added impact to all characters where needed.I particularly liked McIntire as a scalawag who talks big and with authority and seems almost honest to a fault until his ulterior motives {as big as the landscape} become realized. He stands out as one of the best bad guys in this genre of film,ever. Ruth Roman tries to usurp her presence with a combination of riches and wily ways,and mostly to the chagrin of Stewart,who is caught up in the middle.But to ease his entanglements along the way and steer clear of ever present danger,is old timer Brennan to the rescue.He innocent enough and only wants the best for the two,being too easily pleased with condition of their fate,wanting only early place to retire and pot after pot of coffee.He adds element of moral support and buddy vehicle to film.Good touch.Other cast are authentic and visual,if not vocal upon command and lend to texture of storyline. I highly recommend this visual and gripping action yarn,with story and plot working in conjunction for an unique movie experience.I was never bored or lacked enthusiasm throuhgout.Which is not easy to say of action/western flicks. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for entertaining and true-felt action that beholds with view.

How can anyone find fault with a classic rendering of Poe,a mad lugosi and Gorilla named Eric.The story isn't all that POEish,but Lugosi is surely mad and Eric is a hoot whether or not our mad doctor is secretly holding conversation with or taking a casual night coach trip thru the cobbled streets of this nice universal offering. Bela Lugosi is in top form,playing his usual mad and creepy self,with a diabolical twist.He seems a litle more menacing and deadly than usual,all for good effect,adding to the scope of mad doctor out to experiment for suppossed good but ultimately his own sick sense of mortality and science.His face contorts and befits one who takes pleasure in his sordid work,which includes a good torture chamber of sorts,whereupon his dastardly deeds can get their needed attention.His carny show act includes a gorilla named Eric,and the pair seem at ease with one another,able to hold special convesation amongst themselves,and right at home ,living and working in close quarters.The stock footage of real/fake gorilla is well edited and make for dynamic scares,when viewed. The backdrop and art direction is very quaint and lends nicely to period being dramatized,and also has a certain feel.This is one reason I like old {especially Universal} horror pictures.The sets and atmosphere are very conducive to bringing about feel of creepy and dark texture of surroundings.Whether it is a foreign country with Old castle,cobbled streets and gaslight lamps,with small shops and peasant's milling around,or damp and foggy nights ablaze with things that may and will lurk.An almost over anxious quality of anticipated threats yet to be realized.Giving the scope needed for any change to come about. The acting is very good,by all actors ,and even quite theatrical in spots,with the costumes nicely decorating the landscape and flavor of the times.The use of lighting is standard Universal great.They knew how to film this genre with authority. As with most Universal horror,the story is short,gothic and direct.Not a lot in the way of interpretation.Which is how I like it.Great horror need not apply for poetic licence.It should sustain with camera,sets,acting and workability of script.I want to be scared by what I see and hear.Not inner meaning of convuluted storyline.Anything but.Movies should occasionally be a release of sorts.Not metaphysics or case study in terror,however,that is good also.Not particularly warranted. All and all Rue Morgue takes viewer back to a different time and place,with a truly ghoulish mad man,and side kick {Eric} for thrills and spills,but nary a blot of blood exposed throughout.It manages this with a degree of diabolical insanity that both captivates and shutters. 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 for nice aping of Horror,that would make even Mrs.Lugosi proud. Dig Daddio

