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453,655 | 15,896,852 | 52,862 | 5 |
The Great Missed Opportunity
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Heralded , " This story is based on a true incident . Men of the Saint Louis Police Department play the same parts they did in the actual crime , " which is one of the less interesting elements about this film . Directors Charles Guggenheim and John Stix ' documentary-style approach is more interesting . And , an early Steve McQueen stars ; although , obviously , this is before he found a feature film persona that worked . Trumping all in the interest department , however , is the homosexual relationships between the characters , both real and imagined . Mr . McQueen ( as George Fowler ) is a college drop-out , trying to lead the straight life . He is tempted into a life of crime , however , by ex-girlfriend Molly McCarthy ( as Ann ) ' s brother David Clarke ( as Gino ) . McQueen and Mr . Clarke have partnered up ; but , the roommates have had a difficult time finding honest work . So , they involve themselves with a bank heist , masterminded by Crahan Denton ( as John Eagan ) . The fifth wheel in the cast is getaway driver James Dukas ( as Willie ) . Mr . Dukas gives the film's best performance ; and , he has the most interesting role . Dukas began with head honcho Denton when he was a younger , thinner " kid " , a fact Denton cruelly enjoys mentioning ; and , the two obviously became lovers . They have a terrific bickering scene , which ends with Denton ordering Dukas , " Go take a bath , Willie . " Denton wants the younger McQueen to drive his getaway car , which makes Dukas very jealous . Too bad that jukebox could only afford to play one record . With a bigger budget , " The Great St . Louis Bank Robbery " coulda been a contenda .
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452,711 | 15,896,852 | 47,603 | 5 |
A Slow Moving Lion in Winter
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Robert Mitchum ( as Curt ) stars as bullying , titular head of the arguing Bridges family , electing himself over both parents , and brothers Tab Hunter ( as Hal ) and William Hopper ( as Arthur ) . In the dead of winter , the family is threatened by a marauding mountain lion ; the animal must be destroyed before it eats the Bridges family . Carl " Alfalfa " Switzer ( as " Chief " Joe Sam ) is the Bridges ' ranchhand ; the mountain lion killed his entire family some years ago . This is an exceedingly slow-moving and pretentiously written " psychological drama " . The direction ( William A . Wellman ) and photography ( William H . Clothier ) might be its most interesting feature . The Bridges ' home is decorated in blacks and whites , but shot in color ; this highlights the actors ' complexions , and an occasional symbolic item , like Mr . Mitchum's red jacket . Due to the " black and white in color " gimmick , or in spite of it , the film looks beautiful . But nothing can MOVE the " Track of the Cat " story , making the the film merely an interesting experiment . Beulah Bondi ( as Ma ) and Teresa Wright ( as sister Grace ) might fascinate fans . Surprisingly , Tab Hunter offers the film's leading performance ; emerging as the film's focus . Track of the Cat ( / 54 ) William A . Wellman - Robert Mitchum , Tab Hunter , Teresa Wright
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453,069 | 15,896,852 | 39,826 | 5 |
The 8th Voyage of Sinbad
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Douglas Fairbanks Jr . ( as Sinbad ) loves to tell stories , like this one . After a ship's crew is poisoned , Mr . Fairbanks Jr . ' s " Sinbad the Sailor " hops on board and finds a map to Deryabar ; there , he hopes to find the treasure of Alexander the Great . He also believes he may be the rightful Prince of Deryabar . A greedy couple - the alluring Maureen O'Hara ( as Shireen ) and her turbaned partner Anthony Quinn ( as Emir ) get in the way ? Colorful lethargy . The stars are much more interesting in other films , although Fairbanks Jr . is somehow engaging ; at least , he tries not to look completely bored . The story lacks both focus and humor , and it is way too long . Walter Slezak as " Melik the Hairdresser " is THE performance to keep your eyes on , if you watch ; he is delicious . . . Sinbad the Sailor ( 1947 ) Richard Wallace - Douglas Fairbanks Jr . , Walter Slezak , Maureen O'Hara
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452,822 | 15,896,852 | 24,139 | 5 |
Clara Bow Calls It Quits
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Fresh-faced student Richard Cromwell ( as Chris Miller ) jumps off a train , to join father Preston Foster ( as Nifty Miller ) ' s traveling carnival . Mr . Foster wants his son to stay away from the sleazy side-show folk , and pursue his interest in becoming a lawyer ; but , Mr . Cromwell wants to spend some quality time with his dad . With the kid around , Foster must move bed-partner Minna Gombell ( as Carrie ) to other quarters ; so , she slips under the covers with Clara Bow ( as Lou ) . Ms . Gombell doesn't appreciate losing her bed-space to Cromwell ; so , she asks Ms . Bow to seduce him . Bow says she doesn't want to be a " cradle robber " , but changes her mind for $100 . 00 . Bow and Cromwell try to make it believable , after her swimming scene ( to their credit ) ; but , watching them is like watching Mae West seduce Charles Ray . A re-make of " The Barker " doesn't seem like an inappropriate vehicle ; however , " Hoop-la " exploits the plumper Bow's past and ( at the time ) notoriety . This is precisely the kind of exploitation Bow should have been moving away from , at this point in her career . Not an awful film , all things considered . But not enough for Bow to carry on after all the " Hoop-la " . So Bow , born within only two years of Joan Crawford , Greta Garbo , and Katharine Hepburn ? sadly , retired . Hoop-la ( 1933 ) Frank Lloyd - Clara Bow , Richard Cromwell , Preston Foster
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453,004 | 15,896,852 | 319,262 | 5 |
Giving Global Warming the Cold Shoulder
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Global Warming is accelerated to incredible levels , propelling the planet Earth into another Ica Age . Most frequently , the cameras find climatologist Dennis Quaid ( as Jack Hall ) and estranged son Jake Gyllenhaal ( as Sam Hall ) . Both men are strong , and smart . Mr . Quaid is one of the few who knows the seriousness of the matter . Mr . Gyllenhaal is smarter than his calculus teacher ; he does appear like he's been " kept back " a few years in high school , but this is probably because teachers are jealous of Gyllenhaal's intelligence . Quaid has not won any " Father of the Year " awards ; but , he really loves his son . Can Quaid save Gyllenhaal from the Global Warming monster ? Indulgent cliché-ridden idiocy ! Some money was obviously spent on " The Day After Tomorrow " , which means there are exciting , well-produced scenes . Roland Emmerich is an obviously very skillful filmmaker ; but , his story premises favor mindless blockbusters over enduring classics . The story renders its serious subject unintentionally ( ? ) nonsensical ; although , it is , admittedly , only a movie . Emmy Rossum ( as Laura Chapman ) and Sela Ward ( as Lucy Hall ) are the lovely love interests . Capable Ian Holm ( as Terry Rapson ) doesn't have much to do . Everyone watches FOX " News " channels . No wonder ! The Day After Tomorrow ( 2004 ) Roland Emmerich - Dennis Quaid , Jake Gyllenhaal , Emmy Rossum
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452,543 | 15,896,852 | 22,236 | 5 |
Train in Vain
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Railroad rider Grant Withers ( Bill White ) is a bit of a carouser , overindulging in alcohol and romancing salty waitress Joan Blondell ( as Marie ) . His best pal Regis Toomey ( Jack Kulper ) has settled down with sweet pea planting wife Mary Astor ( as Lily Kulper ) . After a drunken escapade , Mr . Withers gets tossed out of his boardinghouse ; then , he moves in with the Kulpers . There , he falls in love with Ms . Astor , his best friend's wife ? Highly improbable melodrama , with a nonsensical , but somewhat riveting , ending . J . Farrell MacDonald ( as Peg Leg ) and James Cagney ( as Eddie ) are entertaining , in supporting roles . Director William A . Wellman , photographer Barney McGill , and the rain give the film a very nice " look " ; but , it's train in vain . Other Men's Women ( 1931 ) William A . Wellman - Grant Withers , Mary Astor , Regis Toomey
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453,603 | 15,896,852 | 39,861 | 5 |
The Sanitarium in the Sierras
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Roy Rogers returns to an old boyhood hometown in the Sierras , where he discovers poachers killing off the area deer . Mr . Rogers finds an abandoned fawn , and brings it to " The Sanitarium " - an animal refuge run by old friend Harry Cheshire ( as Cap . Foster ) ; there , he finds Mr . Cheshire treating the fawn's mother for a bullet wound . When the animal-loving Cheshire stumbles upon the gang of poachers , he is murdered . Rogers must find those responsible . Sheriff Andy Devine ( as " Cookie " ) lends an occasional hand . The characterizations are very good ; especially , the introduction , and disposal , of the character played by Harry Cheshire ( " Cap Foster " ) . The characters played by Stephanie Bachelor ( " Miss Loring " ) and Hal Landon ( " Bert " ) are also nicely drawn . Memorably , Rogers is dramatically beaten and left for dead in a meat freezer . Of course , Rogers escapes frozen death - and the ensuing shootout is quite exciting . During the obligatory shootout , note that the shots fired actually mean something ; there is no pointless shooting , so a sense of real danger prevails . " Good Girl " Jane Frazee and " Bad Girl " Loring have a cool fistfight , too . Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers demonstrate some excellent harmony and backing vocals on " A Cowboy Has To Sing " . On the other hand , " Oh , What a Picture " is dreadful - not only for Mr . Devine's " comedy " vocal , but also for ruining the dramatic pace of the film . A redundant comedy interlude follows almost immediately ( " What are You Going to Do Then ? " ) ; only one , if any , is really needed . The title song " Springtime in the Sierras " has a strained film tie-in . Springtime in the Sierras ( 1947 ) William Witney - Roy Rogers , Jane Frazee , Andy Devine
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453,529 | 15,896,852 | 60,463 | 5 |
Mermaid Doris Loses Her Bottom
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The script , pacing , and editing of " The Glass Bottom Boat " fail Doris Day and Rod Taylor . It's a shame , because the movie seemed to have had a lot to offer . Surprisingly , Ms . Day plays an attractive divorced woman who has given up on romance ; instead , she enjoys her job , and a " family " of animals . Mr . Taylor , we assume , is otherwise interested in twentysomethings , but he is attracted to Day . Their introductory scene has Day half-naked , so we know Taylor is aware her sexual allure is not faltering . I thought their relationship was far to underplayed - Day subtlety touches on it in a scene following a romantic encounter ; but , we know too little of the lead characters ' past . The supporting players are fantastic - Paul Lynde looks great as a woman , showing he could have also played Endora on " Bewitched " ( as well as Uncle Arthur ) ! BUT , the script doesn't gel - it's a shame Taylor revealed he thought Day's character was too stupid to be a spy . Later , he says he loves her banana cream pies ; yet , we are left believing he really thinks she is stupid . They should have yelled , " RE-WRITE ! " The Glass Bottom Boat ( 1966 ) Frank Tashlin - Doris Day , Rod Taylor , Paul Lynde
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452,674 | 15,896,852 | 115,862 | 5 |
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
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Idealistic attorney Chris O'Donnell ( as Adam Hall ) goes down to Mississippi , to take on the " death row clemency case of his onetime Klansman grandfather " Gene Hackman ( as Sam Cayhall ) . " With just 28 days before the execution , Adam sets out to retrace the events leading to the crime for which Sam was convicted . As the impending death sentence looms closer , Adam works quickly to uncover the family's history for any hidden clues . In a white-knuckle series of twists and turns , Adam discovers deceptions and dark secrets that ultimately lead him to the startling truth , " according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . " White-knuckled " ? Indeed not . " The Chamber " ( as in gas chamber ) starts off very well ; and , Mr . Hackman's portrayal of the yellow-teethed racist is worth a look . Faye Dunaway ( as Lee Cayhall Bowman ) has a showy supporting role . All in all , the film's personnel portends a much better story than the one which appears on screen . Building up a romance between blue-eyed Mr . O'Donnell and brown-skinned Lela Rochon ( as Nora Stark ) seems like such an obvious way to improve the story ( whether or not it was done in the John Grisham novel ) , you've got to wonder how on Earth they missed the obvious . The Chamber ( 1996 ) James Foley - Chris O'Donnell , Gene Hackman , Faye Dunaway
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452,486 | 15,896,852 | 40,965 | 5 |
Whispering Past the Railroad
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Colorful , but dull , tale of two friends " working on the railroad . " Alan Ladd plays the friend who falls a little more to the good side of the tracks - and Robert Preston plays the friend who bends over more on the wrong side of the tracks . Of course , there is a Woman between them ? she married one , but longs for the other - or , maybe she loved / loves them both ? The sets and photography are lovely . There is a big railroad and train running through town , which means robbers , and a lot of shooting , are obligatory . I guess the ending could be interpreted as a little open-ended , but I think Mr . Preston decides whether Mr . Ladd lives - or dies . . . Whispering Smith ( 1948 ) Leslie Fenton - Alan Ladd , Robert Preston , Brenda Marshall
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453,546 | 15,896,852 | 871 | 5 |
Torn Between Two Lovers
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Marion Leonard ( as Fanny ) and James Kirkwood ( as Ben ) seem to be a happily married couple . One day , Mr . Kirkwood goes out on a hunting jaunt , in a canoe ; when he rises to fire at some game , the canoe capsizes . Apparently a poor swimmer , Kirkwood is rescued by nearby hunter Frank Powell ( as Ed ) . Mr . Powell helps dry Kirkwood off , and the two crawl under a blanket for the evening . The next morning , Kirkwood thanks Powell for his kindness , and goes on his way . Then , Ms . Leonard meets Powell , while on one of her shopping trips ; and , they kindle an attraction . Soon , Leonard and Powell are meeting regularly , and decide to run away together , leaving Kirkwood in the cold ? Remarkable 1909 story , content-wise , from D . W . Griffith , G . W . Bitzer , and the good folks at Biograph . Leonard's performance as a " torn-between-two-loves " woman is a highlight , ahead of its time . Her leading men do are quite good , also , with some implausible situations . " Fools of Fate " is a cut above the usual , due to its interesting premise , and Marion Leonard's performance .
