JLRMovieReviews

Claudette Colbert, Herbert Marshall, William Gargan and Mary Boland star in this fascinating Cecil B. DeMille flick about 4 people thrust together when they escape from a boat with the bubonic plague on it. They eventually wind up on an island, where they battle wild animals, natives, each other and themselves. A lot of people think a Cecil B. DeMille movie is plain hokum and not to be taken seriously. Maybe not. But I can say this. It's entertaining hokum. There's so much foliage to make it look like a real island, that it's plain it's not. DeMille can really tell a good story, though, and all of the stars are good in their roles, but Mary Boland really steals the film. Today, the Academy would honor an actress in that showy role, like they did with Ingrid Bergman in "Murder on the Orient Express." If you have never seen this little gem, watch and enjoy and see Claudette Colbert transform from a wallflower to a blossom in this unbelievable DeMille picture.

In the beginning, I actually enjoyed this rather strange little film and then it seemed to run out of gas. Dudley wants to marry before 30 (in a few weeks.) So he proceeds to pursue this new girl, with time taken out to perform to the camera, musical numbers which I enjoyed very much. Then when she leaves the country, he takes off after her. Then a private investigator is hired to follow him. It all is very unbelievable, but enjoyable due to Dudley's childish charm. My main criticism is that the film kind of peters out by the end. But all in all, to forget your own troubles, you can be entertained by Dudley Moore's looney antics here.

Jack Lemmon is about to end it all when an old friend he hasn't seen in 15 years saves him, well not really. Peter Falk never really noticed that in this very bizarre film. When Peter comes up with a brilliant idea to set up his wife (who he's leaving) with Jack Lemmon, things start to get a little more interesting. Elaine May and Peter Falk are great in this film, especially Elaine May. I watched this for Jack Lemmon, who is one of my favorite actors ever. But here, I never really could get into his character. Jack was his usual funny and quirky self with abrupt seizures. But all in all, I never really felt that much sympathy for his character. Outlandish movies like this either tend to end with a whimper or just don't know how or where to end, and this is no exception. While this is no "Some Like It Hot," this is not the worst film I've ever seen either. The acting of Elaine and Peter are far better than the material. Watch if you like the actors.

The Glass Bottom Boat is a novelty. Part romance, part cold war espionage/spy satire, part hilarity, this offers something for everyone. Doris is the daughter of fisherman Arthur Godfrey and works at a research lab. She meets Rod Taylor in an embarrassing and awkward situation and from thereon, mass hysteria ensues with everyone thinking that Doris Day is a spy! With Dick Martin, Edward Andrews, Paul Lynde and Dom DeLuise, this is a riot. Paul Lynde is always funny and is given very little to do, but manages to steal his scenes from the others, and the bit with Doris, Dom and the cake is hilarious. Right in the middle of this groovy film, suddenly you see the down-to-earth Doris Day singing her heart out with Arthur Godfrey and singing "Que Sera, Sera," too. Where before she was this character thrown into this chaotic mess, she's now just enjoying herself, not playing a part. Never have I ever seen her so laid-back and natural. It's like we see the real Doris Say at home. This interlude gives the next few scenes some poignancy, especially when she sings on a moonlit night a lovely tune about falling in love. It segues back into the inane antics as before, and the hats and/or bandanas she wears are just indescribably irritating. This film may not win any awards, but I think you'll get some good belly laughs from it.