In this nice and richly filmed adaptation of the great Russian Novelist,Fyodor Dostoyevsky,we get as good a rendering as Hollywood permits,given the time restraints.Lengthy works of certain novelists have to be tapered and trimmed to be watchable and affordable for a studio.One reason Proust's Remembrance of Things Past,will never be filmed,at least without true scope.Nevertheless The Brothers Karamazov is presented with a gloriously generous combination of set,costumes and individual performances that make this film a pleasant and very waychable experience. With many Hollywood notables present,Yul Brynner being the main focus of contention among his families hierachy,competing with other siblings and mainly his strong-willed and lecherous father,who believes has cheated him out of his fair share of inheritance.So,around and around we go,as to who gets and who deserves what.Since his character is overly concerned with money and paying off previous debts,he becomes obsessed with what should be rightfully his ,from within his apparent wealthy and contented family. Lee J. Cobb plays the overly predisposed and unforgiving father ,who is more than willing to sell his one son short and also teach a lesson,at same time.In fact,he is also obsessed to achieve this calling in life. Maria Schell plays a love interest who both steals the heart of both son and father and is seemingly content to play the field,being both her job{she mingles with guests at inn},and also her fancy,of sorts.She uses her trademark Angelic big grin-smile way too much,but it pays off in end.She didn't make many movies,as she and her brother Maximilian,tended to be very fussy about parts they would play.She does,however smile that big Maria german smile with an afforded proudness. The other characters are well placed and make for almost epic length of movie,but wouldn't be the same without their input. What's really nice about this film is the production value and its effect upon the big screen.The abstract and intensified use of color and lighting are almost perfect.The smoke-filled rooms and intricate makeup of the inside of rooms are both comforting and reassuring to the senses,knowing what bleak and cold lay outside their doors.With an almost gypsy atmosphere of drinking and gayiety,mandolin and prussian dance being played upon with fervor and flight,we are taken into the world of another time and place both distant and yet welcoming.Whether or not the snow flakes are real,the sets on real turf,or the story as true to greatness as Fyodor would have it is secondary.The important thing is ,that here lies a movie that tells a great story with good characters,and mood of surroundings,that both complement and make real enought the gist of overall intent.The main themes of love,honor and obedience,betrayal and surrender are all addressed with an application of care and concern to original story .The Bothered and bewitched elements are for viewer and yours truly to contemplate.since I have I duly credit this movie a 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 for really nice filming of fatherly love gone south for the winter.Dig Daddio's.

Audrey Hepburn is a doll in this movie,and then there's the other {lethal} doll to consider.And consider we shall,being the focal point and core of story.Let me begin by saying that I find this to be among THE best thrillers of all time.It gave me the jitters when I originally saw back in the 60',and still does.Credit the penetrating and piercing music that scorches and scores the background of almost every scene,with such a probing yet simple killer lullaby.Just hearing that simple melody gets my attention.It is perfectly placed and utilized within movie,and adds greatly to intensity of upcoming drama. The story basically centers around a recently blinded lady living in Grenwich Village and a missing doll that becomes the hunt for a group of unsavory individuals.The doll ,which is very valuable-having stiched inside a much sought-over recent shipment of heroine.The kind to kill for. In the hunt are 2 almost world-weary mutt and jeffish characters in the form of Richard Crenna and Jack Weston,wonderfully paired together as thieves who just so happen to pick wrong apartment for looting job.And along comes the never better cast and arch villian of sorts to render his interpretation of how to proceed with action and how to offer up con game for thrill of the hunt.None other than Alan Arkin,cast against type and totally in control of situation and circumstance of his character and beyond.Whereas Crenna plays a believably concerned and somewhat compassionate thug,and Weston a street-wise and untrusting co-hort to Crenna,Arkin steals the show.Arkin is diabolical,cunning,clever and manages to outwit and out act with a snidely dervish sense of self,never felt from him since.His Scarsdale toughness and devil may care pitch to nasal voice ,gives an abundant meanness and sociopathic quality to character.Hepburn is not far behind in creating a character that evokes a rapid and intense following to.She,very believably creates pathos and inner charm from her dissability and opportunity to exploit,for our instruction and our acting appreciation.The viewer really develops a concern for her character in all its vunerability and ease of access. Since virtually all of the action centers around coming's and going's of apartment and builds with each new developing scene,we start to feel her predicament,more and more. With a cat and mouse plot that ravels and unravels right before our eyes,we are more than privvy to things that even our heroine's # 1 blind lady can neither see but can still feel,having enough senses to know when but not exactly where,that danger lurks.And danger is the name of this tense,nail-biting thriller,sure to envelop one with a menacing sense of blind accuracy.Or hopefully so. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for an unparalleled look into the eye's and mind of fear.Dig Daddio's.