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453,145 | 15,896,852 | 29,942 | 5 |
Boys in the Hood
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A success in its day , " Boys Town " is the story of how a Priest saves his " Home for Juvenile Delinquent Boys " . He takes in boys that society can't manage , and operates under the motto : " There is No Bad Boy . " Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney star as Priest and head Bad Boy . I was interested in seeing two great stars , Mr . Tracy and Mr . Rooney , work together . They don't . Norman Taurog directs . Rooney fails from going over-the-top , and Tracy sometimes look bored . They each have some moments . You can't fault Rooney for playing a part with the enthusiasm of " Strike Up the Band ! " when they give him scenes like the " black face " bit in " Boys Town " . Tracy doesn't get to wear any " black face " , so he comes off better . It looks like the only Black face in " Boys Town " is the one painted on " Whitey " . I like the " candy scenes " scenes . I liked the tribute to FDR by Tracy and Gene Reynolds ( as " Tony " ) . I didn't think the film was as good as its " message " ; the ingredients put in to the film do not mix well . It doesn't HAVE to be , but it isn't very realistic , either . A too sentimental presentation ( of a worthy message ) with some famous performances . Boys Town ( 1938 ) Norman Taurog - Spencer Tracy , Mickey Rooney , Gene Reynolds
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452,998 | 15,896,852 | 8,458 | 5 |
Whip It
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After Mary Pickford ( as Marget MacTavish ) loses her father at sea , she becomes " The Pride of the Clan " ; this makes Ms . Pickford the leader of her Scottish island community . For most young women , the responsibility would prove too daunting ; but , the spunky Pickford perseveres . She whips the town into shape . Pickford finds romance with Matt Moore ( as Jamie Campbell ) ; but , a secret from his past threatens their future . This was the lesser of the collaborations between Pickford and director Maurice Tourneur . The perpetually stormy coastline photography is a strength , with Marblehead , Massachusetts doubling for Scotland . John van den Broek and Lucien N . Andriot handled the camera . Despite the promising storyline , Pickford's role as leader of her community disappoints . She appears to be a divine link between the people and God . When the Church needs parishioners , Pickford runs around town cracking her father's whip , which frightens worshipers into their pews .
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452,380 | 15,896,852 | 92,115 | 5 |
San Franciscan Trolls
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Teen idol Noah Hathaway ( as Harry Potter Jr . ) moves into a San Francisco apartment , with his family . Right away , little sister Jenny Beck ( as Wendy Potter ) follows a bouncing ball into the building's dank basement . There , she sings " Pease Porridge Hot " , and gets possessed by " Troll " . Young Beck and Phil Fondacaro ( as Torok ) set out to turn the apartment into a fairyland for trolls . Mr . Hathaway sees through little sister's personality switch ; but , parents Michael Moriarty and Shelley Hack don't believe bratty Beck is a demon . So , Hathaway turns to gracefully aging witch June Lockhart ( as Eunice St . Clair ) for help . Julia Louis-Dreyfus ( as Jeanette ) makes a sexy debut , alongside off-screen partner Brad Hall ( as William ) . Hathaway and Ms . Lockhart are great assets ; but , the film's story is much more nonsensical and uninteresting than fantastical and intriguing . Troll ( 1986 ) John Carl Buechler - Noah Hathaway , Phil Fondacaro , June Lockhart
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453,234 | 15,896,852 | 33,367 | 5 |
Medicine Show People
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Roy Rogers , George " Gabby " Hayes , and Sally Payne are members of " Professor Blackstone's Medicine Show " . Their offering of tuneful entertainment and elixir receives a poor reception in the town of Deadwood , led by Bad Man Hal Taliaferro ( as Ripper ) . They decide to stick around and extinguish the " Bad Man of Deadwood " and his wicked gang . The Rogers / Hayes / Payne trio ( plus cute pet ) are a treat as " Medicine " show people . This is an above average , concise Rogers western . Carol Adams ( as reporter Linda Barrett ) is a good romantic interest for Mr . Rogers ; though , they don't flirt enough . It's great to see silent star Monte Blue and weasely Jay Novello among the fine supporting players . It's all lower cost level movie stuff , but ever so pleasant . Bad Man of Deadwood ( 1941 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Carol Adams
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453,682 | 15,896,852 | 22,111 | 5 |
A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush
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Ricardo Cortez plays playboy detective Sam Spade , in this first version of novelist Dashiell Hammett's " The Maltese Falcon " . Bebe Daniels ( as Ruth Wonderly ) is the femme fatale with whom he becomes involved , along with Dudley Digges ( as Gutman ) and Otto Matieson ( as Dr . Cairo ) ; for various reasons , they all seek " The Maltese Falcon " . It's an exceptionally rare piece ! The production " look " of this early " talkie " is nowhere near as good as " The Maltese Falcon " ( 1941 ) , which was directed by John Huston , and starred Humphrey Bogart . However , this 1931 version is more enjoyable that you'd expect ; it is especially recommended as a viewing addendum to its better known re-make ( s ) . Mr . Cortez and Ms . Daniels liven things up with some sexual play ; this was so subdued in the 1941 version , it was almost sexless . Mr . Matieson and Una Merkel ( as secretary Effie ) are the best supporting performers . In this version , the characters ' actions make more sense . There are a few noticeable story differences ; for example , this one ends quite differently . . .
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452,430 | 15,896,852 | 4,766 | 5 |
The Virginian is For Pardners
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Dustin Farnum is " The Virginian " , a cow-puncher who arrives to settle in Bear Creek , Wyoming ; where , he meets , and falls in " lov " ( sic ) with newly arrived schoolteacher Winifred Kingston ( as Molly Wood ) . His life is complicated when his best friend Jack W . Johnston ( as Steve ) gets involved with town gangster William ' Billy ' Elmer ( as Trampas ) . The part , early on , with Mr . Farnum and Hosea Steelman ( as Lin McLean ) exchanging guests ' babies while they dance and drink whiskey , is amusing . There are some interestingly set-up outdoor shots from director Cecil B . DeMille . The story is sometimes odd ; for example , Mr . Johnston takes up with Mr . Elmer , it's stated , as Farnum " neglects " him to be with Ms . Kingston . Later , Johnston writes something on a newspaper - " good by ( unreadable ) i couldn't speak to you without ( unreadable ) the baby Steve " . I watched it with my finger on still , and still couldn't figure it out . Among the featured players . Johnston delivered the best performance . Farnum and Kingston , who had just co-starred in " The Squaw Man " ( 1914 ) , would later marry . The Virginian ( / 14 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Dustin Farnum , Winifred Kingston , Jack W . Johnston
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453,205 | 15,896,852 | 45,551 | 5 |
It's All Greek to Sea
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Robert Wagner ( as Tony Petrakis ) and Terry Moore ( as Gwyneth Rhys ) are an attractive couple ; and , the color cinematography is lovely in " Beneath the 12-Mile Reef " . Gilbert Roland ( as Mike Petrakis ) heads up an entertaining supporting cast . Mr . Wagner's hair is darkened to appear more Greek ( but his on-screen sister's locks are spared ) . Ms . Moore is fetching . Still , Edward Cronjager ( photographer ) and Bernard Herrmann ( musician ) are director Robert Webb's most valuable players . The film helped put Wagner on the map ; he won a " Photoplay Gold Medal " as filmdom's best new actor ; moreover , he and Moore easily made Martin Quigley's Annual Top 10 " Stars of Tomorrow " list , for 1953 . Beneath the 12-Mile Reef ( 1953 ) Robert D . Webb - Robert Wagner , Terry Moore , Gilbert Roland
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453,390 | 15,896,852 | 20,479 | 5 |
PickFair
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Mary Pickford ( as Katherine ) and Douglas Fairbanks ( as Petruchio ) star in Sam Taylor's abridged version of William Shakespeare's " The Taming of the Shrew " . Ms . Pickford is best during the well-photographed Karl Struss storm , and post-storm , scenes ; and , Mr . Fairbanks give the best overall performance in the picture . Pickford improves much upon her previous " Coquette " ; and , Fairbanks proves himself a fine " talking " film actor . While relatively well-received , at the time of release , this " Shrew " fell considerably shy of being highly regarded . Still , for what it is , it's more enjoyable than embarrassing . Certainly , it should appeal to admirers of Pickford and Fairbanks . The Taming of the Shrew ( / 29 ) Sam Taylor - Mary Pickford , Douglas Fairbanks , Edwin Maxwell
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452,427 | 15,896,852 | 39,698 | 5 |
A Star is Born with love and music , but no liquor .
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Betty Hutton ( as Pearl White ) works in a clothing factory ; she sings to her co-workers , and dreams of stardom . When famed stage actress Constance Collier ( as Julia Gibbs ) comes in for a costume , Ms . Hutton reveals she is a fan . Since Ms . Collier doesn't have the $98 for an ordered garment , Hutton offers to deliver it to the troupe , and retrieve payment . There , Hutton receives no $98 ( nobody has the money ) ; instead , she is invited to audition for " The Farrington Players " a Shakespearian troupe . Although she can't act , handsome John Lund ( as Michael " Mike " Farrington ) hires her . Of course , they fall in love . After Hutton ruins one too many plays , she leaves " The Farrington Players " , and gets a job working for William Demarest ( as George " Mac " McGuire ) in the fledging motion picture industry . At " Artcraft Pictures " , Hutton becomes a big star , in movie serials like " The Perils of Pauline " . BUT , stardom has its pitfalls ? This is a very glossed over version of silent film actress Pearl White's life . Hutton plays well in the re-created " silent " scenes ; though neither she nor the script offer any real characterization . Billy De Wolfe ( as Timmy Thompson ) is good in a supporting role ; he inexplicably teaches her how to " project " after her very successful stage audition ( again , it's the script ) . De Wolfe would have made a nice rival for Hutton's affections . Collier steals the show , and she gets to say , " Greetings , fellow thespians ! " An early song , " The Sewing Machine " , is performed poorly by Hutton - - you would have the impression she can't act or sing ! However , she sings and performs the additional songs well . " Rumble , Rumble , Rumble " is the musical highlight . If you think you've heard " The Sewing Machine " somewhere , it's really just a re-make of " McNamara's Band " , which was a big hit for Bing Crosby when this movie was being made . Possibly , the filmmakers liked it , and ordered up a copy . If you're watching for original silent screen actor appearances , like William Farnum , don't blink .
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453,728 | 15,896,852 | 55,139 | 5 |
The Strange Case of Dr . Suzuki and Mr . Stanford
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An American reporter traveling in Japan stops to meet and interview a reclusive Japanese scientist at his mountain laboratory . The scientist greets the curious newsman and , after getting to know him , concludes the reporter is the perfect test subject for his latest experiment . After injecting the reporter against his will , the scientist discovers his serum changes the man into a . . . according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Don't join " The Manster " in progress , as its opening scenes are very striking . The erotic sight of two young Japanese women bathing is interrupted as mad scientist Tetsu Nakamura ( as Robert Suzuki ) must immediately deal with his violent brother ( " An experiment that didn't work out " ) , while his wife ( another " experiment that didn't work out " ) screams in her cage ? Mr . Nakamura takes charge of the situation by killing his brother ; then , Peter Dyneley ( as Larry Stanford ) conveniently shows up ; a self-described " brilliant and highly underpaid foreign correspondent " , Mr . Dyneley wants to interview Nakamura about his research on " the secrets of evolution " . Nakamura is a very perceptive mad scientist ; he senses Dyneley is a sex-stared alcoholic , who lies about his age . Dyneley laps up Nakamura's offer of booze and flooze . With some re-writes and re-takes , George Breakston ( who directed " Andy Hardy " ) might have had a genuine classic . Still , " The Manster " is some good fun . The Manster ( 1962 ) George Breakston - Peter Dyneley , Tetsu Nakamura , Jane Hylton
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453,710 | 15,896,852 | 624,837 | 5 |
Joan Staley Turns on the Charm
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Chad ( Peter Brown ) returns early from a case , in his long underwear ; as it turns out , he's been ambushed by outlaw prisoner Billy Harker's sexy girlfriend Joan Staley ( as Laurie Martin ) . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) sends Reese ( Neville Brand ) and Joe ( William Smith ) out to assist the slightly embarrassed Chad , and salvage the mission . Pretty-in-pink Ms . Staley proves to be a formidable feminine obstacle , during the search for her outlaw boyfriend Billy . Skin watchers should note that studly Chad and hunky Smith perform their opening scenes shirtless . And , later on , " Playboy Playmate " Staley gets to show her bare shoulders and legs while dressing ( behind a conveniently large tree , however ) . This episode features a very enjoyable guest performance , by Staley . She and Mr . Brown perform their " re-encounter " scene exceptionally well . " Anybody Here Seen Billy ? " is very nicely directed , by non-appearing actor Lawrence Dobkin ; and , Andrew Jackson's color photography is just right . Finally , Mr . Smith , unmoved by Staley's wiles , gets to orchestrate an exciting conclusion . Laredo - Anybody Here Seen Billy ? ( / 65 ) Lawrence Dobkin - Peter Brown , Joan Staley , Neville Brand
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452,453 | 15,896,852 | 142,688 | 5 |
Roman Polanski Goes to Hell with Johnny Depp
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After being hired by Frank Langella ( as Boris Balkan ) , " Johnny Depp unlocks the gates to hell , in Roman Polanski's newest thriller . Depp stars as Dean Corso , an unscrupulous rare-book dealer who is hired to locate the remaining copies of ' The Nine Gates of the Shadow Kingdom , ' a demonic manuscript that can summon the Devil . Corso becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving murder , theft , and satanic ritual ; and , ultimately finds himself confronting the devil incarnate , " according to official synopsis . In order to look old , bookish Depp occasionally has a chalk-like substance added to his temples . He treats rare old books indelicately , and sometimes blows tobacco smoke on them . Despite these early warnings , " The Ninth Gate " becomes intriguing , as Depp's character unfolds the mysteries of three Satanic volumes , and their differing illustrations . Emmanuelle Seigner and Lena Olin are obviously bad news , but Depp messes with them anyway . The major film's main weakness in that it doesn't go anywhere with its promising storyline ; and , most importantly , it lacks a satisfactorily ending . You might even call it incoherent ( see for yourself , if you dare ) . Darius Khondji's cinematography , and wheelchair-bound devil worshiper Barbara Jefford ( as Baroness Kessler ) are strengths . The Ninth Gate ( / 99 ) Roman Polanski - Johnny Depp , Emmanuelle Seigner , Barbara Jefford
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452,867 | 15,896,852 | 624,834 | 5 |
Back in the Saddle
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After driving some errant Native American Indians away from a wagon train , Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) want a break ; and , Reese has a toothache . But , the concerned ladies of Laredo report the disappearance of British schoolmaster Richard Haydn ( as Jonathan Pringle ) , who was to have arrived from London . Despite his aching tooth , Reese is sent , by Capt . Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) out to find the wayward Mr . Haydn . The going gets tough when an old foe , Ken Lynch ( as Anson Jones ) , recognizes Reese , and seeks revenge for a past prison term . After several lackluster episodes , " Laredo " gets back in the saddle . This episode has good direction ( Paul Stanley ) , writing ( Edward J . Lasko ) , and photography ( William Margulies ) . The opening action is taken from prior adventures ( the flaming arrow hitting the wagon train is a dead giveaway ) ; but , the stock footage , new location , and set material blend very well . Mr . Brand's toothy " Reese " is at his most memorable ; and , though underutilized , the series co-stars all appear - and to good effect . Hank Patterson ( Fred Ziffel of " Green Acres " ) , and Lynch's mob ( Len Lesser , Paul Mantee , Erik Holland ) lead a strong supporting cast . Laredo - A Very Small Assignment ( / 66 ) Paul Stanley - Neville Brand , Richard Haydn , Ken Lynch
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453,079 | 15,896,852 | 24,222 | 5 |
Vanity , Thy Name Is Woman ?
