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453,431 | 15,896,852 | 58,384 | 3 |
Losing Some of its Zipper
|
Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello witness the invasion of their beach - by a troupe of " Muscle Men " being trained by Don Rickles ( as Jack Fanny ) . Buddy Hackett ( as S . Z . Matts ) wants " Muscle Man " Peter Lupus ( using the name Rock Stevens ) for his wealthy client Luciana Paluzzi ( as Judy ) , but she gets a hankerin ' for Frankie . . . The soundtrack songs are a highlight , appropriately sounding like Brian Wilson's Beach Boys ; moreover , Frankie and Annette are joined by Dick Dale and Stevie Wonder . Morey Amsterdam should have been retained as a series regular . The Eric Von Zipper motorcycle gang is missing . The regular players are still fresh , but the elements are not up to par , relatively speaking . It's a fair " Beach Party " film ; obviously , it's not as good as the first . Muscle Beach Party ( 1964 ) William Asher - Frankie Avalon , Annette Funicello , Don Rickles
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452,677 | 15,896,852 | 624,829 | 3 |
Champagne and Bullets
|
Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) trick Reese ( Neville Brand ) into volunteering for a " special assignment " - cleaning out the stable . Then , Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) lets Chad and Joe go out on the more desirable task of securing an army payroll . After Chad and Joe lose the payroll to French soldiers , Reese joins them in fighting for its recovery . His fellow Rangers dupe Reese into believing that , following the mission , he is to receive the " Governor's Gold Medal " , for bravery . . . This episode is strong on characterization , but sloppily staged . Lardeo - A Medal for Reese ( / 65 ) Lawrence Dobkin - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , William Smith
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452,650 | 15,896,852 | 624,844 | 3 |
How to Catch a Drunken Indian
|
In the series premiere , Native American Indians terrorize the town of Presidio , stealing the people's supply of liquor . Meanwhile , back in Laredo , gullible Neville Brand ( as Reese Bennett ) is tricked into entering a bullfight , by handsome Texas rangers Peter Brown ( as Chad Cooper ) and William Smith ( as Joe Riley ) , who take bets on the victor . After some silliness , ranger boss Philip Carey ( as Capt . Parmalee ) sends the trio undercover , as gold prospectors , to catch the Indian " Lazyfoot " , and his tribe . Mr . Carey surmises the Indians will be easy to catch , as they will be drunk on their stolen booty . In Presidio , the trio meet old prospector Burgess Meredith ( as Grubby ) , and hip-swinging saloon proprietor Beverly Garland ( as Aggie ) . Excited about a claim , Mr . Meredith invites the undercover lawmen to partner up . Chad and Joe want to go along , for the money , but Reese vetoes the idea . To get rid of Reese ( temporarily ) , Chad and Joe pretend he is the wanted sheep rustler " Jack Kendall " . After Reese is jailed , Chad and Joe head out prospecting . Instead of gold , they find " Lazyfoot " and his boozing Indians to be more surefooted than expected . The lighthearted camaraderie between stars Neville Brand , Peter Brown , and William Smith is what really sustains the episode and , more or less , the series . For the climax , Brown and Smith are stripped of their shirts , and tied to the ground ; obviously , this is done to show off their admirable physiques . Unfortunately , Native Americans are not only stereotypical in manner , but also laughable in appearance . " Laredo " was piloted in an earlier edition of " The Virginian " . Laredo - Lazyfoot , Where Are You ? ( / 65 ) Paul Stanley - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , William Smith
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453,707 | 15,896,852 | 624,847 | 3 |
What Made Laredo Famous ( Has Made a Loser Out Of Me )
|
Chad ( Peter Brown ) , Joe ( William Smith ) , and Reese ( Neville Brand ) are joined by new Ranger Claude Akins ( as Cotton " Buck " Buckmeister ) . The quartet are sent out to round up illegal still-operator Dub Taylor ( as Dude Meeker ) . They try to give Mr . Taylor some time to escape , because Laredo has a new judge in town . Judge John Hoyt ( as " Limit of the Law Larkin " ) is a prohibitionist who hands out the toughest sentences possible . Later , the judge has Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) send Chad , Joe , and Mr . Akins on a dangerous mission transporting a box of legal documents to nearby Uvalde . This is the first of several episodes featuring semi-regular Claude Akins . Like George Kennedy in a previous episode , his character seems like a " replacement " for Neville Brand . Mr . Akins does quite well in his part-time Ranger role . Mr . Brand , who does appear , seems unwell , probably due to alcohol consumption . Ironically , this is most apparent when the prohibitionist Judge tells the " Laredo " group he doesn't feel Brand is competent enough to go on the episode's mission ; and , " Reese " is left to mind the office . Brand is better in an earlier courtroom scene . Joan Marshall ( as Ivy Vine ) is an attractive distraction . Laredo - Limit of the Law Larkin ( / 66 ) William Witney - Peter Brown , William Smith , Claude Akins
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453,586 | 15,896,852 | 29,804 | 3 |
Don't Even Try
|
Playboy lawyer Preston Foster ( as Jimmy Hughes ) is reluctantly recruited to run against an incumbent mayor , while romancing his daughter , pretty blonde Joan Fontaine ( as Trudy Olson ) . The campaign leads to the uncovering of a gang of racketeering gamblers in the city , with both mayoral candidates , and the city police chief , becoming suspects . " You Can't Beat Love " is a competent , but routine little piece of fluff , which looks to have benefited few of those involved . There are a few likable moments . Thankfully , it was as forgettable as it was routine . You Can't Beat Love ( 1937 ) Christy Cabanne - Preston Foster , Joan Fontaine , Herbert Mundin
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453,709 | 15,896,852 | 624,842 | 3 |
Rounding Up Illegal Mexicans
|
It's " Alamo Day " in Texas . After increased illegal border crossings , Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) sends Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) out to round-up intruding Mexicans , and sent them home for the holiday . Arriving in the town of Porfirio , Chad and Joe face brown-faced James Farentino ( as Paco ) and his bandits . Meanwhile , Reese has confronted older Mexican John Marley ( as Alvar de Aveles ) , who has offended townspeople by flying his country's flag . Taking Reese hostage , Mr . Farentino's gang heads for the border , with Chad and Joe in hot pursuit ? This episode features a very tedious location footage trek ; probably , it was meant to please viewers watching " ? IN LIVING COLOR , on NBC ! " Farentino ( not a Mexican in real life ) does very well as the villainous " Paco " . Marley's supporting character , a proud and " sympathetic " Mexican , comes across well , also . Look for James Doohan ( as Mike Pripton ) in a pre - " Star Trek " bit part . Unfortunately , the interesting cast can't raise the story above ordinary . Laredo - I See by Your Outfit ( / 65 ) Harvey Hart - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , James Farentino
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453,518 | 15,896,852 | 71,790 | 3 |
Madhouse is for Laughter .
|
Vincent Price ( as Paul Toombes ) is at it again ! He's a old time horror movie star on the comeback trail ; his attempt is , however , being thwarted by a series of horrific murders . Naturally , Mr . Price ( aka " Dr . Death " ) is a prime suspect . Along for the movie ride are Peter Cushing ( as writer Herbert Flay ) and Robert Quarry ( as producer Oliver Quayle ) . Another interesting , but failed , follow-up to Price's successful " The Abominable Dr . Phibes " ( 1971 ) . The promising team-up of horror maestros Vincent Price and Peter Cushing , with Robert Quarry , in a " Madhouse " is decidedly anti-climatic - in fact , the stars are not at all well-served . The film is cheap ; and , the story inferior and predictable . Some of the scenes are laughable instead of horrifying - the bed crushing apparatus looks very tacky when it comes down the second time , for example . Don't expect much from this " Madhouse " . Madhouse ( 1974 ) Jim Clark - Vincent Price , Peter Cushing , Robert Quarry
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452,866 | 15,896,852 | 624,833 | 3 |
Season Ending Silliness
|
Veteran inventor Charlie Ruggles ( as John Cane ) is able to open a jammed bank vault , which attracts unsavory Noah Berry ( as Ezekiel Fry ) and pal Robert Yuro ( as Sebastian " Sab " Melendez ) . The dastardly duo want Mr . Ruggles to help them rob banks . Ruggles declines , of course . To help him change is mind , Mr . Berry has his gang kidnap Reese ( Neville Brand ) , who is a good friend of Ruggles . But , Reese has good friends , too , like Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) . This , the last show aired during the first season of " Laredo " , is a very silly story , with a good guest cast ( including the dog ) . Laredo - A Taste of Money ( / 66 ) William Witney - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , William Smith
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452,681 | 15,896,852 | 624,861 | 3 |
Too Many Crooks
|
Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) want a couple of days off to rest , but Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) sends the two Rangers out to stop the " Ramirez Gang " from terrorizing the nearby town of Guarded Wells . After killing off Ramirez , Chad and Joe are rewarded with liquor and women ; of particular appeal , to Chad , is curvaceous blonde Mimsy Farmer ( as Lorrie Thatcher ) . Ms . Farmer and grandfather George Chandler tell Chad about " The Calico Kid " , a legendary outlaw . In order to stay in Guarded Wells , and continue soaking up local color , Chad informs Parmalee about the imaginary arrival of " The Calico Kid " . Smelling a rat , Parmalee rounds up Reese ( Neville Brand , in a noticeably lightened workload ) to investigate . . . Laredo - The Calico Kid ( / 66 ) Lawrence Dobkin - Peter Brown , William Smith , Neville Brand
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453,381 | 15,896,852 | 18,218 | 3 |
The Spaniard That Lighted My Life
|
Through 1906 , the proud Vasquez family has prospered in San Francisco ; it is the land the Spanish family helped conquer , and settle . The sweetest rose in the Vasquez Rancho's fair garden is dreamy Dolores Costello ( as Dolores Vasquez ) . Senorita Costello catches the eye , and heart , of Irish gentleman Charles Emmett Mack ( as Terrence O'Shaughnessy ) , a business acquaintance distrusted by patriarch Josef Swickard ( as Don Hernandez de Vasquez ) . Mr . Swickard wants his grand-daughter to marry another Spaniard , preferably a rich one . Then , cruel and crafty Warner Oland ( as Chris Buckwell ) and his Chinese " Mongol " gang threaten Dolores ' life , liberty , and pursuit of happiness . A relatively well-produced Darryl F . Zanuck silent . The time and place of " Old San Francisco " gives away the ending ; of course , it's the great 1906 earthquake . Photographer Hal Mohr and director Alan Crosland collaborate for some nice images ; for example , the shadowy Oland / Mack fight , and Chinatown's underground labyrinth . Supporting player Anna May Wong barely appears ; but , Angelo Rossita is cute as a caged dwarf related to the villainous Mr . Oland . Unfortunately , the story wavers between ludicrous and despicable . If it weren't all so silly , it might have been even more offensive .
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452,868 | 15,896,852 | 624,863 | 3 |
The Kid Stays in the Picture
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Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) are to bring in wounded bank robber Jack Kelly ( as Lance Mabry ) , but find it difficult after meeting his perky pigtailed daughter , Gina Gillespie ( as Kim " Missy " Mabry ) . This is the obligatory " outlaw with a cute kid " episode ( and , it was Easter time , after all ) . Unfortunately , it is a noticeably sloppy production . Kids do help with characterization , and the Rangers react accordingly . The script experiments with an out of the blue " point-of-view " flashback , with Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) speculating about how events unfolded . At least , each member of the " Laredo " cast is utilized . Laredo - The Deadliest Kid in the West ( / 66 ) Leon Benson - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , William Smith
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452,925 | 15,896,852 | 624,859 | 3 |
Chad & Jeremy - Busted in Whiskey Flats !
