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452,921 | 15,896,852 | 564,287 | 2 |
The Baby Isn't Homely !
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Donna ( Donna Reed ) is put on the spot when her women's committee selects Alex ( Carl Betz ) to judge a beautiful baby contest . The pediatrician thinks telling mothers their children are " normal , average infants " might force him to " close up shop . " Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) suspects something is amiss when her mother prepares Alex ' favorite dinner , " lamb curry " ; the last time she made it , Donna dented a fender . It's always nice to see ( and hear ) Virginia Christine , who plays the ludicrously implausible role of " Margaret Lang " , a mother ashamed of her " homely " baby ( actually , he looks fine ) . Ms . Christine was the TV ad woman for Folgers Coffee . Jeff contributes an interesting observation , " You sneer at girls and they come running . " And , as dictated by the script , we witness Mr . Betz blowing pipe smoke in Ms . Reed's face . The Baby Contest ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Carl Betz , Virginia Christine
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453,448 | 15,896,852 | 1,044 | 2 |
Oedipus in Reverse
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Charles West leaves his parents ( Herbert Prior and Anita Hendrie ) , his girl ( Mary Pickford ) , and his country inn , to make his way in the big city . Five years later , Mr . West is a rich man . When hard times hit the old folks at home , Ms . Pickford writes West , suggesting a visit . To surprise his parents , West decides to conceal his identity . He puts on a hat , which compliments his already grown beard and moustache . When he returns , his parents don't recognize their son ; ironically , they decide to rob the wealthy young stranger while he sleeps . . . West conceals his identity by putting on a hat ? Perhaps director D . W . Griffith assumed viewers knew the parents ' eyesight was failing ? Father Prior seems in good enough health , to effortlessly lift a supposedly dead body , and carry it outside . If not for the implausibility presented concealment of the son's identity , " The Son's Return " would be an interesting drama . The Son's Return ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - Charles West , Herbert Prior , Anita Hendrie
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452,778 | 15,896,852 | 48,667 | 2 |
Steer Clear !
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This film reeks of production line planning . It appears like the filmmakers looked at recent hit movies , and threw spaghetti on the screen - Jimmy Stewart ! June Allyson ! Anthony Mann ! Baseball ! War ! Baby ! Airplane ! - ROLL ' EM ! - The film does address the age of the Stewart / Allyson performers ; though , I'm certain we are still supposed to think they are much younger . There are messages in " Strategic Air Command " I found curiously shocking and offensive , but I'll stick with one truly wretched element : The happily married couple is challenged when Mr . Stewart's character makes an important decision without consulting his wife . In the film's most dramatic scene , she calls him on it . It ends completely unresolved - Allyson is crying her heart out on their bed , and Stewart walks out on her . NO discussion ; he simply says he is correct , and walks out on his devastated wife . For all he knows , she could slit her wrists . Later , Allyson apologizes for questioning her husband's decision . Unbelievable ! Stick with Stewart-Allyson in " The Stratton Story " ( 1949 ) . Strategic Air Command ( / 55 ) Anthony Mann - James Stewart , June Allyson , Frank Lovejoy
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452,366 | 15,896,852 | 51,605 | 2 |
Chicken Little Clucks Again
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Dana Andrews , Marilee Earle , and Mel Tormé are the main attractions . I don't know how anyone can play scenes with the great Mr . Tormé . I would crack up ! Mr . Andrews , Ms . Earle , and the others are incredibly awful in this film . I don't have any idea what's going on with Andrews ' physical condition ; but , he seems healthier as the film goes on . As a " cold war drama , " this movie fails . The plot and performances are ludicrous . BUT , as an unintended comedy , the movie succeeds . I found it moderately funny . I'm not sure what kind of political message this film is trying to make - but , it adds to the hilarity . I can't rate it highly , because I'm sure the filmmakers ' intentions were quite different than my reception . The Fearmakers ( 1958 ) Jacques Tourneur - Dana Andrews , Marilee Earle , Mel Tormé
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452,956 | 15,896,852 | 48,682 | 2 |
Eight Legs to Hold You
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Policewoman Carole Mathews goes " undercover " to join Marie Windsor , Beverly Garland , and Jil Jarmyn in prison . The " Gang of Four " escape , and head for the local swamp , to look for some stashed diamonds . Who would hide their booty in a swamp ? They take turns touching tied-up hostage Mike Connors . His girlfriend gets eaten by the alligator . Let's not beat around the bush . Stripped to its basics , " Swamp Women " was made for 1950s viewers to watch four naughty young women escape from prison , get drunk , cut off the legs of their pants , and wrestle in the swamp . Directed by Roger Corman . In color . Swamp Women ( 1955 ) Roger Corman - Marie Windsor , Carole Mathews , Beverly Garland
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453,638 | 15,896,852 | 69,159 | 2 |
The Dirty Dozin '
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This English re-titled " A Reason to Live , A Reason to Die " is a thoroughly unconvincing United States Civil War swipe of " The Dirty Dozen " , done in the Clint Eastwood " spaghetti western " style . James Coburn ( as Pembroke ) leads a less than star-studded group of seven desperadoes . ( Still pre-Kojak ) Telly Savalas , who appeared as one of the original " Dozen " , is Mr . Coburn's major foil . Mr . Savalas ( as Ward ) has interesting taste in sculpture art . The locations are nice , but don't seem very American . The film's relatively high level of explosions , shootings , and stabbings must have been the box office draw , back in the early 1970s . Today , you only need to play a video game . Una ragione per vivere e una per morire ( 1972 ) Tonino Valerii - James Coburn , Telly Savalas , Bud Spencer
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453,120 | 15,896,852 | 36,051 | 2 |
They Don't Know Jack
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Hollywood's attempt to turn Jack London's life into a " Jack London " adventure film isn't a bad idea ; certainly , he led an interesting , and sometimes adventurous , life . This film , however , winds up flat and unsatisfying . Most importantly , it lacks integrity . Michael O'Shea ( as London ) has some Londonesque speeches ; and , it's nice to see his bearded Jack receive " The Call of the Wild " after spending some quality time alone , in the snowy mountains , with his dog , " Buck " . Virginia Mayo and Susan Hayward are both very pretty . The film draws unfortunate " Yellow Peril " parallels between London's life and World War II , which are both strained and insulting . Jack London ( 1943 ) Alfred Santell - Michael O'Shea , Susan Hayward , Virginia Mayo
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453,468 | 15,896,852 | 55,609 | 2 |
Built in Italy
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It's a battle between mortals and gods as the right to claim the Goddess of Love as their own brings the Roman gods of myth to life in this classic tale . Vulcan , the God of Fire , wishes to have the beautiful Venus as his bride and will battle strange creatures and fellow gods alike , in his quest to win her . Amazing feats of strength and fantastic fights abound in this tale of adventure and true love , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . " Vulcan , Son of Jupiter " is a dubbed in English , Italian-made feature . Bouncy , bountiful Bella Cortez and alluring Annie Gorassini are the fleshy film's G-rated headlights , er ? highlights . Vulcan , Son of Jupiter ( 1961 ) Emimmo Salvi - Richard Lloyd , Bella Cortez , Annie Gorassini
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453,029 | 15,896,852 | 78,895 | 2 |
Steer Clear
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Chesty gringo Telly Savalas ( as Frank Cooper ) is a US-Mexico " Border Cop " . He serves as a father figure to young immigrant Danny De La Paz ( as Benny Romero ) , who wants Mr . Savalas to be best man at his impending wedding . Savalas is tough , but boss Eddie Albert ( as Commander Moffat ) may be tougher . Tough is what you need to stop smuggler Michael V . Gazzo ( as Chico Suarez ) . Alliances may be in flux . If you find the possibility of hearing " Kojak " and " Oliver Douglas " uttering expletives to be repulsive , you ought to steer clear of " The Border " . If not , you may not have the stomach for the " realistic " cow slaughtering scene . Although it doesn't end up being worth much , Mr . De La Paz and Cecilia Camacho ( as Leina ) steal the show . The Border ( 1979 ) Tony Richardson - Telly Savalas , Danny De La Paz , Eddie Albert
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453,601 | 15,896,852 | 40,399 | 2 |
A Mule in Sintown
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Roy Rogers and company try to bring " Sintown " back to life - it's a ghost town which may go boom if silver mining is successful . Andy Devine ( as " Cookie " ) slapsticks around . Jane Frazee ( as Carol ) loses a piece of her bitches to Mr . Rogers ' sharp leer . Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage stand-in ( or , is that sing-in ? ) for the A . W . O . L . Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers . James Finlayson ( from the Laurel and Hardy films ) adds to the " slapstick " look of " Grand Canyon Trail " . A loose floor board delivers the winning comedy performance . Mr . Devine's mule kicks its heels . There are energetic human performances , too - but , the material isn't Grand . Grand Canyon Trail ( 1948 ) William Witney - Roy Rogers , Jane Frazee , Andy Devine
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453,602 | 15,896,852 | 40,385 | 2 |
A Bull Session with the Big Andy
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Roy Rogers is a Sheriff who must catch airplane saboteurs . Mr . Rogers is also a singling cowboy . Tito Guizar is Bullfighter Nicci Lopez . Mr . Guizar is also a singing cowboy . As " The Gay Ranchero " of the title , Guizar seems to have more to do than Rogers . Andy Devine ( as " Cookie " ) works at the Manzanita Springs Airline being sabotaged , and helps out singling cowboys out - and , gets helped out during the bull session . Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers add songs and laughs . This film seems to be an attempt to cross-over the audiences of American singing cowboy star Roy Rogers and Mexican singing cowboy star Tito Guizar . Or , it may be an attempt to introduce the Mexican singing cowboy star to Rogers ' U . S . audience . The resulting film is like two partial movies , either of which are very good . The cowboy stars never really operate / act as a " team " ; they have little rapport , and few opportunities to show any . The Gay Ranchero ( 1948 ) William Witney - Roy Rogers , Tito Guizar , Andy Devine
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452,799 | 15,896,852 | 36,075 | 2 |
Smashing the Saboteurs
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Roy Rogers ( as Roy ) , Smiley Burnette ( as Frog ) , and the " Sons of the Pioneers " go undercover to help Texas Governor Russell Hicks stop World War II Axis sympathizers from blowing up U . S . warehouses . Not a war story , but a Roy Rogers western : this one a " Variety Show " of stunts , songs , and Smiley bits ? plus , a sign proclaiming : " Freedom of Speech Doesn't Mean Careless Talk " . " King of the Cowboys " songs include : " I'm an Old Cow Hand " , " The Gay Ranchero " , " Prairie Moon " , and others . Stunts include setting up a giant mirror on a road to simulate a head-on car crash ; and , following another car crash , Rogers being tied up and left in a warehouse rigged to blow . The story is inconsequential . Following the stunted end , Rogers is introduced as " King of the Cowboys " and sings " Ride Ranger Ride " . Formulaic to the hilt ! King of the Cowboys ( 1943 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , Smiley Burnette , Peggy Moran
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453,373 | 15,896,852 | 5,200 | 2 |
The Lord Blinks
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God sends frontier parson and gunslinger William S . Hart ( as Jim Houston ) , his pretty wife Dorothy Dalton ( as Mary ) , and their cute little daughter Thelma Salter ( as Alice ) to the western town of " Barren Gulch " . Of course , Mr . Hart finds the town sinfully in need of his services . He needn't have looked any further than his own back yard , however ; soon , Ms . Dalton decides to run off with the local sleaze , Robert McKim ( as " Doc " Hardy ) after he is nice to her in the grocery store . The Lord must have blinked when Mr . McKim winked . Thomas H . Ince's " The Disciple " is inexplicable . Hart is an odd man of God , threatening a flock at gunpoint , " Are you going ' to force me to preach to cripples ? " Dalton's abandonment of her husband and young daughter is not very plausible , assuming Hart fathered the impossibly blonde curled girl . Dalton performs well , considering the weak material ; and , perversely , her scenes with McKim look good . Although unseen , " God " is a character who becomes more and more involved in the plot , which makes it more silly than not .