About five minutes into this film, after some opening credits and well into this long-winded interview, I was about to give up on it. But, I kept watching and, even though I was intrigued by this arrogant and self-absorbed know-it-all, I kept thinking, when is this going to end? I fast forwarded on my dvd, which I had bought due to the great things I heard about the movie. I found I had only a few minutes left in the interview, so I went back and finished it. In the first 25 minutes, there are 3 scenes. I kept watching transfixed, by what I wasn't sure. Was it Cate Blanchett, who'd always been a great actress or by this strange hypnotic film, which somehow put me in a trance. I couldn't move. The more I saw, the more I was drawn in and maybe appalled by its central character, who lives on another higher plane and yet obtuse and/or uncaring to others' feelings or opinions, which are really not that important, you know. As it developed, I came to realize you can't grasp all this in one viewing and I came to appreciate the fact that "Tar" is possibly the most meticulously crafted film I've seen not only in recent years, but maybe since the Golden Age of Film (the 30s-50s), with unbelievable comparisons to "Citizen Kane," chronicling the effects one person has on those around them, and how each person has a different perspective of the individual. Director Todd Field has come a long way from starring in "Gross Anatomy" with Matthew Modine and Daphne Zuniga. He has crafted a masterpiece and Cate Blanchett could only have lost her Oscar to the whirlwind of a movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Had that been made any other year, I feel Cate Blanchett would have won. She was Tar. People may disagree with me, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular film made nowadays.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star in this tale of what happens when one friend decides he no longer wants to talk to another. This is a very original story that keeps your interest and has great performances, especially Colin Farrell, who plays the hurt and disappointed friend. He is very confused, lonely and frustrated as to what to do about it. While there was offbeat, matter-of-fact humor and was at times very moving (Brendan driving Colin home after Colin had been beat up), this was also very frustrating for me. Why couldn't Colin get the message? He was being accused of being boring. I don't know, but he did seem to be what you would call a simple man and at times seemed a bit dense to the serious situation. On one hand, I could see simplifying your life and separating from things that don't matter, but not at the expense of hurting others. Why did Brendan have to be so cruel and extreme? Why didn't Colin just leave him alone? Also, it seems like their roles had somehow reversed by the end. You feel for Colin when Brendan won't have anything to do with him. But by the end, after Colin get a little extreme, you sympathize for Brendan. I'm not sure exactly what to make of their last conversation and if they are done with each other or not . Having said all that, looking back on it, it seems like a parable or a fable that a parent would tell their child about what not to do in life and to their friends, making this story/film to be a lesson learned for others. This film was successful on many levels, because it makes you think of your friends, your own life, and what you would do in this situation. This was a very deep, thought-provoking, humorous and rewarding film experience, and I have thought of it almost everyday since I saw it. I recommend this for those who like Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Austin Butler as Elvis had better watch out for Colin Farrell, who may give him a run for his money and win his first Oscar.

Myrna Loy in a counter-espionage tale! Despite the fact I was a little confused just who was on whose side, I really liked this film a lot. Myrna Loy and George Brent make a very good couple. The supporting actors are excellent, including Leo G. Carroll in his first movie role, and help draw you into this tale of deception and betrayal. Yet the intimate and romantic scenes between Myrna and George were especially memorable and gives this spy film more depth and reality than you would normally expect. I loved the beginning and final scenes at the monastery. All in all, I think Myrna Loy fans will be very pleased, despite any flaws this film may have.

Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery are the leads in this movie, but, as the scene fades in, they are married to other people: Reginald Denny and Una Merkel. Does that suggest anything to you? Apparently, Norma and Robert used to be an item, and when they coincidentally have hotel rooms beside each other while on their honeymoons, they have awkward yet passionate confrontations that lead to obvious consequences.

Backstory to my history with Norma and Robert: When I used to see Norma's movies about the rich upper crust years ago, those movies (The Last of Mrs. Cheyney, Riptide etc.) didn't do much for me. The movies seemed too superficial and/or glossy to me with the empty lives of rich people who all they do is party and drink. Also, I used to not like Robert Montgomery, because he came across as arrogant and he acted like he thought he was funny and was the cat's meow. Then I saw "The Earl of Chicago," and I really liked him in that.