|
In Three Forks , Texas , English actors Chad ( as Dudley Leicester ) and Jeremy ( as Newton Weekes ) are being arrested for nonpayment of debts ; but , Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) intervene on their behalf . As it turns out , Jeremy is one of Chad ( Brown ) ' s old friends . Chad and Joe go off to track down an outlaw , and let Chad and Jeremy go free . Chad and Jeremy sing " In These Hard Times " ; then , they go to nearby Whiskey Flats . There , Chad ( Dudley ) poses as " Reverend Jones " . But , the British singing duo gets into trouble when required to perform the wedding ceremony of Peter Graves ( as Ben Conrad ) and Marlyn Mason ( as Belleflower Ferne ) , because Chad ( Dudley ) isn't a real minister . Elsewhere , Chad and Joe learn their outlaw prey is Mr . Graves , who is threatening Chad and Jeremy in Whisky Flats . . . Apparently , another " try-out " episode , this time for popular " British Invasion " singing duo Chad and Jeremy , who had recently entertained on " The Patty Duke Show " . Brown and Smith are relegated to supporting roles . Regulars Neville Brand and Philip Carey make no appearance at all . Laredo - That's Noway , Thataway ( / 66 ) Howard Morris - Chad Stuart , Jeremy Clyde , Peter Brown
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452,865 | 15,896,852 | 624,854 | 3 |
High Noon minus Forty-Five Minutes
|
Reese ( Neville Brand ) plans an anniversary celebration for Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) , who has been leading the Rangers of Company B for four ( or three ) years . While Reese lines up some dancing girls , Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) get the whiskey . Unfortunately , the men have difficulties finding someone to bake the cake . Even worse , a mysterious man from Capt . Parmalee's past , Lee Van Cleef ( as " Big Mike Kelly " aka Fallon ) , challenges him to a " High Noon " duel at 11 : 15 . The comedy highlight should have been Reese baking the captain's cake , with Joe assisting ; but , it falls flat . Guest starring villain Lee Van Cleef served a similar role in the classic " High Noon " . This episode falls at least forty-five minutes short of the original . It isn't much , but Mr . Carey gets a larger than usual role in the episode's action . Laredo - Quarter Past Eleven ( / 66 ) Irving J . Moore - Neville Brand , Philip Carey , Lee Van Cleef
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452,929 | 15,896,852 | 624,849 | 3 |
Breaking the Habit
|
Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) , argue about volunteering as escort for two of the Governor's friends . The Rangers are excited to help , when Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) reveals they are two French sisters . However , the women turn out to be nuns Barbara Rush ( as Sister Williams ) and Kristina Holland ( as Sister Joan of Arc ) . The holy twosome want to re-open an old mission , but get into trouble with some nasty Comanches . Despite the danger , the nuns insist on doing God's work , with Chad and Joe chastely watching over them . Reese does not stick around , after his opening scenes . The sisters manage to get some of the " Red Men " out of their Teepees and into the Church . Later , the facility is revealed to be where the " Ford Gang " has stashed some booty , leading to a Comanche / Ranger team-up . Later , Ms . Rush shed her habit to become a regular on " Peyton Place " , and Ms . Holland got a job as Bill Bixby's secretary on " The Courtship of Eddie's Father " . Laredo - Miracle at Massacre Mission ( / 66 ) Bernard McEveety - Peter Brown , William Smith , Barbara Rush
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452,649 | 15,896,852 | 624,879 | 3 |
Chad Hears Wedding Bells
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Chad ( Peter Brown ) ' s demeanor worries Reese ( Neville Brand ) and Joe ( William Smith ) ; they think he's fallen under the spell of a blonde , or red-haired woman . As it turns out , she's Myrna Fahey ( as Emily Henderson ) , a busty brunette beauty . Ms . Fahey , Chad's old girlfriend , has arrived in Laredo with her father , David Brian ( as Theo Henderson ) , a railroad construction manager . As Reese and Joe feared , their partner has fallen in love . Soon , Chad gives Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) his resignation ; then , he heads off for wedded life , and a job working on his fiancée's father's railroad . This is a fairly routine and necessarily predictable episode . Chad's misjudgment of the woman's character is surprising , since he seems to have known her well , previously . Still , she was lovely , and came with the hefty promise of $400 . 00 per month . In the end , the bond between the three Rangers is nicely solidified . Laredo - Three's Company ( / 65 ) Bernard McEveety - Peter Brown , Neville Brand , William Smith
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452,635 | 15,896,852 | 986 | 3 |
Rampaging the Viperous French Nobility
|
During the French Revolution , wealthy couple Arthur Johnson and Marion Leonard are among the citizens spared , from the rampaging mobs , by professing Republican beliefs . Nobleman Frank Powell flees from murderous lower class Frenchmen ; arriving at Mr . Johnson and Ms . Leonard's safe Republican-leaning home , he begs for safe haven . Johnson agrees to help the desperate Noble , and he allows Powell to stay in his home , disguised as a servant . " In spite of the aristocrats seemingly Republican sentiments , the insurrectionists , with the cry , ' Give us bread ' , ransack the house . " Still , Powell is spared . Remaining on , he reveals himself a traitor , by attacking his savior's desirous wife , Ms . Leonard . After Johnson discovers he is " Nursing a Viper " , what terrible revenge might he seek ? Nobility is viperous in this " Story of the French Revolution " from director D . W . Griffith . Note that wife Leonard wears an especially HUGE cross , which is no help in deterring the lecherous Powell ; obviously , he is going for the less bloody sort of necking ! The French peasants are shown to be particularly bloody in this one , of several , Griffith visits to the French Revolutionary period . The screen suggests much murdering , raping , and decapitating of the French Noble class .
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452,765 | 15,896,852 | 58,466 | 3 |
Foggy Murder Mystery
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Residents and visitors of the Soho district in London are terrified due to a series of brutal murders near a prominent nightclub . A killer wearing a horrifying skull mask and golden gloves has been murdering patrons of the Sansibar . Scotland Yard is desperate to discover the secret behind the murders and find the killer before another victim falls at his hands , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Scotland Yard inspector Dieter Borsche ( as Hugh Patton ) is unexpectedly accompanied , in sleuthing , by murder mystery novelist Barbara Rutting ( as Clarinda Smith ) . Ms . Rütting believes she can unmask the " Phantom of Soho " before the police . Mr . Borsche is assisted by humorless Peter Sellers look-alike Peter Vogel ( as Hallam ) . Director Gottlieb fails to make it very interesting , with some " arty " camera placements . Das Phantom von Soho ( 1964 ) Franz Josef Gottlieb - Dieter Borsche , Barbara Rütting , Peter Vogel
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452,898 | 15,896,852 | 87,071 | 3 |
Father Confusion
|
A British girl is traveling with her estranged father in order to attempt to rebuild their relationship . Shortly after they arrive in East Germany , the girl begins to suffer from strange sensations and mental lapses , where she remembers events from World War II that she could never have experienced herself . Is this a case of mental breakdown , is it possible memories from a past life , or is she dealing with a rip in the fabric of time and she is actually experiencing the events for real ? asks the DVD sleeve's synopsis . James Dearden's " The Cold Room " opens with the telling definition : " Possession : psychological state in which an individual personality is replaced by another . " In this case , possession can also be mind-numbingly dull . When she throws up her milk , you'll know ill-tempered Amanda Pays ( as Carla Martin ) is becoming Nazi-era rape victim " Christa Bruckner " . Her father , George Segal ( as Hugh Martin ) , wants to bridge the generation gap , as Ms . Pays goes mad . Pretty , model-like Pays has some serious father problems . Anthony Higgins ( as Erich ) has a good supporting role . The Cold Room ( 1984 ) James Dearden - Amanda Pays , George Segal , Anthony Higgins
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452,923 | 15,896,852 | 624,875 | 3 |
Who Is Killing the Cast of Laredo ?
|
A serial killer is loose in Laredo , which sets Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) sleuthing . Joe ( William Smith ) is a suspect , having suffered gambling loses to Harry Lauter ( as Spence Gillis ) , an early victim . A more likely suspect may be John Carradine ( as Professor Paracelsus Smythe ) , who arrives with his " Traveling Museum of Horrors " . Soon , suspicions fall mainly in Irishman Tom Simcox ( as Shamus McCloud ) , in town to meet his dead brother . But , as the bodies pile up , temple-scarred doctor DeForest Kelly ( as David Ingram ) moves up the suspect list . Could it be beautiful blonde Laraine Stephens ( as Barbara Halsey ) , or couldn't it ? The clue about each murder being accompanied by a strange sound gives the episode its title . The strange sounds , illustrated by a weird special effect , are annoying indeed . This is an unconvincing novelty episode . Soon after this appearance , Mr . Kelly found a " Wagon Train " to the stars ( " Star Trek " ) . Laredo - Sound of Terror ( / 66 ) William Witney - Tom Simcox , DeForest Kelly , John Carradine
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452,647 | 15,896,852 | 624,867 | 3 |
Accent on Alan Napier
|
Captain Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) takes the Rangers out to police a nearby homesteaders land giveaway . The Laredo quartet check in with Fred Clark ( as Commissioner Smoot ) , who will administrate the proceedings , in Fort Hall . While waiting for the " land rush " to begin , Chad ( Peter Brown ) romances shapely brunette widow Audrey Dalton ( as Alice Coverly ) ; and , Reese ( Neville Brand ) entertains the homesteaders ' children , including Ms . Dalton's son Keith Jones ( as Robert Coverly ) . Joe ( William Smith ) tries to keep his pals focused on their job . Grandfatherly uniformed Alan Napier ( as Major Donaldson ) steals the show . The lucky TV antenna would soon point Mr . Napier in Batman's direction , where he would memorably run stately Wayne Manor , as Bruce's butler " Alfred " . Young Mr . Jones gives Reese a good lesson on Indians . This episode's story is misshapen on several levels , unfortunately . For example , the thugs who want to cheat during the " land rush " get around so quickly , it was unnecessary for them to break the rules . And , the charming Coverly family certainly features an odd progression of British accents . Laredo - The Land Grabbers ( / 65 ) R . G . Springsteen - Neville Brand , Peter Brown , William Smith
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452,648 | 15,896,852 | 624,864 | 3 |
Reese's Gold
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Reese ( Neville Brand ) is called in for praise , and assigned a solo mission , by Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) ; he is to transport a special , secret shipment from St . Louis to Laredo . Reese suspects it's an important shipment of gold , and brags to Chad ( Peter Brown ) and Joe ( William Smith ) , in the saloon . Their conversation is overheard ; causing several gold-diggers to threaten Reese's mission - - including : sweet talking Jeanette Nolan ( as Ma Burns ) , corrupt Sheriff ( as Wes Cottrell ) , old timer Arthur Hunnicutt , and gun-slinger Tom Reese ( as Tom Baker ) . This episode is the first to focus almost exclusively on one character ; in this case , Mr . Brand's Reese . An opening scene includes the three rangers , and some stock footage appears toward the end . Mr . Brown's " Chad " has a good scene , near the end . Understandably , the " Laredo " team spirit is subdued . Ms . Nolan's scheming turn as " Muriel Beauregard " is the strongest of a notable guest roster . Laredo - The Golden Trail ( / 65 ) Earl Bellamy - Neville Brand , Jeanette Nolan , Philip Carey
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452,737 | 15,896,852 | 29,789 | 3 |
Everyone is Out of Their Tree
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Woman ( Miriam Hopkins as Virginia ) chases Man ( Joel McCrea as Kenneth ) for father ( Charles Winninger as B . J . ) . Woman wants to get Man to invest some of deceased mother's money in father's business venture ; but , father is notorious for losing money on hair-brained schemes . Little does anyone know , but real evil schemers are posing as Man's best friends in order to steal his fortune . . . The production looks engaging , but the story fails to engage . The players don't play drunk well . Notable as Broderick Crawford's first appearance as gopher " Hunk " ; other than running errands , Mr . Crawford gets pinned to the floor by Mr . McCrea . Woman Chases Man ( 1937 ) John G . Blystone - Miriam Hopkins , Joel McCrea , Charles Winninger
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453,668 | 15,896,852 | 57,270 | 3 |
Two Tribes Go to War
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A hydra is threatening the countryside and the people are terrified for their lives . The people's only hope of survival rests with Maxus , a powerful man who has the strength of many men . Before Maxus can battle the multi-headed monster , he must face other challenges in order to prove himself worthy and to prepare for the fateful battle , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Actually , the story mainly involves a struggle between two pre-historic tribes : the " Good " or " Sun " worshipers , and the " Bad " or " Moon " worshipers . The " Sun " tribe of Nomads has decided to settle and live in peace ; but , they pick land claimed by nearby " Moon " worshiping Cavemen . Bodybuilder Reg Lewis ( as Maciste , or Maxus in English ) does not belong to any tribe ; however , he bonds with " Sun " leader Luciano Marin ( as Idar ) , after saving him ( and his woman ) from a sea monster . The plot thickens when Mr . Lewis and " Moon " tribe woman Margaret Lee ( as Moah ) fall in love . In English , misleadingly reproduced as " Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules " ( ) . The English dubbing is dreadful ; in a couple of scenes , two completely different voices dub Lewis . The bleached-blond muscleman throws cavemen around , and poses . Mr . Marin essays his part better than others ; but , considering the shoddiness of the production , it's a wasted effort . The best part of the movie is the added-on TV theme song , " The ( Mighty ) Sons of Hercules " .
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452,559 | 15,896,852 | 44,969 | 3 |
Huntz Hall Gets it in The End
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Bernard Gorcey ( as Louie Dumbrowsky ) ' s " Ice Cream Parlor " gets held-up , as leader Leo Gorcey ( as Slip Mahoney ) and " The Bowery Boys " come in for banana splits . Amusingly , Huntz Hall ( as Horace Debussy " Sach " Jones ) defends the older Gorcey , and gets hit on his head with the robber's pistol . Strangely , the gun doesn't hurt Mr . Hall . After a trip to the doctor , the " scientific seduction " is that Hall's " square head " has developed super-human thickness , due to calcium deposits . This diagnosis doesn't make much sense , considering later events , but , anyway ? Mr . Gorcey's " Slip " sees a $1 , 000 wrestling contest as easy money , due to Hall's impervious hard-head . So , Hall is recruited into the ring . But , Hall's power has an unpredictable limitation - it travels to other body parts , without notice . Having little to say or do , David " Condon " Gorcey ( as Chuck ) and Benny " Bennie " Bartlett ( as Butch ) appear only to make " The Bowery Boys " still seem like a group . At a party , Hall tells Sandra Gould , " You better take that harmonica out of your mouth . " By then , you may have forgotten what " No Holds Barred " is about . No Holds Barred ( / 52 ) William Beaudine - Huntz Hall , Leo Gorcey , Bernard Gorcey
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452,568 | 15,896,852 | 5,489 | 3 |
Next !