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Attorney Frank Morgan ( as Paul Held ) is called upon to defend a friend , doctor Paul Lukas ( as Walter Bernsdorf ) , who has just shot his wife ) to death . After listening to Mr . Lukas describe how he discovered his wife was having an affair , Mr . Morgan sees similar behavior in his own beautiful young wife , Nancy Carroll ( as Maria Held ) . " All men suspect their wives , " Morgan says . So , secretly , Morgan follows Ms . Carroll to her lover's arms . Then , Morgan decides to clear his client , and use his closing argument as a rationale for murdering his own unfaithful wife . . . " The Kiss Before the Mirror " is a strange , almost offensive , and downright dumb story ; but , it's done with a fine director ( James Whale ) and an interesting cast . Jean Dixon ( as Hilda ) almost saves it , with her pointed courtroom comment to Morgan . Donald Cook , Walter Pidgeon , and Gloria Stuart are good-looking lovers . From now on , viewers , you must carefully watch how women put on their make-up - it could help you decide whether or not to shoot them ( just kidding ) . The Kiss Before the Mirror ( / 33 ) James Whale - Frank Morgan , Nancy Carroll , Paul Lukas
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452,661 | 15,896,852 | 55,047 | 5 |
Behind Blue Eyes
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This film was unjustly nicknamed " I Was a Teenage Jesus " , as star Jeffrey Hunter neither was , nor does he look , like a " teenager " . Rather , his appearance quite matches the idealized " Jesus " very much accepted by many Christians . Actually , Mr . Hunter is , overall , the correct age to be portraying Jesus Christ ; although he is perhaps , a little too " hunky " looking . H . B . Warner , who starred in Cecil B . DeMille's original " King of Kings " was far too old . Admittedly , Mr . Warner was , with the help of a softening lens , more successful essaying the role than Hunter . The angling direction , by Nicholas Ray is interesting , if uninspiring . Miklos Rozsa's music is lovely , contributing greatly to the film's reverence . There are some nice supporting performances ; I enjoyed , for example , Hurd Hatfield's " Pilate " ? and some of the others were amusing , at least . " King of Kings " has a big , colorful look - - but , it's one of the duller entries in the Biblical epic genre . It's a handsome production , but it might take a miracle for me to sit through " King of Kings " again . King of Kings ( 1961 ) Nicholas Ray - Jeffrey Hunter , Hurd Hatfield , Robert Ryan
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452,788 | 15,896,852 | 12,465 | 5 |
The Family Beast of Burden
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Lois Wilson ( as Lulu ) is the spinsterish member of the Deacon family : " The family beast of burden , whose timid soul has failed to break the bonds of family servitude . " Her brother-in-law is patriarchal Theodore Roberts ( as Dwight Deacon ) ; running the house with an iron fist , he is both a dentist and a Justice of the Peace . As the latter , he accidentally marries Ms . Wilson to his visiting brother Clarence Burton ( as Ninian Deacon ) while they are out for dinner . Schoolteacher Milton Sills ( as Neil Cornish ) is also interested in Wilson ; though , curiously , nobody seems to notice this for the longest time . Ethel Wales tries , unsuccessfully , to look old enough to play the family grandmother . Lois Wilson's fine acting ability is clearly evident ; at different times , she is like both Lillian Gish and Bette Davis - see , for example the scene where she " lets her hair down " upon meeting Mr . Burton ( Gish ) , and her confrontation , finally , with Mr . Roberts ( Davis ) . The story is ambitious : " Lulu Bett " and the other members of the Deacon household are clearly being controlled by the " Master " Deacon ; and , " Lulu " is practically a slave . Yet , the various characters are shells of something larger - and their shells are not filled with enough characterization , background , or motivation to make this movie really work . Notable as directed by Cecil's brother William deMille . Miss Lulu Bett ( 1921 ) William C . de Mille - Lois Wilson , Theodore Roberts , Milton Sills
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453,249 | 15,896,852 | 6,731 | 5 |
Moving Forward
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Years ago , Norma Talmadge ( as Grace Briggs ) and her crooked partner Eugene Palette ( as Jimmy Briggs ) helped locksmith and gang leader Ralph Lewis ( as John Higgins ) commit burglaries . After falling in love , Ms . Talmadge and Mr . Lewis married . Later , Lewis was arrested , and went to prison for his crimes . Upon release , he and Talmadge decide to make amends . After " Going Straight " , they change their name to " Remington " , made babies , and lead a happy , prosperous life . Presently , while Talmadge and Lewis remorsefully recall their life of crime , Mr . Palette remains crooked to the bone . He hooks up with little Georgie Stone ( as Jimmy ) , a helpless waif and criminal adjunct . When Palette re-encounters his now prosperous pal , he blackmails Lewis by threatening to reveal wife Talmadge's participation in their past crimes . Since Talmadge was never caught , she would ( presumably ) have to serve some years in prison . Eventually , Palette's demands increase . . . Going Straight ( / 16 ) Chester & Sidney Franklin - Norma Talmadge , Eugene Palette , Georgie Stone
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453,711 | 15,896,852 | 624,855 | 5 |
Southern Hospitality with Julie Harris
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The outlaw " Jamison Gang " , led by Donnelly Rhodes ( as Bob ) , sends Bruce Dern ( as Durkee ) to scout out for Laredo's Rangers . They rightly fear the Rangers will interfere with their plans to pick up a wealth of silver , buried under a farm . Instead of scouting , Mr . Dern turns informer . Rangers Reese ( Neville Brand ) , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) are sent out , by Parmalee ( Philip Carey ) , to confront the Jamison Gang . Along the way , the meet widow Julie Harris ( as Annamay ) , who also wants to claim the silver-enhanced farm ? Ms . Harris is a charming guest star , working very well with Mr . Brand ; in fact , the entire guest cast is exceptional . This episode , which aired fourth in the first season , should have been the series premiere . It features an abundance of the series ' hallmarks : humor and action . And , the characterization either lacking or ill-chosen in earlier episodes begins to form . Reese is noted to have " led on " two women , with undelivered promises of marriage ; this figures , later , into the plot , and conveys the " rule " about the Rangers remaining single . The most interesting bit of characterization occurs when , early in the episode , Chad's lady-killing reputation is confirmed ; skirting the network censors , Brown is discreetly shown being interrupted during a sexual encounter . Laredo - Rendezvous at Arillo ( / 65 ) Harvey Hart - Neville Brand , Julie Harris , Peter Brown
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452,946 | 15,896,852 | 66,001 | 5 |
Piercing the Iron Curtain
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Knife-wielding seaman Christopher Jones ( as Leiser ) is recruited , by British spies , to sneak through the Iron Curtain , in Germany ; there , he is to confirm suspicions the East German Communist are building missiles . Mr . Jones ' mission is , at first , complimented by , but later , compromised by the urge to mate ; especially after he encounters delicious Pia Degermark ( as Anna ) . Writer / director Frank Pierson's adaptation of John Le Carré's Cold War novel is , in the end , disappointing ; but , it has some strengths . Shirt-shedding Jones ' Polish-French-English dubbing is very well done . Mr . Pierson's direction holds interest . Jones and Ms . Degermark are very beautiful ; unfortunately , both would have short-lived starring careers . Another promising young performer , Anthony Hopkins ( as Avery ) , makes a good impression ; and , veterans Ralph Richardson and Paul Rogers give the picture some gravitas . The Looking Glass War ( 1969 ) Frank Pierson - Christopher Jones , Anthony Hopkins , Pia Degermark
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452,556 | 15,896,852 | 43,071 | 5 |
The Bowery Boys Meet The Beatles
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In a striking opening sequence , Leo Gorcey ( as Slip Mahoney ) , Huntz Hall ( as Horace Debussy " Sach " Jones ) , William " Billy " Benedict ( as Whitey ) , Buddy Gorman ( as Butch ) , and David Gorcey ( as Chuck ) appear in menacing plastic masks , at the " Bowling Green Van & Storage Company " . The police arrive on the scene , and arrest the gang of five for robbing the place - but , they didn't commit the crime . Leader Gorcey and company claim they are celebrating Halloween ( in April ) . To bail out " The Bowery Boys " , Bernard Gorcey ( as Louie Dumbrowsky ) puts up his " Sweet Shop " as collateral ; and , lawyer pal Gabriel Dell ( as Gabriel " Gabe " Moreno ) arrives to defend his old friends . Awaiting trial , Mr . Benedict receives information on the real robbers via his " short wave " radio . Acting on Benedict's lead , Gorcey and Mr . Hall plead " guilty " as charged , so they can investigate the case inside the " state pen " . Hall's " Triple Trouble " performance is especially good . And , there are a great bunch of supporting crooks to watch out for - George Chandler ( as Squirrelly Davis ) , Pat Collins ( as Bat Armstrong ) , Paul Dubov ( as Pretty Boy Gleason ) , and Joe Turkel ( as Benny the Blood ) . Also note , " Bowery Boy " Benedict gets a little more screen time than he's usually allotted . Unfortunately , the story really isn't very interesting . Hall ( " I'll have a ham on rye " ) and Gorcey ( " The proper alliteration is you or me " ) have a courtroom scene which certainly suggests this film may have been seen by Beatles in Liverpool , England . Lennon and McCartney were admirers of Gorcey and Hall - and , in this film , a common sense of humor shows . See if you can identify moments resembling " Magical Mystery Tour " and " Band on the Run " , herein . Later , Hall appeared on The Beatles ' " Sgt . Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band " album collage ( Gorcey was removed after demanding a fee ) . Triple Trouble ( / 50 ) Jean Yarbrough - Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , William " Billy " Benedict
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453,194 | 15,896,852 | 564,206 | 5 |
Buster Keaton and " Captain Marvel Adventures "
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Donna believes , " Christmas should be warm and friendly and peaceful . " Instead , she finds it to be cool , contentious , and chaotic . The recipients of her fruitcakes are unable to hide their disappointment , and Donna has to buy a last minute gift for Alex . Moreover , Mary won't shop until she's sure she'll get a gift in return , and Jeff is keeping a " profit-and-loss ledger " for the year . Donna wonders what happened to the Christmas spirit of giving . She finds answers when she gets to know the generous janitor at the Hilldale Hospital - indeed , very special guest star Buster Keaton ( as Charlie ) . This episode must have endeared Donna and her television family to millions of viewers . It isn't terribly well done , but it isn't terrible . The appearance of Mr . Keaton is a treat . And , the hospital children are very sweet . In their hospital beds , they read a very rare edition of " Captain Marvel Adventures " - the cover is visible , but it doesn't match any cover I could find , web-surfing . Since the comic book ended publication in 1953 , it's strange to see a decent copy last through ( at least ) five years in a children's hospital ( or , TV prop room ) . A Very Merry Christmas ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Buster Keaton , Carl Betz
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452,918 | 15,896,852 | 564,220 | 5 |
Shelley Fabares wants Jimmy Hawkins
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Donna ( Donna Reed ) realizes daughter Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) has a teenage crush , after she forlornly washes the same dish five times . Indeed , Mary wants to go to the " Varsity Prom " with handsome Jimmy Hawkins ( as George Haskell ) , the basketball star who works in the school library . But , Mary thinks she has " all the sex appeal of a wet mop . " Donna thinks Mary should be " attractive and desirable . " Father Alex ( Carl Betz ) worries about the " desirable " part , and Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) thinks his sister's yen for men is dumb . Donna tries to help Mary out , but young Haskell develops a crush on mother Donna , instead ? The plot is a sitcom staple . No wonder Mr . Hawkins falls for Donna ( a former nurse ) ; she is attractive even when she tries to dress " down " as a haggard housewife . Hawkins and Ms . Fabares are a very cute couple . And , it's easy to see why Hawkins was frequently asked back on " The Donna Reed Show " . Hawkins was Reed's son in " It's a Wonderful Life " ( 1946 ) . Later , he had parts in two of the three movies Fabares did with Elvis Presley , " Girl Happy " ( 1965 ) and " Spinout " ( 1966 ) . Donna's advice to Mary was good , " Build him up and laugh at his jokes . " Change Partners and Dance ( / 58 ) James V . Kern - Donna Reed , Jimmy Hawkins , Shelley Fabares
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452,888 | 15,896,852 | 622,201 | 5 |
Violence with Big Blue Eyes
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After a prison stint , hoodlum James Dean ( as Joe " Joey " Harris ) hopes to pick up where he left off , with wife Naomi Riordan ( as Barbie Andrews Harris ) , and pursue a career in auto mechanics . When Mr . Dean discovers his wife has left New York City , he goes to ask a mutual friend , delicatessen proprietor Rudolph Weiss ( as Poppa Golden ) , where Ms . Riordan might have gone . Dean's tendency for violence surfaces , and he beats the old man up , for advising Riordan to leave town . Dean , also a wife abuser , returns home to father Ted Osborn ( as Fred Harris ) ; happily , he discovers this is where Riordan is living . His wife and father eventually accept Dean declaration he is abandoning his criminal ways . Then , investigator Robert F . Simon ( as Lieutenant Case ) arrives ; unfortunately , Dean's beating victim may die ? This is a disappointing TV-movie drama , due to the expectations raised by the fact that it was written by Rod Serling , and stars James Dean . The story wastes a good deal by having Dean commit his crime at the onset . This makes Dean's character initially unlikable , and unlikely to be redeemed ; and , gives the viewer no chance to evaluate his later lying about the incident . Still , Dean does a great job with the material . He is especially effective in the " nostalgia " scene , hopelessly reminiscing about his past , and chewing his shirt collar nervously over the future . Dean is exceptional , putting great effort in creating the " poet and gangster " character called for in the script . " A Long Time Till Dawn " is , otherwise , rather ordinary . A Long Time Till Dawn ( / 53 ) Richard Dunlap - James Dean , Naomi Riordan , Ted Osborn