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452,991 | 15,896,852 | 46,891 | 2 |
Mission : Intolerable
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It's difficult to determine exactly what is going on in the minds of the people who made this movie . Anyway , it starts out as a crime drama ; a murder is committed , apparently witnessed by a woman who gets away . Soon , there is an avalanche , causing massive destruction that completed disappears in a couple of seconds . I took the avalanche as a inside joke ; you see , this film goes nowhere but downhill . Or , it might be meant to foreshadow the end . Victor Mature ( he's Matt ) and Vincent Price ( he's Paul ) compete to see who gets the girl - - when they're not competing to see who gives the worst performance . Piper Laurie is the blonde witness . There are Indians involved . When they all go after each other at the end , the background is entertaining to watch ( snowy Montana mountains ) . Dangerous Mission ( 1954 ) Louis King - Victor Mature , Vincent Price , Piper Laurie
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453,614 | 15,896,852 | 58,072 | 2 |
There's a Starman Wading in the Sky
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A giant alien brain is leading its forces across the far reaches of space with the intent to conquer the universe . Arriving at Earth , the monstrous brain unleashes a hoard of monsters upon the planet to spread disease and destruction . The Earth's only hope of survival rests with Starman , the hero from another world , who must use all of his awesome powers to defeat the monsters and stop the alien brain , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . The last three Ken Utsui ( as Sûpâ Jaiantsu , or Super Giant ) movies , edited together for the USA ; it's understandably not very fresh , but " Evil Brain from Outer Space " features a relatively high dose of Starman action , villains , and gimmicks . After the stock footage opening all the Starman movies , a chase scene involving Balazar's brain being carried in a suitcase provides a relatively exciting opening . Balazar and his minions are better villains than not . Still , it's material reproduced down from mediocre . Evil Brain from Outer Space ( 1964 ) Teruo Ishii - Ken Utsui , Junko Ikeuchi , Minoru Takada
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452,962 | 15,896,852 | 49,363 | 2 |
The Butcher of Los Angeles
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Lon Chaney Jr . is completely wasted as Charles " The Butcher " Benton . Chaney as " The Butcher " , a man convicted for bank robbery and murder , is executed ; then , he is accidentally revived , by a doctor seeking a cure for cancer . So , the mute and murderous Mr . Chaney goes on a lumbering rampage , to Los Angeles , knocking off ( among others ) the gang members who betrayed him . The dull , unimaginative story is augmented by a even duller " Dragnet " - style descriptive narration . The location footage is a relative strength . Otherwise , this one is criminal . Indestructible Man ( 1956 ) Jack Pollexfen - Lon Chaney Jr . , Max Showalter , Marian Carr
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453,068 | 15,896,852 | 22,000 | 3 |
Watch with Discretion
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Gloria Swanson ( as Gerry Trent ) breaks it off with caddish Monroe Owsley ( as Jim Woodward ) in order to take up with novelist Ben Lyon ( as Tony Blake ) . Later , Ms . Swanson's younger sister Barbara Kent ( as Joan Trent ) arrives - with the lover Swanson rejected ! Swanson would rather little sister stick with boyish Arthur Lake ( as Buster Collins ) ; later , Mr . Lake will play Blondie's Dagwood Bumbstead . Star Swanson sings a couple of songs , and has an obligatory undressing / bathing scene . Considering the strong personnel involved , this is a remarkably unsatisfactory film , even for an early " talkie " . The " modern sophisticated comic " approach falls very flat ( if that's what is intended ) . There is some suggestion of more " Adult " encounters than are present in the players ' dialog - for example , Swanson breaks up with boyfriend Owsley and hands him his golf clubs ; so , what are is golf clubs doing at her place ? And , a later rain scene suggests Swanson had bedded down with the just-proposed Lyon . Swanson's portrayal is remarkably unsteady , at times , for a very accomplished actress who had already successfully transitioned from silent to sound . The material offered in " Indiscreet " couldn't have done much to advance anyone's career ; unfortunately , Swanson is particularly slighted , being the star . Indiscreet ( 1931 ) Leo McCarey - Gloria Swanson , Ben Lyon , Arthur Lake
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453,669 | 15,896,852 | 75,990 | 3 |
Father Christopher Lee
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A scientist discovers signals from space that appear to carry information concerning a series of seemingly unrelated natural disasters , occurring across the globe . Hoping to discover the source of these signals and who's behind them , the scientist and his wife set out on a trek to locate the intended recipient of the signals . What the couple eventually discovers is a small remote convent with occupants who are not really who they appear to be , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Kirk Scott ( as Andrew Boran ) is the scientist who intercepts alien messages on his computer . He suspects a series of " Large Earth Disruptions " may be connected to the weird space static . Mr . Scott and pretty blonde wife Sue Lyon ( as Sylvia Boran ) investigate the mysterious signals from outer space . They discover priestly , but creepy Christopher Lee ( as " Father Pergado " ) , and other silliness . Given that , " End of the World " is remarkably dull . End of the World ( 1977 ) John Hayes - Kirk Scott , Sue Lyon , Christopher Lee
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452,362 | 15,896,852 | 63,121 | 3 |
A Film Not Quite as Long as the Cold War
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Excruciatingly long and expensive " epic " submarine drama directed by John Sturges . The Russians have a spy on a submarine . The submarine is on an important mission to the North Pole - nobody is sure who it might be the spy . Along for the ride to " Ice Station Zebra " are suspects : Ernest Borgnine with a Russian accent , Patrick McGoohan being Patrick McGoohan , and Jim Brown being Jim Brown . Rock Hudson tries to keep a straight face as the mission commander . I found the movie and its characters so dull , I didn't care what happened to them . The movie's obvious expense might have been appealing in its day . The film has an intermission ; and , I wondered , how many people returned for second half ? The actors look more sweaty than cold during the film's icy end . You can find more excitement in a single episode of the old " Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea " TV series . Ice Station Zebra ( 1968 ) John Sturges - Rock Hudson , Ernest Borgnine , Patrick McGoohan
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453,172 | 15,896,852 | 15,344 | 3 |
Kicks Up a Little Dust
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Mysterious cowboy Bill Patton ( as Bob Norton ) arrives , " in the land of the West - on the banks of the Rio Grande , " at the " Bar-V " ranch . Ostensibly seeking employment , Mr . Patton is revealed , as the plot unravels , an undercover Texas Ranger . Patton wants to get a job at the " Bar-V " , and round-up evidence against newly appointed foreman , and all-around snake-in-the-grass , Jack House ( as " Buck " Bailey ) . Also working undercover , Mr . House is part of a scheme to steal cattle from square-shooting owner William Bertram ( as Jack Barton ) . After Patton saves daughters in distress Alma and Adrian Rayford ( as Bonita and Flora Barton ) , Mr . Bertram hires him to help around the ranch . House plots to kill , while Patton and Ms . Alma fall in love ? A fairly nondescript western . Notably , the " real " Rayford sisters play the " fictional " Barton sisters - and co-star Bertram also directed . There are a lot of good location long-shots . The scenes introducing the sisters , at the beach and by a busy 1924 highway , are too brief . A little more than halfway in , the film is badly damaged , but it recovers quickly , and plays well until The End . Smoking Trails ( 1924 ) William Bertram - Bill Patton , Alma Rayford , Jack House
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453,560 | 15,896,852 | 2,303 | 3 |
A Lesser Griffith
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A confusing early film , directed by D . W . Griffith . Blanche Sweet and Edwin August are deliriously happy . He's a fisherman , and she's his " fishermaiden " . Ms . Sweet enjoys hanging around the seashore ; where , one day , she stumbles upon nasty Alfred Paget and a gang of smugglers . The smugglers nab and gag Sweet ; then , they take her on their ship . Looking for his missing girl , Mr . August witnesses the kidnapping from the shore , and runs fro help ? While the film delivers its promised thrills , the characters ' actions and motivation are often difficult to understand . There are also some strange bits of business ; for example , why isn't Sweet locked in the boat room , and for what purpose does she momentarily pick up a gun ? So , " The Lesser Evil " is what ? The Lesser Evil ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Blanche Sweet , Edwin August , Alfred Paget
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452,910 | 15,896,852 | 45,604 | 3 |
A Communist Plot
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Russian Barton MacLane ( as Captain Scarface ) is a Communist spy who plans to destroy the Panama Canal . Mr . MacLane enlists the help of German scientist Rudolph Anders ( as Yeager ) by threatening the life of his daughter , Virginia Grey ( as Ilse Yeager ) . Meanwhile , American Leif Erickson ( as Sam Wilton ) has switched identities with a sailing associate of MacLane , after his Comrade ( John Mylong ) finds himself on the receiving end of a lead shower . Mr . Erickson is looking for quick passage to America , for reasons of his own . They are all aboard " Captain Scarface " MacLane's ship , the " Banos " , according the dastardly captain , " ? to be blown to eternity together ! " Not a bad story ; but , it takes far too long to make sense . Howard Wendell and Isabel Randolph are most enjoyable , as passengers Fred and Kate Dilts ; among other things , they help explain the opening explosion . " Captain Scarface " was , later , " General Peterson " on " I Dream of Jeannie " .
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453,660 | 15,896,852 | 26,157 | 3 |
The Revenge of the Son of the Phantom
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Western miner Tim McCoy ( as Slim Braddock ) is cheated out of his claim by Karl Hackett ( as Williams ) , but he can't prove anything . So , he becomes " The Phantom " bandit , and robs stages carrying Hackett booty . During a confrontation , Mr . McCoy is wounded ; he dies in the care of son Eddie Buzard ( as young Tim Braddock ) . Mr . Buzard quickly grows into McCoy ( as old Tim Braddock ) , which is the main Braddock role . After pretty Joan Woodbury ( as Helen Brennan ) is introduced , the characters ' ages are difficult to discern . McCoy is an odd " Phantom " ; he makes no effort to hide his identity , and is plainly visible as " Slim Braddock " . He also terrorizes citizens with kindness , and makes minor repairs on the coaches he robs . The most entertaining part of " Bulldog Courage " occurs when Paul Fix ( as Bailey ) arrives to blow-up a mine ; he really uses his " noodle . " After Mr . Fix is detained , McCoy does a wild impersonation of " Bailey " ; with his obvious ability to memorize dialogue , and capture a character , " Braddock " should have been an actor instead of a minor .
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452,770 | 15,896,852 | 93,315 | 3 |
Anyone for Tennis ?
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Hunky Los Angeles college tennis player Scott Strader ( as " The Kid " ) likes to party more than practice , so straight-laced pal Perry Lang ( as Jeff Andrews ) is worried about their championship possibilities . When coach Richard Roundtree ( as Chip Williams ) takes the team to Las Vegas , the nightlife threatens to ruin the tennis team's chance to bring home L . A . College's first trophy ever ? Steve Carver's " Jocks " are an undeniably likable group , but their story is filled with dead humor . Don't expect any more than ONE good topless " girls gone wild " moment . Jocks ( 1987 ) Steve Carver - Scott Strader , Perry Lang , Richard Roundtree
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452,953 | 15,896,852 | 54,393 | 3 |
Spurn of the Screw
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A pianist dumps his singer girlfriend , and becomes engaged to a young socialite from an affluent island community , which infuriates the singer . A confrontation between the pianist and the singer , at the top of a lighthouse , results in her falling to her death , to the rocks below . The pianist tries to keep the death quiet while proceeding with the wedding plans , but funds it impossible when the deceased singer begins to haunt him , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . " Go away , you're dead ! " cries jazz pianist Richard Carlson ( as Tom Stewart ) ; but , " Tormented " ghost singer Juli Reding ( as Vi Mason ) just won't go away . Mr . Carlson wants to marry wealthy Lugene Sanders ( as Meg Hubbard ) , defying the statuesque ex-girlfriend . This is a sometimes intriguing , and occasionally okay , ghost story . Sweet little sister Susan Gordon ( as Sandy Hubbard ) , creepy beatnik Joe Turkel ( as Nick ) , and stocky blind seer Lillian Adams ( as Mrs . Ellis ) are an oddly appealing supporting cast . Ms . Gordon is , coincidently , director Bert I . Gordon's daughter ; and , she ain't half bad . The story is the main problem , as you'll see . There are several obvious ways it could be improved upon . Tormented ( 1960 ) Bert I . Gordon - Richard Carlson , Juli Reding , Susan Gordon
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452,597 | 15,896,852 | 35,092 | 3 |
Insult to Injury
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The " Eastside " kids - " Mr . Wise Guy " gang leader Leo Gorcey ( as Ethelbert " Muggs " McGuiness ) , " left hand man " Bobby Jordan ( as Danny Collins ) , " right hand man " Huntz Hall ( as Glimpy Stone ) , " yes man " David Gorcey ( as Peewee ) , " no man " Bill Lawrence ( as Skinny ) , and " black-out warden " Ernest Morrison ( as Scruno ) - are railroaded into reform school , for stealing a truck . There , they encounter rival gang kid Gabriel Dell ( as Charlie Manning ) , and slightly sadistic shoe-wielding guard Dick Ryan ( as Jed Miller ) . Also , Mr . Jordan's supposedly reformed big brother , Douglas Fowley ( as Bill Collins ) is convicted of murder . Pretty girlfriend Joan Barclay ( as Ann Mitchell ) and the " kids " think Mr . Fowley is innocent . Bumbling Billy Gilbert ( as Knobby ) and Guinn Williams ( as Luke Manning ) are crooked adversaries . Moments to watch for include : the gang's brief swimsuit scene , Mr . Morrison's " white-wash " after chicken-thieving ( he cries out , " Deliver me from temptation ! " in the coop ) , and Mr . Ryan's scene-stealing shoe beating . Mr . Wise Guy ( / 42 ) William Nigh - Leo Gorcey , Bobby Jordan , Billy Gilbert
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452,665 | 15,896,852 | 32,676 | 3 |
The Big Chill
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Pat O'Brien portrays Knute Rockne , the All-American Notre Dame football coach . No doubt , this film will be considerably more appealing to those interested in some aspect of " Knute Rockne All-American Notre Dame Football " - probably , it's most interesting to serious followers of football and / or Notre Dame football . You will see some good documentary-style film footage . Otherwise , it's difficult to recommend this as a FILM . It's not much more than an historical document . You'll " know " the end is near when Gale Page gets a chill - and , don't blink or you'll miss Ronald Reagan doing , of all things , " Camille " ! Knute Rockne - All-American ( 1940 ) Lloyd Bacon - Pat O'Brien , Gale Page , Ronald Reagan
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453,507 | 15,896,852 | 43,822 | 3 |
Arrivederci Lana
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On assignment in scenic Italy , beautiful lip-synching Lana Turner ( as Fredda Barlo ) meets older singer and prince Ezio Pinza ( as Mr . Imperium ) . The two fall in love , while enjoying the pretty Italian countryside . Unhappily , Mr . Pinza is called away to his Kingly father's death bed , leaving Lana in the lurch . Twelve years later , Ms . Turner is a Los Angeles actress , about to make a motion picture about falling in love with a King . Turner is being romanced by co-star Barry Sullivan , who wants to marry her - then , King Pinza re-enters her life ? " Mr . Imperium " provides a tired storyline for sex symbol Turner and debuting bass vocalist Pinza , who appeared for several decades with the New York Metropolitan Opera . Pinza likely earned his MGM feature film career after appearing in the hugely successful stage production of " South Pacific " ( 1949 ) . The cast album , and Pinza's golden " Some Enchanted Evening " single , sold millions . Supporting casters Marjorie Main , Cedric Hardwicke , and Debbie Reynolds give the film a even greater sense of wasted resources . Mr . Imperium ( 1951 ) Don Hartman - Lana Turner , Ezio Pinza , Barry Sullivan
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452,628 | 15,896,852 | 90,006 | 3 |
This Bud's for You
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In New Zealand , Cliff Robertson ( as Judd Pierson ) is an semi-unemployed daredevil race-car driver . Mr . Robertson advertises Budweiser beer on his race-car . His traveling companion is mechanic Leif Garrett ( as Casey Lee ) . Mr . Garrett drinks Budweiser beer when he goes out to pick up women . While Robertson and Garrett are trying to make ends meet , Doctor Lisa Harrow ( as Christine Ruben ) learns a deadly virus has been discovered by some suspicious characters she works with at a laboratory . Ms . Harrow hires Robertson as her driver then , she steals the virus . Robertson , Garrett , and Harrow take off with the virus , in Robertson's " Helldrivers Auto Circus " car . Bad guys like Shane Briant ( as Paul Thoreau ) will do almost anything to get the virus back ? Interestingly , the virus stolen by Harrow destroys the body's immune system , like AIDS . It was discovered accidentally , and Harrow seems correct in her assumption about how her government would use the virus ; she doesn't trust New Zealand's military . Why she decides to , instead , deliver the virus to the United States CIA has even co-star Robertson baffled ! Despite some warming up , there isn't much characterization . The ending gives the film a lift .