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Charlie Chaplin responds to open auditions at Lodestone Studios . Rival Ben Turpin arrives at the same studio , obviously another unemployed comedian ! Turpin tries to horn in on Chaplin's action after the studio head hollers , " Next ! " Chaplin manages to walk in over Turpin , however . Charlie amusingly manages to botch jobs as an actor and carpenter . In the end , he manages to get a big break , but will a star be born ? There are a lot of jokes involving the buttocks . The initial scene involving slapstick from Chaplin and Turpin is a relative highlight . Note that Gloria Swanson is the typist in the far background left on your screen , in the film's opening . Agnes Ayres also appears . His New Job ( 1915 ) Charles Chaplin - Charlie Chaplin , Ben Turpin , Charlotte Mineau
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453,364 | 15,896,852 | 22,840 | 3 |
Voici William Farnum
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French-accented William Farnum ( as Drifter ) trudges from the snowy mountains of Canada , to his valley hometown . Along the way , he partners up with old Charles Sellon ( as Whitey ) , who has just finished a 20-year prison stay . In town , the men meet their stated objectives : to find work and women . Mr . Farnum and his pal get a jobs with the Canadian Lumber Company , run by Noah Berry ( as John McNary ) , after Farnum rids the town of ruthless Russell Hopton ( as Montana ) . Mr . Berry's pretty blonde daughter Phyllis Barrington ( as Bonnie McNary ) catches Farnum's eye , but she is seeing business rival Bruce Warren ( as Paul LaTour ) . Farnum , a huge silent film star beginning with " The Spoilers " ( 1914 ) , uses techniques from that medium , and stage experience ; he's interesting , at least , in this unsuccessful picture . " The Drifter " suffers from some distracting technical flaws , also . Of the supporting cast , Mr . Sellon outperforms the reliable brother of Wallace Berry . Mr . Hopton is good , also ; in one of the film's better scenes , Farnum shoots him at Church . The Drifter ( 1932 ) William O'Connor - William Farnum , Noah Berry , Phyllis Barrington
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453,625 | 15,896,852 | 29,694 | 3 |
Lovely Rita
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While Tex Ritter ( as Tex Masters ) sings " Down the Colorado Trail " , accompanied by harmonica-playing sidekick Horace Murphy ( as Lucky ) , pretty government agent Rita Hayworth ( as Carmen Serano ) is sent out to investigate a series of mysterious rodeo deaths . Ms . Hayworth and Mr . Ritter cross paths in Middletown Valley , where Ritter is looking for the gang that killed his brother . Undercover girl Hayworth and singing cowboy Ritter are the main attractions . Hayworth and Hank Worden have a couple of smooth dance numbers . Ritter's " Down the Colorado Trail " and " I'm Bound to Leave Ol ' Texas Now " are highlights ; the latter ballad is especially nice . The " Trouble in Texas " is , most obviously , its poorly edited " rodeo footage " . It might have , otherwise , been a better movie .
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452,914 | 15,896,852 | 564,312 | 3 |
Donna the Prima Donna
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Donna ( Donna Reed ) and the other mothers in the audience are moved to tears by Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) ' s " Freshman Class Essay Contest " speech on " The most beautiful word in the English language , Mother . " Brother Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) notes , " She's really pouring it on . " And , father Alex ( Carl Betz ) feels under-appreciated . When Donna's reputation as a " super-mom " becomes the talk of the town , Alex begins to wonder about his worth . So , Donna turns Alex's birthday party into an homage to father Stone . A pre - " Green Acres " Alvy Moore appears as reporter " Hank Cole " of the " Daily Sentinel " , desiring to do a human interest story on Donna , " the modern woman , " and get a shot of her in a bathing suit . The Male Ego ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Carl Betz , Shelley Fabares
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452,894 | 15,896,852 | 9,732 | 3 |
Lloyd Goes West
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Two-Gun Gussie ( 1918 ) Alf Goulding - Harold Lloyd , William Blasdell , ' Snub ' Pollard A successful pianist , Harold Lloyd goes west , where he is less appreciated , to tickle the ivories at the " Howling Poodle Tango Bar " . There , dastardly gunslinger William Blasdell ( as Dagger-Tooth Dan ) makes Mr . Lloyd's life difficult ; he steals Lloyd's earnings and makes time with Bebe Daniels . Then , to avoid the attentions of sheriff Charles Stevenson ( as Whooping-Cough Charlie ) , he infers Lloyd is the tough " Two-Gun Gussie " . The funnier film moments follow , with Lloyd pretending to be a fearless hombre . " Snub " Pollard is good , as the bartender .
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452,913 | 15,896,852 | 564,307 | 3 |
Donna and Jeff Take a Hike
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Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) is excited about going on an overnight camping trip with some of the neighborhood boys , which father Alex ( Carl Betz ) will supervise . At the same time , Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) is planning to spend her weekend at a girlfriend's house . Jeff is looking forward to " roughing it " while sister Mary and her friends " giggle all night . " Donna ( Donna Reed ) provides extra blankets for the boys , and lends Mary her overnight bag . When doctor Alex is called to emergency duty at the hospital , and must cancel the hike , Donna volunteers to supervise the boys . Alex fears " a male world and a female world " won't mix , but Donna reminds him , " I was once a girl scout . " Not much happens . The writing credits ( Jay Sommers and Don Nelson ) suggest this script might have began its life as a possible " Ozzie and Harriet " adventure - but , Harriet would have likely nixed it and / or Rick and his friends were , by 1958 , too old to require adult supervision under a camping tent . First appearance of Jeff's pals Scotty Morrow and Stephen Pearson . The Hike ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Carl Betz , Paul Peterson
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452,776 | 15,896,852 | 49,578 | 3 |
Not Tonight , I have a Headache
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June Allyson is not naughty enough for her husband , so he goes for Joan Collins , who has a roving eye of her own . They have to decide , in the end , which twosome is preferable . What seems like a million other characters move in and out of the story , all focused around Ms . Allyson . Some of the characters are interesting and recognizable , some are not ? all become tiresome , eventually . It does sound , like others have commented , that Doris Day sings one of Allyson's songs ( early-ish in the movie ) . I've been watching TCM's tribute to Allyson , and some of these films are strange indeed ! It's nice of TCM to show them , though . Allyson often wears something to match her lipstick . Ms . Collins likes to smoke in her bathtubs . The Opposite Sex ( 1956 ) David Miller - June Allyson , Joan Collins , Dolores Gray
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453,581 | 15,896,852 | 1,032 | 3 |
Sealed with a Kiss
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Early film directed by D . W . Griffith ; it features a gloriously happy King ( Arthur V . Johnson ) and his Queen ( Marion Leonard ) - but , wait ! When the King leaves the scene , his Queen makes music with the palace's Minstrel ( Henry B . Walthall ) . When the King discovers the lovers , he decides to enact a horrific Edgar Allen Poe-type revenge . It's difficult to believe the lovers can't hear those plotting against them ; although the actors are trying to look alternately noisy ( the lovers ) and quiet ( the cement mixers ) . The sets make " The Sealed Room " look very staged . The performances are okay , and the story is easy to follow . The Sealed Room ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - Arthur V . Johnson , Henry B . Walthall , Marion Leonard
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453,624 | 15,896,852 | 564,273 | 3 |
Donna Takes it on the Chin
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Donna is practicing to play " Nora " for an amateur production of Ibsen's " A Doll's House " - and , she's obviously awful . The family Stone is dumbfounded . Alex ( Carl Betz ) suggests Donna cut her lines , which snobbish director Mary Shipp ( as Lydia Langley ) has already done . Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) says her mother " has a lot of nerve , " and Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) thinks she shouldn't emote so much . Director Shipp wants Donna's part . Later , Jeff comes home from school with a black eye . Donna scolds him for fighting , but he got the shiner from Shipp's son , Kim Charney ( as Charles " Chunky " Langley ) , because the lad said Donna was , " as an actress ? strictly from hunger . " When Donna finds out , she decides to teach Jeff how to box . Oops . Jeff socks Donna in the chin , and gives " Chunky " a bloody nose . When Alex tries to administer first aid , he gets a black eye , too . Pardon My Gloves ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Carl Betz , Paul Peterson
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452,996 | 15,896,852 | 74,836 | 3 |
Dennis Down Under
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In the mid 1800s , Irishman Dennis Hopper ( as Daniel Morgan ) emigrates to Australia , seeking a share of the continent's gold . Instead , Mr . Hopper finds himself branded , and thrown in a torturous prison ; there , he is gang-raped . Upon release , Hopper hooks up with aborigine David Gulpilil ( as Billy ) , with whom he seeks revenge upon sadistic Bill Hunter ( as Sergeant Smith ) , Jack Thompson ( as Detective Mainwaring ) , and others . Eventually , vengeance becomes heroism ; Hopper is admired and assisted by the common people , and hunted by corrupt and powerful authorities . Hopper's " scarcely human " performance certainly fits the disjointed feel of the film . Mr . Gulpilil heads up a strong supporting cast . The personnel involved in " Mad Dog Morgan " make it not only worth a look , but also a huge disappointment . Mad Dog Morgan ( 1976 ) Philippe Mora - Dennis Hopper , David Gulpilil , Bill Hunter
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453,666 | 15,896,852 | 71,426 | 3 |
UFO No Show
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A flight wing of the Air Force has been experiencing difficulties with some of its aircraft so as a test they send aloft a jet with a four man crew . Once airborne , the jet picks up three mysterious objects on radar and when two interceptors are sent to investigate , they mysteriously disappear , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . While Air Force Col . Glenn Ford ( as Pete Moore ) and his men try to investigate events surrounding the UFO sighting , US government officials move to cover-up the incident . Mustached David Soul ( as Roy Bishop ) heads a cast of familiar and likable TV actors , in a TV movie . One is not as familiar as the rest : " Dark Shadows " star James Storm is partially obscured by a dark cap ; he is manning the " Digger Control " that diverts Mr . Soul's plane .
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453,454 | 15,896,852 | 1,050 | 3 |
Robbing the Reverend
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Arthur V . Johnson ( as Reverend John Stanton ) is a " good shepherd " minister ; he interrupts a sermon to rescue a mother's son from a drunken party , and returns to praise the Lord . While some ministers pass around collection plates , Mr . Johnson reaches into his pocket to give an offering to needy bums . Enter Stephanie Longfellow ( as Mary Rollins ) ; she is in cahoots with thieves Frank Powell and Henry B . Walthall - - the three are going to disobey the commandment " Thou Shalt Not Steal " in earnest , by robbing Preacher Stanton ! But , Mr . Johnson feels an urge for Ms . Longfellow , and she gets an itch to repent . Predictable .
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453,446 | 15,896,852 | 1,083 | 3 |
A Flower from Mary Pickford
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Crippled violinist David Miles ( as Filippo ) is very much taken with lovely young Mary Pickford ( as Giannina Ferrari ) ; when she tosses him a flower , he lovingly places it in a special vase . Ms . Pickford is rather free with her flowers , however , and also has one for Mr . Miles ' dashing friend Owen Moore ( as Sandro ) ; for Mr . Moore , Pickford includes an amorous " come hither " look . The residents of Cremona are apparently violin enthusiasts ; Miles and Moore enter a contest to see which man can make the best violin in town . The prizes are a gold chain and ? Mary Pickford's hand in marriage , allowed by her father Herbert Prior ( as Taddeo Ferrari ) ! Who will the winner be ? Interesting as an early co-starring role for Pickford ; with a few exceptions , she is not as impressive in her early film roles as might be expected after viewing her later , sometimes exceptional , performances . Pickford's best moment is her repulsion when she realizes the " lame " Miles will enter the contest to win her hand in marriage , obviously because he is disabled ! Miles is the real star of this D . W . Griffith film ; given the best role , he gives the most interesting performance . A hundred years later , you can finally call " The Violin Maker of Cremona " lame . The Violin Maker of Cremona ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - David Miles , Mary Pickford , Owen Moore
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453,200 | 15,896,852 | 564,235 | 3 |
A Date with George Hamilton
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Mary is feeling jittery , before a date with young George Hamilton ( as Herbie Shields ) . Donna reassures her about the older boy , who is " two classes ahead " of Mary . When Jeff understands his sister will be all alone with Mr . Hamilton , he says , " Have fun ! " After Mary's date with Hamilton goes badly , she comes home in tears . So , Donna tells her about her own first date with Alex ? Then , in flashback , Donna nervously meets Alex , for an initial " New Year's Eve " date . . . The flashback sequences are not at all convincing . And , it's strange to see her patents push Mary out to a drive-in movie with a visibly weird young man " two classes ahead " of Mary ( and , he looks even older ) . Most other parents would have locked Mary in her room for the evening . If Alfred Hitchcock saw Mr . Hamilton's appearance in this episode , we might have had a different " Psycho " - and a different career for Mr . Hamilton . He turns out to be a nice guy , though . Have Fun ( / 59 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Shelley Fabares , George Hamilton
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453,198 | 15,896,852 | 564,238 | 3 |
The Silent Treatment
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Hans Conried ( as Popkin ) arrives , with his ailing son . But , Mr . Conried can't afford the $100 treatments Alex ( Carl Betz ) recommends . And , he won't take charity , calling it , " The most insidious obligation of all . " In order to help the poor man out , Donna ( Donna Reed ) hires him as a part-time handyman , with disastrous results . However , Donna thinks Conried has a talent for making toys , and tries to get them displayed in Richard Deacon's toy store . Peddler Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) and shill Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) try to sell Conried's toy rabbits , but get in trouble with the law ? A good cast , in an ordinary episode . Robert " Bobby " Crawford looks like brother Johnny ( " The Rifleman " ) Crawford . Conried and Donna should have gotten treatment , for electrocution and inhalation . It's the Principle of the Thing ( / 59 ) Oscar Rudolph - Hans Conried , Donna Reed , Paul Peterson
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453,052 | 15,896,852 | 1,227 | 3 |
Dueling Johns
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In the sting of the Civil War , mothers and sweethearts must wait and worry as their sons and lovers go off to the front . Forthwith , a Southerner named John ( Edwin August ) goes off to fight for the Confederacy . Meanwhile , a Northerner named John ( Edward Dillon ) goes off to fight for the Union . Naturally , the two opposing soldiers named John have a mother ( Kate Bruce or Clara T . Bracey ) and a sweetheart ( Dorothy West or Lucy Cotton ) waiting for their safe return . As fate would have it , the Johns meet on the battlefield , and one shoots the other . Later , Mr . August ( of the Union ) finds himself alone and pursued ; the only refuge is the home belonging to Ms . Bruce , mother of the Confederate officer he shot . Thinking first as a mother , she hides " The Fugitive " . Then , her wounded son is brought home ! A nice idea , but rather slightly told , from director D . W . Griffith .