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452,678 | 15,896,852 | 624,881 | 5 |
Eve Arden Brings Culture to Laredo
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After the " Slaughter Gang " robs a bank in San Sabo , the Rangers capture the bandits , and return their booty to the local bank . There , they meet culture-peddling Eve Arden ( as Miss Em ) , who is refused for a bank loan . Ms . Arden impresses Reese ( Neville Brand ) with her flattery and ladylike manner . Reese , Chad ( Peter Brown ) , and Joe ( William Smith ) devise a plan to help Arden sell tickets to her lecture on culture . To sell tickets , a " hot tamale " from the " Silver Slipper " ( Rita D'Amico as " Carlotta " ) is added to the program . Arden lives this episode up considerably ; and , her character's comic duplicity fits the show like a glove . The story , however , doesn't really rise above that of very ordinary episodic television . At the time , Arden's was a rare and welcome screen appearance . Veterans Myron Healey ( as Sam Bolt ) and Lyle Talbot ( as the Sheriff ) are other notable additions to the " Laredo " guest cast . Lardeo - Which Way Did They Go ? ( / 65 ) Leon Benson - Eve Arden , Neville Brand , Peter Brown
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452,505 | 15,896,852 | 37,988 | 5 |
Sometimes Too Subtle & Sometimes Too Obvious
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The story is familiar - Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray wishes his painting would grow old whilst he remain young . The sets , direction , and photography are beautiful . Through no fault of their own , the actors ' characters falter - for example ; Angela Lansbury is strikingly beautiful and terrific , but annoyingly sings " Goodbye Little Yellow Bird " ( foreshadowing ? ) , and Hurd Hatfield grows into the role , but annoyingly stabs a table ( more foreshadowing ? ) . Mr . Hatfield ends up impressing , but the film's early going makes it difficult . George Sanders is delicious , as usual . More often than not , the script is way too subtle . Why couldn't the frequent narration help explain things more mysterious , instead of things more obvious ? AND , the switching from " black and white " to " color " is a gimmick that almost worked the first time . The Picture of Dorian Gray ( 1945 ) Albert Lewin - Hurd Hatfield , George Sanders , Donna Reed
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453,450 | 15,896,852 | 1,088 | 5 |
Beauty and the Biograph Girl
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Florence Lawrence ( as Mabel Jarrett ) lives happily with her parents James Kirkwood and Flora Finch ; while waiting for her suitor Arthur V . Johnson ( as Tom Hearne ) ' s inevitable proposal of marriage . Another member of the household is Mary Pickford ( as Winnie ) , who is not only Ms . Lawrence's cousin , but also her best friend . Lawrence's life is torn asunder when she receives a burn , then scar , on her face , during an electrical accident . She perceives a difference in suitor Johnson's attentions , after he sees her scarred face . Most D . W . Griffith films from the period are notable for their technical innovations ; " The Way of Man " is more notable for the indelible performances Griffith elicits . Lawrence , aka " The Biograph Girl " , is especially memorable in her climactic rocky scene . Johnson is likewise convincing ; he is torn between his love for the scarred Lawrence , and the suddenly more lovely Ms . Pickford . Together , Lawrence and Johnson are an exciting on-screen team . Note how , in an early scene , Johnson kisses and strokes the very part of Lawrence's face which will later be scarred ; it's a Griffith touch that adds a subtle magic to the overall film . Despite its strengths , you have to wonder about " The Way of Man " regarding beauty as depicted in this film . Lawrence's burn does not seriously alter her looks , and Johnson obviously still has feelings for her - - she knows this , and still decides makes her decision - - perhaps , she is slightly crazed . The ending is somewhat refreshingly unexpected , though sudden ( the film becomes more rushed during the later playing time ) .
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453,664 | 15,896,852 | 42,786 | 5 |
God on the Radio
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You know , writer George Sumner Albee said , " wouldn't it be something if God would come on the radio and give people such a bad scare they'd wake up and behave themselves ! " That quote appeared in MGM president Dore Schary's book " Case History of a Movie " , which elevated " The Next Voice You Hear ? " far above its station . It also places the " germ " of the story in the days of radio , when the magical medium would be natural place for God to speak to " Joe Smith , American " . So , during the time it was written and filmed , this story must have seemed far less ludicrous . The story focuses on the Smith family : James Whitmore ( as Joe ) , Nancy Davis ( as Mary ) , and Gary Gray ( as Johnny ) . The names " Joseph " and " Mary " have Biblical implications , of course ; and , in the film , " Mary " is pregnant . These facts , like the " voice of God " itself , never progress past the point of mildly intriguing , however . The Smith family proves to be an underwhelming choice to follow , through God's supposed manifestation . Interestingly , the filmmakers combine all the world's Gods into one ; with the implication being that Jews , Muslims , and others hear a similar message . A couple of supporting performers are nice , but Ms . Davis ( later known as Nancy Reagan ) is the best thing in the film . Though a surprisingly thin pregnant woman , she still endeavors to look like she's carrying a child ; and , Davis gives the most realistic performance . She helps the other performers look believable , too , just by appearing on screen with them . For example , it looks like she covers for young Gray , when he almost knocks over a table . And , after a silly " drunk scene " , ending with Mr . Whitmore walking a straight line into EVERY stool on his way out of a bar , Davis ' presence dampens the mediocrity . Davis is genuine in her manner and looks ; she obviously worked on the character , with direction from William A . Wellman . Mr . Wellman keeps it interesting , for the most part ; and , the film provokes some thought . Finally , many at MGM would agree with the observation that God's voice , if heard , would likely sound like Lionel Barrymore ! The Next Voice You Hear ? ( 1950 ) William A . Wellman - James Whitmore , Nancy Davis , Gary Gray
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452,566 | 15,896,852 | 221,027 | 5 |
Ooo , What a Lucky Man He Was
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In early life scenes , Jesse James ( as Young George Jung ) is an ordinary , likable kid . He has a really nice , but unsuccessful in business , father ( Ray Liotta as Fred Jung ) . He has a hellish , selfish mother ( Rachel Griffiths as Ermine Jung ) . He has an overweight friend ( Ethan Suplee as " Tuna " ) . In 1968 , he has grown into Johnny Depp . Mr . Depp and pal " Tuna " move to California . They meet women on the beach , and get stoned . Depp also meets Paul Reubens ( as Derek Foreal ) , who turns him on to selling pot . Depp becomes a HUGE drug dealer . This movie had me going until the switch to California . I was distracted by Depp's different hairstyles . By the 1970s , Depp looked older than his mother . The way people age , and change hairstyles is screwy ; so , is the soundtrack song selection order . Depp's characterization is interesting , at least ; he has my respect for taking chances with his movie roles . Penelope Cruz ( as Mirtha ) lifts things considerably when she appears , but it's a long , long wait . For a film so effective in its " based on a true story " opening , I was surprised so few of the cast seemed to act like they took drugs . Depp performed well , however ; with his scenes hitting bottom , and recovering , being impressive ( see the beating and childbirth scenes ) . Emma Roberts performs very well as the daughter Kristina ; her scenes with Depp make you care about the character . Director Ted Demme was promising , but died shortly after this film . . . Blow ( 2001 ) Ted Demme - Johnny Depp , Penélope Cruz , Paul Reubens
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452,745 | 15,896,852 | 34,167 | 5 |
Onward Christian Soldier
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Drunken hillbilly Gary Cooper ( as Alvin C . York ) is the sharpest shooter in his Tennessee town , but he doesn't want to fight , after World War I breaks out . With bushy-eyebrowed parson Walter Brennan ( as Rosier Pile ) as a sponsor , Mr . Cooper seeks to become a " conscientious objector " . Older man Cooper has a hankerin ' for nubile young Joan Leslie ( as Gracie Williams ) ; he wants to buy some land and settle down with her , but is drafted . In the United States Army , a sobered and saved Cooper is reluctant to kill nasty Germans , due to his strong Christian beliefs . Can " Uncle Sam " make Cooper a real warrior ? Proximity resulted in this film being elevated far above its ration . When Cooper and his hound dog go to a mountaintop , God helps him reconcile Christianity and killing . At least , Cooper's performance is earnest . Staid Margaret Wycherly ( as Mother York ) , Dickie Moore ( as George York ) , and June Lockhart ( as Rosie York ) keep the home fires burning . She has relatively little to do , but lovely Ms . Lockhart essays the film's most natural performance . Expressive George Tobias ( as Pusher Ross ) , later " Abner Kravitz " on TV's " Bewitched " , provides " comic relief " during wartime . Shucks . Sergeant York ( 1941 ) Howard Hawks - Gary Cooper , Joan Leslie , Walter Brennan
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452,697 | 15,896,852 | 58,333 | 5 |
The Roger Horror Picture Show ?
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This ends with one very strange party ! I just watched it , and I don't remember the events preceding the party - Vincent Price is the Satanic host . He makes people act like pigs and other animals . A man in a gorilla suit provides the most gruesome moment . Ex-Beatle bird Jane Asher and David Weston are the young couple in love . This film seems to be making a directorial ( Roger Corman ) statement about something over and above an Edgar Allen Poe story , and I'm not sure what it is supposed to mean . Very colorful and symbolic nothingness is how I would describe . It's almost like you need some written directions . It reminded be of Fellini , Bergman , and The Rock Horror Picture Show ( but not as interesting ) . The Masque of the Red Death ( 1964 ) Roger Corman - Vincent Price , Jane Asher , David Weston
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453,210 | 15,896,852 | 16,308 | 5 |
Never Gve a Sucker an Even Break
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From a modern prospective , this is a most underwhelming film . Carol Dempster ( as Sally ) would seem , athleticism being one of her strengths , to be a natural choice to play a circus performer ; she is , however , mostly unremarkable . W . C . Fields ( as Professor McGargle ) is more graceful ; however , without his distinctive voice , he is somewhat disappointing . And , Alfred Lunt ( as Peyton Lennox ) , known for his brilliant stage presence , is difficult to appreciate . Of the three , Mr . Fields is the most watchable . The breathtaking beauty of earlier D . W . Griffith-directed films is noticeably absent . While some of the shots are lovely , nothing equals the artfulness evident throughout many past Griffith efforts . " Sally of the Sawdust " is beautifully preserved ( if only all Griffith prints were as well preserved ) ; and , it is an enjoyable comedy ( certainly more so in 1925 ) . It was adapted from Dorothy Donnelly's popular play " Poppy " ( 1923 ) , with Madge Kennedy and W . C . Fields . It was re-filmed as " Poppy " ( 1936 ) , with Rochelle Hudson and W . C . Fields . Norma Talmadge's popular film was an altogether different " Poppy " ( 1917 ) , and did not co-star W . C . Fields . Sally of the Sawdust ( 1925 ) D . W . Griffith - Carol Dempster , W . C . Fields , Alfred Lunt
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452,915 | 15,896,852 | 564,298 | 5 |
Jeff's Finesse
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Donna ( Donna Reed ) and Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) organize items the Stone family plans to donate to a charity auction . To their surprise , Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) gives up a two-week old toy rocket . Jeff is more interested in football , now , and decides to " use psychology " to get a new uniform from " pushover " mom . But , Alex ( Carl Betz ) fears they are spoiling the lad , and tells Jeff he must earn the money by working . With the boys ' football team due to be photographed for the local newspaper , Donna arranges for Jeff to " win " the uniform at the auction , with humorous results . This , and the upcoming " Change Partners and Dance " episode show , early on , why " The Donna Reed Show " was so successful . The adults were a known commodity , but children are more of a wild card . Together , " The Football Uniform " and " Change Partners and Dance " show casting Paul Peterson and Shelley Fabares as the Stone children was going to work like a charm . This episode features Peterson , and the other Fabares - and , they've got the ticket . The Football Uniform ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Paul Peterson , Donna Reed , Shelley Fabares
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452,531 | 15,896,852 | 16,560 | 5 |
From Pigtails to Curls
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In a New Jersey orphanage , pigtailed Marion Davies ( as Mamie Smith ) causes a slapstick ruckus ; consequently , she is brutally abused . Then , Ms . Davies ' luck changes ; and , she is sent to the loving home of motherly Hedda Hopper ( as Edith Caldwell ) . Ms . Hopper's husband is away , on an extended trip to Mexico . So , Davies helps raise Hopper's baby into cute young Jack Huff ( as Alexander " Zander " P . Caldwell Jr . ) . The years are kind to Davies , who grows from freckles and pigtails to beautiful complexion and curls . When Hopper passes away , Davies must fulfill a promise to find Huff's father , but the wicked orphanage from her past declares custody . Davies takes the boy , and sets off to meet adventure , danger , and Harrison Ford . The odd title " Zander the Great " refers to the Greek leader Alexander the Great ; to wit , Davies shortens little Alexander's name to Zander because , " Alexander is such a big name for a weenie baby . " Davies spends the much of the picture made-up like Mary Pickford ( a road taken by many , to be fair ) . The comedy and drama don't mix very well ; as usual , Davies is better with the former . Finally , the movie becomes a western . Director George Hill and the MGM team do some nice work ; especially , the beginning scenes with Davies , and the ending expiration scenes featuring George Siegmann ( as Black Bart ) . The sexual prowess of rabbits is a tiresome source of amusement . This was a big 1923 Broadway success for Alice Brady .
