tim-oliver

I saw this rare film theatrically on a re-release in the late 1960's and loved it. Well, I was about the same age as the boy in the film, so I really connected to the characters. I remember the wonderful vivid colour photography and overall fun story of a family (without mom) having multiple disasters on holiday in an old windmill. I think I may have seen this on BBC TV once in the 1970's, but that was it. The film appears to have completely disappeared. I wonder why? Anyway, I recommend it if you ever have a chance to see it. Kenneth More delivers as always, as does the entire cast. I do have an unofficial DVD from an old VHS copy of an old VHS recording and can only dream of seeing it properly again remastered in HD.

This typically silly season 3 episode includes a scene with Dr Smith (with stethoscope) wanting the boy J5 to take his shirt off so he can examine him. It's done in a most creepy way (Smith's voice and the look on his face) and would never be allowed in this form in a modern kids TV show, or even adult drama. I love the Dr Smith character and Jonathan Harris (most of the time), but this scene made me very uncomfortable.

Endless Night remains one of my favourite films and I watch my DVD copy at least twice a year.

Having first viewed this marvellous (but apparently long forgotten) film back in 1973 (age 11), in the on- board cinema of a P&O cruise liner, I loved it from the first moment I heard the wonderfully atmospheric opening music from Master Composer Bernard Hermann. This music immediately transforms the film to an old Hitchcock style thriller and the very interesting direction and performances follow it through.

Hywel Bennett is superb as the lead actor and narrator and I was fooled in 1973 to believing Haley Mills really was a genuine American.

Production values are mostly high, but one suspects money was tight and probably run out by the time the film entered post production.

Had Hitchcock put his name to this one, I'm sure it would be hailed as his final masterpiece (as appose to Marnie). However, I believe the film had trouble reaching a wide release and I imagine the critics were unkind, because it was very modern in its look and production design and a little different from the novel.

I very much enjoy Endless Night every time I see it and the ending is still a surprise to those I show it to.

A very well crafted film, which although a little flawed in final post production (lack of money to polish), is really a superb and entertaining classic film.

I hope Endless Night one day receives the recognition it truly deserves.

I have just enjoyed seeing this long forgotten gem on Blu-Ray, in a marvellous crisp and colourful wide-screen presentation, with DTS stereo surround sound and I loved every minute of it. It's like a crazy LSD trip (I imagine!), which makes you very relaxed and feel just great.

I first saw this film in 1973, as an 11 year old on board a Mediterranean cruise ship. The on board cinema was just like the real thing and I watched Lost Horizon at least two or three times during the voyage. I also enjoyed seeing the new Bond Live And Let Die and the wonderful thriller Endless Night. I still love all these films and they bring back happy memories of a simpler (and wackier) time.

Of course, Lost Horizon is most definitely a guilty pleasure. If you did not grow up in the 70's, it must come across as a very dated and very odd load of old rubbish. The film starts off as action adventure and suddenly changes into a very strange kind of musical, with a score which was very 1973, just like some of the god-awful clothes worn by Michael York and Bobby (please don't dance) Van.

The main Shangri-La set looks like a 1970's Burbank Hilton Resort and the obvious studio set interiors are very much over lit. They look like old sets re-used from the Bill Shatner Star Trek shows.

The Direction it very old fashioned and lazy. The actors move across the screen, but the camera appears to stay static. However, the worst thing in Lost Horizon is most definitely the hideous choreography from Hermes Pan. The worst I have ever seen.

However, the cast is very likable and some of the songs are really quite pleasant and catchy in a very early 70's way. Looking back now, in 2013, the idea of Shangri-La has never been more attractive and I would love to buy my one-way ticket any time they come available on line. Until then, I can take my trip from this wonderful new Blu-Ray disc.

Yes, the film is flawed, particularly in the wasted opportunity to direct the musical numbers in any stylish way, but I absolutely love it. I can't wait to see it again!