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452,579 | 15,896,852 | 71,634 | 3 |
Huck and Jim Sing
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Unnecessary and unsatisfying musical rendering of Mark Twain's classic " Adventures of Huckleberry Finn " . At least , it captures the genuine friendship between Jeff East ( as Huckleberry Finn ) and Paul Winfield ( as Jim ) . However , these two performers are much more likable in other projects . Interestingly , Mr . East portrayed " Huck " in 1973's similarly presented re-make of " Tom Sawyer " , which was considered the better film . In my opinion , East would have been a better " Tom " than " Huck " . Some of the photography is rather nice , especially during the more moody ending . The Sherman-Sherman musical numbers are well below standard . The movie doesn't seem much like the book . Roberta Flack sings " Freedom " to end it all , at last . Huckleberry Finn ( 1974 ) J . Lee Thompson - Jeff East , Paul Winfield , Harvey Korman
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452,528 | 15,896,852 | 115,506 | 3 |
Cave Encounters
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A fleet of UFOs is circling the Earth and a top scientist races to discover their true intentions for the planet . When the UFOs begin an attack on Earth , the scientist finds himself thrown in with a sheriff and his deputies transporting some prisoners to jail . The unlikely group is forced to seek shelter from the attack in a nearby cave , not knowing how significant it is to the alien's plans , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Peter Maris ' " Alien Species " probably heated up a few 1990s video players , with its title and young cast . Star-billed supporting actors Charles Napier ( as Sheriff Nate Bridges ) and Hoke Howell haven't much to do ; instead , the film focuses on " young talent " . More seems to have been expected from Marc Robinson ( as Paul Towers ) and Jodi Seronick ( as Carol Nelson ) than the others ; although , Kurt Paul ( as Harlan Banks ) is more enjoyable than not . The titillation level is relatively low , you show know ; the sexiest scene is when Mr . Robinson carries Ashley Semrick ( as Stacy Chambers ) out of the cave , close to the end . ( " Somewhere , over the rainbow , way up high ? " ) Perhaps the all too quick and confusing conclusion would have been clearer in the " Coming Soon " , but canceled , follow-up " Alien Species 2 - The Invasion . " Oh , well , there is still time . . .
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453,051 | 15,896,852 | 1,256 | 3 |
The Perseverance of Suitors
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Henry B . Walthall ( as Charles Randolph ) goes off to fight for the Confederacy , during the Civil War . Also joining the ranks are his sister ( Agnes Randolph ) ' s suitors - - Joseph Graybill and Charles West . Later , in General Robert E . Lee's tent , soldier Walthall is chosen for an dangerous mission . But , the war , and drink , have turned him into a coward ; unable to complete the mission , he runs home to mother ( Grace Henderson ) . To save family honor , Ms . West puts on her brother's uniform to complete the mission . After receiving sad news from General Lee , mother Henderson demands cowardly Walthall hide in " The House with Closed Shutters " , so folks will think he died honorably . Her plans are complicated when the sister's suitors return again , and again ? and again . The two suitors certainly do persevere ! Directed by D . W . Griffith .
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452,462 | 15,896,852 | 34,224 | 3 |
Bela Lugosi Meets " The East Side Kids "
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In a plot patterned after 1940's " Boys of the City " ; Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs ) , Bobby Jordan ( as Danny ) , Huntz Hall ( as Glimpy ) , Ernest " Sunshine Sammy " Morrison ( as Scruno ) , Donald Haines ( as Skinny ) , and David Gorcey ( as Peewee ) slip away to a spooky old country estate , after getting in trouble with the law . This time " The East Side Kids " meet a Dracula-like host - menacing Bela Lugosi ( as Nardo ) . Naturally , the " Kids " think Mr . Lugosi is the " The Monster Killer " threatening the area . And , if you saw him dematerialize , you'd think so , too ? Spooks Run Wild ( / 41 ) Phil Rosen - Leo Gorcey , Bobby Jordan , Bela Lugosi
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453,723 | 15,896,852 | 27,504 | 3 |
Mystery Misfire
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A murder is committed at the Forest Park Planetarium during a lecture by the celebrated Astronomer , Professor Ernst Einfeld ( Lee Kohlmar ) . The fatal shot is fired in semi-darkness while a distinguished audience observes the stars projected on the dome above them . A hardboiled homicide detective ( Russell Hopton ) trades verbal jabs with a wisecracking gal reporter ( Lola Lane ) as they attempt to unravel the mysterious killing , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . In a very dull manner . The " gal reporter " character played by Lola Lane was , in part , writer Jerry Siegel's inspiration for Superman's Girl Friend , " Lois Lane " ; however , Ms . Lane's later " Torchy Blane " characterization is a more accurate reference point . Perhaps , " Death from a Distance is most notable as featuring the penultimate performance of George F . Marion ( as Jim Gray ) , who so memorably played the father of Pauline Lord ( 1921 ) , Blanche Sweet ( 1923 ) , and Greta Garbo ( 1930 ) in Eugene O'Neill's " Anna Christie " . Death from a Distance ( / 35 ) Frank Strayer - Russell Hopton , Lola Lane , George F . Marion
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452,557 | 15,896,852 | 44,714 | 3 |
College Boy Too Late
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In a " Pygmalion " - type plot , two cultured , chess-playing college alumni agree to round up some ruffians , and enroll them in an Ivy league school . To wit , they find Leo Gorcey ( as Slip ) and " The Bowery Boys " : Huntz Hall ( as Sach ) , Gil Stratton ( as Junior ) , David " Conden " Gorcey ( as Chuck ) , and Benny " David " Bartlett ( as Butch ) . They set out to answer the question : Can any " boy " make the grade at their " Ivy University " , or do you need " blue blood " ? " The Bowery Boys " go to college - routine , unimaginative , and . . . too late . In a " hazing " scene , the " Boys " dress like girls , and go to Louie's . In a sub-plot , Leo Gorcey's father Bernard's " Louie Dumbrowsky " character's brother " Morris " appears , making it four Gorcey characters in one film . The main story involves a chemistry dabbling Mr . Hall inventing , and drinking , a vitamin concoction which makes him a super-strong football star . Some underworld types lure Hall away from the important " big game " . Hold That Line ( / 52 ) William Beaudine - Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , Bernard Gorcey
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453,701 | 15,896,852 | 190,140 | 3 |
Kids Know the Darndest Things
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Armchair intellect Robert Benchley ( as Joseph A . Doakes ) is successful answering radio quiz show questions at home . He is urged to go " on the air " for real , by wife Ruth Lee . Anticipating he will clean up with winnings , Mr . Benchley goes on a " child versus adult " program called " Why Daddy ? " , hosted by Fred Brady . There , Benchley is pitted against little Richard " Dickie " Hall . And , wouldn't you know it , the tyke ( un ) expectedly , shows up the learned Benchley ! - This short sitcom isn't all that amusing ; but , Benchley's performance suggest he might have given Gale Gordon some competition , had he lived into the television age . Why Daddy ? ( 1944 ) Will Jason - Robert Benchley , Fred Brady , Richard Hall
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452,518 | 15,896,852 | 298,203 | 3 |
Not the Real Slim Shady
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After the classic " Slim Shady " and " Marshall Mathers " LPs , Eminem hit the Hollywood show biz button with " The Eminem Show " ( album ) and " 8 Mile " ( film ) . The film is tailor made for the White Rapper . Eminem ( as Jimmy " B Rabbit " Smith ) blows a " Rap Battle " , hangs with his Detroit ' hoodies , and nails slutty Brittany Murphy ( as Alex ) . Eminem wants to be a Big Rap Star . He lives with trailer park trashy mother Kim Basinger ( as Stephanie ) and lil ' blonde sista Chloe Greenfield ( as Lily ) . Ms . Basinger gets to say the line , " Greg won't go down on me . " Word way up . Curiously , Eminem does not sport his familiar ( at the time ) short , bleached do ; instead , he wears a knit hat over more natural brown locks . Eminem doesn't contribute any rent money , but he works hard . He is careful to avoid drugs , unlike boozy mother Basinger . Who knew Detroit's " 8 Mile " was so drug free ? The soundtrack highlights are " Lose Yourself " and a fun rap-up of Lynyrd Skynyrd's " Sweet Home Alabama " , which comes off better here than on " youtube " . Still , Eminem's pre-Hollywood studio work is much more highly recommended than this semi-autobiographical movie sanitization . 8 Mile ( 2002 ) Curtis Hanson - Eminem , Kim Basinger , Brittany Murphy
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452,586 | 15,896,852 | 22,618 | 3 |
Romance on the Wrong Side of the Tracks
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Poor , pretty Blanche Mehaffey ( as Joan " Mary Smith " Wentworth ) loses her purse to a street snatcher ; but , a tipsy passing playboy , John Darrow ( as Robert " Buddy " Hayes ) , manages to retrieve the handbag . After Mr . Darrow walks Ms . Mehaffey home , he tries to collect a kiss , and more , as a reward . But , the standoffish Mehaffey smacks him . She is seeing snarling gangster Matthew Betz ( as " Snowy " Hoagland ) . Mehaffey's associations with the criminal set make her a prime suspect in the murder of the man whose testimony sent her brother to the electric chair - but , Darrow thinks Mehaffey is innocent . . . Newspaper headlines seem to proclaim the victim's death before the body of " Marco Hahn " even stiffens . Having the cat " Midnight " draw attention to the body was a purrfect touch . Mr . Betz ' gangster rap , and Raymond Hatton ( as Scoop ) ' s reporter are mildly amusing . Co-stars Mehaffey and Darrow are a boring romantic couple . Veterans like Henry B . Walthall ( as Atwell ) always manage to look good and professional , albeit in a lackluster and low-budget production . Alias Mary Smith ( 1932 ) E . Mason Hopper - Blanche Mehaffey , John Darrow , Henry B . Walthall
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453,260 | 15,896,852 | 1,481 | 3 |
Mary Pickford's Cuban Roots
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Spanish immigrant Mary Pickford ( as Kate ) shares a kiss with her Floridian sweetheart Owen Moore , then learns his ship is being sent to Cuba . Ms . Pickford is despondent , but Mr . Moore promises to be faithful . A week later , Pickford receives an invitation to attend a house party , given by her Cuban uncle . So , Pickford decides to test Moore's love . She dresses up as a native Spanish Senorita , and flirts mercilessly with Moore . He doesn't recognize his American sweetheart , and succumbs to Pickford's seduction . Furious , Pickford rebuffs her horny boyfriend . When he returns to Florida , Pickford has " a little surprise " for her roving man ! - " Artful Kate " is a cute , but not artful , film for the newly wed Moore and Pickford . Hopefully , " Kate " will advise her sweetheart to have his eyes examined . Artful Kate ( 1911 ) Thomas H . Ince - Mary Pickford , Owen Moore , Charles Arling
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453,353 | 15,896,852 | 51,381 | 3 |
Small World
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Lonely doll-maker John Hoyt ( as Mr . Franz ) hires pretty June Kenney ( as Sally Reynolds ) as secretary at his " Dolls Inc " , where he fashions and fixes puppetry . In short order , Ms . Kenney hooks up with salesman John Agar ( as Bob Westley ) . Then , Kenney learns Mr . Hoyt's previous secretary has mysteriously disappeared , along with a mailman ( they didn't elope ) . Soon , Mr . Agar joins the missing persons list . When an Agar doll turns up among Hoyt's creations , Kenney freaks . Could the odd " Mr . Franz " be , in reality , a mad scientist ? Could he be turning people into dolls ? Is Kenney next ? A very small budget , and likely short production time keeps " Attack of the Puppet People " from becoming something bigger . Still , the direction ( Bert I . Gordon ) and story situations keep things moving along ; a " drive-in " movie and silly theme song are pleasant diversions . The film's main asset is the lead performance of the smooth talking John Hoyt as the obviously touched , but slightly touching , " Mr . Franz " . My contribution to the movie's unanswered questions is , " What about the other doll people in the plastic tubes ? " Attack of the Puppet People ( 1958 ) Bert I . Gordon - John Hoyt , John Agar , June Kenney
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452,381 | 15,896,852 | 131,483 | 3 |
Stamp Out Communism
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A short documentary touting the United States issued 5-cent stamp , which could send a letter from freedom loving Americans to those outside the United States . Communist bloc countries , like Poland , are specifically noted as countries receiving millions of letters from the USA . These letters promote the American way of life " we take for granted " ; and , many " penetrate the Iron Curtain " . MGM studios figure the nickel to be worth a million dollars , due to its usefulness in spreading democracy . Pier Angeli , Ricardo Montalban , Leslie Caron , and Zsa Zsa Gabor deliver brief messages to viewers , near the film's end , in their native tongues . The three actresses are of some interest , as they are in their " starlet " years ; otherwise , " The Million Dollar Nickel " is of limited worth . The Million Dollar Nickel ( 1952 ) John Nesbitt - Zsa Zsa Gabor , Leslie Caron , Pier Angeli
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453,287 | 15,896,852 | 60,112 | 3 |
The Light Goes Out on Any Wednesday
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Jane Fonda ( she's Ellen ) is the mistress whom executive Jason Robards ( he's John ) squeezes regularly ; they have an ecstatically happy relationship , meeting every Wednesday in the " executive suite " he keeps for her . Then , into the New York apartment walks Dean Jones ( he's Cass ) , who claims to need the phone ( and a place to stay ) . When Rosemary Murphy ( John's WIFE ! ) arrives , major high-jinks ensue ! " Any Wednesday " is another dated 1960s situation sex comedy . The four are okay - with , perhaps Mr . Jones and Ms . Murphy surpassing their more well-known upper tier co-stars . The " split screen " telephoning is interesting ; and , the script is lively with sexual innuendo . These movies seem like three-times-too-long TV half-hours comedies featuring stuff they couldn't tastefully show on TV . The " Gay Joke " comic relief is an " interior decorator " whom Murphy enlists to correct Fonda's apartment decor - it is startlingly over-the-top , like a ' 60s version of the " Negro Joke " character . Any Wednesday ( 1966 ) Robert Ellis Miller - Jane Fonda , Jason Robards , Dean Jones
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453,622 | 15,896,852 | 368,447 | 3 |
Weary in Walkerville
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A bunch of people who talk like Barbara Eden's character in " I Dream of Jeannie " ( they do not use contractions ) live in an utopia " Village " . In exchange for their blessed simplicity , they must stay out of " The Woods " ( My mother told me to stay out of bowling alleys , but whatever ? ) . They say creatures called " Those We Do Not Speak Of " live in the forest . ( Ron Howard's daughter ) Bryce Dallas Howard stars as " Ivy Elizabeth WALKER " . For a blind woman , Ms . Howard is amazing ( their female " Daredevil " ) . Other characters are played by Joaquin Phoenix , Adrien Brody , William Hurt , and Sigourney Weaver - if you're familiar with their resumes , you could be disappointed in this movie . Roger Deakins excels . The Village ( / 04 ) M . Night Shyamalan - Bryce Dallas Howard , Joaquin Phoenix , Adrien Brody
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452,899 | 15,896,852 | 60,097 | 3 |
Steele Away
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A count who experiments with electro-stimulation of human blood discovers that his wife is having an affair . Catching the two lovers together , the count tortures and kills them , using their hearts and blood to further his experiments and to restore the beauty of his own lover . After his wife's death , the count discovers that her castle and fortune are to be given to her sister instead of him . Hoping to continue his lifestyle and his experiments , the count manipulates the sister and marries her , hoping to eliminate her as he did his first wife , not knowing that the spirits of his wife and her lover are out for revenge , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Barbara Steele ( as brunette Muriel Arrowsmith and blonde Jenny Arrowsmith ) is the main attraction . Ms . Steele plays step-sisters who look extraordinarily alike . Re-titled " Nightmare Castle " for US consumption , the production seems too rushed . The movie features a jolting opening , with scenes of bondage and torture . After that , it becomes a slow , atmospheric Gothic . The filmmakers should have considered opening the film as a mysterious Gothic , and closing with " flashback " sequences - - the lurid scenes with brunette Steele and her lover - - to explain the preceding events . Then , end with the comeuppance scenes . But , what do I know ? " Hampton Castle " is a great setting . Gli amanti d'oltretomba ( 1965 ) Mario Caiano - Barbara Steele , Paul Muller , Helga Liné
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452,508 | 15,896,852 | 75,200 | 3 |
You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks ?