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453,197 | 15,896,852 | 564,265 | 5 |
The Truth About Lying
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Donna ( Donna Reed ) receives an unexpected call from Charles Herbert ( as David Barker ) , who enjoyed spending his Thanksgiving with the Stones ( see Episode # 10 , " Guest in the House " ) . " That problem child , " as Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) describes him , makes up a story about being lonely on his birthday . Of course , Donna arranges for Alex ( Carl Betz ) to pick the boy up , for birthday celebration with the Stones . After Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) gets in trouble for lying ( he shot his " air rifle " haphazardly ) , young Herbert hears Mary say , " People who tell lies don't go to Heaven . " Staying in Jeff's convenient extra bed , Herbert confesses his lie to Jeff , and considers an eternity in Hell . . . Inviting Charles Herbert back on the show was a wise move . This episode , understandably , comes up a little short when compared to the first ; but , Mr . Herbert's little " David " is always welcome . Oscar Rudolph's direction shows some flair , also . The subject matter may seem a little heavy for children watching in 1959 , but writer John Whedon and Ms . Reed lighten up on the prospect of going to Hell for lying . Nothing But the Truth ( / 59 ) Oscar Rudolph - Donna Reed , Charles Herbert , Paul Peterson
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453,199 | 15,896,852 | 564,240 | 5 |
A Date with Stephen Pearson
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When Jackie Kelk ( as Burt " Bo " Boland ) return from a trip to France , Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) is allowed to stay up late , and entertain the adults with her piano playing . Neither mother Donna ( Donna Reed ) nor Alex ( Carl Betz ) seem interested in watching Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) performing his new " magic show " act . Paul thinks his parents don't love him as much as they do Mary . His enterprising friend Stephen Peterson ( as Zachary " Zack " Blake ) tells Jeff it's " The Law of Vanishing Returns " - or , how a second child ( Jeff ) isn't as loved as the first born ( Mary ) . To prove she and Alex love their son as much as their daughter , Donna plans to have Jeff overhear a conversation she and Alex have , on the family's newly installed intercom system . . . Here is the expected sibling rivalry episode , which Mr . Peterson and Ms . Fabares can do just as well ( if not better ) in 30 seconds . The best scene has Jeff being lured out for a night on the town with the seductive older boy , Mr . Pearson , who steals the show in his second " Donna Reed " series appearance . Jeff vs . Mary ( / 59 ) Oscar Rudolph - Paul Peterson , Stephen Pearson , Donna Reed
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453,582 | 15,896,852 | 1,062 | 5 |
Hats Off to D . W . Griffith
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Early film short directed by D . W . Griffith ; it might be more accurately called a " short short " at barely three minutes . It is entertaining , though . The director is saying , " Ladies , please remove your hats ! " Why ? Because you can't match a movie when some woman parks herself in front of your seat , and leaves her HUGE hat on . There are some early silent film stars in attendance - obviously Flora Finch , Linda Arvidson , and Florence Laurence . Mack Sennett is the man with the finny nose and the checkered suit . The men are not easy to identify , with their backs turned ; but , that must be Robert Harron in the lower right of your screen , going crazy over " Those Awful Hats " . The film really MOVES ? all the time , there is movement ALL OVER the screen . Ms . Arvidson recalled , in her autobiography , " How many times that scene was rehearsed and taken ! It grew so late and we were all so sleepy that we stopped counting . But pay for overtime evolved from this picture . " Those Awful Hats ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - Flora Finch , Mack Sennett , Robert Harron
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453,016 | 15,896,852 | 45,016 | 5 |
Overly Sentimental , but Captivating Drama
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Loretta Young stars as the wife of University professor Kent Smith . Life seems wonderful ; however Ms . Young is told , after a second miscarriage , she can never have children . Later , she is speeding home , after some event , and hits a child with her car . A truck driver ( also on the road ) takes the boy , and leaves the desperate woman wondering what injuries she's caused . " Paula " begins as a seemingly routine Loretta Young drama , but keep your eye on the picture for a grabber . The story becomes very interesting as circumstances make Young a dramatic hit-and-run driver . The story builds suspense in several ways - - beginning as Young searches for the boy she hit , while the police search for Young . Although it's a great story , the script becomes more and more sentimental - - by the end , it's so maudlin you'll want to scream ( if you're not crying ) . Tommy Rettig is notable as the boy ; in fact , he is Young's co-star . Mr . Rettig also played one of Lassie's famous owners ( Jeff ) . Young and Rettig do well , but they would be even better after a realistic script re-write . The film has some unexpected depth , and raises some interesting crime / punishment questions ; perhaps , its flaws could be addressed in a modern re-make . Paula ( 1952 ) Rudolph Maté - Loretta Young , Tommy Rettig , Kent Smith
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453,363 | 15,896,852 | 349,106 | 5 |
Father Like Son
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Home from college , 19-year-old Winston Miller ( as Tommy ) goes to father Edward Everett Horton's office . Mr . Miller is obviously infatuated with his Dad's fetching secretary Ruth Renick ( as Grace Wilson ) ; he runs errands and recites poetry for her . Ms . Renick is unresponsive , showing no romantic interest in the younger man ; she is secretly in love with another . . . " A Coronet Talking Comedy " by Joseph A . Jackson . " Ask Dad " is a slight , but well-performed , and well-recorded , " talkie " . Mr . Everett Horton performs excellently ; he is obviously prepared for a long and successful career in the talking picture field . Casting Winston as his son was wise ; on screen , the two actors seem to show a circumstantial family resemblance . Winston , who went on to write and produce , was the brother of more famous Patsy Ruth Miller . Renick was a versatile actress from the teens ; like so many , she found good material become rarer with advancing years .
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452,999 | 15,896,852 | 5,600 | 5 |
A Little Lamb Goes a Long Way
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Douglas Fairbanks ( as Gerald , a " Son of the Idle Rich " ) jumps from stage to screen as " The Lamb " , an extension of the successful Broadway character he'd been playing during the first half of the decade . Mr . Fairbanks had essayed a smaller role in " The Martyrs of the Alamo " ; wisely , it was held back until " The Lamb " premiered . This was the first of Fairbanks ' successful Triangle / D . W . Griffith-supervised run of films . It's a good introduction to an amazing silent film career , which ended with " The Iron Mask " ( 1929 ) . Fairbanks is a wealthy " Lovesick Lamb " , head-over-heels for beautiful Seena Owen ( as Mary , " The American Girl " ) . Ms . Owen is set for a big society wedding with woolly Fairbanks ; but , their relationship is threatened by Fairbanks ' timid nature . Owens wishes her " lamb " were more like " Her Model Type of Man " , Alfred Paget ( as " The Goat " ) . So , Fairbanks heads west , to prove his mettle . Down Mexico way , he encounters savage Native Americans . Later , Fairbanks knowingly sent " The Lamb " to Buster Keaton ( " The Saphead " ) .
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452,356 | 15,896,852 | 27,357 | 5 |
A Shot in the Park
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Joan Bennett is a manicurist / reporter , and Cary Grant is a police detective . They have a few funny lines in " Big Brown Eyes " ; and , along comes Walter Pidgeon with his gang of jewel thieves . The main problem , for me , was the clash between the humor , and the crime drama . The major crime is the accidental shooting of a baby , in its baby carriage , in the park - the scene give you a jolt , and kills the " comedy " . Later , a man is shot after he delivers a witty line . It doesn't mix well . Ms . Bennett and Mr . Grant are the main attraction ; they are fun to watch , and show promise as a movie " team " . I did not care much for the story ( or the slanted camera angles ) , however . Big Brown Eyes ( 1936 ) Raoul Walsh - Cary Grant , Joan Bennett , Walter Pidgeon
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453,382 | 15,896,852 | 5,586 | 5 |
The Last Card
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Western saloon and gambling hall proprietors William S . Hart ( as " Keno " Bates ) and Herschel Mayall ( as " Wind River " ) are robbed , at gunpoint , by Gordon Mullen ( as Jim Maitland ) , after he loses his last cent gambling with Mr . Hart . Hart and Mr . Mayall track Mr . Mullen down , and Hart shoots him dead . On Mullen's body , Hart finds a note announcing the arrival of the deceased's sister , Margaret Thompson ( as Doris Maitland ) . Meeting her stagecoach , Hart feels responsible for the innocent and attractive Ms . Thompson ; he tells her Mullen was more honorably " killed in a mine accident . " Moreover , Keno turns his cabin over to Thompson , saying it belonged to her brother . Romance blossoms ; then , jealous saloon dancer Louise Glaum ( as Anita ) threatens to expose " Keno Bates , Liar " . Reissued as " The Last Card " , this Thomas H . Ince production features a " catfight " between Hart's rivaling women . Regular character player Mayall has a featured role . The shooting of Mullen features some good camera-work ; and , he's a more complex than the usual " villain " , since Hart ( presumably ) hustled the man's money from him . And , Thompson has an amazingly bad aim , unless she intended to only wound her target . Keno Bates , Liar ( / 15 ) William S . Hart - William S . Hart , Herschel Mayall , Margaret Thompson
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453,009 | 15,896,852 | 86,837 | 5 |
The Sequel Proving Less Is More
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A new time , a new odyssey , a new chance to confront the enigmas arising from the daring Jupiter mission of the year 2001 . Crew members aboard the Leonov are on course to rendezvous with the still orbiting Discovery . What they don't know is that they are equally on course for an uncharted realm of human destiny . And their fate will rest on the silicon shoulders of the computer they awaken , HAL-9000 , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Yes , they reactivate creepy computer HAL , which is one of many instances where this film errs . In the original " 2001 : A Space Odyssey " , HAL ( Douglas Rain ) was mesmerizing . Herein , " his " malfunctions are explained in full ; and , the horror of HAL's malicious presence is figuratively castrated . " 2010 ( The Year We Make Contact " ) takes away so much of the original's mystery and imagination , it is absolutely imperative to see Stanley Kubrick's original " 2001 : A Space Odyssey " ( 1968 ) first . Cold warring American Roy Scheider ( as Heywood Floyd ) and Russian Helen Mirren ( as Tanya Kirbuk ) lead the new mission . Keir Dullea ( as Dave Bowman ) is a welcome supporting actor , and the always dependable Dana Elcar ( as Dimitri Moisevitch ) is a treat . Of the crew , HAL's pal Bob Balaban ( as Dr . Chandra ) provides the most excitement , due to his creepy chemistry with computers . If only the story possessed better foresight ? 2010 ( 1983 ) Peter Hyams - Roy Scheider , Helen Mirren , Keir Dullea
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452,353 | 15,896,852 | 40,000 | 5 |
Soggy Psychological Drama
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Joan Bennett is " The Woman on the Beach " , caught between her blinded husband Charles Bickford and their Lieutenant friend Robert Ryan . Or , maybe not ? I couldn't figure out what was going on , though the actors try their best . The film keeps you wondering what motivates the three principal characters . Far too much is hinted at , and far too vaguely . As far as I'm concerned , the result is unsatisfying . I don't understand the imagery in the beginning , and I certainly can't figure out what I'm supposed to deduce by the ending . Some of what goes on in between is nice looking . You'll wonder , where is the rest the movie ? The Woman on the Beach ( 1947 ) Jean Renoir - Joan Bennett , Robert Ryan , Charles Bickford
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452,740 | 15,896,852 | 44,828 | 5 |
Going a Little Over the Distance
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A little too-standard re-make of the " Cowboys and Indians " western drama ( " The Lost Patrol " , " Sahara " ? ) . It does update the budget - with scenic location camera-work , and interesting direction by Andre De Toth . Broderick Crawford is fine , but seems a little out of place in western gear . Barbara Hale adds feminine charm . Johnny Stewart is fine as the Indian boy ; but , certainly not as mesmerizing as in " Boots Malone " ( 1952 ) . But , there isn't as much potential in this film's parts . Lloyd Bridges looks similarly under-appreciated . " Last of the Comanches " shows a formula getting tired , with not enough newness in the storyline . The production is good , though . The film is bracketed by exciting " Cowboys versus Indians " battles , and there is a lively series of line explosions , in-between . Last of the Comanches ( 1952 ) Andre De Toth - Broderick Crawford , Barbara Hale , Johnny Stewart
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452,882 | 15,896,852 | 53,271 | 5 |
Charming Young Performers Make This Dog Hunt
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Tommy Kirk is a typical teenager ( Wilby ) who gets an ancient ring caught in his trouser cuff . The magical jewel turns him into an on-again / off-again shaggy dog . Mr . Kirk's father Fred MacMurray ( Mr . Wilson ) hates dogs ; little brother Kevin Corcoran ( Moochie ) loves them . This is a Walt Disney movie for kids ; and , it's one to try to enjoy without asking a lot of questions about a very weak plot . The idea is fun , and the " special effect " might have looked very good to young 1959 eyes . Today , it's a movie to watch for the young performances . Kirk is very good as Wilby , effectively giving " The Shaggy Dog " a voice ; he is charming . Tim Considine and Kevin Corcoran are likewise charmers as Kirk's pal and kid brother . Mr . Considine ( as Buzz ) has a terrific scene to watch for - - look for his performance as he tries to put " the make " on fetching neighbor Roberta Shore , on her couch , with rival Wilby watching in dog form ! Also , watch for the always charming Annette Funicello , delightfully bracketing the film as Buzz ' sometimes steady . The Shaggy Dog ( 1959 ) Charles Barton - Fred MacMurray , Tommy Kirk , Tim Considine
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452,500 | 15,896,852 | 3,170 | 5 |
A Song of Two Humans
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D . W . Griffith's version of the classic " American Film Tragedy " - Poor Young Couple is threatened when the man meets ? The Seductress ! Lillian Gish and Walter Miller are the plain , unassuming lovers - they marry , and she has a child . When they go to Town , Temptress Viola Barry spies hunky Mr . Miller , and the dye is cast . She conveniently has car trouble when he is passing by , and begins her seduction . Miller steps out on Ms . Gish , who finds an incriminating glove in Miller's pocket ? and , so on . . . For Griffith and company , " The Mothering Heart " is a bit of a let-down , considering the high quality of the recent " The Burglars's Dilemma " ( 1912 ) and " Death's Marathon " ( 1912 ) . Though everyone works hard , the situation and club flirtation scenes are somewhat silly . The Mothering Heart ( 1913 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Walter Miller , Viola Barry
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452,607 | 15,896,852 | 243,736 | 5 |
Mourning Wood
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Six months of hot women can't get emotionally blocked San Francisco stud Josh Hartnett ( as Matt Sullivan ) to forget sexy ex-girlfriend Vinessa Shaw ( as Nicole ) ; so , he decides to give up sex for " 40 Days and 40 Nights " ( aka " Lent " , the time period before Easter ) . It's a lot harder than it sounds , because Mr . Harnett vows to give up ALL forms of sexual activity , including masturbation . Promiscuous roommate Paulo Costanzo ( as Ryan ) is around to help ; he examines Hartnett's sheets for fluids , and lets everyone on the Internet know about his pal's pledge . Presumably , Mr . Costanzo orders Hartnett to shower with the door open . Things get very sticky ( or , not ) when women try to arouse Hartnett's interest . To complicate matters , he meets sexy Shannyn Sossamon ( as Erica ) at the Laundromat . Still , Hartnett perseveres . He gets Christian help , in the confessional , from priestly brother Adam Trese ( as John ) ; Mr . Trese is , secretly , struggling with the same vow . Of course , the real story is the discovery , by Hartnett , of " true love " ( instead of just sex ) . Other than a confusing , dream sequence climax ; it's all fairly predictable . Director Michael Lehmann and team succeed in making the premise unrealistic , even for a silly movie . Sossamon and Costanzo are very likable with Hartnett . There are a few laughs . One cool scene features more topless women than " Electric Ladyland " . 40 Days and 40 Nights ( 2002 ) Michael Lehmann - Josh Hartnett , Shannyn Sossamon , Paulo Costanzo
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453,158 | 15,896,852 | 373,926 | 5 |
Lost in the Translation
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In one of the hidden corridors of power at United Nations headquarters , translator Silvia Broome ( Nicole Kidman ) overhears a potentially explosive secret about a planned assassination attempt . But when federal agent Tobin Keller ( Sean Penn ) investigates her claim and digs deeper into Silvia's dangerous past , he begins to question whether she is a victim - or a suspect ? Notable for being filmed inside the elusive United Nations building , and for being its famed director's last feature film . Catherine Keener ( as Dot Woods ) manages to make her sadly underdeveloped character more interesting than the leads . " The Interpreter " is well-produced , with a highlighted bus ride . And , it does answer the question : How could a Sydney Pollack film , shot on location in New York , with Sean Penn , be dull ? The Interpreter ( 2005 ) Sydney Pollack - Nicole Kidman , Sean Penn , Catherine Keener
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452,806 | 15,896,852 | 46,806 | 5 |
Sky Pilot
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World War II veteran William Holden ( as Harry Brubaker ) isn't sure he wants to return to service as the United States of America battles Communist expansion in Korea ; although , Fredric March ( as George Tarrant ) is very convincing . With the support of glamorous wife Grace Kelly ( as Nancy Brubaker ) and pal Mickey Rooney ( as Mike Forney ) , Mr . Holden agrees to participate in a dangerous mission - - he will attempt to blow up " The Bridges at Toko-Ri " , a Communist stronghold . Mark Robson directs his starry cast well . The ending is especially exciting , albeit getting there is rather dull . Rooney helps to keep it from getting too boring ; and , he helps mend fences with the Japanese . Ms . Kelly punctuates the regal , top-o'-the-line production values ; noticeably , she is barely around . Holden's portrayal is a little ambiguous , while Mr . March is very dutiful . March's character should know the answer to his question , " Where do we get such men ? " since he has a front row seat .