In this very early 40'ish whodunnit,whydunnit,set in and around the war effort we have a quite intense and stylish thriller at work.With outstanding performances by all the leads,we are taken thru the scenes on an intriquing tour thru early film noir,somewhat.Much more of a spy thriller/urban crime caper than actual noir,nevertehless,it moves and gravitates the underpinnings of bad guy/good guy movie roles.Even though we don't necessarily know good from bad until about halfway,if that,we are taken on nice ride in and around the laird,and lake and by ladd. Veronica Lake is the unsuspecting foil that just pretties-up and delights with her singing and magic act,along with soft-spoken and clever demeanor.I fell in love with her in this movie and wished her career was a little more long-lived and encompassing.She manages to get noticed by her sweet and uncluttered manner,without any false or disruptive behavior,which was commonplace at that time among Hollywood's elistist female stars.A refreshing change of pace for acting that rings true without too much bellow. Alan Ladd is on scene from the get-go to establish reason for movie plot and sustained protagonist in need of help and interpretation as to killer profile.His first major film,which establishes him as crafty tough guy that can think and pound his way thru scenes.His character is fierce and demanding,and the story holds up well for his behavior. Laird Cregar almost steals the show as suave gentleman with a big girth and appetite to match,who is directly involved but hideously craven of confrontation and any violence.At least he keeps telling us so,throughout.What I find truly amazing is his countenance,the way he can slowly turn his facial features on a dime,with deer-struck eyes and a stomach-turning sickness,that make his presence a true wonder of acting.A rather old style of acting where words are not necessary,only fleeting glances and quick turnabout of face and feet.He knows how to turn and run for a really big fellow.His character is nicely developed and acted upon. The setting is urban and street real,with enough sights and sounds to lend authenticity for plot to expose itself and develop.With good overall camera work and backdrop of big city and nightclub for noir aspect,these and other more subtle aspects blend nicely together to give big crime drama a set-up for storyline and unravelling. This film needs all these characters to work well and would probably fall flat with any one missing.Still,it moves with a grace and style that is foundation for bigger and better movies to follow.But not by that much and not that many will follow suit,as fittingly.Thank goodness for Lake,Laird and Ladd to rescue a decade of glossy and overly pretentious movies,to follow. 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 to herald in an early noir effort.

The only real problem with this movie is it's title.If any other title were chosen,then it would undoubtedly be heralded and lauded over as a great piece of filmmaking.But since Pearl Harbor was to be its fait accompli,then many are offended and take it to task.Why,I don't know or care.It is after all,a movie.Not World at War.Or some submarine movie that can not submerge and take wind of its true potential.After reading some very naive comments and reviews over,I find many a film buff to be unable to appreciate what is trying to be accomplished by this movie.It is long,and sappy with love interest at times,but that is the nature of the beast.To entertain through romance and buddy interaction because war is hell and one never knows,what is around corner.And anyone in the military can testify to the power of the opposite sex for motivation to go to war and battle for cause. And least we forget that many a military GI had romanced and married during his stay,whether home or abroad.

Pearl starts out nicely with eager relationship betwen 2 early gung-ho kids,just playing around a single prop airfield.Their enthusiasm is quite apparent,and for good reason.They will quickly go on to enlist and fight for country.The bond is set,and the competitive nature established.These buddies will be the focal point of story and plot. Ben Affleck,looking dapper and crisp in uniform,takes me back to another good actor with similiar qualities-Robert Taylor.Both men exuded confidence and a gung-ho spirit that was both manly and charming.Tough and yet tender enough to appeal to most every women.These are the kind of men we want as officers and leaders,who will compassionately and fairly go to battle,and do us proud with their sense of self.It is this sense of self that separates a worthy character and actor from just an ordinary GI or Mr.Joblo.It takes bravura and gusto,along with handsome charm to pull off. Affleck is almost perfect in role.Why some are offended by his performance is not my concern.There are some who would question Mother Teresa.Our world is undeniably fickle in its mentality,at times. The gals are also very pretty and wholesome,giving off their sweet and wild-eyed sexiness,to the applause of most enlisted men and any GI worth his salt for appreciation of.Pinup girls and painted portraits of such were commonplace during the war and for good reason.An incentive to go to war and kick butt,thereby returning home for some Mom,apple pie and Girls,girls,girls.So the love interest aspect of Pearl is not only warranted but quite apropriate.I think it a good thing to establish some romance before fighting for one's life.

And if action is key to many a film nowadays ,then this film can float along on its merry laurels,with not so much as a hiccup to gather dust.The action is as fast and furious as humanly possible and state of the art in places,maybe a bit too overwhelming,for many eyes and ears.It was a bit too much for me personally,not giving in to action scenes very much.But its all in there,and done with great effect.

As for the overall length and scope of drama,it succeeds on many levels and is sure to cause a stir among former veterans of war and Gen Xer's who aren't used to all that much honesty and true felt discipline,being a cold war bunch of slackers.So,i welcome good discerning debate as to the merits and pratfalls of this epic and grand display of emotion,action and above all loyalty. 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 for rather long but big attempt to expose war and romance with straight forward emotion.