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When his house is repeatedly robbed , Dean Jones ( as Wilby ) receives no assistance from the local authorities ; so , he decides to run for District Attorney . Complicating his run is the reemergence of a magical ring from his teenage years - which turns him into an on again / off again shaggy dog . This movie is the first sequel to Walt Disney's " The Shaggy Dog " ( 1959 ) . Wilby Daniels , the teenager from the first film ( Tommy Kirk ) , has grown up , and has a family of his own : Suzanne Pleshette ( as wife Betty ) and Shane Sinutko ( as son Brian ) . None of the original film's leading actors appear in either flashback or cameo . " The Shaggy D . A . " attempts to explain more about the reasons for the change , raising more questions than it answers . This movie has a few funny moments , helped immensely by Tim Conway - there are a lot of other 1970s TV performers to pick out , which can be fun . But the film is a dog , compared to the original . The " special effects " from the first Shaggy progress surprisingly little , and look worse in color . The charming interacting performances of Mr . Kirk and the original's young characters is gone . The Shaggy D . A . ( 1976 ) Robert Stevenson - Dean Jones , Tim Conway , Suzanne Pleshette
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453,578 | 15,896,852 | 1,439 | 3 |
Loan Shark !
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Early social commentary directed by D . W . Griffith ; it's about " The Usurer " ( think " Loan Shark " and " Money Lender " ) who calls in some loans , resulting in misery for those not as well off as he . As he collects money , he indulges more and more . Like Mr . Griffith's previous " message film " he receives an ironic comeuppance . An unremarkable Griffith short ; technically , it's not up to the director's own standards . The sealed room looks like it might fall down any moment . Both the actors and sets move in the wrong ways ; and , it's painful to see poor Mary Pickford and Henry B . Walthall have their furniture repossessed ! The Usurer ( 1910 ) D . W . Griffith - George Nichols , Grace Henderson , Mack Sennett
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452,488 | 15,896,852 | 51,393 | 3 |
Fair Badlanders
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I thought the most interesting thing about this movie was that the miners wore those hats with torches in the front . At first , In thought they were candles , but they are really some sort of flamed headgear - looking like cloth caps with candle-type flames coming out in the front . They must have been awfully hot ! It seems , to me , many people would have been burned - hats , hair , and hide ! It must have been interesting ( and very hot ) to maneuver around mines in those things . This isn't much of a western ; you have to pinch yourself , sometimes , to remember it is presented as a western . After the mining , you get back to stagecoaches and shootouts . The soundtrack effects sometimes don't appear to be happening on screen . It's neat how Alan Ladd pulls a slug out of Ernest Borgnine . He's faster than Dr . Bombay from the " Bewitched " TV show ! The Badlanders ( 1958 ) Delmer Daves - Alan Ladd , Ernest Borgnine , Katy Jurado
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453,400 | 15,896,852 | 60,049 | 3 |
Barbara Steele Takes a Bath
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An attorney travels to his client's castle to conduct some business where he learns upon arriving the client died almost a year ago . The client's widow and daughter then tell the attorney an incredible tale of how the owner was able to revive the spirits of long-deceased plague victims and how his spirit roams the halls of the castle . Doubting their story , the attorney begins to reconsider when a rash of mysterious deaths occur at the castle , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Translated from Italy as " Terror-Creatures from the Grave " , this disappointing slice of horror is most notable for the inclusion of the always delectable Barbara Steele ( as Cleo Hauff ) in its cast . She takes a bath , she screams , and she always livens up a mediocre movie . And , Luciano Pigozzi ( as Kurt ) is another wasted asset . Walter Brandi ( as Albert Kovac ) and Mirella Maravidi ( as Corinne Hauff ) play the more ordinary hero and heroine . 5 tombe per un medium ( 1965 ) Massimo Pupillo - Walter Brandi , Mirella Maravidi , Barbara Steele
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452,721 | 15,896,852 | 53,593 | 3 |
Now You See Him , Now You Don't
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Crazed ex-military officer Paul Krenner has dreams of world domination when he forces unwilling scientist Peter Ulof to do his bidding . Ulof must develop a process to induce invisibility though atomic radiation . With this in his armory , Krenner plans to create an invisible military force , and sell it to the highest bidder . Krenner's men break safecracker Joey Faust out of jail and make him invisible , so that he can steal more radium , and then events take an unexpected turn , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Not only does " Invisible Man " Douglas Kennedy ( as Joey Faust ) suffer from on-again / off-again transparent powers ; but also , he is also given less than a month to live , due to radiation poisoning . Like his film cousins , Mr . Kennedy is loony . You should not expect the synopsis ' " invisible military force " to ever materialize - it sounds like fun , but it never happens . Celebrated director Edgar G . Ulmer is no more than ordinary . But , Marguerite Chapman ( as Laura Matson ) is appropriately trashy . And , Darrell Calker's score is nice . The Amazing Transparent Man ( 1960 ) Edgar G . Ulmer - Marguerite Chapman , Douglas Kennedy , James Griffith
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452,363 | 15,896,852 | 49,006 | 3 |
Beyond a Reasonable Plot
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The film begins with an interesting premise : A writer and a newspaperman are anti-Capitol Punishment . They decide to " frame " the writer ( Mr . Andrews ) for murder ; after he is tried and convicted , they plan to reveal he didn't commit the murder - saving him from the electric chair and showing how easily an innocent man can be killed with circumstantial evidence . The movie held my attention , albeit barely . For a movie requiring you to THINK ( as in , think about Capitol Punishment ) , you really can't THINK at all . The more I thought , the more I had questions - about the PLOT of this story - like WHAT do these guys think should happen to the " REAL KILLER " of this woman ? You really have to turn off you brain to fully enjoy Beyond a Reasonable Doubt , because it makes no sense if you think it through . . . I had events pretty much figured out before they happened . I thought too much , I guess . I don't think the film says much about Capitol Punishment , but the IDEA is a good one ; it would make a much better film in more adept hands . Beyond a Reasonable Doubt ( 1956 ) Fritz Lang - Dana Andrews , Joan Fontaine , Sidney Blackmer
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453,612 | 15,896,852 | 57,860 | 3 |
There's a Starman Waiting in the Sky
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The Earth is threatened with atomic destruction if the people of Mirapolia ( sic ) are not allowed to rule the planet . Observers from a distant planet , fat off in space , have been observing Earth and see the peril it's ( sic ) facing . Hoping to offer aid to the citizens of Earth , the benevolent aliens send their champion Starman to face off against the leaders of Mirapolia ( it's correctly spelled Merapolia ) and take care of their atomic weapons , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Ken Utsui ( as Sûpâ Jaiantsu , or Super Giant ) must save the Earth from nuclear peril . This is the American ( English edited and dubbed ) version of the Japanese super-hero's earliest movies , Sûpâ jaiantsu ( 1957 ) and Zoku sûpâ jaiantsu ( 1957 ) . Herein , Mr . Utsui is Starman of " The Emerald Planet " . Considering the material , this is a sometimes surprisingly well-directed , by Teruo Ishii , piece of super-nonsense ; the location scenes are most enjoyable . Otherwise , it's , at best , unintentionally funny . Watch for the scene where Utsui goes to a church with some children , and meets a nun . She gives him a smile that shows she's attracted to him ; then , the young nun looks down at Utsui's groin area , where he has positioned his gun . Oh , sister ! Atomic Rulers ( 1964 ) Teruo Ishii - Ken Utsui , Utako Mitsuya , Junko Ikeuchi
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453,295 | 15,896,852 | 52,545 | 4 |
Bing Crosby Was Right
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Bob Hope is an incompetent life insurance salesman who finally sells a policy - to Jesse James ! Understandably , his boss wants Mr . Hope to return the $100 , 000 to the outlaw ; if necessary , Hope is ordered to die on the job . Hope , calling himself an " eligible bachelor " , wishes that he had Jessie's girl - the pretty Rhonda Fleming , who sings . Wendell Corey plays the straight man Jesse James . Hope loses his shirt in a card game . " Alias Jesse James " is a one-joke comedy with an ending - it features a slew of western star cameos ; they help Hope and Fleming in a shootout . Bing Crosby says , " This fella needs all the help he can get . " Alias Jesse James ( 1959 ) Norman Z . McLeod - Bob Hope , Rhonda Fleming , Wendell Corey
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453,566 | 15,896,852 | 56,441 | 4 |
Signed , Sealed , Delivered ( I'm Yours )
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While on a vacation at the beach , red-haired brothers Michael McGreevey and Billy Mumy ( as Arthur and Petey Loomis ) find a seal . The lads christen their critter " Sammy " , and spend summertime frolicking with the sandy sea lion . When it's time to go home , the boys begin to suffer separation anxiety . Young Mr . McGreevey decides they can't take " Sammy " back to " Disneyland " ? er , " Gatesville " - but , young Mr . Mumy packs him anyway . At home , they try to hide " the Way-out Seal " from adults , and , of course ? hijacks ensue ! Sammy - The Way-out Seal , pt 1 ( / 62 ) Norman Tokar - Michael McGreevey , Bill Mumy , Robert Culp
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453,621 | 15,896,852 | 65,079 | 4 |
Shooting the Breeze
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The opening explains , " In the summer of 1909 , a member of the oldest American minority , a Paiute Indian named Willie Boy , became the center of an extraordinary historical event . This is what happened in the deserts of California . " The setting seems more 1969 than 1909 . The plot gets started when downtrodden Indian Robert Blake ( as Willie Boy ) is caught in a sexual liaison with his Indian mate , Katharine Ross ( as Lola ) , by her father . Believing he will be killed , Mr . Blake shoots Ms . Ross ' dad dead . Then , the couple go on the run , pursued by handsome Sheriff Robert Redford ( as " Coop " ) . Mr . Redford isn't as prejudiced as others in his posse , who'd prefer Blake be brought back dead . This film gets credit for renovating the careers of Jennings Lang and Abraham Polonsky ; but , it isn't , otherwise , very remarkable . Redford and Ross , riding on the success of " Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid " , receive relatively exaggerated billing , over Blake and Susan Clark ( as Liz Arnold ) . Robert Lipton ( as Charlie ) strums the guitar , but does not sing a theme song . The film is well-intentioned , but dull . Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here ( / 69 ) Abraham Polonsky - Robert Blake , Robert Redford , Katharine Ross
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452,383 | 15,896,852 | 52,602 | 4 |
Lowering the Batting Average
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A mysterious mansion holds secrets and terror for the owner and visitors alike in this thriller , based upon a classic stage play . Cornelia Van Gorder has taken up residence in an old mansion that was the scene of some mysterious deaths years ago . The recent owner of the mansion was a banker who had embezzled money and had hidden it somewhere in the mansion but , he was killed before he was able to retrieve it . Now it appears that someone is stalking the mansion ? according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . This lesser re-make is most appealing in that it stars enjoyable Agnes Moorehead ( as Cornelia Van Gorder ) and features fine support from Vincent Price ( as Malcolm Wells ) and Lenita Lane ( as Lizzie Allen ) . Ms . Lane is an exceptional employee , you'll have to agree ; she also served as director Crane Wilbur's wife . Lane and ex - " Our Gang " member Darla Hood ( as Judy Hollander ) ended their feature film careers with " The Bat " . Little mystery , some suspense . The Bat ( 1959 ) Crane Wilbur - Agnes Moorehead , Vincent Price , Gavin Gordon
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452,774 | 15,896,852 | 39,054 | 4 |
His Master's Voice