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452,642 | 15,896,852 | 16,480 | 5 |
A New Testament for the Indian Race
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Film adaptation of Zane Grey's western story " The Vanishing American " ; once upon a time ; this was considered a very sympathetic " History of the Indian Race " . Presently , it's worth is much more subjective ; it would be entirely appropriate for modern viewers to take offensive , especially Native Americans . The film's highlight is the opening prologue ; for its time , a very nicely researched , and extraordinarily photographed , history of Native Americans . Edgar Schoenbaum and Harry Perry are the cinematographers capturing Monument Valley , the Grand Canyon , and other places looking exquisitely beautiful . Some of the footage seems excitingly authentic , for example , the " Cliff Dwellers " segments . As the film jumps to the present , Richard Dix ( as Nophaie the Warrior ) emerges as the " hero " ; arguably , he neither looks nor acts like a real Native American . The " epic " story becomes a decidedly more boring tale involving horse thief Noah Berry ( as Booker ) . There is a lovely white woman , of course , to turn Dix ' head ; she's Lois Wilson ( as Marion Warner ) . Ms . Wilson also converts Mr . Dix to Christianity ; and , he is certainly not a hard sell .
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453,064 | 15,896,852 | 11,865 | 5 |
Lusting in His Heart
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Thomas Meighan ( as Robert Gordon ) is a is a typical husband , with the matrimonial faults most wives will find in / tolerable ; he smokes too much and likes the " Fox Trot " . Gloria Swanson ( as Beth Gordon ) is his virtuous , but bored , wife ; she is likes to sew and is concerned for the " starving millions in Europe . " Bebe Daniels ( as Sally Clark ) is an attractive young widow who models for the " Mansion Chic " ; she will rock the Gordon marriage ! The cat ( as Toodles ) and Theodore Kosloff ( as the violinist ) are fun to watch . Also fun is Ms . Daniels making herself attractive to her old acquaintance ( of her father ) by putting a heart decal on her shoulder ; her pursuit of wavy-haired men is boldly interesting . Ms . Swanson dolling herself up to win back her man , and the women cat fighting , are amusing scenes . You have to sympathize with Mr . Meighan , aghast at the ludicrous fashions on display in this movie ; the women's lingerie and bathing suits are freakishly unbelievable ! There is nothing terribly outstanding about " Why Change Your Wife " , when compared with other DeMille fare from the time period . As a DeMille production , it rises above mediocrity , of course ; it was inevitable that more domestic gripes would be filmed , as the box office demanded . Why Change Your Wife ( 1920 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Thomas Meighan , Gloria Swanson , Bebe Daniels
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452,762 | 15,896,852 | 16,028 | 5 |
Arrested Development
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New York City slum lass Mary Pickford ( as Annabelle " Little Annie " Rooney ) has a 12-year-old's girlish crush on William Haines ( as Joe Kelly ) , who becomes the suspect in a too-close-for-comfort murder . " Little Annie Rooney " is a well-produced film ; however , Pickford's " little girl " characterization does not fit the slummy story . The film begins with Pickford in a protruded fight with fellow street children , throwing bottles , bricks , and fists at each other . Apparently , this is meant to show Pickford as a " tomboy " character ; but , frankly , she appears insultingly retarded . Pickford's pouting performance is more cloying than convincing , through most of the film . A well-intentionally diverse cast provides some cringe worthy moments ; for example , Pickford spoon-feeding Spec O'Donnell's " Abie Levy " character some ham . Gordon Griffith ( as Tim Rooney ) is another notable co-star ; his mother Katherine was the fine supporting actress seen in Pickford's " Pollyanna " . Director William Beaudine re-teamed with his star for the superior " Sparrows " ( 1926 ) .
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453,144 | 15,896,852 | 33,902 | 5 |
More Boys in the Hood
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More " Boys Town " fun from director Norman Taurog and company ; including Spencer Tracy as the good Priest , and Mickey Rooney as Bad Boy ( turned good ) . Mr . Tracy continues to fight for his homes for " Delinquent Boys " ; Mr . Rooney begins to fight for wayward boys , too , proving the Priest's theories work . Again , Tracy makes a good case for nurture over nature . Again , the film suffers through mugging slapstick , and oversentimentality . It's difficult to take the movie seriously after the slow-motion fight scene . Larry Nunn steals the film , with a more consistent performance than Spencer Tracy ! Mickey Rooney ! and Bobs Watson ! If you must take another trip to " Boys Town " , watch Larry Nunn as " Ted " turn in a fine performance amid all the overacting and underplaying . Men of Boys Town ( 1941 ) Norman Taurog - Spencer Tracy , Mickey Rooney , Larry Nunn
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452,606 | 15,896,852 | 119,734 | 5 |
A Simple Twist of Fate
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As a little boy , Jude Law ( as Danny Kowalski ) , helped deliver a baby . Because his hand was small , young " Danny " ( Cory Buck ) was able to reach in , and uncurl the umbilical cord from around the neck of the baby . So , the baby girl is born healthy ; and , the little boy , who will grow up to be Jude Law , declares , " I'm gonna marry her . " Twenty-five years later , Law returns to Los Angeles , from an education in London . He loses his girlfriend , and has trouble finding employment ; he's a tile artist . Then , while delivering a cake , he returns to the house where he long ago delivered the baby ; she has grown into beautiful Gretchen Mol ( as Anna Swan ) . Law falls madly in love with Ms . Mol , and wants to fulfill his childhood pledge to marry her ; but , she is pledged to another man . Swan family matriarch Brenda Blethyn ( as Grace Swan ) enables womb-reaching Law to become a employee / companion to the family ; but , despite his close quarters , he finds Mol a tough love-nut to crack . Law is a very likable leading man , but his romantic interest in , and rapport with , Mol is nil . He might have been better off considering Martha Plimpton ( as Karen Swan ) . The most entertaining relationship occurs between blind sister Jennifer Tilly ( as Nina Swan ) and Spanish savior Vincent Laresca ( as Jesus ) . By the way , they meet in a nightclub where males are stabbed for refusing accept an invitation to dance ; still , the place is crowded . Director / writer Charlie Peters includes many references to Tolstoy's " Anna Karenina " . Julian Lennon's " Day After Day " leads off a sweet soundtrack . In short , the leading relationship would have been more interesting with Ms . Plimpton as " Anna " . Ms . Blethyn and Mr . Laresca contribute strong supporting characterizations . Music from Another Room ( 1998 ) Charlie Peters - Jude Law , Gretchen Mol , Jennifer Tilly
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452,601 | 15,896,852 | 36,073 | 5 |
The East Side Kids Catch the Jitterbug
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East Side boxing star " Mr . Dynamite " Leo Gorcey ( as Ethelbert " Muggs " McGinnis ) is kidnapped by thugs , in order to throw a championship fight to New York City's rival " West Side " . But fellow " East Side Kid " Bobby Jordan ( as Danny Lyons ) takes Mr . Gorcey's place , and wins the fight . Gorcey is convinced Mr . Jordan , who is dating his sister , had him waylaid on purpose . To make matters worse , Jordan wins a TKO over Gorcey in " The East Side Amateur Jitterbug Contest " , with pretty partner Pamela Blake ( as Ivy McGinnis ) . This is a poorly scripted entry in " The East Side Kids " series . Gorcey's " Muggs " veers too far away from his established character ; especially , in the way he treats Jordan's " Danny " ; yet , Gorcey and Jordan perform the roles well enough to make it work . The jitterbugging contest , with Huntz Hall ( as Glimpy McGleavey ) and his TALL partner , is a highlight . To beef up the team , Benny Bartlett ( as Bennie Miller ) and David Durand ( as Joe " Skinny " Collins ) join returning Ernest Morrison ( as Scruno Jackson ) and Bobby Stone ( as Harold " Stoney " Stone ) . The film ends on a patriotic note . Kid Dynamite ( / 43 ) Wallace Fox - Bobby Jordan , Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall
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453,630 | 15,896,852 | 7,368 | 5 |
From Russia with Love
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One snowy day in Russia , peasant girl Lillian Gish ( as Marfa ) is saved from abduction by dashing Frank Bennett ( as Jan ) , a visitor from San Francisco ; and , a romance between the two begins . But , young Ms . Gish is under the guardianship of controlling uncle Allan Sears ( as Ivan ) and avaricious aunt Pearl Elmore ( as Anna ) ; they do not approve of Mr . Bennett , because he does not have money . Gish's family wants her to marry homely , but wealthy William Siebert ( as Peter ) . Gish refuses . Then , Mr . Sears ' brother in Los Angeles invites Sears and the family to Los Angeles , promising a rich husband for Gish . She is delighted to find Bennett on board the same Stateside-bound boat : but , after arriving in the US , Uncle Sears and brother William A . Lowery ( as Georg ) separate the lovers , and plan to sell Gish into marriage , for $1 , 000 . . .