In this seldom seen or talked about movie,nowaday's we have a special vehicle for Barbara Stanwyck to demonstrate the art of love triangle.She being THE top gross actress of 40's and one very gifted thespian{if given the right script}has plenty of cards to deal and work with in this game of love,integrity,conceit and possible betrayal.Forget that Marilyn Monroe is cast.Her character is fodder for sailor mindset.Since the action and gripping drama take place and very realistically so ,right off the fishing harbor.Which give the movie a true feel for the circumstance and possible dilemna facing cast.Everything about setting is so believable,with grayish overcast sky to blistery and faded dwellings,that feel the salt air as well as breath.Even the costumes,especially of lead character Paul Douglas is very sailor-fied.So to with his family members,J.Carroll Naish,in particular.And I am pleased to announce that finally Stanwyck has that gown put away somewhere,hopefully never to be seen again.She wore more gowns in her career ,than would be humanly possible,except for Hollywood's ,40's fetish for.But not in this movie,and all for the good.From the very first scene of her,lugging big heavy suitcase,without any assistance,we feel her toughness.Both mental and physical.But inwardly psychological and outwardly,a facade waiting for possible cracks to expose themselves.They will and they do,fare thou thee lady. But not to be underscored are two masterfull performances by the likes of which could not be better adapted.For within Paul Douglas{Big lug Shipping Captain} and Robert Ryan{Conceitfull and unaccomplished bachelor of little means other than what coulda been} we have an ideal combination of polar opposites competing for the attention of our less than grand femme fatale.I like the way each character is developed by way of their dress and mannerisms.Kinda like a old Marie Dressler/Wallace Berry movie.Which lends credibility too and watchabilty for added flavor of fishing theme.There's note a false played within entire movie,except maybe Marilyn Monroe,who is only in for sexy appeal.The movie is about sex,after all,but not outwardly which would be superficial and fleeting at best,but rather a heartfelt passion of minds.How each character feels about themselves and predicament in life and what they can and should do about.Great and simple plot that begs for good acting and feel for part.One can take sides as to who would make better companion or lover for Stanwyck and who would make better husband.How her true character is exposed and brought out for all to see,and test her abilities at true inner self.And how each competing lover or soulmate will test their skills and possible manipulation of ,to win over.Will it be at all costs or with a stretching of the truth,or more with an honest and trustworthy demeanor fitting of any good fisherman.? One need only to watch and find out for self,what a really good but simple plot,with acting that is first rate and setting that is befitting to scope of story.

5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for to clash with a little class is none too crass.Or is it ? Dig Daddio

That Quote by none other than screenwriter of this very ambitious film is Clifford Odets,who was a former actor himself.Having seen this movie 3 or 4 times and never enjoying and finding distractingly unlikable.Both Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis are indeed cast against type,but to a nauseating degree.Both characters are without redeeming value being one-dimentional in their cutthroaty lust for power within their jobs.Very 50'ish and very N.Y. City ish,either upper or lower east side.Manhattan or no Manhattan.I give Odets credit for creating characters with a disagreeable and cold-hearted nature that seem real and at same time contrived.However if viewer is to develop a true interest in either character than some pathos is warranted,for without which,all one is left with are self-absorbed and callous individuals who cannot evoke empathy or likable concern for their characters.Therein lies the hurdle that this film never overcomes and is too deeply concerned and preoccupied to even try.Call me Ol fashioned ,but a movie that ends with a kiss or redeeming of protagonist thru trial and tribulation is more to my liking.Bombastic,cold-hearted ,gotta push,push,push social-climbing and job pandering ,big-city types are not what propel an interest in me.Too soap-operish and commonplace.And some of Odet's other work affects me the same.Half of which is either pretty good {The Country Girl,Golden Boy,Clash by Night}or too talky and plastic. Other than screenwriting,cinematography and music are first rate,although Elmer Bernstein has done far better with his talents {On the Waterfront}and James Wong Howe {Hud} to cite just a couple.The blending of these two,is however an exercise in having to put up with all the shenanigans of not at all Sweet and truly Smelly lead characters.I harken back to ,casting against type of Lancaster and Curtis,who believable play their smarmy roles given them,but begs the question why should I care?? That hurdle is never resolved and reason for my overall dislike and unfavorable rating. 2 1/2 star or 5/10 for Talky expose on Smelly success story.Dig Daddio's.