But I had never seen this movie and, when it came on TCM recently, I was curious. I really, really liked it, due in part to two main reasons: the magnetic chemistry between Norma and Robert and the fluid writing. There is one scene in particular that lasts at least 10 minutes and the conversation between Norma and Robert was very natural and the thought processes at work led to one idea or thought very casually and realistically, from love to hate to sorry to love. The chemistry was sizzling, as they shared love, fought and made up. Watching them spar off at each other was fascinating. And later Reginald and Una had a great scene at the breakfast table. All the acting was fantastic. I could watch this over and over again. I'm wondering if this movie is better than other Norma movies because this was based on a Noel Coward play. If you love Norma Shearer and/or Robert Montgomery, then don't miss this!

Edward G Robinson puts out fires of oil rigs, but he's going to have one of his own, when an old acquaintance (Gene Lockhart) shows up. It seems that Edward had changed his name due to being in prison and trying to make a fresh start. But Gene has other plans and things happen. Edwards always gives a solid performance, but Gene is memorable as a no-good user and manages to steal most of the scenes they share. The climax of their confrontation is especially intense. This is a good little film that may be no Double Indemnity but entertains on its own level. Enjoy!

Aline MacMahon, Ann Dvorak and Paul Kelly star in this largely forgotten little gem. Aline works in the fur business and Paul Kelly is a drifter who looks for work on ships but whose undependable reputation keeps him from being hired. A hungry Paul Kelly is fortunate to meet up with Aline MacMahon, who takes him in and feeds him. Things progress as usual in this short drama, but the performances of all really make up for any flaws the film may have, especially Aline. This is arguably her best performance on screen, with the exception being Dragon Seed. She is excellent and the others are cast well in their parts. I heartily recommend this to those who love good old movies and these actors.

Glenda Jackson's friend Elizabeth s missing but no one pays any attention what Maude (Glenda) is saying They dismiss her. By the way Maude has dementia and has notes all over reminding her what to do and not to do. She lives in a state of haphazard order and with a feeling of futility. This crusade to find Elizabeth only makes her feel even more helpless and yet with a firm resolve to do SOMETHING.

She is also remembering her sister who mysteriously disappeared years ago. What happened to her?

For fans of Glenda Jackson, this is a must-see. Glenda is spectacular. I predict she will be winning awards for this. In fact, she has already won British awards for this. Miss this and you miss one of the many great performances of Glenda Jackson.

Greta Garbo is the best thing about this film adaptation of Maugham's The Painted Veil. While married to bacteriologist Herert Marshall, she travels to China, where Herbert is trying to do some good. She is up to no good when she meets George Brent and has a love affair. In real life, she and George were more than friends, and, with their electric chemistry, their scenes are fascinating to watch. Garbo looks positively radiant here. The ending was changed to meet Hollywood's code of ethics. But I did appreciate the adult treatment of Garbo and Herbert's feelings and situation. For Garbo buffs, this is a must see, but otherwise for a better version of the novel watch the 2006 movie with Edward Norton and Naomi Watts 7/10

This curiosity piece for Robert Montgomery and/or Irene Dunne fans should be left alone. I wanted to like this film, but frankly it felt like it was thrown together. Irene is torn between brothers Preston Foster and Bob, and all they do is talk and talk. Irene Dunne's presence helps the viewer to keep watching, but this clearly is one of her worst films, and I usually try to see the best in my favorite actors' movies. You've been warned.

Jack Oakie and Jack Haley are songwriters who want to hit the big time. They hichhike their way to Hollywood. Along the way, they meet Ginger Rogers. This musical comedy lives virtually in obscurity, which is a shame. Oakie and Haley make for quite a pair and are very funny. The songs are very snappy and clever, and the movie even features a Busby Berkeley-like musical number. I could have rewatched this. This is my new favorite discovery. This short review barely scratches the surface of the charm of this forgotten gem.