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453,156 | 15,896,852 | 29,322 | 5 |
Carole Lombard is Colored
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Small-town Carole Lombard ( as Hazel Flagg ) is mistakenly diagnosed with radiation poisoning , which draws the attention of an enterprising " New York Star " reporter Fredric March ( as Wally Cook ) . Although the two ( separately ) realize drunken bumpkin doctor Charles Winninger's diagnosis is in error , they go along with the ruse . Ms . Lombard wants to leave Vermont , the land of " yup " and " nope " , for the excitement of New York City ; and , Mr . March wants to make Lombard's sob story a media sensation . Wanna bet the two fall in love ? " Nothing Sacred " offers a great cast and crew ; some of it is exceptionally well-written ( Ben Hecht is sharply observant ) , but this film has not aged well . Most obviously , its heavy-handed racist and stereotypical characterizations are more annoying than endearing . Classic " screwball " comedies looked better in " black & white " ; and , while it's certainly a welcome variation , the Technicolor seems out of place . Is nothing scared ? Lombard , usually considered an actress to photograph in " black & white " , took a role thought of as for Janet Gaynor , who had just showed she looked great in color ( " A Star Is Born " ) . In " Nothing Scared " , Lombard is photographed well most of the time , but not always . Certainly , she performs the part exceptionally , however . Behind the scenes , director William Wellman maneuvers the color cameras with style . The supporting cast is illustrious . Nothing Sacred ( 1937 ) William A . Wellman - Carole Lombard , Fredric March , Walter Connolly
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453,035 | 15,896,852 | 107,613 | 5 |
Church Bells Take Their Toll
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New York electrician Matt Dillon ( as Gus DeMarco ) wants to buy a bowling alley in Brooklyn , with his buddies from work ; but , he doesn't have the money . To get his share of the bucks , Mr . Dillon must either sell his beloved Corvette , or marry off his alimony-collecting wife . If Dillon can find " Mr . Wonderful " for ex-wife Annabella Sciorra ( as Leonora " Lee " DeMarco ) , he can stop payments . Making her ex-husband's job more challenging , Ms . Sciorra has hooked up with married college Professor William Hurt ( as Tom ) . Sciorra has returned to school , and is learning Latin . Meanwhile , Dillon is dating sexy nurse Mary-Louise Parker ( as Rita ) . This Anthony Minghella film will be very disappointing if you're looking for anything approaching the caliber of " The English Patient " or " The Talented Mr . Ripley " . As good as they are , director Minghella and his bickering leads , do simply nothing with this ordinary , predictable story . There are a few nice moments , like a young downs syndrome couple sneaking a kiss as NYC subway light flicker . But , It's difficult to believe Sciorra suddenly dating the series of men recommended by Dillon . And , it's hard to fathom Dillon giving up a woman as desirable and intelligent as the gainfully employed Nurse Parker ( a part filmmakers should have considered making an " airhead " ) . Second-stringers , like Parker and Con Edison worker David Barry Gray ( as Pope ) , are more interesting to watch than the stars . Mr . Wonderful ( 1993 ) Anthony Minghella - Matt Dillon , Annabella Sciorra , Mary-Louise Parker
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453,170 | 15,896,852 | 477,139 | 5 |
Almost Cut My Hair
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Spurned by his girlfriend , Patrick Fugit ( as Zia ) cleans his room , and slits his wrists . Now dead , Mr . Fugit gets a job at " Kamikaze Pizza " ( good to know there is pizza after death ) . Fugit meets various and sundry suicide victims . Of the individuals he meets , you should consider three highly significant : Shea Whigham ( as Eugene ) , Shannyn Sossamon ( as Mikal ) , and Tom Waits ( as Kneller ) . As a truly fine overdose hopeful , Ms . Sossamon is very easy to fall in love with . A mostly humorless " Wizard of Oz in Purgatory " road trip . Nick Offerman , appearing as a battle-scarred police officer , has the only really funny moment . The title " Wristcutters " either shouldn't be plural , or the term is being used as a synonym for all those suicidal ; and , the subtitle " A Love Story " really gives up the ghost . Although obvious , the film and ( especially ) Sossamon are satisfying enough . Wristcutters ( 2006 ) Goran Dukic - Patrick Fugit , Shannyn Sossamon , Shea Whigham
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452,676 | 15,896,852 | 324,554 | 5 |
Walk a Mile in My Red-Soled Shoes
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Tripping through Paul McGuigan's " Wicker Park " left me confused in its flashbacks , which would have been fine , if it was coupled with more intrigue . Anyway , hot chick magnet Josh Hartnett ( as Matthew ) is engaged to marry juicy Jessica Paré ( as Rebecca ) , but sees delicious Diane Kruger ( as Lisa ) , an old flame . So , he has second thoughts . Mr . Harnett decides to track down Ms . Kruger . So , he runs into ravenous Rose Byrne ( as Alex ) . Matthew Lillard ( as Luke ) is a pleasant on-screen pal . Harnett's women are a handful . The wintry location ( Chicago , and Chicago-like Montreal ) and Peter Sova cinematography are the main strengths . Wicker Park ( 2004 ) Paul McGuigan - Josh Harnett , Diane Kruger , Rose Byrne
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453,663 | 15,896,852 | 38,163 | 5 |
Funny as a Crutch
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Wallace Beery ( as Ned Trumpet ) is a World War II blimp aviator ; his unbelievable war stories have helped earn him the nickname " Old Gas Bag " . Though he was never a husband or ( presumably ) father , Mr . Berry's stories include bragging about the exploits of his talented son ; probably , this is to compete with bickering Navy man James Gleason ( as Jimmy Shannon ) . In one of an unbelievable series of happenstances , Berry meets an fatherless young man , Tom Drake ( as Jess Weaver ) , who makes an ideal son . Trouble is , Mr . Drake's character is unable to walk without crutches ; so , the crippled man doesn't match the son in Berry's stories . While the film scores points for the inclusion of a disabled character ; ultimately , it presents the condition as unworkable . Certainly , Mr . Drake's disability provided him with heroics enough too impress Berry and his Navy friends . The dramatics are highlighted by a couple of exciting battles involving Berry's war blimp ; the Japanese submarine attack is particularly good . The best comic scenes are near the end ; when , in India , Berry is reunited with a friendly old elephant .
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452,409 | 15,896,852 | 385,267 | 5 |
Naked as We Came
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Dan Foreman ( Dennis Quaid ) is a loving husband , caring father , and star ad executive . But now , life is putting him through the ultimate test . Carter Duryea ( Topher Grace ) , a young hotshot half his age , has just become his boss . And to complicate matters , Dan discovers Carter is dating his daughter ( Scarlett Johansson ) . It's filled with genuine laughs and you're in good company when you watch this entertaining comedy that ' Rolling Stone ' calls ' hilarious ' , according to the DVD sleeve . " Rolling Stone " is wrong ; the humor in this film not " hilarious " . Although he tries , Mr . Quaid can't make lines like " Only my wife is allowed to touch me there ! " funny , and Mr . Grace's borderline kid / adult talk is just embarrassing . The dorm poster advertising : " Marijuana ( Because Your Friends Just Aren't Very Funny ) " may be good advice , concerning the comedy part of this comedy / drama . Writer / director Paul Weitz and his cast do much better with the dramatic portions , which take over by the third act . Although , by then , it's too little , too late . When Quaid and Grace hug , you wonder where the good story went . It should have ended with Quaid receiving the son he wanted , but in an unexpected way ? In Good Company ( / 04 ) Paul Weitz - Dennis Quaid , Topher Grace , Scarlett Johansson
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452,693 | 15,896,852 | 49,388 | 5 |
Julie Do Ya Love Me ?
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This film should have been better , with Doris Day and Louis Jourdan showing promise as the " terrified wife on the run from deranged husband . " I did not care for the gasping , breathless , overly dramatic voiceovers from Ms . Day - I can't believe they asked her to do these ; they spoil the dramatic acting performance on the visible screen . Mr . Jourdan is fun as the psycho husband , but he is give some silly stalking things to do - like , he sets off a tape recorder of his manic piano playing in a car outside Ms . Day's window ? Imagine what Alfred Hitchcock would have given Jourdan and Day to do ! The ending doesn't work for me - I would have liked , instead , a suspenseful confrontation between Day and Jourdan to end the film ; perhaps , with them alone in the cockpit - having a dramatic confrontation while the fate of the airplane's passengers hangs in the balance ! Julie ( 1956 ) Andrew L . Stone - Doris Day , Louis Jourdan , Barry Sullivan
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452,706 | 15,896,852 | 10,060 | 5 |
Wobbly Comedy with Valentino Supporting
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Mae Murray ( as Mary McGuire ) works as a coat and cloak check girl ; when she dons one of the customers garments and dances around in it , she is fired . Ms . Murray decides to apply for a job as hostess and dancer at the " Peach Tree Inn " managed by William Mong ( as Larry McKean ) . In order to clinch the job , Murray pretends to be infamous dancer Gloria De Moin . Murray is also the only dancer available to hire , as all of the other applicants walk out . Randy Rudolph Valentino ( as Jimmy Calhoun ) is a " Peach Tree Inn " patron who becomes enamored with Murray - he wants to marry her , but his wealthy father is wary . Meanwhile , Bertram Grassby ( as Duke de Sauterne ) returns to complicate matters ; he was involved with the real Gloria De Moin , and is on the lam from the law ? Handsome Valentino and smarmy Grassby are the highlight of the film , which picks up considerably whenever the two strut their stuff over Murray . Otherwise , the story is uninteresting , and the comedy doesn't work . Unfortunately , the film is " speeded up " - possibly , this is done to enhance its comedy effect ; instead , it can make you dizzy , or put you to sleep . " The Delicious Little Devil " is not the place start , if you want to appreciate silent films fully . The Delicious Little Devil ( 1919 ) Robert Z . Leonard - Mae Murray , Rudolph Valentino , Bertram Grassby
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453,039 | 15,896,852 | 20,691 | 5 |
John Wayne as a Pilgrim
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Handsome young John Wayne ( as Breck Coleman ) helps settle the great American West by serving as scout for a pioneer wagon train . An expert trailblazer , Mr . Wayne was trained by good Indians . With Wayne's help , the travelers overcome both bad weather , and bad Indians . Bad acting is not so lucky . Along the way , Wayne falls for fetching young Marguerite Churchill ( as Ruth Cameron ) . Another attempting to catch Ms . Churchill's eye is dressed-in-black gambler Ian Keith ( as Bill Thorpe ) . This creaky film is , of course , most significant as Wayne's first shot at a starring role . Seeing this film confirms the " real " John Wayne premiered in " Stagecoach " ( 1939 ) - the difference is amazing . Raoul Walsh's " The Big Trail " is most impressive in its wide-screen photography , advanced by the director and photographer Arthur Edeson . Lucien Andriot's work is also good . The rest of the cast is interesting , at least ; with stage star Tyrone Power Sr . ( as Red Flack ) leading the charge , in his only " talkie " appearance . The Big Trail ( / 30 ) Raoul Walsh - John Wayne , Marguerite Churchill , Tyrone Power Sr .
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452,560 | 15,896,852 | 49,143 | 5 |
Three Cheers for Bernard Gorcey , Raymond Hatton , and Carl Switzer
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In a noticeably well-performed ( and uncredited ) opening , former " Our Gang " member Carl " Alfalfa " Switzer ( as Shifty Robertson ) arrives at Bernard Gorcey ( as Louie Dumbrowsky ) ' s ice cream parlor and sweet shop , after being " found " by Huntz Hall ( as Horace Debussy " Sach " Jones ) . Promising they will be millionaires , Mr . Switzer sells Leo Gorcey ( as Terrence Aloysius " Slip " Mahoney ) and " The Bowery Boys " his uranium mine . The deed is placed in the senior Gorcey's name ( as he put up the $500 ) . Of course , the trio , plus secondary " Bowery Boys " David " Condon " Gorcey ( as Chuck ) and Benny " Bennie " Bartlett ( as Butch ) , don't know they've been flimflammed - but , the land proves to be more valuable than originally thought ? This was the last appearance of Bernard Gorcey ( father of Leo and David ) ; sadly , he died following a car accident , just before the release of " Dig That Uranium " . The elder Gorcey performs well herein , and had become the most valuable supporting player in " The Bowery Boys " series . Leader of the pack Leo Gorcey would only last only one more film , which was thought to be due to his father's death ; however , it appears he might be having problems , even now ( before " Crashing Las Vegas " ) . Carl Switzer ( a murder victim in 1959 ) performs his opening so well , it's a shame he wasn't asked to work more often . Earlier , Switzer worked with present " Bowery Boy " Bartlett and former " Dead End Kid " Billy Halop in the " East Side Kids " imitation " Gas House Kids " gang . Raymond Hatton ( as Hank ' Mac ' McKenzie ) and the rest of the cast provide more reasons to watch an otherwise mediocre movie . Dig That Uranium ( / 55 ) Edward Bernds - Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , Bernard Gorcey
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452,616 | 15,896,852 | 164,003 | 5 |
Matt Dillon Soaks Up Local Cambodia
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After a bogus insurance scam sparks an FBI investigation , front man Jimmy Cremmins flees to Cambodia to meet his mentor , Marvin . But Jimmy gets more than he bargained for when - against a backdrop of raw , dangerous beauty and ever-shifting loyalties - Marvin draws him into a web of deceit and murder from which there may be no way out ! , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Matt Dillon promisingly joins the multi-tasking actor ranks , as the director , star , and co-writer of " City of Ghosts " . The film's main strength is its striking Southeast Asian scenery . Mr . Dillon and photographer Jim Denault make Cambodia look darkly beautiful , with the film's soundtrack music helping to set the mood . Father figuring James Caan ( as Marvin ) , cool blonde Natascha McElhone ( as Sophie ) , and baby wielding Gérard Depardieu ( as Emile ) try to keep up with Kem Sereyvuth ( as Sok ) and the local crowd . Stellan Skarsgård ( as Joseph Kaspar ) is a stand-out . Unfortunately , he story is relatively weak . City of Ghosts ( 2002 ) Matt Dillon - Matt Dillon , James Caan , Stellan Skarsgård
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453,441 | 15,896,852 | 16,643 | 5 |
Horsing Around with the Other Chaplin
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Syd Chaplin ( as " Old Bill " Busby ) and Jack Ackroyd ( as Little " Alfie " ) are World War I servicemen ; while being bombarded , in a foxhole , Mr . Chaplin tells Mr . Ackroyd , " If you knows of a better ' ole - - go to it . " This exchange gives the film its peculiar title . The characters are based on the ( by now ) obscure British cartoon comic " Old Bill " , by Bruce Bairnsfather . Seeing the familiar characters brought to the screen might have made the opening scenes delightful , but they no longer entertain . Veterans ( of film ) Edgar Kennedy ( as Austin ) and Harold Goodwin ( as Bert Chester ) help make the early going bearable . Ackroyd's stabbing of Chaplin as he sleeps under a bale of hay begins some intermittently good scenes . Chaplin's chair lifting ability amazes , and the Chaplin / Ackroyd team becomes funnier as the comedy progresses ; they are most delightful as " two-men-in-a-horse " . The production levels offered by Warner Brothers are quite high ; " The Better ' Ole " was the second film to make use of the studio's synchronized music and sound effects " Vitaphone " process . With a certain British sibling named " Charlie " experiencing a " Gold Rush " at the box office , it's easy to understand Warner's effort .
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453,248 | 15,896,852 | 7,272 | 5 |
Wherefore Art Thou , Romeo ?