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I found two highlights in " Two Sisters from Boston " . The first involves the dog of the big opera star ( played by Lauritz Melchior ) . It sits ever so quietly during the opera star's songs , which I thought were poorly dubbed in this movie . No matter how loud ( and gets very loud ! ) the opera star sings , the dog quietly shows no reaction . However , later on , one of the star's performances is recorded , and played . Suddenly , the dog jumps up and does a dead-on impression of the RCA Victor logo - someone comments , " His Master's Voice ! " That was very well done . Second , there is a scene where Peter Lawford revives a fainted June Allyson with gin . Smart man ! Ms . Allyson steals the film from " pretty " star Kathryn Grayson . Jimmy Durante is entertaining ; he also uses the bottle to revive Allyson . Allyson's comic performance is fresh and natural ; later comic roles seem more forced and unnatural . Unfortunately , the movie gets too far off Allyson . I really didn't care about the other characters , and they sucked up a lot of screen time . You might have to be a big opera fan ( or fan of Mr . Melchior ) to thoroughly enjoy this movie . Two Sisters from Boston ( 1946 ) Henry Koster - June Allyson , Kathryn Grayson , Jimmy Durante
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453,483 | 15,896,852 | 684,850 | 4 |
High Wire Act
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Taking a break from her office work , Mildred ( Doris Roberts ) visits " Cordaro's Fabulous Funtime Circus " ; there , she participates in a mysterious séance , held by ex - " Dark Shadows " warlock Michael McGuire ( as Fresco Zapata ) . The attempt to contact the otherworldly proves to be too successful , and is abruptly terminated . Next , Remington ( Pierce Brosnan ) is knocked upside his head , and the Steele office ransacked . Recovering nicely , Remington and Laura ( Stephanie Zimbalist ) decide to investigate , by going undercover as trapeze artists , at the circus . Mildred gets to join them , as a bearded lady . At the circus , the trio connect with manager Lisa Pelikan ( as Christy Cordaro ) , who is wheelchair bound due to a supposed circus accident . Suddenly , Remington rescues rugged daytime soap star A Martinez ( as Guy Nickerson ) from what appears to staged accident . When the investigation leads to an unsolved murder , it becomes an increasingly dangerous assignment for the Remington Steele team . A stated background interest in gymnastics , and some hitherto unknown trapeze experience , helps make the story more believable . Remington Steele - High Flying Steele ( / 84 ) Karen Arthur - Pierce Brosnan , Stephanie Zimbalist , Doris Roberts
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453,092 | 15,896,852 | 54,453 | 4 |
Somewhere in the South Pacific
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Classic example of a film that looked better on paper . " The Wackiest Ship in the Army " begins by failing as it was obviously promoted ; to be brief , it isn't very " wacky " . With the comedy ship sinking , the film becomes more dramatic ; and , much more enjoyable . Jack Lemmon ( as Rip Crandall ) , an expert at comedy-drama , tries his best . Ricky Nelson ( as Tommy Hanson ) , an expert at quip delivery , is given almost nothing to do . Promoted as a " team " , Mr . Lemmon and Mr . Nelson have no chemistry ; and , to be fair , are given no discernible direction to that end . Nelson sings one song , " Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans ? " Although sweet , it isn't one of his better , or representative , songs ; but , it did fit the film's World War II setting . The scene with Lemmon accompanying Nelson's singing , on piano , is interesting . Lemmon tickles the ivories , clearly uncomfortable in a " Bob Hope " role , while Nelson sings to the recording as if it were an " Ozzie and Harriet " TV bonus song . Still , the stars , supporting cast , and colorful photography ( by Charles Lawton Jr . ) are never less than pleasant . The Wackiest Ship in the Army ( 1960 ) Richard Murphy - Jack Lemmon , Ricky Nelson , Richard Anderson
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452,969 | 15,896,852 | 33,173 | 4 |
Too Many Indians
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Lucille Ball ( as Connie ) is going to college . Her wealthy father is afraid she'll get into trouble , so he hires four football players to be her bodyguards . NOT a very bright man , obviously ! The bodyguards are : Desi Arnaz ( as Manuelito ) , Eddie Bracken ( as Jojo ) , Richard Carlson ( as Clint ) , and Hal LeRoy ( as Al ) . Ann Miller and Frances Langford are around to dance and sing . It's a fair musical , with an " Indian " subplot ( Huh ? ) , and budget problems . You should know that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are not paired up in ( on-screen , anyway ) this film ( Ms . Ball is partnered with Mr . Carlson ) . This is a routinely presented film , with a few highlights . Unfortunately Mr . Le Roy and Ms . Miller do not have a real dance off / team-up together . Mr . Arnaz steals the show from his future wife with a charming performance - look for the scene where he plays " guess the lipstick " ! Too Many Girls ( 1940 ) George Abbott - Lucille Ball , Desi Arnaz , Ann Miller
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452,509 | 15,896,852 | 59,170 | 4 |
Meyer's Angels
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Three well-endowed strippers race ! kill ! and kidnap ! - resulting in an ample female foursome . Their " screenplay starts to unfold , " according to star Tura Satana ( as Varla ) , when they meet up with old man in a wheelchair Stuart Lancaster ( as The Old Man ) and his hunky son Dennis Busch ( as Vegetable ) . They want to find Mr . Lancaster's stash , and check out " the lay of the land . " Another son complicates matters and relationships . There are some funny lines - like Ms . Satana mentioning Christopher Columbus to a leering gas station attendant . The best part is when Varla tries to pin Vegetable with her car . Ouch ! A lurid trip . Faster , Pussycat ! Kill ! Kill ! ( 1965 ) Russ Meyer - Tura Satana , Lori Williams , Dennis Busch
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453,331 | 15,896,852 | 50,556 | 4 |
Elvis Goes Directly to Jail
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Elvis Presley plays an ex-con who becomes a rock ' n ' roll singer . The film begins with Elvis accidentally killing the boyfriend of a woman who tries to pick him up in a bar . In jail for manslaughter , he learns to play the guitar . Out of jail , he becomes a rock ' n ' roll star . The story becomes how he deals with the fame . The movie isn't very good , although Elvis looks , and sounds , terrific - the superb " Jailhouse Rock " production number isn't just one of the highlights if this film , it's one of the best in ANY Elvis film . Judy Tyler is a sweet , atypical leading lady for Elvis . Elvis ' acting performance is uneven , at best . I found his character notably despicable ; and the storyline ridiculous and exploitive ( of Elvis ) ; but , I accept and respect contrary opinions . Jailhouse Rock ( 1957 ) Richard Thorpe - Elvis Presley , Judy Tyler , Mickey Shaughnessy
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452,845 | 15,896,852 | 286,106 | 4 |
What in God's Name Is Going On Here ?
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Man-of-the-cloth Mel Gibson ( as Graham Hess ) has left the Priesthood . Six months ago , Mr . Gibson lost his wife in a car accident ; and , he is struggling with a loss of Christian faith . Gibson's younger brother , Joaquin Phoenix ( as Merrill Hess ) has moved in , to help Gibson and his children grieve . Mr . Phoenix was a promising baseball player , but he stuck out too much . Gibson is an Episcopalian , obviously ( a wife and sex are permitted ) , with two children : asthmatic alien-conscious Rory Culkin ( as Morgan Hess ) and perpetually thirsty Abigail Breslin ( as Bo Hess ) . Gibson is also a farmer . The movie gets started when extraterrestrials startle Gibson's family , by turning their Pennsylvania cornfield into " Crop Signs " - aka " Crop Circles " . Soon , these " Signs " are popping up all over India , and the world . Presumably , the designs are signposts for motherships - it's difficult to understand what logical purpose they would serve , as an alien spacecraft would be too technically advanced to use them . . . maybe , then , they are merely alien pranks . Or , they could be sent from God , to help Gibson re-harvest his faith ? " Signs " borrows its basic plot from H . G . Wells ' " The War of the Worlds " - a frequently tapped well . Gibson , Phoenix , and the kids look very silly in two memorable poses , sitting stone-faced with their palms on their knees and / or wearing pointy tinfoil hats . The biggest " jolt " comes early in the film , with a simple dog's bark . Mr . Shyamalan builds suspense well , in the early scenes . The best performance is delivered by director M . Night Shyamalan ( as Ray Reddy ) . Cherry Jones ( as Caroline Paski ) is okay as the local cop , but her character should have written up ( as a possessed alien , for example ) . The main " special effect " is good ; but , the aliens , if they are real , have to be the dumbest extraterrestrials in the galaxy , if you stop and think about it ? Signs ( 2002 ) M . Night Shyamalan - Mel Gibson , Joaquin Phoenix , Rory Culkin
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453,636 | 15,896,852 | 91,170 | 4 |
Tennessee Walls
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Fifteen-year-old Gary McCleery ( as Bobby Lipscomb ) skips school , hangs around with his older brothers , and dreams of flying airplanes . One evening , he makes the " Hard Choice " and joins drug-addicted Martin Donovan ( as Josh Lipscomb ) and trigger happy John Snyder ( as Ben Lipscomb ) in a " Food Market " robbery . Unfortunately , Mr . Snyder kills a police officer , who happens upon the scene . The three brothers are quickly apprehended . Mr . McCleery hopes to be tried as a juvenile ; but , Tennessee judges rule he is to be tried as an adult . When things look bleakest for young McCleery , social worker Margaret Klenck ( as Laura Stephens ) steps in to improve his treatment in prison and the courts ; she is only partially successful . Then , Ms . Klenck makes a " Hard Choice " of her own ? According to the sleeve , this film got excellent reviews ; and , the quotes are from reliable sources . Perhaps some of these reviewers will consider re-evaluation " Hard Choices " ? It really isn't all that believable a story . McCleery doesn't seem much like a 15-year-old , and Klenck's character development is disappointing ( to say the least ) . However , they , and the other performers , do as well as they can ( with the story ) . It's great to see Mr . Donovan in an early role ; strangely , he and Snyder are abandoned during the running time . Writer-director John Sayles is good , also , as Klenck's coke companion . The photography , by Tom Hurwitz , is a major strength . Hard Choices ( 1985 ) Rick King - Gary McCleery , Margaret Klenck , John Sayles
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453,567 | 15,896,852 | 561,182 | 4 |
Sealed with a Kiss
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Last week , while on a vacation at the beach , red-haired brothers Michael McGreevey and Billy Mumy ( as Arthur and Petey Loomis ) found a seal . The lads christened their critter " Sammy " , and spent summertime frolicking with the sandy sea lion . When it was time to go home , the boys began to suffer separation anxiety . Of course , the young brothers took " Sammy " back to " Disneyland " ? er , " Gatesville " . At home , they try to hide " the Way-out Seal " from adults , but , of course ? hijacks ensue ! McGreevey and Mumy are marvelously cast , and make it fun to watch . You should probably be very young ( or have a childlike mind ) to fully enjoy writer / director Norman Tokar's " Sammy - The Way-out Seal " - a colorful string of routine , deliberately staged scenes . The second half prominently features veteran Jack Carson ( as Harold Sylvester ) , in his last appearance ( died January 1963 ) . Robert Culp & Patricia Barry play the parents , and Ann Gillian ( as " Rocky " Sylvester ) helps round out the cast . Sammy - The Way-out Seal , pt 2 ( / 62 ) Norman Tokar - Michael McGreevey , Bill Mumy , Jack Carson
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453,551 | 15,896,852 | 2,133 | 4 |
Mabel Normand Takes Flight
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Mabel Normand and Fred Mace are out for a stroll , when they encounter aviator Phillip Parmalee and his cool early 1900s biplane . The pilot offers to take the duo up for a spin through the clouds ; Ms . Normand jumps at the chance , and enjoys her ride with the dashing Mr . Parmalee . The less brave , and relatively rotund , Mr . Mace is jealous . Later , Mace raises ire in a Mexican community , and needs the aviator's help ? Notable for its aerial Culver City , California location footage , photographed by Percy Higginson ; and , featuring aviator Parmalee , who worked with Wilbur Wright . Mack Sennett's " A Dash Through the Clouds " is also lifted by Normand and Mace . Jack Pickford ( Mary's little brother ) has one of his more substantial early roles , as the Mexican boy who assists Mace .