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452,441 | 15,896,852 | 10,791 | 3 |
Gangster Rap
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In the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown , the secretive " Bo Sing Tong " society blackmails , assassinates , and smuggles opium . Sessue Hayakawa ( as Luk Chan ) is the Chinese gang's most feared hatchet-man . After falling in love with Helen Jerome Eddy ( as Sen Chee ) , Mr . Hayakawa desires to trade in his life of crime and become a merchant prince . To do this , he must not only save some money , but also avoid being shot by the San Francisco police . Then , an assignment complicates matters considerably : Hayakawa is ordered to drive a hatchet through the skull of his beloved China doll's father , Toyo Fujita ( as Louis Toy ) , by " Bo Sing Tong " leader Marc Robbins ( as Ming Tai ) . Mr . Robbins , who runs the gambling and " hop " joint " The Royal Pekin Club " , wants young Ms . Eddy for himself . Standard fare from Hayakawa and company ; understandably , " The Tong-Man " failed to amuse actual Chinese people .
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453,587 | 15,896,852 | 26,230 | 3 |
Vampire Cradle Robbing
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A small European village is the site of a series of horrible murders , thought to be the result of some vicious animal attacks . When the local doctor begins to look into the deaths , he discovers the victims were really attacked by some type of vampire-like creature . The doctor is also startled to find the he may be responsible for the deaths , due to a condition he acquired when his mother was attacked by a creature while pregnant with him , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . No need to wonder about the vampire's identity ; it's given away during the first attack . Although the film goes to dullsville with the idea , it is intriguing to think about a plot involving the offspring of a pregnant female vampire victim . Instead of interesting , " Condemned to Live " bores . As does a " love triangle " involving older doctor Ralph Morgan ( as Paul Kristan ) , fresh-faced fiancée Maxine Doyle ( as Marguerite ) , and more age appropriate young Russell Gleason ( as David ) . Ms . Doyle seems unrehearsed . Condemned to Live ( 1935 ) Frank Strayer - Ralph Morgan , Pedro de Cordoba , Russell Gleason
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452,688 | 15,896,852 | 38,976 | 3 |
Digging Up an Old Plot
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Leader Leo Gorcey ( as Slip ) and " The Bowery Boys " graduate from extermination school , and get off on a ghost-busting assignment . Actually , Huntz Hall ( as Sach ) is the school " dunce " , and doesn't really graduate ; but , he goes along anyway . Eventually , Mr . Hall is strapped down on an operating table , where mad doctor Douglass Dumbrille ( as Coslow ) intends to cut out his brain - and implant it in a gorilla ! The " old dark house " plot was dug up fairly often by Gorcey's groups ( earliest in 1940's " Boys of the City " ) , with surprisingly little success . This " Spook Busters " is neither spooky nor funny . In a desperate attempt to induce chuckles , the climax is done in slow-motion . Gabriel Dell and supporting team players Bobby Jordan ( as Bobby ) , William " Billy " Benedict ( as Whitey ) , and David Gorcey ( as Chuck ) valiantly try to help . Spook Busters ( / 46 ) William Beaudine - Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , Douglass Dumbrille
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453,334 | 15,896,852 | 45,919 | 3 |
No Man Is an Island
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During World War II , in an ice storm , Captain John Wayne ( as Dooley ) and his small crew crash land their airplane over unpopulated , freezing North America . Can friends and colleagues like Walter Abel ( as Fuller ) , Lloyd Nolan ( as Stutz ) , James Arness ( as McMullen ) , and Andy Devine ( as Willie Moon ) locate the downed crew before they succumb to the cold winter's wrath ? " Island in the Sky " is a survival story which spends far too much of its time concentrating on the various rescuers , and not enough time on the struggling crew . Moreover , the time spent on the downed crew isn't satisfying . Although the temperature is said to be forty or seventy degrees below zero ( at Fahrenheit , no less ) , the crash survivors seldom look really cold or uncomfortable . At times , it's painfully obvious they are " acting cold " while a wind machine blows " snow " at the camera . Mr . Wayne performs some William A . Wellman-directed scenes very well , however ; especially during a missed rescue attempt . Mike Connors , Darryl Hickman , Fess Parker , and Alfalfa Switzer lend some occasional support . Also look for Mr . Devine in a poolside bathing suit , with what must be Wellman's children , Michael and Tim .
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453,237 | 15,896,852 | 32,274 | 3 |
Get Along Little Doggies
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Roy Rogers ( as Dr . Steve Kells ) is a wrongly accused fugitive from justice . On his way out west , he meets up with another fugitive , George " Gabby " Hayes ( as " Honest " John Whittaker ) ; together , they take up residence in an Idaho town . When Mr . Rogers ' identity is discovered , he decides to infiltrate the local gang of terrorists known as " The Border Legion " , and make amends . . . The film opens with an amusing wheel barrel stunt introducing Mr . Hayes ; though , how he emerged intact is a mystery ! Hayes is given a comic love interest - Maude Eburne ( as Hurricane ) . Hayes plays a role other than " Gabby " , but listening carefully will reveal that doesn't always prevent Roy Rogers from calling him Gabby . Jay Novello ( as Santos ) steals the show as one of Joseph Sawyer ( as Guilden ) ' s gang . You'll wonder why Rogers leaves Santos so close to a knife and horse at the end of one scene . Mr . Novello's Santos has a unusually close relationship with his boss ; their final scene is interesting . Rogers ' songs " With My Guitar and You " and " Get Along Little Doggies " are nicely inserted . None of the pluses are enough to life " The Border Legion " aka " West of the Badlands " from mediocrity , however . The Border Legion ( 1940 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Jay Novello
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452,598 | 15,896,852 | 34,973 | 3 |
Turning Japanese
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Following the World War II Japanese attack on U . S . forces at Pearl Harbor , " The Eastside Kids " : Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs ) , Bobby Jordan ( as Danny Connors ) , Huntz Hall ( as Glimpy ) , David Gorcey ( as Peewee ) , Ernest Morrison ( as Scruno ) , and Bobby Stone ( as Skinny ) want to serve their country . But , both the U . S . Army and Navy reject them as too young . Still wanting to " knock off about a million Japs " , the " boys " attack an Asian clerk , who turns out to be Chinese . The unfortunate incident does , however , lead the gang to help uncover some really nasty Japanese and German people . If " too young " is defined as " under twenty-one " , only Mr . Jordan and Mr . Stone would be rejected for military service . But , it's possible recruiters were turned off by the office manners displayed by Mr . Gorcey and Mr . Hall . " Let's Get Tough ! " was made during what the script accurately describes as " open season on Japs " - for this and other reasons , it hasn't aged well . It's a wasted effort , but the regulars performs ably , with Tom Brown moving the storyline along , as Jordan's spy brother . Let's Get Tough ! ( / 42 ) Wallace Fox - Leo Gorcey , Bobby Jordan , Tom Brown
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452,562 | 15,896,852 | 32,277 | 3 |
The Importance of Being Ernest Morrison
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The fourteen " Dead End " - related film introduces " The East Side Kids " as a series banner . Herein , Bobby Jordan replaces Harris Berger ( as Danny Dolan ) , from the previous " East Side Kids " movie . Dave O'Brien ( as " Knuckles " Dolan ) continues as Mr . Jordan's reformed older brother . Fellow " Dead End " kid Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs McGinnis ) joins " Danny's Gang " ( after three films , Mr . Gorcey will become the undisputed leader ) . The returning junior gangsters are : Hally Chester ( as Buster ) , Frankie Burke ( as Skinny ) , Donald Haines ( as Peewee ) , and David Gorcey ( as Pete ) . This film most notably introduces former " Our Gang " member Ernest " Sunshine Sammy " Morrison ( as Scruno ) , a new member of the Bowery " kids " . Unfortunately , Mr . Morrison is included as insulting , race-based comic relief ; and , the story doesn't take advantage of Joseph H . Lewis ' relatively fine direction ( or some good locations ) . Fortunately , Morrison would be allowed to bring some integrity to the " Scruno " character ; in later films ( like " Bowery Blitzkrieg " ) he plays a more dignified humorous role . The story begins with Mr . O'Brien and well-to-do Eugene Francis ( as Algy Wilkes ) expressing concern about " Danny's Gang " , and their propensity for trouble . Their fears prove to be well-founded , as Jordan and the " Boys of the City " decide to get relief from hot New York City streets by opening up a fire hydrant . The incident lands the lads in juvenile court - but , the judge allows them cool their heels by spending some time in the country . They wind up in a spooky old mansion , with scene-stealing Minerva Urecal ( as Agnes ) . Boys of the City ( / 40 ) Joseph H . Lewis - Bobby Jordan , Leo Gorcey , Ernest Morrison
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452,816 | 15,896,852 | 19,800 | 3 |
Losing It
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For her second talking film appearance , Paramount presented Clara Bow ( as Pat Delaney ) in the audience pleasing " circus " genre , with a " Wings " co-star , Richard Arlen ( as Larry Lee ) . Although the formula seemed like a blockbuster in the making , the film was disappointing . Bow is cast in an inappropriate , and dull , " change of pace " role . She is unconvincing as the demure girl who becomes a " high wire " circus star . At one point , we are expected to believe Bow's pleasingly plump figure passes for Mr . Arlen , in a clown costume , on the high wire ! Arlen is also unconvincing , playing the tending to be tipsy alcoholic " King of the High Wire " . Kay Francis ( as Zara Flynn ) rounds out the expected " love triangle " . Bow's " stand around and wait " attempt to pry Arlen's interests from Ms . Francis ' arms is uncharacteristic . On the plus side , the cast and crew put some obvious effort into a sound production . The " Dangerous Curves " referred to in the title are plainly stated as Arlen's trials and tribulations with job , alcohol , and women . So , the film's content may have been altered to focus on Arlen , then a lesser box office star than Bow . Still , it was a Bow film , and audiences undoubtedly bought tickets to see Clara Bow's " Dangerous Curves " . And , as a Bow starring vehicle , " Dangerous Curves " was a modest success . For the year 1928-29 , Clara Bow was the US # 1 " Box Office Star " , according to the industry standard list compiled by Quigley Publications . After " Dangerous Curves " , box office receipts declined sharply . Suddenly , Clara Bow's reign was over . Dangerous Curves ( / 29 ) Lothar Mendes - Clara Bow , Richard Arlen , Kay Francis
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452,833 | 15,896,852 | 34,959 | 3 |
Ladies They Talk About
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Chic beauty Faye Emerson ( as Dorothy Drew aka " Dot " Burton ) supplants hard times as an actress by joining a group of bank robbers . Unfortunately , Ms . Emerson's carefully planned plot to rob the " Central Trust and Savings Bank " of $40 , 000 goes awry , when her getaway car driver , a young Jackie Gleason ( as Wilson ) , parks in the red . Big mistake . Mr . Gleason draws the attention of a passing policeman , and Emerson is left holding the bag . Love interest Frank Wilcox ( as Kenneth Phillips ) tries to keep Emerson out of women's prison . Fortunately , he is unsuccessful , and Emerson serves a intermittently amusing sentence , with Julie Bishop ( as Myrtle Reed ) , and other beautifully coiffed women behind bars . Lady Gangster ( 1942 ) Robert Florey - Faye Emerson , Frank Wilcox , Jackie Gleason
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452,447 | 15,896,852 | 70,198 | 3 |
Mindless Experimentation
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An insane scientist has been experimenting with the transfer of souls between human beings . The crazed doctor has conducted his nefarious deeds upon even his own family members , including the exchange of his own soul into his brother's body . With his soul now inhabiting a new body , the madman believes he can continue his experiments uninterrupted , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . The title " House of the Living Dead " may be more an attempt to cash in on prior successful motion pictures than a reflection of what goes on in this movie . The story might have been above average , with the cast and crew involved ; but , the execution is severely flawed . The lugubriously languid production picks up ( slightly ) in the last quarter . Leading man Mark Burns ( as Michael and Breck ) tries awfully hard ; he maintains an long screaming scene remarkably well . Shirley Anne Field is a welcome attraction . But , the movie doesn't work .