Judez demands justice against a rich man who ruined people financially, among other things. Judex is making him face the consequences. Meanwhile, a woman just hired as a nanny has her own agenda. Also, meanwhile a old man comes to the rich man for help in finding his long-lost son. In the beginning this played out like a soap opera, with so many plots and people to keep track of. They all blend together eventually. Despite its flaws, I found this to be very entertaining. All the characters were three-dimensional and you really get drawn into this so easily. The hired detective and the licorice kid are highlights of this silent serial that delivers the goods, albeit in a long-winded way.

Pamela Sue Martin and Parker Stevenson are the leads in this story that takes place at a 1955 girls' school, but Betsy Slade steals the show as her search for love takes a very dramatic turn. It was somewhat painful to watch, as she learned and had to endure the repercussions forced on her. Pamela and Parker are good in their roles, but virtually are given very little to do. I would watch this again and would recommend this to all who happen to find it. It will definitely leave an impression on you, depicting an innocent time that grew up too fast.

This show has already been given the ax, which is a travesty. Not many people found it, I guess, But The Mel Robbins Show is an informative and extremely helpful show. Mel listens and gives succinct and straight-forward answers to everyday problems, some in extreme situations. Known for her success as a motivational speaker, she made it to daytime and could have helped more people if given the time. I am sad to see her go.

The many stars and musical numbers are very good especially in the first hour (the Andrew Sisters a highlight) and Jack Benny is always good (who doesn't like Jack Benny), but the whole plot of Robert Hutton meeting Joan Leslie feels dated, corny and unrealistic to me. If you love this era of music and seeing all these movie stars, it may be worth your while. But after two hours, I think you'll feel wore out.

Just because you're thrust into the position of ruling as King or Queen doesn't mean you're cut out for it. Olivia Colman is Queen Anne, whose existence is plagued by chronic illnesses and constant unhappiness. Ms. Colman is simply magnificent, as she embodies the pitiful woe-is-me, emotionally out-of-control, petulant childish Queen with her every manner. She's taken by the celebration of the festivities of dancing at a ball until she envies those who can dance, and get around better than her. Her life is a roller-coaster of feelings, emotions, and manipulations. Rachel Weisz keeps her in check and knows her inside out, but soon Rachel's place by her side is threatened by Emma Stone.Who will ultimately be Queen Anne's Favourite? The film and all actors are excellent, but Olivia Colman rightfully steals the show and you think about her even when she's not in the scene. Ms. Colman deserved the Oscar. Sorry, Glenn! This is not a satire or a comedy. It is dark in tone. This is serious. This was life for some who didn't ask for it. Discover it today.

Penny Singleton is a young lady on her way to her uncle, but what she doesn't know is that he's expecting a young man, because even though her name is Belinda her father called her Bill. Her uncle wants Bill to help with some outlaws. because her father called Bill the best shot this side of the Mississippi. The little western town has hired a new sheriff, because they can't keep one alive. Both Glenn Ford (the new sheriff) and Penny are on the same stagecoach coming into town. Such begins this fun-filled comedy with great musical numbers. Ann Miller is on hand with her usual flair, and she has a meatier role here than usual With her small voice, Penny has a very sweet disposition but she has spirit and gumption too. Of course Glenn and Penny start to likin' each other. but he keeps gettin' in her line of fire! I loved it so much, I could watched it again! Discover this gem today!

Don't confuse the subject matter with the documentary itself. Fred Rogers, the man, was ahead of his time and was an example of kindness and goodness, becoming the most important and influential teacher of all time, teaching children of all ages. But, frankly, I was disappointed in this documentary, overall. It showed great footage of Mister Rogers asking for PBS funds and in his quiet time for himself. As I have read "The Good Neighbor," (the newly released biography of Fred Rogers, I know he had quite a sense of humor and he liked to shock or surprise people. But there is a time and place for it, and this was supposed to be family-friendly. Instead it comes across as common. The less said the better. I understand why this was not nominated for an Oscar. It didn't deserve it. For Fred Rogers, the man, I give a '10.' For this, a '2.' In between a '6.'