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453,661 | 15,896,852 | 37,095 | 4 |
Wee Wilbert Winkle
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Meek and mild Edward G . Robinson ( as Wilbert Winkle ) decides to quit his bank job and do what he wants , open a " fix-it " repair shop behind his house . Mr . Robinson is married , but childless ; he has befriended local orphanage resident Ted Donaldson ( as Barry ) . Young Donaldson is an eager workshop assistant , and sees Robinson as a father figure . Robinson's nagging wife Ruth Warwick ( as Amy ) is unhappy with Robinson's job choice , and conspires to return matters to her idea of normalcy . Their lives are further disrupted when Robinson is drafted . The war also disrupts what might have been an interesting story , as Robinson's character struggles against a domineering , unsympathetic wife . Possibly , filmmakers are showing how war can save marriages and positively redirect lives . Robinson and Donaldson are a likable team . Robert Mitchum has an inauspicious bit part . The ending " trick " played by Ms . Warwick and Donaldson is predictably staged .
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452,368 | 15,896,852 | 61,420 | 4 |
If You Don't Know Jack
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I saw " Billy Jack " ( the next film ) first and believe it is the better Jack . There are many situations / elements in " Born Losers " which are more accessible in the later films . This " Born Losers " is mildly entertaining , I think , if you are more familiar with the character and situations Tom Laughlin creates . I don't think I would have been as interested if I didn't know Jack . So , I think a more involved Billy would have helped THIS movie - I kept waiting for Laughlin to perform , even if it's just to TALK more about his ( Jack's ) philosophies on life . The other interest is Jane Russell , in a supporting role . Her total film career reveals a versatility . Too bad movie makers didn't offer her more choice roles . The Born Losers ( 1967 ) Tom Laughlin - Tom Laughlin , Elizabeth James , Jane Russell
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452,747 | 15,896,852 | 33,243 | 4 |
Southern Hospitality
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The mysterious disease Pellagra strikes hundreds of thousands of Americans dead , mainly in the Southern United States , at the turn of the century . Dr . Joseph Goldberger ( played by Shepperd Strudwick ) , a Jewish immigrant , suspects the illness may be connected to nutrition . Mr . Goldberger's experiments , which include feeding Northern prisoners a Southern diet , are criticized as " torture " - but , Goldberger safely identifies the cause and cure for Pellagra . This episode of narrator John Nesbitt's " Passing Parade " is bracketed with Isaiah 44 : 19 , " Behold , I will do a new thing - I will even make a way in the wilderness . " Notable for Mr . Strudwick's convincing performance , and its director . Passing Parade : A Way in the Wilderness ( 1940 ) Fred Zinnemann - Shepperd Strudwick , John Nesbitt , Edward Hearn
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453,315 | 15,896,852 | 23,996 | 4 |
That Sinking Feeling
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The acronymic " F . P . 1 " stands for " Floating Platform # 1 " . The film portends the building of an " F . P . 1 " in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean , to be used as an " air station " for transatlantic plane flights . Based a contemporary Curt Siodmark novel ; it was filmed in German as " F . P . 1 antwortet nicht " ( 1932 ) , in French as " I . F . 1 ne répond plus " ( 1933 ) , and in English as " F . P . 1 " ( 1933 ) . Soon , technology made non-stop oceanic travel much more preferable . Stars Conrad Veidt ( as Ellissen ) , Jill Esmond ( as Droste ) , and Leslie Fenton ( as Claire ) find love and sabotage on and off the Atlantic platform . Karl Hartl directed . Mr . Veidt is most fun to watch ; but , he is not convincing in the " love triangle " with Ms . Esmond and Mr . Fenton . The younger co-stars were the spouses of Laurence Olivier and Ann Dvorak , respectively . Both the concept and film have not aged well .
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453,311 | 15,896,852 | 43,829 | 4 |
West with Mickey
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Mickey Rooney ( as J . Dennis " Denny " O'Moore ) is out west , looking to find his brother Robert Stack ( as Patrick O'Moore ) , whom he hasn't seen in eight years . Mr . Rooney meets up with Robert Preston ( as Joe Walter ) , who is looking for the notorious outlaw known as " El Tigre " . No prize for guessing how " El Tigre " is related to Rooney . Wanda Hendrix adds femininity to " My Outlaw Brother " . Tip your cowboy hat to Mickey Rooney , who is the film's greatest asset ; and , he gets the larger women . Mr . Stack is penetrating as Rooney's unlikely brother . Mr . Preston makes a good partner ; wisely , he is low key in the presence of Rooney . Just an interesting cast in a slight film .
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452,516 | 15,896,852 | 59,245 | 4 |
The Passion of George Stevens
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Re-telling the story of Jesus Christ , who founded Christianity , and inspired a myriad of movies . " The Greatest Story Ever Told " is one of those religious " EPIC " - SCREAMING presentations , which would bore even God to death . Upon entering the " Pearly Gates " , creator George Stevens ( at the time , one of the " Greatest " filmmakers in Hollywood ) must have received a few divine demerits for this production . Hopefully , he was forgiven . One can only imagine the number of excellent movies this budget , cast , and crew might have produced . The film's cost is evident , and Mr . Stevens is too good a director not to sneak in some nice touches ( like an angelic water reflection ) . Stevens is , however , more ponderous than reverential . The photography , by William Mellor ( who , sadly , suffered a fatal heart attack during the production ) and Loyal Griggs , is the film's main strength . Max von Sydow ( as Jesus ) works well , delivering the Savior envisioned by Stevens . The star-studded supporting cast varies in effectiveness . Charlton Heston's Herculean-looking " John the Baptist " grows on you , but John Wayne's infamous participation is obviously asinine ; others fall in between the cracks . The Greatest Story Ever Told ( 1965 ) George Stevens - Max von Sydow , Charlton Heston , John Wayne
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453,217 | 15,896,852 | 200,208 | 4 |
Another Fish Tale
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For reasons not entirely clear , a beautiful mermaid leaves her baby son with a goofy boater ; happily , a nice couple picks him up instead . In this story , mermaids get fishy when they reach that certain age . Thirteen years later , the baby boy grows into typical teenager Chez Starbuck ( as Cody ) . He takes an advanced swim class ( the team looks high school ) , competes with Tim Redwine ( as Sean ) , and gets a birthday kiss from Courtnee Draper ( as Sam ) . Then , young Starbuck's palms get sticky . He makes friends with lonely nerd Justin Jon Ross ( as Jess ) , who helps him in biology ; in return , Starbuck promises he will teach young Ross to swim . Then , Starbuck's hands sprout scales . . . Cute . The Thirteenth Year ( 1999 ) Duwayne Dunham - Chez Starbuck , Justin Jon Ross , Tim Redwine
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452,960 | 15,896,852 | 59,221 | 4 |
Not Too Funny , Not Too Frightening
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Mild-mannered newspaperman Don Knotts ( as Luther Heggs ) is assigned to spend a night in his small Kansas town's " haunted house " , on the 20-year anniversary of its ghastly murder / suicide . Mr . Knotts ' experience results in a sensational story about the Simmons house , " ghost-written " by his adept rival , reporter Skip Homeier ( as Ollie Weaver ) . Mr . Homeier is , also , Knotts ' rival for the affections of busty brunette Joan Stanley ( as Alma Parker ) . Anyway , the " Rachel Courier Express " story leads to a libel suit against Knotts , from the Simmons ( the homeowner's ) relatives . Knotts is nervously appealing ; however , this characterization and film do not compare well with either " Barney Fife " or " Mr . Limpet " . The " haunted house " evenings ( ? ) , set off with an obvious stunt double , are especially disappointing . However , musician Vic Mizzy , who composed " The Addams Family " , is noticeably effective . And , the strong supporting cast is full of recognizable TV faces , including two who will join the regulars on " Bewitched " . Not too funny , not too frightening ; give it an " attaboy " , for trying . The Ghost and Mr . Chicken ( 1966 ) Alan Rafkin - Don Knotts , Joan Staley , Skip Homeier
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452,897 | 15,896,852 | 54,285 | 4 |
Atom Age Scar Reduction Therapy
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An exotic dancer has a terrible automobile accident and , as a result , is horribly scarred , on her face . Hoping for a miracle treatment , the dancer visits a scientist who has had marvelous results in restoring patient's ( sic ) appearances , and is cured of her scars . Unfortunately , there are some terrible side-effects from the procedure ? the scientist must use unethical methods to try and make the cure permanent . With suspicions ( growing , and ) the dancer's boyfriend and the authorities closing in ? according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Inappropriately re-produced as " Atom Age Vampire " ; this is actually an adaptation of " The Strange Case of Dr . Jekyll and Mr . Hyde " , with some other horrific clichés , quite neatly layered into the mix . Mad scientist Alberto Lupo ( as Alberto Levin ) , unappreciated Franca Parisi ( as Monique ) , and lackey Roberto Bertea ( as Sacha ) are an intriguing set-up . Horribly dubbed ( although , the voices are good ) , and painfully predictable ; it very obviously wouldn't be a completely awful film , in its unaltered Italian version . Atom Age Vampire ( 1960 ) Anton Giulio Majano - Alberto Lupo , Susanne Loret , Sergio Fantoni
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453,641 | 15,896,852 | 52,646 | 4 |
Go to the Head of the Class !
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A surgeon working on experimental transplant procedures seems to be on the verge of a major breakthrough with his technique , even though his surgeon father disapproves of his manner of research . While out driving with his fiancée , the doctor crashes his car and is horrified to discover his bride-to-be is decapitated . Rushing his fiancée's head to his lab , he is able to revive her where she is now living as a bodiless entity kept alive by tubes and an experimental serum . Hoping to restore his fiancée , the surgeon begins to bars and gentlemen's clubs looking or a candidate for transplanting his fiancée's head onto another body , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . After its so-so " operating room " opening , this film kicks into high gear , with dashing hero Jason Evers ( as Bill Cortner ) recklessly driving fiancée Virginia Leith ( Jan Compton ) into her accidental decapitation . Mr . Evers ' mad rush to carry her wrapped head home really draws your interest ; ironically , it's like watching a car wreck . Ms . Leith's head , sitting in what looks like Evers ' Thanksgiving roasting pan , is quite a sight . With the gore level about as high as it gets ( for the time ) , the film parades sexy , large-breasted women across the screen , as Evers searches for s suitable body for his fiancée's severed head . Meow . Leslie Daniels ( as Kurt ) has trouble keeping his arms to himself . Eddie Carmel adds tension , as the monster in the closet . Joseph Green's " Brain " is a lurid classic . The Brain That Wouldn't Die ( 1962 ) Joseph Green - Jason Evers , Virginia Leith , Leslie Daniels
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453,498 | 15,896,852 | 37,084 | 4 |
Gorilla in the Midst
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A scientist has developed a serum which grotesquely distorts the victim's hands and heads . The scientist decides to use his serum on a concert pianist to extort money from him for the cure as well as take the man's daughter for a wife , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . J . Carrol Naish ( as Dr . Igor Markoff ) plays " The Monster Maker " in the low budget Bela Lugosi mode . Mr . Naish's serum causes a real disorder , " acromegaly " , which American Heritage defines as , " A chronic disease of adults marked by enlargement of the bones of the extremities , face , and jaw that is caused by overactivity of the pituitary gland . " Ralph Morgan ( as Anthony Lawrence ) plays the afflicted man with some dignity . Pretty blonde Wanda McKay ( as Patricia " Pat " Lawrence ) is the daughter desired by mad scientist Naish ; in early scenes , Ms . McKay and Naish emote hilariously . Watch for Tala Birell ( as Maxine ) in a surprisingly good supporting performance ; she plays the somewhat Garbo-like , and long suffering , assistant to Naish . Ms . Birell definitely steals the film ; and , you've got to question Dr . Markoff's sanity in casting her aside . Glenn Strange ( as Steve ) and a crazed gorilla ( Ray Corrigan ) add to the fun . The monster makeup ( Maurice Seiderman ) is very good . The Monster Maker ( 1944 ) Sam Newfield - J . Carrol Naish , Ralph Morgan , Tala Birell
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452,940 | 15,896,852 | 292,644 | 4 |
It's the End of the World as We Know It ( and I Feel Fine )
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Self-centered college students party and have sex . The focus is a " love triangle " formed by : frustrated abstinent Shannyn Sossamon ( Lauren Hynde ) , promiscuous dealer James Van Der Beek ( Sean Bateman ) , and shallow homosexual Ian Somerhalder ( Paul Denton ) . All three are , actually , a combination of frustrated , promiscuous , and shallow - as are many other characters in the cast . Accent on shallow . Writer / director Roger Avary takes his cues from Bret Easton Ellis's novel " The Rules of Attraction " . Several characters from " Rules " have appeared in Mr . Avary's other books ; most notably , " Sean " is the younger brother of " Patrick Bateman " . Faye Dunaway , Swoosie Kurtz , Fred Savage , Eric Stoltz , and Paul Williams appear briefly ( one in briefs ) . The film has an " experimental " look , beginning with " backwards " motion . A split screen meeting between Mr . Van Der Beek and Ms . Sossamon is cute . But , the best part of the entire work is a short segment you could call " Victor's European Semester " . With dizzying detail , the character Kip Pardue ( as Victor ) narrates the sex-and-drugs details of his European trip . This small part of the film is amazing ; and , it's really all you need , to get the point . Due to this excellent montage , the story is lifted , momentarily , peaking with a hilarious reunion for " Lauren and " Victor " . The Rules of Attraction ( 2002 ) Roger Avary - James Van Der Beek , Shannyn Sossamon , Ian Somerhalder
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452,752 | 15,896,852 | 334,541 | 4 |
Back Up Your Arsenal
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The fourth " Tremors " feature goes back in time , to the year 1889 . " The Legend Begins " in the small city of " Perfection " , which was then " Rejection , Nevada " . As the story begins , seventeen miners are killed by the ghastly " Graboids " . Some of the characters in the present-day " Tremors " films have ancestors , both figurative and literal , in the past . Most obvious is the ever-returning Michael Gross ( as Hiram Gummer ) . Unlike his descendant , Mr . Gross is inept with firearms ; so , he hires gunslinger Billy Drago ( as " Black Hand " Kelly ) to shoot ' em up some " Dirt Dragons " . This one takes some getting used to - as it takes place in the distant past . It's like a western with miniature versions of the original film's monster " Graboids " . These tamer " Dirt Dragons " are nowhere near as terrorizing as their " Tremors " ( 1990 ) counterparts . Consequently , in this film , the characters spend an awful lot of time on the ground , which would not have happened in the original movie . And , it was weird to have the citizens give up the fight so quickly , when Gross temporarily decides to leave town . Why so helpless ? Why didn't Brent Roam ( as Juan Pedilla ) immediately rally the people to fight without Gross ? Disappointing . Tremors 4 : The Legend Begins ( 2004 ) S . S . Wilson - Michael Gross , Brent Roam , Billy Drago
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452,907 | 15,896,852 | 32,283 | 4 |
The Spy Who Nursed Me
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Sent off on a World War I spy mission , Bruce Lester ( as Frank Bennett ) is shot down during an aerial attack ; he survives , and believes he has fallen in love with nurse Margaret Lindsay ( as Helene Von Lorbeer ) , after she nurses him back to health . Mr . Lester doesn't know it , but Ms . Lindsay is really German spy Frances Hautry ; coincidently , her mission involves moving into Lester's own home , where she makes contact with newly-hired family servant Boris Karloff ( as Valdar ) . Mr . Karloff is really German spy Karl Schiller . With Lester away , Karloff and Lindsay will play ; their game is delivering Allied secrets to the Germans . But , wait , Karloff appears to also be working for " British Intelligence " ; their mission is to eliminate mysterious German spy " Strengler " . Now , hold on , Lindsay reveals she's also a double agent , when Lester returns home and recognizes her as Nurse Helene . . . Third time around for " Three Faces East " ( 1926 , 1930 ) . Fairly predictable , if you think about it - - but Karloff and Lindsay are fun to watch .