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453,128 | 15,896,852 | 37,151 | 3 |
One Remake Too Many
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One Body Too Many ( 1944 ) Frank McDonald - Jack Haley , Jean Parker , Bela Lugosi " A timid insurance salesman decides to place a call upon an eccentric recluse at his mansion only to find that he has just passed away . What he also finds is a home full of relatives who are , according to the will , all bound to remain in the mansion until the authorities arrive to claim the body . Seeing that the man's niece may be in harm's way , the salesman decides to remain at the mansion to protect her from harm while they discover who killed their uncle , " according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . A thinly disguised re-make of the relatively recent re-make of silent spoof " The Cat and the Canary " . Possibly , the very successful Bob Hope version of 1939 had been removed from circulation ; and , movie producers felt the story had more traction . Otherwise , it's difficult to explain this inferior treatment . Star Jack Haley ( as Albert Tuttle ) is curiously ill-suited in the leading role . Still , it's enjoyable to see Mr . Haley without his " Tin Man " silver . And , leading lady Jean Parker ( as Carol Dunlap ) is an attractive old dark house inhabitant . The most entertaining of the cast are spooky servants Bela Lugosi ( as Murkil ) and Blanche Yurka ( as Matthews ) . Dependable Lucien Littlefield ( as Kenneth Hopkins ) was also in the 1927 version . Writers Winston Miller and Maxwell Shane do add some witty new lines and situations to the formula ; but , the resulting product compares very unfavorably with earlier versions .
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452,372 | 15,896,852 | 48,111 | 3 |
Cannibals Cook Brunettes
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Jane Russell proved to be a delightful musical-comedy performer in the similarly titled " Gentlemen Prefer Blondes " ? but , sadly , this film squanders those skills . There is a budget , and nice Paris photography , but the film just doesn't work . Ms . Russell seems to be playing Marilyn Monroe . That leaves nobody to adequately play Jane Russell . Some of the other players are WAY out of their element . There are several embarrassing scenes ; most of all , be warned : there is a musical number where boneheaded African cannibals " cook " the brunettes in a pot , after Alan Young sings in a gorilla suit . This is an interesting , at times embarrassing , waste of resources . Gentlemen Marry Brunettes ( 1955 ) Richard Sale - Jane Russell , Jeanne Crain , Alan Young
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453,515 | 15,896,852 | 54,733 | 3 |
Smooth Thievery becomes Illogical
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Jack Hogan is " The Cat Burglar " who steals the briefcase sexy blonde June Kenney ( as Nan ) is holding for her secretive suitor John Baer ( as Alan ) . He is really out for her jewels , but picks up the briefcase as an afterthought . Unbeknownst , he has acquired a notebook filled with top secret spy formula doodling - the stuff men KILL , and DIE , for ! This film begins with fluid direction from William Witney , mirrored cat-like burgling by Mr . Hogan , and cool soundtrack music from Buddy Bregman . As the plot develops , the film unravels . The soundtrack becomes annoyingly repetitive . The characters get lost in a wildly illogical story ; possibly the most incredible element is the bonding ( love ? ) of the characters played by Mr . Hogan and Ms . Kenney . The players continue to try , however ; and , the warehouse climax is nicely shot . The Cat Burglar ( 1961 ) William Witney - Jack Hogan , June Kenney , John Baer
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453,218 | 15,896,852 | 32,820 | 3 |
Ronald Reagan's Led Zeppelin
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After spies and saboteurs wreck havoc across the United States , Federal agent Ronald Reagan ( as Brass Bancroft ) and comic sidekick Eddie Foy Jr . ( as Gabby Watters ) go undercover to investigate . Secret Service head John Litel ( as Saxby ) gives Mr . Reagan the identity of dead spy " Steve Swenko " . Reagan seeks James Stephenson ( as Joe Garvey ) , who is being investigated for " Un-American Activities " . Reagan has to deal with detectives pulling off his shirt to strip search him . Then , he must handle beautiful blonde Lya Lys ( as Hilda Riker ) ; the wife of the man he is supposed to be impersonating orders Reagan , " Talk fast and give the right answer ! " Eventually , the plot leads Reagan to board " The U . S . Dirigible ' Mason ' " - apparently , so that filmmakers can edit in some exciting footage of a Hindenburg-type airship . Reagan , now undercover as seaman " Steve Coe " , is ordered to destroy the airship " Mason " because it carries a new U . S . Defense weapon called the " Inertia Projector " . This weapon , according to the script , " makes the United States invincible in war . " Who , and what , will survive " Murder in the Air " ? This is a patchwork movie for the future President . Murder in the Air ( 1940 ) Lewis Seiler - Ronald Reagan , Eddie Foy Jr . , John Litel
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452,859 | 15,896,852 | 28,517 | 3 |
A Woman's Story Is Executed
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Willful , independent-minded Katharine Hepburn ( as Pamela Thistlwaite ) grows up in Victorian England , alongside her pretty sister Elizabeth Allan ( as Flora Thistlewaite ) . When stern father Donald Crisp ( as Byron Thistlewaite ) presents his young lasses to polite society , they quickly pair up and get pregnant . Ms . Hepburn makes it with young Van Heflin ( as Gerald Waring ) , while Ms . Allan fetches dashing David Manners ( as Alan Freeland ) . Then , tragedy strikes their lives ? Most of the original cast is disposed with ; in a storyline that seems , at times , to be presented " in code " . Still , it's possible to discern what's going on , if you're paying attention . Basically , Hepburn is raising her sister's child as her own , due to Victorian-era sensibilities . Over the years , Hepburn grows into a successful feminist writer . Important cast members joining the " soap opera " are Herbert Marshall ( as Thomas Lane ) and Doris Dudley ( as Flora " Floss " Junior ) . Hepburn's " dark secret " rears its ugly head , after a couple of decades . It is most astonishing to see Ms . Dudley , playing Hepburn's daughter , look more like her mother , when they share the screen . How is it that nobody noticed ? The production looks first class , at least . And , most of the acting is valiant ; particularly effective is Mr . Heflin , in his film debut . But , the good story idea in " A Woman Rebels " is so poorly executed , it's a travesty . A Woman Rebels ( 1936 ) Mark Sandrich - Katharine Hepburn , Herbert Marshall , Van Heflin
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452,669 | 15,896,852 | 41,526 | 3 |
The Marriage-Go-Round
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Ronald Reagan ( he's John ) loves Patricia Neal ( she's Mary ) , but he's married to his best friend's girl . There is a very good reason : best friend Jack Carson saved Mr . Reagan's life during World War II and Reagan married Lily to help his buddy out - you see , Lily needs an American husband to obtain passage to the USA . Meanwhile , Mr . Carson has married another woman ? Even for the time , the comedy dialog in " John Loves Mary " must have sounded remarkably unsophisticated ; listen , for example , to the scene when Reagan explains how he dealt with " loneliness " during his four years of service . The performances match the low average nature of the proceedings . Most notable as Patricia Neal's ( inauspicious ) movie debut . John Loves Mary ( 1949 ) David Butler - Ronald Reagan , Patricia Neal , Jack Carson
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453,275 | 15,896,852 | 6,359 | 3 |
South of the Border
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In the days before the Great War ( aka World War ) I ) , in the Caribbean Sea , the tiny nation of Paragonia nestled . Soon , the " jewel set in the girdle of the earth " would need All-American Douglas Fairbanks to settle unrest . In the spring of 1910 , a New York mining company's contract with the Republic comes up for renewal . Paragonia's " Minister of War " Carl Stockdale ( as Salsa Espada ) is alone in opposing the renewal ; he thinks Americans are " pigs " , and wants to rule the Republic . President Spottiswoode Aiken ( as Hernando de Valdez ) and Premier Tote du Crow ( as Alberto de Castille ) have their way , and the contract is signed . Meanwhile , Mr . Aiken's comely daughter Alma Rubens ( as Juana de Valdez ) attracts suitors like Charles Stevens ( as Colonel Gargaras ) . In New York City , young mining engineer Douglas Fairbanks ( as " The Americano " ) is offered a job in Paragonia . At first , Fairbanks refuses ( " Too far from Brooklyn ! " ) - - but , when he sees fetching Ms . Rubens visiting the American Mining Company office , he is smitten . Upon arrival , Fairbanks finds the dictatorial Mr . Stockdale has taken over the country , and thrown its popular president in prison . Moreover , Rubens is being forced into an unhappy marriage ? This was the last , and not the best , of the Fairbanks " Triangle " films supervised by D . W . Griffith . The acclaimed director's influence can be seen occasionally , in the film's relatively elaborate structure , and characterizations . For example , Reubens is introduced petting a bird . And , while it wasn't only Griffith who employed offensive black-faced characters like Tom Wilson ( as Harold Armitage " Whitey " White ) , he created this role for Wilson ( who pets his lucky rabbit's foot ) . The Mexican locale is a highlight .
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452,990 | 15,896,852 | 56,606 | 3 |
The Price is Low
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Vincent Price fails to illuminate Richard III - possibly this is due to the direction of Roger Corman , and the resources available to the filmmakers . It's interesting to watch Mr . Price and the others attempt this odd version of Shakespeare ; if you're not a fan of either , you probably won't enjoy this " Tower of London . " Mr . Price as Richard kills many in his quest for the throne . Some of the deaths are ( suggestively ) quite disturbing , but the victims ' " ghosts " are incredibly silly-looking . They act silly , too . The hero and heroine are played by Robert Brown and Joan Freeman - I thought their characterizations were okay ; they seemed to know what their roles were and what kind of movie they were performing in , unlike some others in the cast . Tower of London ( 1962 ) Roger Corman - Vincent Price , Robert Brown , Joan Freeman
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452,973 | 15,896,852 | 120,757 | 3 |
Broken Hip
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The DVD sleeve explains the premise : " Three problem teens are headed for jail , " and are " set to do time until Captain Greer offers them a deal to work for him - undercover . " The film opens with definitions of the words " Mod " and " Squad " , so you won't have to look them up in the dictionary . For a visual definition of " Cool " , search for photographs of the original threesome : Michael Cole ( as Pete Cochran ) , Clarence Williams III ( as Linc Hayes ) , and Peggy Lipton ( as Julie Barnes ) . One black . One white . One blonde . Once they defined cool . The three who make up Scott Silver's version of Aaron Spelling's " The Mod Squad " are twentysomethings : Claire Danes ( as Julie Barnes ) , Giovanni Ribisi ( as Pete Cochran ) , and Omar Epps ( as Linc Hayes ) . They aren't able to do much with the material given . Mr . Ribisi's portrayal is the most " far out " , meaning he digresses most from the original characterization . Ms . Danes romances Josh Brolin ( as Billy Waites ) , who looks like he could be in a re-make of " Marcus Welby , MD " . You won't believe hefty Michael Lerner dancing with Mr . Epps ' " Linc " . He explains , " I'm not a fairy , I just like to dance ! " and requests , " Spin me ! " The Mod Squad ( 1999 ) Scott Silver - Claire Danes , Giovanni Ribisi , Omar Epps
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453,190 | 15,896,852 | 54,627 | 3 |
Darrell Howe's Anatomy
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A young man is despondent over the conviction and subsequent execution of his older brother . Having idolized his brother to the point of it being an obsession , the young man cannot believe he was guilty , even though he was , and swears to avenge him . The crazed young man decides to carry out his revenge by tracking down and killing all the officials and jurors responsible for his brother's trial and execution , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Boris Petroff's " Anatomy of a Psycho " is a pale period piece , which seemingly sought to ( given the title ) bask in the glow of two significantly more timeless films . It might have been interesting had it tweaked the covertly homosexual relationship between Darrell Howe ( as Chet Marco ) and Frank Kiliman ( as Bobby Brown ) , for starters . By the way , it's easy to mistake Mr . Howe for Ronnie Burns ( as Mickey Craig ) , due to the latter's star billing . Mr . Burns , who plays a slightly more secondary role to Mr . Howe's " bad boy " lead , was the more well-known actor , due to his appearing from 1955-'59 on his parents ' TV series . Relax , Ronnie does not stray too far from his familiar role as the nice young son of George Burns & Gracie Allen . Anatomy of a Psycho ( 1961 ) Boris Petroff - Darrell Howe , Ronnie Burns , Pamela Lincoln
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453,721 | 15,896,852 | 314,498 | 3 |
I Want My , I Want My , I Want My SAT
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Chris Evans , Erika Christensen , Bryan Greenberg , Scarlett Johansson , Leonardo Nam and , " NBA star Darius Miles lead this hip coming-of-age comedy about six students who try to break into the testing center and steal the answers to the SAT , " according to the official synopsis , " The classmates are wildly different , but share a common goal - to prevent the standardized test from unfairly defining their lives . As they plot a hilarious heist that could make - or break - their futures , the students grow closer , never suspecting where they'll ultimately find the real answers ? within themselves . " The leading players are good-looking , but they neither look nor act like they are in high school . Nothing against the actors hired , but there are adult performers who could pass for high school age students . A couple of changes would have given the cast a more believable appearance . What makes it worse is that the idea was a good one , but , really ? this cast doesn't look like they are teens stressing-out over getting " The Perfect Score " on their SATs . Instead , they look like they should be having sex and getting sliced up by " Freddy " or " Jason " . The lighting and photography ( Clark Mathis ) are nice . The Perfect Score ( / 04 ) Brian Robbins - Chris Evans , Erika Christensen , Scarlett Johansson
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453,533 | 15,896,852 | 21,622 | 3 |
No Smoking !