With the pairing of Wilder and Douglas we get best of both world's.Best director of his day {or arguably any other} and best actor for that decade and beyond{somewhat arguable}In this drama {not Film Noir enough} because there is no dark urban setting or real femme fatale,exist's a very fine vehicle for Kirk Douglas.As the proragonist who is relentlessly absorbed in his work as hard-boiled reporter looking in earnest for big breaking story,he packs more than the usual Kirk true grit.And any actor worth his salt knows Kirk rules on that domain.His facial countenance of clenched jaw and wild-eyed demeanor was his stock in trade,and made for this type of movie.And we,as audience are privvy too and enveloped by sheer ease at which it is demonstrated. The storyline revolves around less than big city newspaper and Kirk's rather new undertaking as somewhat jaded journalist who has trouble dealing with authority and anyone incapable of seeing things his way.Therefore getting the boot from many a newspaper due to intranisigence and lack of good manners.Which makes for really good drama about his new plight and overall character flaws and strenghts. With a good backdrop of out of the way desert to establish the plot and suspence and plenty of foil to go around,the movie is rive with possible deals and double crosses and film noir aspects of storyline.And again who better than Kirk{one of his absolute best roles}to play the lead character and establish all action around.At the pinnacle of his carreer and it shows,he has more than enough grit and sassiness,and tough-guy bravura to go around.In fact,maybe too much.He is so utterly central to overall plot and story as to render other's in scene to be much less important.Nevertheless a very compelling and outstanding display of character depth and emotion,with a quite dramatic flair for ending.An absolute must see for any fans of Kirk,or great character drama,or journalist's-who seem to be getting a raw deal of late.After watching Mr.Douglas play a hard-edged journalist,then journalism will never be the same.Or will it?? 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for a very complicated character brought to life,with all the gusto and spirit that makes great movies worth watching.Dig Daddio's.

For some reason this film,Bogey's swan song,is fitting and deserving of praise.As Bogart started his career playing mean and gangster-tough villains,an extended it toward's more introspective yet still tough-minded roles,so too are we graced in this movie to have a little bit of both Bogart world's.The tough and never flinching Bogart,and the thinking man persona,who can out muster other's with sheer forethought. Within this movie are many good Film noir elements,such as the shadowy street's and dark cornered recesses,along with an urban setting and extremely Noirish script.Budd Schulberg's writing is perfect for this type of drama,giving it the needed oomph for all those double crossing and talking weasel's,that make up cast of dishonest and likely foe's to Bogart's possible combination of the two.For in this movie Bogart's character has to truly reinvent and come to terms with the inner conflict of movie plot.A true denouement of storytelling and gritty realization coming together to demononstrate an offer a nice touch for lead character,in movie climax. With very nice filming of fight sequences,replete with the necessary smoke and crowd din to bring added authenticity and feel,as if one where back in the 50's doing the usual saturday night gig.Which was either going to the fight's,or listening on radio or possible TV.The ensemble cast works almost flawlessly and believable shows off what the fight game,behind closed door's was probably like.The key fighter {Big Mexican lug} manages to both amaze and bewilder with a combination that dosen't consist of a good left jab or right cross,but with an innocent and much less than tough-man bravura that gets caught up in mixed bag of what a prize fighter should be.His Character has depth and compassion,but also manages to be easily influenced by success and the power that it weilds.Power is the true name of this game and who better to play than Bogart,and who better to unravel and instruct audience with his brand of persona and believability. 4 out of 5 star or 8/10 for well displayed power grab.And a few pulled punches,also.

This is without doubt one of my all time favorite thriller's.And top 1 or 2 Hitchcock films.All elements of this film are state of the art,with camera work that is flawless and outstanding cast.Kelly and Stewart are almost perfect duo,in this on the spot crime whodunnit,that denotes a dignified grace whilst also developing plot and intriguing storyline.Beautifull scripted,acted and filmed with nary a weak spot within view.The scenes build and envelope viewer with each upcoming development and also enchant due to wonderfull setting.Not to mention,a wonderfull score that plays to the heart as well as the ears.A truly one of a kind film and movie experience,that cannot be duplicated.How would one go about replacing Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly.Wouldn't want to anyways,movie fans.So this is Window Dressing of the best sort,and clearest picture.Eureka,Voila and much deserved Kudo's. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 Dig Daddio's.