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453,544 | 15,896,852 | 258,534 | 4 |
Another Picture of Dorian Gray
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The story is familiar - recall , original novelist Oscar Wilde's " Dorian " wished his painting would grow old whilst he remain young . Like in days of old , handsome male model Ethan Erickson ( as Louis ) wishes for eternal youth . Then , while one of his pictures ages , he becomes the ageless " Dorian " of the title . Like his predecessors , Mr . Erickson descends into decadent debauchery . A charismatic older mentor , Malcolm McDowell ( as Henry ) , eggs him on . . . Re-titled " Pact with the Devil " . Allan A . Goldstein's updated " Dorian " alters the story in ways that become nonsensical . The main problem occurs by making Mr . McDowell's character semi-Faustian . To have McDowell in the cast , and render his character inexplicable , should be a crime . Erickson , an extremely good-looking man , is also slighted by a faltering characterization - in an early scene , he is required to pretend he couldn't imagine someone thinking he could be a pin-up boy ? And , Jennifer Nitsch ( as Bae ) has an undeveloped , but intriguing , back-story . Dorian ( 2001 ) Allan A . Goldstein - Ethan Erickson , Malcolm McDowell , Jennifer Nitsch
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452,492 | 15,896,852 | 32,304 | 4 |
All a-Bored
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This misty , seafaring film looks and sounds very beautiful , and atmospheric . I just couldn't get involved with the story ; and found the acting fantastically uneven . I can imagine the direction given to Victor Mature before he enters the French tavern - " Enter left and look startled ! " - The ship had a sort of " beatnik / hippie " type character on board . The French waitress was cast against type , I though . The characters really treat her poorly ! I wonder , is the film's message that women are " bad luck " ? It's a fair film - probably , kids in theaters would have enjoyed spending an afternoon in the theater on the " Captain Caution " ship . If I was a 10-year-old kid boy the ' 40s , I would have liked this movie more . Captain Caution ( 1940 ) Richard Wallace - Victor Mature , Louise Platt , Leo Carrillo
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452,763 | 15,896,852 | 34,985 | 4 |
A Walking Nightmare
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When a banker turns up missing , former detective Nick Trayne is brought in on the case to find him . When the banker turns up but appears to be in a trance , Trayne must now try to find out what happened to the banker . A household full of suspects makes for a tough case that our crack detective must solve and bring the culprit to justice , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . This variation of the " old dark house " plot is more tired than true . " The Living Ghost " angle turns out to be a good idea , but zombie Gus Glassmire ( as Walter Craig ) doesn't get enough screen time to really frighten . Writers Howard Dimsdale and Joseph Hoffman do well , considering . Detective James Dunn ( as Trayne ) and adorable Joan Woodbury ( as Billie Hilton ) are a delightful couple of sleuths . The supporting roles are performed admirably - right down to Harry Depp ( as Homer Hawkins ) . If only the production were kicked up a notch , or two ? The Living Ghost ( 1942 ) William Beaudine - James Dunn , Joan Woodbury , Paul McVey
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452,871 | 15,896,852 | 338,337 | 4 |
Look Where You Can't Go
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Michael Jennings ( Ben Affleck ) is a brilliant computer engineer hired for top-secret projects . After each job , Jennings ' short-term memory is erased so he cannot recount any project information . Emerging from his latest assignment , a three-year contract with an eight-figure paycheck given to him by his longtime friend ( Aaron Eckhart ) , Jennings is jolted when he is told that during the end of his assignment , he agreed to forfeit all payment , according to the sleeve's synopsis . " Jennings has no recourse - until he receives a mysterious envelope containing clues to his forgotten past . With the help of a beautiful scientist ( Uma Thurman ) he once loved but now cannot remember , Jennings races to solve the puzzle of his past . . . while a terrifying discovery waits in his future . " Philip K . Dick's original story would make a great film ; unfortunately , this poorly executed and overproduced " Paycheck " doesn't really cash it in . The film could be used as a guide on how not to bring Mr . Dick's " Paycheck " to the big screen . Still , it's mildly fun to watch protagonist " Michael Jennings " sort out , and use , the 20 items he mailed to his amnesiac self . The acting and direction ( John Woo ) is obvious . Ivana Milicevic gives it as much PG sex appeal as she can muster . Paycheck ( 2003 ) John Woo - Ben Affleck , Uma Thurman , Aaron Eckhart
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453,037 | 15,896,852 | 285,823 | 4 |
Robert Rodriguez plays a Mexican Hat Trick
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Leaping back into action , gun-slinging , guitar-toting hero ' El Mariachi ' is back in town in ' Once Upon a Time in Mexico ' , as director Robert Rodriquez delivers the epic final chapter of his pulp western trilogy . Starring Antonio Banderas , Salma Hayek , Johnny Depp , Mickey Rourke , Eva Mendes , Enrique Iglesias , and Willem Dafoe , ' Once Upon a Time in Mexico ' is a full-frontal assault , according to the DVD sleeve . That's about as good a description of this blood-splattering , testicle-crunching Robert Rodriguez film as you're going to get . Mr . Rodriguez borrows the title , some of the style , but little of the greatness from Sergio Leone's " Once Upon a Time in the West " . Hard to dope it all out . Sometimes it looks and sounds nice ; though , that's not enough to make it a story . Once Upon a Time in Mexico ( 2003 ) Robert Rodriguez - Antonio Banderas , Salma Hayek , Johnny Depp
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453,465 | 15,896,852 | 35,031 | 4 |
Edward Norris Mustn't Be Squeamish
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A young man , recently engaged to be married , is the victim of a traffic accident and dies as a result of his injuries . His father , desperate to revive his son , agrees to let a scientist friend try his experimental soul transmigration process to save him . After the young man returns to life , the father and fiancée notice a dark and violent change in the young man's behavior , leading them to believe something went horribly wrong in the revival process , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . At one point , Edward Norris ( as Philip Bennett ) is asked , " What do you think this is , Boys Town ? " Mr . Norris should know , since he was in " Boys Town " . " The Man with Two Lives " is more like " Black Friday " minus Karloff and Lugosi . You do the math . This film might have been a contender , with a re-worked script ; it does feature an intriguing final act . After a tepid " shoot out " , hang in for the drama to pick up with a well-played scene between star Norris and pursuing detective Addison Richards ( as George Bradley ) . The Man with Two Lives ( 1942 ) Phil Rosen - Edward Norris , Eleanor Lawson , Addison Richards
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452,437 | 15,896,852 | 28,523 | 4 |
Frozen Dead
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Yellowstone National Park ranger Henry Hunter ( as Dick Sherwood ) ' s head is turned by pretty Chicago tourist Judith Barrett ( as Ruth Foster ) . After the two get romantic , her ex-con father is murdered . Then , suspicious-looking visitor Alan Hale ( as Hardigan ) reveals he's a private detective ; so , he investigates the death of Ms . Barrett's dad , Ralph Morgan ( as James Foster ) . When Mr . Hunter becomes the prime suspect , his romance with the deceased's daughter understandably sours . Hunter insist he didn't kill Barrett's father , and begins his own investigation . Andy Devine ( as " Pay-Day " ) and his mule Gertrude provide comic relief . Monroe Owsley leads an enjoyable supporting cast .
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453,057 | 15,896,852 | 35,009 | 4 |
Of Wolf and Man
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Dr . Cameron , a discredited scientist succeeds with his experiment in creating serum the transforms men into wolf-like creatures . Originally developing this formula to help the world , the scientist decides to use his newly created subject to exact revenge upon the scientists who were responsible for his ouster from the scientific community . The scientist's daughter Lenora grows wary of her father's actions and shares her suspicions with a newspaper reporter . When the scientist loses control of his creature , it falls upon the scientist's daughter and the reporter to stop it , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Mad scientist George Zucco ( as Lorenzo Cameron ) creates his formula rather unimaginatively , by mixing human and wolf blood . This brings the beast out in hulking Glenn Strange ( as Petro aka Pedro ) , who is directed to act like Lon Chaney Jr . in " Of Mice and Men " . Johnny Downs ( as Tom Gregory ) and Anna Nagel ( as Lenora Cameron ) are a likable werewolf hunter and damsel in distress . Certainly , " The Mad Monster " is no substitute for " The Wolf Man " ; but , it's a serviceable addendum . The grainy black-and-white photography enhances the foggy , cow-webbed atmosphere . " God " ( uncredited ) strikes up a well-done ending , too . Like Blaine ( Robert Strange ) said , " Mingling the blood of man and beast is downright sacrilege ! " The Mad Monster ( 1942 ) Sam Newfield - George Zucco , Johnny Downs , Anna Nagel
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453,562 | 15,896,852 | 2,512 | 4 |
Playing Cupid
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In this early tearjerker , directed by D . W . Griffith , friendless bachelor Dell Henderson and lonely spinster Claire McDowell live across the hall from each other . The children in the neighborhood play dirty , rotten tricks on them . Oddly enough , the two loveless ones detest each other . The children , led by a little girl named Sunbeam , could bring the two adults together ? Sunbeam is played by Ynez Seabury , the little girl from " The Miser's Heart " ( 1911 ) ; she is still running around loose , but she has a better reason in " The Sunbeam " . Her mother , Kate Bruce , has an important supporting performance , which she plays perfectly . Obvious message to ladies : if you don't want to wear a frumpy collared outfit like Ms . McDowell's spinster , better get yourself a husband ! The Sunbeam ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Dell Henderson , Claire McDowell , Kate Bruce
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453,087 | 15,896,852 | 23,583 | 4 |
Uneven Dozen
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The DVD sleeve's synopsis offers a good preview : " A wealthy gentleman hosts a dinner party where he is going to reveal the heir to his fortune , in front of the thirteen guests attending the dinner . Unfortunately , only twelve people show up for dinner and the host dies before he can reveal the heir's identity . Years later , the host's daughter returns to her long boarded-up family home to discover someone is killing off the dinner guests , making everyone wonder who will be the next victim . " In the opening scene , Ginger Rogers ( as Marie Morgan and Lela ) ' s recollections introduce the " guests " , and reveal something critical about the plot . Ms . Rogers and Lyle Talbot ( as Phil Winston ) make the cast look promising ; but , the real attractions are James Eagles ( as Harold " Bud " Morgan ) and Eddie Phillips ( as Thor Jensen ) , due to the matter-of-fact way their likely relationship is depicted . This , and the " you told me to tail her " joke , near the end , are better than this otherwise dreary version of a done-to-death plot . The Thirteenth Guest ( 1932 ) Albert Ray - Ginger Rogers , Lyle Talbot , J . Farrell MacDonald
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