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I was very confused . What happened to the Doctor on the telephone line ? What happened between Mr . Colman and Ms . Loy ? I guess this is a case where less is not more . ( So , a scene with Colman resisting Loy's advances , and she respecting him for it , was cut ? ) The acting is a collision of three types : Stage , Silent , and Talking . Some of the camera work was nice . . . most everything else was way below what you'd expect from even an early talking movie . The doctors in these early films sure drink and smoke a lot . . . The moral of the story , I guess is that women should not smoke - witness what happens to poor Ms . Hayes ! Arrowsmith ( 1931 ) John Ford - Ronald Colman , Helen Hayes , Myrna Loy
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453,239 | 15,896,852 | 32,972 | 3 |
Gabby and " Purdy " Steal the Show
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Roy Rogers ( as Roy Colt ) is the Texas Ranger sent to collect , and Jacqueline Wells ( as Jane Tabor ) is the Lady who won't pay tolls as they disagree on Texan / Mexican territory status . Mr . Rogers is assisted by his trusty sidekick George " Gabby " Hayes ( as Gabby ) and Ms . Wells ( later more commonly known as Julie Bishop ) is assisted by her trusty sidekick Si " Purdy " Jenks ( as Purdy ) . Though Rogers is said to be smitten with the Lady Bishop , few sparks fly between them . The more entertaining twosome are the sidekicks - Gabby and Purdy , who get to share a bed ! - but , relax , Gabby is just in Purdy's bed to hide-out . The old codgers might have could have elevated the film , if their material was better . Gabby does get to call Bishop a " She-male " ; later , she shoots two men , then bows demurely when Rogers gets one . " The Ranger and the Lady " doesn't meet expectations . The Ranger and the Lady ( 1940 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Julie Bishop
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453,046 | 15,896,852 | 63,325 | 3 |
England Swings for Herman's Hermits
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In swinging 1960s England , " Herman's Hermits " - - aka Peter " Herman " N-o-o-n-e , Keith Hopwood , Derek Leckenby , Karl Green , and Barry Whitwam - - get involved with dog-racing for profit . Stanley Holloway and Mona Washbourne ( as Mr . and Mrs . Brown ) lift the film's acting levels only slightly , unfortunately ; they have a very fetching teen model daughter Judy ( Sarah Caldwell ) , who catches Mr . N-o-o-n-e's eye . The other " Mrs . Brown " is his greyhound dog . By far , the best part of the film is Herman's " There's a Kind of Hush ( All Over the World ) " night dream ; it's a great song , and was a huge international hit for the group in early 1967 . Title song " Mrs . Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter " is also a winner ; however , it is not given a full performance in this film - - and , it's an even older track . Strong new material from the group ( and session players Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones ) might have helped this film . The " My Old Man's A Dustman " scene / song is amusing , but why wasn't a Hermits-sung performance if this song used ? That might have provided the group with a film supporting novelty hit ; at least in the USA , which the Hermits seemed more able to do than Most . . . it is spelled N-o-o-n-e , but the correct spelling doesn't work
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452,663 | 15,896,852 | 47,879 | 3 |
Crawford , Chaney , Bronson , and Talman - - Cell-Mates !
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It's " The F . B . I . " starring Reed Hadley , with an all-star guest cast ! The film begins with an accidental ( convenient ? ) kidnapping , which leads to one thing , and another - which doesn't really indicate the main story , which is a " Big House , U . S . A . " prison break story . The story is very improbable , to say the least . It's like a TV show , only more " violent " ( for the times ) . BUT - the cast is a trip ! Picture this : Ralph Meeker is sent to prison ; his cell-mates are the following criminals : Broderick Crawford , Lon Chaney Jr . , Charles Bronson ( reading a " Muscle " magazine ! ) , and William Talman ( reading a " Detective " magazine ! ) . Honest ! You should know that , an early scene reveals what happens to the " missing " boy , answering the ending " voiceover . " If you don't want to have that hanging , don't miss the opening scenes between the " Iceman " and the boy ( Peter Votrian doing well as a runaway asthmatic ) . Big House , U . S . A . ( 1955 ) Howard W . Koch - Broderick Crawford , Ralph Meeker , Reed Hadley
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453,083 | 15,896,852 | 268,312 | 3 |
Jimmy We Hardly Knew Ye
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This appears to be a very ordinary documentary , written , produced and directed by Ara Chekmayan , for the video market . However , it promises to be , " A stunning NEW look at a legendary star . " What's new will depend upon what you already know . I found this account of James Dean's life interesting , and learned some things which would probably not surprise many others . Most interesting to learn of Mr . Dean's train ride with his mother's coffin , a girlfriend suddenly marrying another man ( Vic Damone ) , and the fact that there was another passenger ( Rolf the mechanic ) in the car crash which killed Dean . Julie Harris , William Bast , and some other " friends , co-stars , and teachers " ( it says here , on the box ) share their " insightful " interviews . Ms . Harris speaks sweetly about working with Dean on " East of Eden " . Mr . Bast shares a very sweet story about when his mother came to visit himself and Dean in their apartment . Kenneth Kendall talks about creating a beautiful head sculpture of Dean , which was stolen from his grave , unfortunately . There are generous clips from Dean's three feature films , but only a couple of clips which could , arguably , be called " never before seen . " Charges Dean was " homosexual " are vociferously denied . Chris Busone does a very ' 80s sounding tribute song called " American Rebel " . " Forever James Dean " is far more insightful about marketing than it is about Dean . Forever James Dean ( 1988 ) Ara Chekmayan - James Dean , Julie Harris , William Bast
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453,386 | 15,896,852 | 77,962 | 3 |
Tired of Toein ' the Line
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Reform school resident Sean Thomas Roche ( as Tommy Morton ) receives a visit from father Ralph Meeker ( as Bert Morton ) , who informs him schoolteacher mother Ida Lupino ( as Bess Morton ) is retiring . Clearly , Mr . Meeker and Mr . Roche have some " generation gap " difficulties ; but , they pale in comparison with the love lost between the two men and Ms . Lupino . Lupino could care less about her delinquent son ; instead , she enjoys tutoring pretty young Kerry Lynn ( as Priscilla ) . Little do the adults know , but the " kids " are plotting ? This sometimes confusing , and seldom plausible , " misunderstood kids drama " has a few interesting attributes . Old pro Lloyd Nolan tries to sort out the plot ; he contributes greatly to an interesting cast . Prrforming admirably , Mr . Nolan makes everyone sharing his screen time look better . David Doyle , waiting for " Charlie's Angels " to resume , has quite a " My Boys Are Good Boys " backstory to tell . Notably , Lupino's shrewish characterization was her last film appearance , before retiring .
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453,151 | 15,896,852 | 51,198 | 3 |
Wayne Goes Topless
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In this absurd John Ford biography , John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara play the young Mr . & Mrs . Spig Wead . Watching their drinking and smoking habits , it's a wonder they didn't burn down the house , or fall down the stairs , earlier . Mr . Wayne is way too old for these shenanigans ; all of the slapstick carousing could not have been good for his health . Favorite early film moment : check out the way Wayne attacks Ms . O'Hara's face in the " love scene " before the accident ! Intermission : John Wayne and Dan Daily sing , " I'm Gonna Move That Toe " . The movie becomes more dramatic . To show his advancing years , Wayne plays without his toupee ; surprisingly , he looks more natural , and vulnerable , than he ever will again . Not so for O'Hara ; who looks like Maureen O'Hara with an ugly streak of silver paint in her hair . Check out the scene with Wayne saying , " ? it's too late " ; then , O'Hara kisses his balding head - a symbolic way of saying , " John Wayne , you are older than your years , take it easy , we love you . " It's a very nicely photographed scene , and the highlight of the movie . That's what the film has to offer - nice moments . Finally , the movie becomes a war story . There are a lot of bombs , and airplanes crash . The John Wayne / John Ford " formula " production shows signs of crashing with " The Wings of Eagles " . The Wings of Eagles ( 1957 ) John Ford - John Wayne , Maureen O'Hara , Ward Bond
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453,484 | 15,896,852 | 53,095 | 3 |
Getting a Head
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In this macabre tale of science gone wrong , a scientist is successful in creating a serum capable of keeping a dog's head alive after the body dies . Before the scientist can take advantage of his new discovery , he suffers a fatal heart attack . His assistant uses the formula to keep the scientist's severed head alive in an attempt to transplant the head of ( a ) beautiful , but hunch-backed , nurse to the body of an exotic dancer , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Victor Trivas ' " The Head " is a lurid decapitation import . The dog operation is referred to , but not shown . The film is better done , but not as much fun as " The Brain That Wouldn't Die " . Die nackte und der Satan ( 1959 ) Victor Trivas - Horst Frank , Karin Kernke , Michel Simon
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452,764 | 15,896,852 | 69,933 | 3 |
A Vampire Film with Little Bite
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An archaeologist visits a remote island to bury his late father and , despite the warnings from the local people , opens the tomb of the vampire queen , buried over 700 years ago . This foolish act by the archaeologist and his reporter friend places the entire island in danger , including the local schoolteacher ? With the schoolteacher in danger of being a sacrifice to the vampire queen , the duo sets out to stop the vampires , rescue the teacher , and destroy the vampire queen , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Just so you know , the " schoolteacher " Patty Sheppard ( Mary ) is bad guy Mark Damon ( Peter ) ' s sister . Andrew Prine ( Chris ) is the good guy . The film is atmospheric , and features an able cast - but , it takes an interminably long time for anything to happen . When it picks up , it isn't much . And , suddenly , after getting very long in the tooth , it flames out . . . How can a 1970s vampire film be so anemic ? La tumba de la isla maldita ( 1973 ) Ray Danton , Julio Salvador - Andrew Prine , Mark Damon , Patty Sheppard
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453,730 | 15,896,852 | 33,576 | 3 |
Steer Clear
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A test pilot and his weather observer partner are trying to develop a robot-controlled plane they hope their employer can sell to the army . Foreign agents learn of their work and sabotage the plane , hoping to stop the inventors and allowing the spies to steal the invention . Our inventors hope to thwart the plans of the spies and deliver the robot plane to the army , thus saving the country , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . After making an impression in 1940's popular " The Westerner " , young Forrest Tucker ( as Jerry Barton ) is piloted into a starring programmer role . " Emergency Landing " ( inappropriately re-titled " Robot Pilot " ) is an unimpressive vehicle for Mr . Tucker , who would find later success in television's " F Troop " . Listen for an amusing exchange between leading lady Carol Hughes ( as Betty Lambert ) and aunt Evelyn Brent ( as Maude Marshall ) : on their way to tinsel town , Ms . Brent wonders what she will do in Hollywood . Ms . Hughes replies , " Barrymore is single again . " Brent appeared with John Barrymore in " Raffles " ( 1917 ) and " Night Club Scandal " ( 1937 ) ; indeed , he had just received his fourth divorce .
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452,469 | 15,896,852 | 111,228 | 3 |
Every Man Has Business and Desire
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When one of easily aroused officer Michael Harris ( as Jack Ramsey ) ' s sexual conquests turns up strangled , he becomes a prime suspect . It's apparent ( to viewers ) that Mr . Harris is being framed , as the killings continue . Harris ' police pal Brion James ( as Ben McCarthy ) , who recovers from hangovers exceptionally well , is an odd ball ; perhaps , he is involved ? Victim's sister Carrie-Anne Moss ( as Jane Tanner ) , who can be roughed-up before sex ( with Harris , anyway ) , has a secret ; perhaps , she is involved ? Or , is it someone else ? The killer's identity is almost as explicit as the sex . Whatever those dopers paid Johnny Medina ( as Manny Ortega ) wasn't enough . The Soft Kill ( 1994 ) Eli Cohen - Michael Harris , Brion James , Carrie-Anne Moss
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452,410 | 15,896,852 | 74,292 | 3 |
Runaway Train Wreck
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Terrorists spread the Plague on an all-star cast aboard a luxurious European train . After a fairly decent opening , the star-studded cast gets down to the task at hand , making you bored silly . In the underwear scene sweepstakes , Sophia Loren easily beats Martin Sheen ( Ann Turkel and Ray Lovelock are disqualified , for not showing enough ) . Richard Harris portrays a doctor . O . J . Simpson masquerades as a priest . Lee Strasberg impersonates an actor . Burt Lancaster and Ingrid Thulin aren't actually on the plague-infected train , but look pained anyway . In the softest focus , Ava Gardner appears to be having some fun . If only Lionel Stander did an impression of Hervé Villechaize exclaiming , " The plague , the plague ! " they'd have had a potential comedy , instead of a disaster . The Cassandra Crossing ( / 76 ) George P . Cosmatos - Sophia Loren , Richard Harris , Martin Sheen
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453,384 | 15,896,852 | 45,094 | 3 |
Road to Silly
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I thought Mr . Crosby had a great voice . He should have had more singing time in the film . Mr . Hope seemed a bit hapless - perhaps he and Crosby were not ready for the film . They seemed very unrehearsed , especially during the " song and dance " bit . The movie is very dated . My grandmother says this " comedy " wasn't even funny , to her , back then . I believe these " native / road " movies sent a coded message that there would be a lot of " skin " time shown . . . well , this doesn't work , today . The players don't show all that much skin ; perhaps , at that time , it was enough ? The " clever " jokes ( Sadie Thompson was the hooker in " Rain " ) seem not to move the characters along . Many of the scenes look disjointed , and cheap . The ending is a mild pick-up . Despite the obvious " come ons " , the film is sexless . Road to Bali ( 1952 ) Hal Walker - Bing Crosby , Bob Hope , Dorothy Lamour
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452,578 | 15,896,852 | 76,451 | 3 |
A Star Is Boring , A Star Is Boring
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When World War II ends , singer Liza Minnelli ( as Francine Evans ) meets saxophonist Robert De Niro ( as Jimmy Doyle ) during celebrations . Although neither seems at all attracted to the other , he tries to pick her up . After repeated attempts and refusals , the ill-matched duo decide they can make beautiful music together . They make out in a cab , and eventually tie the knot . Then , wouldn't you know , their careers follow the predictable " A Star Is Born " path . How could a well-budgeted Martin Scorsese direct Ms . Minnelli , and Mr . De Niro in a film so dull ? " New York , New York " is an astonishing misuse of resources . A lot of the dialogue seems improvised , as has been noted by some of the principals . Mr . Scorsese certainly gives the undeserving story a stylish look , however . And , the music is terrific ; especially Minnelli's standout performance of " New York , New York " - - if you can stand the wait .