Irene Dunne falls in love with a well-bred gentleman, who is not suited for anything but to spend his daddy's money. They marry, but the marriage doesn't last long, when he goes back to his father, played unmercifully well by Lionel Atwill. But after Lionel gives him an ultimatum and feeling put in a no-win situation, his son commits suicide, thereby setting up the stage for pregnant Irene alone in the world, forced to do what she has to. But Lionel quickly has his grandson taken from her and in his sole custody. Fast forward, the son, played by Phillips Holmes, is a soldier who happens to come across her establishment, a bar with rooms to let! You know the rest. Or do you? This is far from dull and does get rather melodramatic before the final fade-out, pulling no punches and no subtlety. While not entirely one of Ms. Dunne's best, this certainly entertains.

Irene Dunne has married Joel McCrea and is going to meet his mother, played by Laura Hope Crews. But what Irene doesn't know is that Laura had her own plans for her son – to live close by her side and visit often. Based on a stage play, this can come across as rather talky and stagy, but I find the subject matter fascinating and most absorbing as we see the mother trying subtly and sometimes not so subtly to manipulate her sons so that they may never leave her. Eric Linden is another son, who is engaged to Frances Dee, unless "poor, pitiful" mother has anything to do with it. I don't know much about the movies and career of Laura Hope Crews, who played "Aunt Pittypat" in "Gone with the Wind," but I would surmise that this is one of her best and meatiest roles. The film belongs to her, as she has tantrums and wraps her sons around her little finger. By the way, costars Joel and Frances would marry in real life. If you happen to discover "The Silver Cord," which I doubt, don't pass this up. You may be looking for the best films of the great Irene Dunne, but instead you will discover the under-appreciated Ms. Laura Hope Crews at the zenith of her career.

Young Ricky Schroder lives with his divorced mother, after her husband left them, or any male supervision or guidance. He seems to be on the path of a juvenile delinquent, as he's constantly in trouble and has no regard for learning. Patty feels he needs the presence of a "big brother." But when she goes for help, she's told there are more boys that need them than men volunteering for the job. One possible person comes to mind. Enter James Farentino, a middle-aged, hair-thinning character, with a vaudeville sense of humor. With practically nothing in common, James and Ricky try to connect. From beginning to end, this captured and impressed me as one of the most natural, relaxing and down-to-earth television movies I've ever seen. The people were real and relatable. I've never seen James Farentino play such a kooky character, yet endearing. At such a young age, Rick Schroder displays such matureness, and his discipline as an actor using his craft is evident. And, Patty Duke of course was perfect. They played off each other very well, and director Lou Antonio has created a world that feels like it's just down the road a bit from home. "Something So Right" is an excellent movie that enriches all those who see it.

Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Peter Lawford and Ann Miller star in this grand movie musical about a dancing team (Fred and Ann) who break up when Ann Miller decides she has bigger aspirations and leaves the act. Fred then in turn in emotional haste states that she is replaceable and that he can teach anyone to dance as well as she does. Enter Judy Garland. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this film before now, and I don't know if I can contain myself enough to write one. This is absolutely one of my top five musicals of all time, OF ALL TIME! How could I possibly be unbiased! There is not one moment, scene, song or feeling that feels false or weak. Much has been said about the "A Couple of Swells" number in this movie, but every single musical number is great, with "Steppin' Out with My Baby" arguably being the highlight. But even the slow songs that Judy Garland sings are great. There are lots of great crooners and/or vocalists in American music history, but Judy Garland had her distinctive way of reaching her listeners and making you feel in in her place. See the "Better Luck Next Time" number. It goes without saying that Fred is excellent here, and Ann Miller has always been my favorite dancer, who held a record at one time with the most taps in one minute. See her "Shakin' the Blues Away." And, Peter Lawford sings! How can you not like this film! I say it every Easter that this film is too good to only watch once a year. See it right now! See it next month! Watch it for July 4th! See for yourself why this is a great example of MGM movie musicals at their best!!