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453,111 | 15,896,852 | 41,238 | 3 |
Those Doggone Scottish Laws
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Back ( again ) in Scotland , Lassie is ( again ) on trial for her life . Because the faithful dog sleeps on her master's grave , she must be put to death , according to law . Oddly , it is also explained that Lassie had no " legal " owner , which is , apparently , also against an old Scottish law . If , after three days , no owner is located , dogs must be destroyed . Edmund Gwenn ( as John Traill ) pleads Lassie's case , which leads to an extended flashback , showing Lassie's adoption by Donald Crisp ( as John " Jock " Gray ) . Although it's based on an interesting , original story ( " Greyfriars Bobby " ) , " Challenge to Lassie " revisits several earlier Lassie situations ; and , it does not improve upon them . Comparatively speaking , this one is sloppy and unexciting ; and , it's a disappointing follow-up to " The Sun Comes Up " ( 1949 ) . Geraldine Brooks ( as Susan Brown ) and several of the other performers may be charming , but can't elevate this one . Little Jimmy Hawkins ( from " It's a Wonderful life " ) is among the notable children supporting Lassie ; much later , he will grow up to marry " Dark Shadows " ' bewitching " Angelique " ( Lara Parker ) .
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452,797 | 15,896,852 | 37,472 | 3 |
Timber ! . . . and Watch Out for That Horse . . .
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Roy Rogers ( as Roy ) is an insurance investigator who goes undercover to solve a robbery ; among the suspects is Dale Evans ( as Betty Weston ) ' s father Harry Shannon ( as Sam Weston ) , who has just broken jail . Mr . Rogers gets a job singing on Ms . Evans ' show boat " Yellow Rose of Texas " . Later , Bob Nolan and the " Sons of the Pioneers " are hired , too . Evans doesn't think her dear father Harry Shannon is guilty . Do you ? Mr . Nolan and the Sons are in fine voice , with the first rendition of " Timber ! " an obvious highlight . The plot really doesn't make much sense , by Rogers seems to figure it out ( so you won't have to ) ; it is resolved with the opening of a box on the " Show Boat " . Watch as a fake horse almost knocks Dale Evans over when she enters to sing the final version of the title song ! The Yellow Rose of Texas ( 1944 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , Dale Evans , Harry Shannon
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453,596 | 15,896,852 | 27,746 | 3 |
Can Robert Pull Barbara Out of His Hat ?
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Robert Taylor ( as Chris Claybourne ) is a playboy doctor who falls in love with model Barbara Stanwyck ( as Rita Wilson ) . This is a film for Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor ( he takes off his shirt as a bonus ) fans only . Otherwise , " His Brother's Wife " is an absurd movie . The opening switches around from an infested Jungle Fever ? to Mr . Taylor as a seemingly alcoholic doctor ? to Ms . Stanwyck playing Roulette ? Then , Stanwyck and Taylor go on a prolonged date where she discovers he has a fetish for collecting and / or trading hats , which seems to disappear with his alcoholic tendencies - actually , he's an excellent doctor . Later , listen for Stanwyck to tell Taylor he smokes too much . His Brother's Wife ( 1936 ) W . S . Van Dyke II - Robert Taylor , Barbara Stanwyck , Joseph Calleia
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452,472 | 15,896,852 | 104,670 | 3 |
A Comedy without Respect
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Bucking for a promotion at work , Rodney Dangerfield ( as Chester Lee ) brags about his soccer prowess ; so , his boss assigns him coach for " The Ladybugs " , an inept girls soccer team . Mr . Dangerfield knows little about soccer , and less about coaching the team ; so , he persuades girlfriend's sporting son Jonathan Brandis ( as Matthew ) to join the team , in drag . Donning a wig to become " Martha " , Mr . Brandis becomes the team's star " girl " player . How long can this deception last ? Promotion as " A Comedy with Balls " gives away the film's big wit ; of course , there are several jokes about testicles . Dangerfield and assistant Jackée Harry ( as Julie Benson ) can be much funnier than they are in this movie . The problem , perhaps , is that Dangerfield is " toned down " to appeal to a younger audience . Otherwise , it's difficult to believe the situation herein . Brandis has a non-gender specific appeal ; he is best in a scene entertaining a " fellow " pretty soccer player , Vinessa Shaw ( as Kimberly ) . Watch Brandis change between " Matthew " and " Martha " very quickly , with a cool stairway trick . There are some ( admittedly straw-grasping , here ) admirable messages for younger girls : for example , self-conscious " Penny Pester " is made to feel pretty ; and , the team is given some " you can do it " ( despite being girls ) confidence . However , it's difficult to believe a high school teenager would join a girls soccer team to either get close to a girl , or please a prospective step-father . And , a character's reaction to the farce is incomprehensible ( " ? corrupt my son ! " , " Go to your room ! " ) . Worse yet is a " changing room " scene with commits a comedy sin ; it's offensive without being funny . Ladybugs ( 1992 ) Sidney J . Furie - Rodney Dangerfield , Jonathan Brandis , Jackée Harry
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453,459 | 15,896,852 | 51,064 | 3 |
The Island of Doctor Myra
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Soda shop teenagers Don Sullivan ( as Reg ) , Jay Hawk ( as Morrie ) , and Mitzie Albertson ( as Julie ) discuss waterskiing and horseback riding . Hay-brained Mr . Hawk decides to go riding with girlfriend Nan Green ( as Dotty ) while the others join Paul Pepper ( as Skip ) and Brianne Murphy ( as Pam ) for water sports . The four boaters wind up stranded on a mysterious island . There , the waterskiing couples lose their boat , and are held captive by glamour-gowned doctor Katherine Victor ( as Myra ) - she wants to turn the teenagers into zombies ! Jerry Warren's " Teenage Zombies " is a very poorly produced , sometimes fun film . The storyline is silly , but easy to understand . Communists want to turn the United States into a bunch of zombies . They might have considered letting nature take its course ( but , then , there wouldn't be a movie ) . An ensemble cast , led by Sullivan , plays the material very well , considering the script's obvious idiocy . Hawk does a surprisingly good job as " Morrie " . And , Ms . Victor is a hilariously hospitable hostess , offering soda pop to her potential zombies . Teenage Zombies ( 1959 ) Jerry Warren - Don Sullivan , Katherine Victor , Jay Hawk
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453,417 | 15,896,852 | 700 | 3 |
The Pied Gypsy
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A little girl has " Her First Adventure " when she goes to town to watch a band of gypsies perform on a New Jersey street , and follows their caravan . The gypsies are amused by the little girl , and decide to keep her . Eventually , her family and the police lead a hot pursuit , led by the girl's heroic pooch . D . W . Griffith is featured , in his " Lawrence Griffith " acting guise , as another father . G . W . Bitzer photographed . Robert Harron is an extra ; he's in the early crowd scene , center left of your screen , enjoying the gypsy dancer . The " AB " ( American Biograph studio logo ) is featured prominently . Otherwise , this is an unremarkable , static feature .
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452,418 | 15,896,852 | 37,547 | 3 |
Tokyo , Mon Amour
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James Cagney ( as Nick Condon ) is a reporter in Tokyo ; a dutiful , precognizant American , he confronts the increasing grip of Fascism on the Japanese people , during the reign of Tanaka Giichi . Sylvia Sidney ( as Iris Hilliard ) , is a mysterious part-Chinese woman , who provides Mr . Cagney with intrigue and romance . While Ms . Sydney is somewhat successful in her portrayal , the other Japanese impersonations are embarrassing . The movie bases much of its storyline on the existence of the " Tanaka Document " , a Hitler-type blueprint for evil , which was more likely a propagandist's creation . Under these circumstances , Cagney and company's attempt to produce convincing entertainment collapses .
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453,256 | 15,896,852 | 257,019 | 3 |
The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
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Computer savvy John Light ( as John Elias ) goes from Stanford drop-out to successful young Dotcom-era tycoon . But , Mr . Light's sneering success could be short-lived , with partners like ambitious Jeffrey Donovan ( as Robert Jennings ) . Mr . Donovan used to bed down with Light's girlfriend , Megan Dodds ( as Lisa Forrester ) . Donovan wants Light to know that binge drinking and casual sex don't have to end in college . After reading a naughty Internet sex session , Ms . Dodds shines Light on . He may lose is " Digital Dreams " Internet empire , too ! Veterans unsuccessfully trying to lending dramatic gravitas include red lollipop-sucking Mia Farrow ( as Anna Simmons ) and quick-drawing , computer-hating Hal Holbrook ( as Tom Walker ) . Ms . Farrow looks sweet with her lollipops . Purpose ( 2002 ) Alan Lazar - John Light , Jeffrey Donovan , Mia Farrow
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453,088 | 15,896,852 | 24,554 | 3 |
Tepid Ginger and Talbot
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Rival reporters Pat Morgan ( Ginger Rogers ) and Ted Rand ( Lyle Talbot ) are always trying to out-scoop each other on stories . The latest involves the mysterious death of a philanthropist who fell to his death after a shriek was heard from his penthouse apartment . The two reporters start out as rivals but combine efforts to solve the crime and write the story when more residents of the apartment building turn up dead , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . This said-to-be follow-up to " The Thirteenth Guest " has little to do with the earlier movie ; it is not a sequel , as has been inferred . Ms . Rogers continues to develop her skills . Mr . Talbot adds a little humor to his characterization . They are a pleasant team , the plot is interesting and mysterious ; but , the resulting film is very dull . The opening and closing are startling . A long-winded wrap-up of plot development points follows the climax . A Shriek in the Night ( 1933 ) Albert Ray - Ginger Rogers , Lyle Talbot , Harvey Clark
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452,966 | 15,896,852 | 33,667 | 3 |
Ann Miller's Wardrobe Malfunction
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Penny Singleton ( she's Bill ) and Glenn Ford ( he's Tex ) arrive in the western town of Headstone . The town is terrorized by a " Killer Pete " ( he wears a black scarf ) . Resident Ann Miller ( she's local bad girl Lola ) makes trouble . Will Lola get whatever Lola wants ? Will lady Bill find love ? And , who is " Killer Pete ? " The film's highlight is a fight , near the end , between Ms . Singleton and Ms . Miller . Note the differing pronunciations of the word " posse " - AND , in a first-class wardrobe malfunction , Singleton accidentally rips open Miller's blouse . Other than that , the film may entertain friends and relatives of those who worked in the production . There are also some country & western musical acts , which could be a treat , if you're a fan . Go West , Young Lady ( 1941 ) Frank Strayer - Penny Singleton , Glenn Ford , Ann Miller
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452,893 | 15,896,852 | 6,978 | 3 |
Lackluster Luke
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Harold Lloyd runs a movie theater , which is successfully drawing crowds for " The Iron Claw " , a Pathé serial . With " Snub " Pollard employed as projectionist , things get understandably tangled up . Mr . Lloyd is expectedly distracted by irresistible female movie patrons , like Bebe Daniels . The film doesn't show any of " The Iron Claw " ; instead , there are some crowd scenes . Mr . Pollard sleeps on the job , and somebody surely shouts " Fire ! " Opportunities for inspired comedy are obviously missed , during the aptly titled " Luke's Movie Muddle " . Luke's Movie Muddle ( 1916 ) Hal Roach - Harold Lloyd , ' Snub ' Pollard , Bebe Daniels
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453,012 | 15,896,852 | 35,694 | 3 |
Food for the Mob
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In this rousing crime drama , a hard-nosed gang of criminals attempts to move in on local food distribution channels . Vowing to break down their strong-arming operation is heroic city market official Michael Lynn ( John Litel ) , who hopes to disband the racket by removing the operation head from power . Lynn's scheme is to infiltrate the gang as an incompetent stooge on the government's payroll , unmask the leader's identity , and then make his deadly move , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Mr . Litel gets to play the leading man , but in a low-budget , under-rehearsed quickie . Perky reporter Florence Rice ( as Linda Gregory ) , in her penultimate screen appearance , is Litel's main female interest . Ms . Rice wears very TALL headgear . " The Boss of Big Town " offers some good-looking 1940s female fashion , with a California pool scene , and Jean Brooks ( as Iris Moore ) . There is also an opportunity to see Howard Hughes protégée David Bacon ( as Dr . Gil Page ) . In real life , Mr . Bacon would soon be found stabbed to death , in an odd , unsolved Hollywood murder . Silent film veterans H . B . Warner ( as Jeffrey Moore ) and John Miljan ( as Kenneth Craige ) , along with future veteran Frank Ferguson ( as Bram Hart ) , are among those who fail to generate any additional excitement . The Boss of Big Town ( 1942 ) Arthur Dreifuss - John Litel , Florence Rice , David Bacon
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453,485 | 15,896,852 | 56,983 | 3 |
Coppola , Bring Me the Axe !
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Louise Haloran is faced with a dilemma since her husband John has died of a heart attack and is not included in his mother's will . Traveling to his family's ancestral home in Ireland , Louise hopes to ingrain herself into the family while telling them that John is away on business . Unfortunately , John's family is very dysfunctional due to the drowning death of his little sister years ago , so Louise must deal with some very bizarre behavior and strange happenings , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Notable as a very early effort from writer / director Francis Ford Coppola , who went on to much greater success in the 1970s . Producer Roger Corman should be commended as he , once again , provides work for an up-and-coming Hollywood player . Mr . Coppola , unlike some other Corman travelers , doesn't really rise to the occasion , for his " Dementia 13 " . What worked for Alfred Hitchcock ( director of " Psycho " ) does not work for everybody , obviously . On the other hand , under-appreciated actress Luana Anders ( as Louise Haloran ) is worth checking out , both in and out of her clothing . Dementia 13 ( 1963 ) Francis Ford Coppola - Luana Anders , William Campbell , Bart Patton
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453,600 | 15,896,852 | 41,347 | 3 |
Roll Out the Barrel
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Roy Rogers is back on border patrol , investigating the smuggling of criminals across the U . S . - Mexican border . Clayton Moore ( as Tom Sharper ) is a fellow border patrolman who discovers the wicked smugglers , and is left for dead ; instead , he gets amnesia . Andy Devine ( as " Cookie " ) is a helpful judge , and Gail Davis ( as Susan ) adds femininity . Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage add harmony . Production-line Rogers western story , with better than average performances . The supporting players are rather good , and there are a few exciting moments . The song dubbing is distractingly poor , and the story very weak - - you'll wonder about some story contrivances . . . Rogers and Moore ( later " The Lone Ranger " ) have a jail-cell fistfight ; incredibly , Rogers beats Moore up to cure his amnesia ! The Far Frontier ( 1948 ) William Witney - Roy Rogers , Gail Davis , Andy Devine
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453,460 | 15,896,852 | 54,807 | 3 |
Dancing with Mr .
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Three macabre tales of terror are featured in this frightful thriller hosted by the incomparable ' Mr . D ' ( Lon Chaney Jr . ) . A psychotic photographer is faced with a beauty that haunts his pictures and dreams in one tale . A scientist becomes obsessed with a frozen ' Ice Princess ' that leads to an unfortunate ending in another tale . Finally , a man fears his own death after a visit with a fortuneteller in the last of these horrifying stories , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Although possessing three individual stories , " The Devil's Messenger " does have a unifying plot strand , featuring the character portrayed by Karen Kadler ( " Satanya " ) . She has committed suicide , and is sent back to Earth , by Lon Chaney Jr . ( as Satan ) , on various missions . Other than that , the stories don't have much to do with each other . Unfortunately , Mr . Chaney is an uninteresting devil . The first story , featuring John Crawford ( as Donald Powell ) is the best , with good photography and " A Most Unusual Camera " ( Twilight Zone ) worthy plot . The Devil's Messenger ( 1961 ) Herbert L . Strock - Karen Kadler , John Crawford , Lon Chaney Jr .
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453,233 | 15,896,852 | 33,771 | 3 |
Storm & Payne trump Rogers & Rogers
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Roy Rogers stars as Jesse James and his look-alike , gambler man Clint Burns . George " Gabby " Hayes is Mr . Rogers's ex-pal , Sheriff Gabby . Gale Storm ( Jane Fillmore ) and Sally Payne ( Polly Morgan ) are a noteworthy team , as two reporters on the lookout for stories about the elusive outlaw hero . Of course , mistaken identity / impersonation is a plot development , since Rogers essays a " dual role " . Rogers is charming , as usual ; but , there is nothing really elevating this his performance above the ordinary - any potential to deliver a memorable Jekyll / Hyde performance is done in by poor material . The better pair to watch are Ms . Storm and Ms . Paye as the St . Louis Journal reporters - they are the film's highlight . The songs are fine , though badly synched . Jesse James at Bay ( 1941 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Gale Storm
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452,972 | 15,896,852 | 37,607 | 3 |
Hanging On the Firing Line
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Charles Coburn plays a lovable old veteran who returns to his hometown of Fredricksville , Georgia as World War II commences . There , he finds nephew William Eythe , who helps facilitate a job for his uncle on the town newspaper . Also on staff is society gal Joan Bennett . Mr . Coburn uses his newspaper column " On the Firing Line " to rally the townspeople - he wants to save an old town Courthouse from being torn down , and replaced . Can he rally the townspeople to save the monument from demolition ? Although the Courthouse in danger is a Confederate Courthouse , there is no political agenda offered by the film - it's simply a story about weeding out political corruption , and preserving an old building . There is , however , a stereotypical servant ( called " Orderly 98 " ) who isn't too hard to take until his offensive fencing scene with Coburn . The " whistle " which accompanies close-ups of Ms . Bennett's legs is ridiculous . Don't expect authentic Georgia accents . A nice idea , and a competent cast , aren't enough to lift this " Colonel Effingham's Raid " . Colonel Effingham's Raid ( 1946 ) Irving Pichel - Charles Coburn , Joan Bennett , William Eythe
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453,452 | 15,896,852 | 821 | 3 |
The Biograph Girl and the Beard
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Princess Florence Lawrence ( " The Biograph Girl " ) is fickle with men ; she rejects bearded Frank Powell when he arrives for their royal wedding , and refuses to greet him with a kiss . The royal court is thrown asunder ; so , court " Cardinal " James Kirkwood conspires to reintroduce lovely Ms . Lawrence to the dashing Mr . Powell . First , he has Powell shave his beard ( leaving the moustache attached ) ; then , he arranges to have Powell save Lawrence from a staged attack , by four men . As planned , Lawrence falls for her noble savior ; but , later , she learns of the deception , and sends him away . Yet , she loves him ? The D . W . Griffith stock is more difficult to spot in costumed frocks . Lawrence is pretty as the Princess ; she and Powell have fun playing for the " The Cardinal's Conspiracy " . Griffith always makes the most out of a man's facial hair .
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452,400 | 15,896,852 | 831 | 3 |
Throwing Out the Baby in the Basket
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George Gebhardt is tracking down Charles Inslee , looking to settle an old debt . Mr . Gebhardt finds Mr . Inslee in an old tenement building , living with his wife Marion Leonard , and their baby . Inslee explains he is as penniless as down-and-out Gebhardt , and has no money . The two men argue , and Gebhardt angrily marks the door to Inslee's apartment with a vengeful " X " as he leaves . Later , Gebhardt returns to rig a horrific plan ; he'll have Ms . Leonard unwittingly kill their baby by hanging the bound baby in a basket from the apartment window ; when mother opens the window , baby falls to a certain death ! Biograph's New York studio , and area location are helpful in story setting ; in the set-up scenes , the extras are pleasing to watch - - they include Biograph girls Linda Arvidson , Florence Lawrence , and Dorothy West . Director D . W . Griffith's story goes for the sure-fire suspense by putting an innocent baby's life in danger . There are some notable storytelling flaws - - for instance , note that the baby is conveniently pre-bound , and Ms . Leonard's table cloth is certainly not her favorite ! Still , there are some nice touches ; like Gebhardt's marking , and later wiping of the " X " on his enemy's door . " The Cord of Life " is the string which holds the basketed baby from the apartment window ; the string is held in place by the closed window ; when the window is opened , the string should loosen , and drop the baby , according to villainous Gebhardt's plan . For fun , try to figure out how father Inslee plans to solve the problem , and save the baby .
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453,059 | 15,896,852 | 52,846 | 3 |
Getting a Leg Up
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A rural Texas town finds itself beset by a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths with no seemingly rational explanation . The local sheriff is faced with an angry community leader demanding an end to the matter , or his resignation . Through the combined efforts of the sheriff and a quick witted mechanic , the source of the problem is discovered , a fifty-foot Gila monster who has run out of food , and is now preying upon the local populace , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . God's unexplored wilderness ( aka Texas ) , as shown in the film's beginning , includes no sign of food ; so , it's only natural to have its " Giant Gila Monster " leave . It starts off by eating two tasty teenagers , who are trying to enjoy some " submarine races " . The director , Ray Kellogg , seems to have a thing for actors putting their legs up somewhere . Watch for both hero Don Sullivan ( as Chase ) and Sheriff Fred Graham ( as Jeff ) to put their legs up together , in the auto-mechanic shop ( Compton's Garage ) . The characterizations are interesting . Sullivan is an older " influence " on the younger and more rebellious " gang " of teenagers ; and , he has turned from hot-rodder to auto-mechanic . He is supporting his mother and crippled little sister . Sullivan also sings well ; although , his choice of material definitely does NOT rock . Not as much is revealed about Mr . Graham's character ; but , he is refreshingly non-confrontational with the younger cast members . The movie is at least two legs up over awful , and is fun to watch with friends . The Giant Gila Monster ( 1959 ) Ray Kellogg - Don Sullivan , Fred Graham , Shug Fisher
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453,631 | 15,896,852 | 22,243 | 3 |
Two Men and a Baby
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In " The Painted Desert " of Arizona , William Farnum ( as Bill ' Cash ' Holbrook ) and J . Farrell MacDonald ( as Jeff Cameron ) happen upon an abandoned covered wagon ; in the deserted carriage , they find a baby boy . The chums " adopt " the boy , but argue over what to name him . Each man wants to pass on , through the child , their surname . Mr . Farnum steals away with the tot , who grows several decades , into adult Bill Boyd ( as Bill Holbrook ) . Mr . MacDonald may have lost the boy , but he gained a girl , pretty blonde Helen Twelvetrees ( as Mary Ellen Cameron ) . Ms . Twelvetrees attracts Montana cowboy Clark Gable ( as Rance Brett ) , who helps at the ranch . When Twelvetrees gets a hankerin ' for Mr . Boyd , the spurned Mr . Gable gets jealous . Often described as Gable's first " talkie " , this film might more accurately be described as his first role of consequence . Note , Gable had about as much to say in " Du Barry , Woman of Passion " as in most of his silent films . Farnum , a huge star in the mid-teens , was in the talking " Du Barry " , also . Considering the successful careers had by Farnum , Boyd and Gable , this film is quite disappointing . The dialogue comes out of everyone's mouth like molasses . A little fun to see the stars somewhat dimmer than usual .
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452,398 | 15,896,852 | 785 | 3 |
Swimsuit Fashions of 1908
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Linda Arvidson and Arthur V . Johnson enjoy a romantic rendezvous at the beach ; meanwhile , Charles Inslee escapes from a couple of policemen , who are bringing him to a nearby " Insane Asylum " ; he gets one of the lawmen's guns , and dashes off for the beach . At the beach , Inslee abducts Ms . Arvidson , taking her off in a canoe ( presumably to aid in his escape ) . Will the swimsuit set be able to rescue fair damsel from the clutches of the maniacal Inslee ? D . W . Griffith presents an interesting situation : having a insane criminal " invade " a group of innocent young beachgoers , who are presumably unrelated to the lunatic . Note that , along the way , Inslee accosts a man , serving no other purpose than to exchange the lunatic's gun for a knife . Those looking for Director Griffith to start every genre imaginably might call " Where Breakers Roar " the proto-type " slasher film " ; however , there is no slashing . Mainly , this film is an opportunity to see 1908 swimsuit fashions . Where Breakers Roar ( 1908 ) D . W . Griffith - Arthur V . Johnson , Linda Arvidson , Charles Inslee
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453,445 | 15,896,852 | 797 | 3 |
A Wedding Blast
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Marion Leonard and Charles Inslee are a courting ' couple ; but not everyone is happy with their announced wedding plans - - Herbert Yost had been hoping against hope for Ms . Leonard to changer her mind , and marry him ; instead , she rejects his advances . Unable to face a life without Leonard , Mr . Yost hatches a vengeful plot : at the wedding site , he rigs a gun to blast the happy couple " At the Altar " . Before the blessed event , Mr . Yost composes a confession , and washes down alcohol with poison . Leonard's friend Dorothy West finds the note , but can Yost's hidden gun be discovered in time ? Director D . W . Griffith and company in a real scenery chewer !
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453,238 | 15,896,852 | 33,286 | 3 |
Calamity Jane and an Exciting End
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Roy Rogers stars as " Young Bill Hickok " , saving California and its gold from wicked invaders like John Miljan ( as Nicholas Tower ) ? against a Civil War back-story ? with references to Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth . This time George " Gabby " Hayes brings along his niece , none other than Calamity Jane ( well played by Sally Payne ) to assist Mr . Rogers . It's an interesting team-up concept , however unlikely . The film's highlight is its posse / stagecoach chase scene , near the film's end . Rogers and Yakima Canutt - - I assume the stuntman is the stunning Mr . Canutt - - perform well in an exciting man-under-the-stage sequence . That sequence followed one of the typical Rogers songs . Otherwise , this is nothing more than a fair Rogers western . Young Bill Hickok ( 1940 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Sally Payne
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453,219 | 15,896,852 | 29,836 | 3 |
It's Only Hit and Run
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Honest young insurance agent Ronald Reagan ( as Eric Gregg ) is optimistic , but poor . His wife , scheming Sheila Bromley ( as Nona Gregg ) , longs for the finer things in life . Describing herself as " not weighted down with tons of righteousness , " Ms . Bromley begins to spend more money than Mr . Reagan earns . Bromley obtains the finer things in life , but puts the couple in debt . Bromley is a fun shrew . Handsome Reagan attracts other women , like perky clerk Gloria Blondell ( as Patricia Carmody ) ; but , he doesn't indulge . To pay the bills , Bromley gets tangled up in the insurance fraud racket - which helps get her husband fired . An unemployed Reagan seems to be tempted into a life of crime - will he remain straight up , or get crooked ? Clinton Rosemond has an uncomfortable " broken arm " scene . Accidents Will Happen ( 1938 ) William Clemens - Ronald Reagan , Sheila Bromley , Gloria Blondell
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452,684 | 15,896,852 | 58,534 | 3 |
It's Carnival Time for Elvis !
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Vagabond singer Elvis Presley ( as Charlie Rogers ) gets a job working at a carnival owned by strong-willed Barbara Stanwyck ( as Maggie Morgan ) . There , after years " playing the field , " Mr . Presley gets the urge to settle down with one woman , pretty Joan Freeman ( as Cathy Lean ) . But , Presley doesn't get along with folks like Ms . Freeman's alcoholic father Leif Erikson ( as Joe Lean ) . After a misunderstanding , Presley leaves his budding " family " , and goes to work for Ms . Stanwyck's sleazy rival , Pat Buttram ( as Harry Carver ) . Will chip-shouldered Presley stay with the bad influence Buttram , or return to stable Stanwyck and sweet Freeman ? The waste of cast and crew involved in this boring film is criminal . The musical highlight is the Leiber / Stoller classic " Little Egypt " ; although Presley lip-syncs lethargically , dancing girl Wilda Taylor is a sight for sore eyes . Presley , who hides a growing paunch and occasionally appears " under the influence , " looks better during the nicely photographed " Big Love , Big Heartache " . The studio mixes of the other songs sound much better on the nicely sequenced " Roustabout " stereo album , especially " Poison Ivy League " , " Roustabout " , and " One Track Heart " . " It's a Wonderful World " received some " Best Song " Oscar buzz . Roustabout ( / 64 ) John Rich - Elvis Presley , Barbara Stanwyck , Joan Freeman
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453,705 | 15,896,852 | 250,292 | 3 |
D Minus Three Laughs and Counting
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Andrew Gurland's " Cheats " is his fictionalized " true story " about four high school friends who maneuver to cheat on tests . The quartet are : supercilious school-hating Trevor Fehrman ( as Handsome Davis ) , his likewise good-looking pal Matthew Lawrence ( as Victor ) , their chubby school-hating chum Elden Henson ( as Sammy ) , and crooked geekster Martin Starr ( as Applebee ) . The adults include high-strung North Point principal Mary Tyler Moore ( as Mrs . Stark ) and pornography-loving father Griffin Dunne ( as Mr . Davis ) . The high jinks begin with Mr . Fehrman and Mr . Lawrence supposedly urinating on a teacher's grade book . Put this one at the bottom of the pile ; and , be thankful it doesn't go on anyone's permanent record . Cheats ( 2002 ) Andrew Gurland - Trevor Fehrman , Matthew Lawrence , Elden Henson
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452,401 | 15,896,852 | 880 | 3 |
The Scaffolding of Intruders
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Daddy's girls Florence Lawrence and Dorothy West receive some terrific news at the local post office , unaware they are being stalked by burglar Charles Inslee . Meanwhile , father David Miles receives a message ( from young Robert Harron ) which necessitates daddy leaving home ; so , when the young women return , they can be ? home alone . As the vulnerable pair bed down for the evening , the local " Grand Ball of the Black and Tans " gets underway ; and , a dark-skinned drinker portends additional danger for D . W . Griffith's dynamic duo ? Mr . Inslee has one of his better Biograph roles , stealing the film from " The Girls and Daddy " . Ironically , Director Griffith appears as one of the black-faced extras at the " Black and Tans " ball . " Biograph Girls " Lawrence and West are suggestive of later " Griffith Girls " Lillian and Dorothy Gish , especially in " Orphans of the Storm " ( 1921 ) ; and , they are excessively affectionate in bed ! The racist tone is unfortunate , since the story of a burglar redeemed by saving his potential victims from a greater danger , is intriguing . The Girls and Daddy ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - Florence Lawrence , Dorothy West , Charles Inslee
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453,449 | 15,896,852 | 892 | 3 |
Florence Lawrence Makes Biscuits for Biograph
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Florence Lawrence makes " Her First Biscuits " for husband John R . Cumpson . But Ms . Lawrence's biscuits aren't as charming as she ; when Lawrence leaves the room , Mr . Cumpson tosses the biscuits out the window , pretending they were delicious , and leaves for work . Proud of her successful baking endeavor , Lawrence packs up her remaining biscuits , to bring to Cumpson's workplace , a " Theatrical Booking Office " . " Biograph Girl " Lawrence shines . There is mild fun in watching a slew of 1909 D . W . Griffith players acting " theatrical " after partaking of Lawrence's distasteful biscuits ! Not surprisingly , Mack Sennett is a stand-out among the bunch - - however , for the most part , the promising comedy bits / situations are far too underdeveloped to make this film a comic classic .
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452,633 | 15,896,852 | 895 | 3 |
For Wardrobe Watchers
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While the American Revolution rages , Owen Moore , " a brave American officer trying to get news of a British attack to General Washington , " leaves home on his mission . He is immediately attacked by German Hessians , working for the British crown . Mr . Moore manages to make it back home , where father James Kirkwood is able to conceal him from the imminent intruders . " The Hessian Renegades " terrify Moore's family , as they try to keep the young soldier hidden . Soon , murder and sexual harassment rock the soldier's family . . . Mary Pickford takes a turn to stand out , among the usual Biograph regulars , by dressing up as a soldier ; not surprisingly , she is a very unconvincing young man ! It's fun to spot director D . W . Griffith's other regulars . This story , aka " 1776 or the Hessian Renegades " isn't one of the director's better early offerings - - however , there are a few highlights . Watch for Mr . Kirkwood to suffer a split pants " wardrobe malfunction " in the last few seconds !
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453,119 | 15,896,852 | 35,562 | 3 |
Polecat
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News of an oil strike stirs trouble in a western town . Flat broke , Richard Arlen ( as Johnny Maverick ) drives west , picking up , and partnering up , with prospecting hitch-hiker Elisha Cook Jr . ( as " Chicopee " ) . Almost immediately , the two discover oil , on land owned by the country bumpkin " Smithers " family . Mr . Arlen writes John and Martha Smithers a check , to buy their oil-rich land , then schemes to cover its cost . But , old enemy Buster Crabbe ( as Mike Rawlins ) isn't about to let Arlen strike it rich without a fight . Additional arrivals provide further intrigue ( William Frawley ) and love interest ( Arline Judge ) . While " Wildcat " Arlen and many of the supporting cast are pleasant , this is an mostly dull story . An exciting scene occurs early on , which prematurely kills off the film's most endearing , up to that point , character . The tragedy is necessary for subsequent plot developments , which are anticlimactic .
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452,720 | 15,896,852 | 35,567 | 3 |
Spencer Tracy Takes Katharine Hepburn in a Bizarre Act of Unnatural Love
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Popular political columnist Katharine Hepburn ( as Tess Harding ) guest-stars on a radio program ; and , after muffing a question about " America's National Pastime " ( baseball ) , declares the sport should be abolished . Of course , this irks her " New York Chronicle " colleague , sports columnist Spencer Tracy ( as Sam Craig ) . The two writers begin inking out " World War III " in their respective columns . When Mr . Tracy finally meets Ms . Hepburn's legs , in person ( it's a spacious office building ) , it's love at first sight . But , can Tracy domesticate a feminist-leaning Hepburn ? In their first feature film team-up , Tracy and Hepburn get off to a surprisingly rocky start - the main problem with " Woman of the Year " is its insulting , offensive script , credited to Ring Lardner and Michael Kanin . These writers , along with producer Joseph L . Mankiewicz and director George Stevens , would certainly suggest a better product than what appears on the screen . How is it that Hepburn , a worldly enough woman , knows zilch about baseball ? A early scene , with Hepburn at a Yankees game , would have worked if she , in an aside , revealed she was putting Tracy on - otherwise , the scene belongs to someone like Betty Grable ( or Judy Holliday ) . It is strange to see Hepburn almost get her neck caught in a window cord , and Tracy having trouble closing a refrigerator door - suggesting re-takes may not have been a priority . The very weak ending has Hepburn as a watered-down " Lucy Ricardo " , trying to make breakfast for her man . Tracy , who was somewhat likable ( relatively speaking ) through most of the film , ends with a bizarre violent act . Obviously , the characters played by Hepburn and Tracy should not be married . . . Thankfully , the Tracy Hepburn films got better ? Woman of the Year ( 1942 ) George Stevens - Katharine Hepburn , Spencer Tracy , Fay Bainter
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452,491 | 15,896,852 | 22,191 | 3 |
Spanking the Party Girl
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Alice White is , indeed , a " Naughty Flirt " . She plays a " wild and crazy party girl " who loves to go out and engage men . One man , a lawyer , resists her advances - so , naturally , she wants him most of all . He spanks her for her naughty ways , and it changes her life ( she tells him he really makes an " impression " ) . She gets herself a job as lawyer Paul Page's secretary and does tough things like clean his inkwell . Myrna Loy is good as a supporting player who wants to set her brother up with wealthy Ms . White . White is an engaging and funny performer , but her character behavior at the end of the film is so dumb it spoils the film . It shows the character has no maturity . If I were Mr . Page , I would shine her on - or , give her another spanking . The Naughty Flirt ( 1931 ) Edward F . Cline - Alice White , Paul Page , Myrna Loy
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453,006 | 15,896,852 | 265,105 | 3 |
Pin Pricked
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Blond super-hunk Sam Page ( or " Nathan Watkins " / as Chris Chandler ) goes to Drake college , on a swimming scholarship . Stripping down to his gym shorts for a run , Mr . Page catches the eye of blonder super-hunk Bradley Stryker ( as Devon Eisley ) . Mr . Stryker is the leader of Drake's weirdest fraternity ; and , he travels around with good-looking men in sunglasses . Stryker decides he wants Page's perfect body . Page tells super-geek ( but cute ) roommate Josh Hammond ( as Dan Myers ) he isn't interested in joining a fraternity . Then , Page admires Stryker's big fraternity pin , and gets sucked in ? Director David DeCoteau is definitely going after something . Page and Stryker make an interesting couple , especially when they play a " three way " love scene ; note , the female ( " Sandy " ) is incidental . " The Brotherhood " may have worked better if Mr . DeCoteau had either gone all out , or made the " gay subtext " more subtle . The subtle route is often taken by other filmmakers . The " vampire " storyline is more than a little hard to swallow ( if the guys in question are supposed to be vampires ) . The Brotherhood ( 2001 ) David DeCoteau - Sam Page , Bradley Stryker , Josh Hammond
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453,347 | 15,896,852 | 22,093 | 3 |
It Takes a Thief
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Wealthy Harrison Ford ( as Donald Ransome ) arrives late for a wedding ; there , he makes off with not only a string of pearls , but also lovely Alberta Vaughn ( as Betty ) ' s attention . When the pearls are discovered missing , Mr . Ford uses Ms . Vaughn as an unwitting accomplice ; he stashes the necklace in her belongings , to retrieve at a later date . But , Vaughn is engaged to Tyrell Davis ( as Ronnie Courtney ) , who becomes jealous of Ford . When Ford goes to retrieve the stolen pearls from Vaughn , comic complications ensue . Most notable as silent star Harrison Ford's last film appearance . In his only speaking role , Ford's voice is serviceable ; but , he seems uncomfortable with the talking picture . Vaughn and Davis are more natural . No matter , director Frank Strayer's " Love in High Gear " never really takes off , in any case . Love in High Gear ( 1932 ) Frank Strayer - Harrison Ford , Alberta Vaughn , Tyrell Davis
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453,642 | 15,896,852 | 52,969 | 3 |
Gordon's Island : A Racial Microcosm of Society
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A scientist on an island is working on a project , to help with the world population problem , ( he ) accidentally creates giant shrews that escape his lab and devour every animal on the island . With nothing else to eat , the giant shrews set their sights on the compound of scientists and their guests . Led by Captain Thorne Sherman , the group must make a break for his ship to escape from the ravenous shrews , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Taking refuge from an approaching hurricane , handsome skipper James Best ( as Thorne Sherman ) surely regrets sharing an island with GIANT , multiplying KILLER SHREWS ; but , Swedish blonde Ingrid Goude ( as Ann Craigis ) makes the scenery beautiful , at least . Ken Curtis ( as Jerry Farrell ) doesn't like losing the chance to knock boots with pretty Ms . Goude ; and he doesn't agree with the others ' shrew-survival plans , either . This is a surprisingly well-paced low budget horror . The claustrophobic barricading scenes are reminiscent , in hindsight ( obviously ) , of superior films , like Alfred Hitchcock's " The Birds " and George Romero's " Night of the Living Dead " ; and , parts also seem like Ron Underwood's terrific " Tremors " . If you don't pay too much attention , the story progression is logical enough . If a genre for " awful low budget 1950s horror ' were considered , " The Killer Shrews " might be one of the best . Unfortunately , " The Killer Shrews " is rather despicably , and transparently , racist . It was produced by Ken Curtis and Gordon McLendon , who also co-starred . It's difficult to believe neither they nor writer Jay Simms , nor director Ray Kellogg weren't aware how their " fat Negro " and " fat Hispanic " characters were being depicted . Someone ? ANYONE ? It's also sexist , of course ; but , beautiful women fare better . The film is entertaining in ways perhaps unintended ; and , it is interesting in comparison with films like " Night of the Living Dead " . The Killer Shrews ( 1959 ) Ray Kellogg - James Best , Ken Curtis , Ingrid Goude
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