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A synopsis reveals this to be a faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's " Romeo and Juliet " . Film historian Anthony Slide reported the only significant difference being , " Rosaline , the girl of whom Romeo is enamored before meeting Juliet , is shown , not merely talked about . " In his early 30s , Francis X . Bushman might seem a little too old , by present standards , to be playing " Romeo Montague " ; but , audiences in 1916 couldn't have cared less . As one of the most popular leading men from the era , Mr . Bushman would have been a natural casting choice . Immensely popular , Bushman was in the " Top Ten " of the decade's " Motion Picture Magazine " favorites lists : star # 4 in 1912 , # 6 in 1913 , # 10 in 1914 , # 3 performance of 1915 in " Graustark " , star # 3 ( and # 1 male ) in 1916 , # 2 ( and # 1 male ) in 1917 , and # 10 in 1918 . Popular co-star , probable off-screen lover , and future Mrs . Bushman , beautiful Beverly Bayne was " Juliet " . This film competed with a the near-simultaneous release of box office rival Theda Bara's version . If only the two had performed " Romeo and Juliet " in the same film , and had it survive the ages ? Romeo and Juliet ( / 16 ) John W . Noble - Francis X . Bushman , Beverly Bayne , Fritz Leiber
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453,143 | 15,896,852 | 35,959 | 5 |
Just Your Average Joe
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Spencer Tracy plays a World War II pilot who isn't just killed , but demolished , in the exciting opening of " A Guy Named Joe " . He goes to a Heavenly place ( with Lionel Barrymore in charge ) . There , he is given his Real Wings - he is to return to earth and be Van Johnson's " Guardian Angel " . In the process , he has to deal with Mr . Johnson hooking up with his ex ( Irene Dunne ) . The Victor Fleming-directed movie doesn't do anything to differentiate the ghostly Mr . Tracy from the Earthbound players . The story is propagandistic and illogical . But , the production looks nice , and the performances are worthy . A Guy Named Joe ( 1943 ) Victor Fleming - Spencer Tracy , Irene Dunne , Van Johnson
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453,301 | 15,896,852 | 42,634 | 5 |
Loretta and Clark in Mayoral Scandal
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Clark Gable and Loretta Young look MGM production perfect as they play two Mayors who meet at a convention in San Francisco . Mr . Gable is the rough one , ex-longshoreman Steve Fisk . Ms . Young is the softer focused Clarissa Standish . The well-named twosome clash , of course , during the Mayoral proceedings - but , can romance be far behind ? It's an average film for the two stars . Recommended scenes : the " Balloon Dance " woman who loses most of her balloons , and the " Barroom Brawl " which follows . All that gets Young in trouble with her constituents . Notable also as Frank Morgan's final film . Gable tussles Mr . Morgan's hair . Key to the City ( 1950 ) George Sidney - Clark Gable , Loretta Young , Frank Morgan
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452,779 | 15,896,852 | 47,030 | 5 |
I'll Have Another Miller
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The bloom is off the rose of the Stewart / Allyson partnership from " The Stratton Story " ( 1949 ) . They still have a nice screen rapport , but no are scenes as good as in their initial effort . Instead , the sad events in the Millers ' life seem to be accompanied by a cheerful tear and stiff upper lip ; for example , watch how they handle not having children . You definitely get a sense of the importance of the subject , musician Glenn Miller ; but , you also get a sneaking suspicion this is a VERY glossed over production . The dancers during one of Miller's most exciting numbers aren't even as excited as the elderly dancers on an old " Lawrence Welk Show " rerun . There are some serious editing / continuity distractions - worse , they are so obvious they spoil the important scene when Mrs . Miller and friends listen to the Christmas program . The filmmakers practically hit you over the head with how its going to end ; if you don't know , you'll easily guess . This one should be good for fans of Mr . Miller , Mr . Stewart , and Ms . Allyson ; but , I'd like to see a more accurate Glenn Miller film story . The Glenn Miller Story ( 1954 ) Anthony Mann - James Stewart , June Allyson , Harry Morgan
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452,977 | 15,896,852 | 163,978 | 5 |
Paradise Costs
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Bangkok-bound Leonardo DiCaprio ( as Richard ) drinks six beers during his airplane flight . After landing , the adventure-seeking Mr . DiCaprio drinks snake blood , as a chaser . Then , " Daffy " acquaintance Robert Carlyle meets an unexpected , bloody demise , leaving DiCaprio a map , which is supposed to lead him to a secret island paradise . DiCaprio invites a sexually active young French couple , Virginie Ledoyen ( Françoise ) and Guillaume Canet ( Etienne ) , to accompany him . They find Carlyle's map leads to " The Beach " , a community of " beautiful people " in eternal vacation mode . Soon , DiCaprio finds his life complicated by affairs with the feminine half of his invited twosome , and the older woman who manages the island community , lady dictator Tilda Swinton ( as " Sal " ) . Danny Boyle's " The Beach " spends its first half being pretty , but vacuous . After a graphic shark attack , it turns more bloody , but only slightly less vacuous . The Beach ( 2000 ) Danny Boyle - Leonardo DiCaprio , Virginie Ledoyen , Tilda Swinton
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453,649 | 15,896,852 | 75,213 | 5 |
John Wayne's Last Shot
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Notorious western gunslinger John Wayne ( as J . B . Brooks ) is dying of cancer . He receives some painkilling medicine from friendly old doctor James Stewart ( as E . W . Hostetler ) . Then , Mr . Wayne rents a room from Lauren Bacall ( as Bond Rogers ) ; there , he hopes to die ( God willing ) as peacefully as possible . Ms . Bacall has a son , Ron Howard ( as Gillom Rogers ) , who has a hankerin ' for notorious western gunslingers ? The film opens nicely , with a slightly older " Opie Taylor " narrating over scenes from superior westerns from Wayne's past . These tie Wayne's " Shootist " character in with the old Wayne persona ; at least , it's a blended memory of the older western roles Wayne played - - from Red River ( 1948 ) to El Dorado ( 1966 ) . The character Wayne plays does not compare favorably with the older roles , however . The director , cast , and storyline make " The Shootist " a sentimental undertaking , as it is Wayne's last film ; eventually , he would die from cancer ( unlike the character in this film , incidentally ) . Actor Wayne and director Don Siegel have some good moments , and Bacall does very well . The sets and locale are lovely . Mr . Howard is a little tough to take as a ( presumably ) teenager idolizing Wayne . The ending , with Wayne and Howard in some cathartic moment , does not work . It's weird to see Wayne stick a gun in " Morning Appeal " reporter Richard Lenz ' mouth , and order him to suck . Soon after , he kicks him . Even weirder is the scene where Wayne goes to get a shave and haircut in the local Barber Shop . You never see the barber cut into his hair . In fact , Wayne looks no more " trimmed " than when he went in - - but the barber sweeps up a bunch of silver hair anyway , after finding a piece on Wayne's vest . The Shootist ( 1976 ) Don Siegel - John Wayne , Lauren Bacall , Ron Howard
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453,257 | 15,896,852 | 249,478 | 5 |
Father Figures
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Fair-minded boat builder John Travolta ( as Frank Morrison ) takes time out to attend teenaged son Matt O'Leary ( as Danny Morrison ) ballgames . But , young O'Leary is more likely to be found at the Southport jail - he's having trouble accepting snarky rich Vince Vaughn ( as Rick Barnes ) , who quickly marries his divorced mom , Teri Polo ( as Susan ) . O'Leary is further alienated when he learns step-father Vaughn has impregnated Ms . Polo . Distressed , he stows away on a car ride with Vaughn , to the " Shady Tree Motel " . There , Vaughn picks up skuzzy ex-pal Steve Buscemi ( as Ray Coleman ) . O'Leary witnesses a murder , but not even Travolta will believe him ? Harold Becker's " Domestic Disturbance " provides a fair amount of suspense ; but , it's not the " edge of your seat thriller " promised in the film's promotional material . The characterizations suffer , in a loose , contrived script . Travolta , for example , goes from sleuth ? to disbelief in his son ? to certainty ? and , back to sleuthing . Vaughn is obviously villainous , and O'Leary is obviously sincere ( in his first feature film ) - poor Polo sure takes an extraordinary amount of time sorting them out . Domestic Disturbance ( 2001 ) Harold Becker - John Travolta , Vince Vaughn , Matt O'Leary
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452,545 | 15,896,852 | 22,775 | 5 |
Barbary Coast Melodrama
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San Francisco madam Ruth Chatterton ( as " Frisco " Jenny ) suffers paternal abuse , out-of-wedlock pregnancy , and the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 . After becoming a mother , Ms . Chatterton tries to go straight ; but , she is unable to support a child . Chatterton partners up with Louis Calhern ( as Steve Dutton ) ; and , they prosper in prostitution and bootlegging . Mr . Calhern also provides a legitimate home for Chatterton's son , who grows into a football star and , later , a successful district attorney . Grown-up son Donald Cook ( as Dan Reynolds ) doesn't know about his mother's life of crime . Will their paths cross ? A " star vehicle " for Chatterton ; " Frisco Jenny " is , otherwise , unsatisfying . Chatterton and the cast are entertaining , though ; and , she performs especially well during the film's final scenes . During the trial , William A . Wellman's direction is somewhat dizzying . And , why does Chatterton save money , for years , to pay back Calhern - after all , she went to jail to cover for him ! Frisco Jenny ( / 32 ) William A . Wellman - Ruth Chatterton , Donald Cook , Louis Calhern
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452,982 | 15,896,852 | 329,717 | 5 |
Broken Hip Hop
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Veteran ( read : the old guy ) Harrison Ford ( as Joe Gavilan ) really wants to make a big sale in his sideline real estate business . Rookie ( read : the young dude ) Josh Hartnett ( as K . C . Calden ) sidelines as a yoga teacher who really wants to be an actor . Mr . Ford likes to listen to Smokey Robinson , who appears as a cab driver . Mr . Hartnett yells " Stella ! " , and stages a version of " A Streetcar Named Desire " , which you can see part of , in the last act . Ford beds lovely psychic Lena Olin ( as Ruby ) , and eats Viagra . Hartnett beds various women , and eats bean sprouts . " Police detectives are different in Hollywood , " they say . . . Ron Shelton's " Hollywood Homicide " involves Ford and Hartnett investigating rap murder . Ms . Olin and Bruce Greenwood ( as Bennie Macko ) are strong supporting players . Fair to middling appearances are offered by Gladys Knight ( not singing ) , Lou Diamond Phillips ( gunning for Eddie Murphy ) , Mr . Robinson ( a Miracle ) , Frank Sinatra Jr . ( the son of ) , and Robert Wagner ( in wet cement ) . Despite the involvement of some real rappers , the hip-hop music angle doesn't ring authentically . And , the film never finds the comic groove it's so obviously seeking . Things pick up toward the end , if you want to cut to the chase . Hollywood Homicide ( 2003 ) Ron Shelton - Harrison Ford , Josh Hartnett , Lena Olin
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453,247 | 15,896,852 | 6,568 | 6 |
The Million Dollar Mermaid
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A detailed synopsis of Herbert Brenon's lost spectacular can be easily found ( presently ) by searching " A Daughter of the Gods " and " Library of Congress " . Before that , the film's program expressed its fantastical content , " The Prologue : The plaything of a little child escapes its earthly prison . And thereby hangs a tale of many years ago . Act One : The land of a Mighty Sultan , and a record of many strange happenings there . A Fairy Prince and Princess Meet . Act Two : Wherein we all become children again and fight for a beautiful Princess . The land of the Great Beyond . The Fairy Prince and Princess meet again , never to be parted . " " A Daughter of the Gods " was shot in Jamaica , and cost over a million dollars to make . It was the second successful collaboration for acclaimed director Herbert Brenon and aquatic superstar Annette Kellerman ( herein , playing Princess Anitia ) . Although several reviewers reported it to be " stodgy " and too long ( Brenon called it " three enchanting hours " ) , over several years ( and reissues ) , it must have eventually recouped its cost . " Tasteful " nude scenes , exposing the conveniently long-haired Ms . Kellerman's naked form , must have helped cause the sensational box office . A Daughter of the Gods ( / 16 ) Herbert Brenon - Annette Kellerman , William E . Shay , Violet Horner
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453,558 | 15,896,852 | 2,197 | 6 |
Friends and Lovers
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Early film directed by D . W . Griffith ; it stars Mary Pickford as an upstairs saloon girl who has a great time with dandy patron Henry B . Walthall . Then , he leaves her for business opportunities up " north . " Ms . Pickford is devastated , of course . On his way of town , Mr . Walthall meets old friend Lionel Barrymore , who is on his way in town . Ironically , his friend's abandoned girl catches Mr . Barrymore's eye . Later , Walthall returns ? Classic plot involving two " Friends " in love with the same girl . Pickford and her suitors play it quaintly . The film endeavors to show the lasting friendship between men Walthall and Barrymore . Yet , Pickford steals the theme - making it more a study of her character's sacrifice . Friends ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Mary Pickford , Henry B . Walthall , Lionel Barrymore
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452,639 | 15,896,852 | 2,176 | 6 |
Womankind Overcomes Man's Vagary
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Subtitled " A Psychological Tragedy " , this one's about four survivors of a deserted mining camp making their way across a hot and windy western desert . Claire McDowell leads the group ; alongside her are : her ailing husband Charles West , and her sister Mary Pickford . Before leaving , Ms . McDowell invites abandoned woman Dorothy Bernard to join the group ; and , she gratefully accepts . As they journey , Mr . West's health falters , and Ms . Bernard is rebuffed for showing him some possible affection . At their first rest stop , lady leader McDowell takes Ms . Pickford out to fetch some water , leaving husband West alone with the comely Bernard . Pickford has already begun to suspect Bernard is making advances on her brother-in-law , and persuades her sister to sneak back and catch the twosome . Sure enough , they discover Bernard and West trysting - however , it was West who initiated the contact , not the suspected Bernard . After West dies of his ailments , McDowell and Pickford become obsessed with vengeance , disbelieving the innocent Bernard ? A atmospherically visual treat from D . W . Griffith , G . W . Bitzer and the good folks at Biograph ; " The Female of the Species " is filmed in warm and windy California . The performances of the lead actresses McDowell , Pickford , and Bernard are outstanding . The story is not up to snuff , however - the " womankind " strengths are unbalanced by some odd motivations and situations . Perhaps the most implausible moment occurs when husband West's " dominant vagary " temporarily cures whatever is ailing him , so he can vigorously attack his alluring prey . Obviously , somebody needed to bottle vagary ! The Female of the Species ( / 12 ) D . W . Griffith - Claire McDowell , Mary Pickford , Dorothy Bernard
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453,659 | 15,896,852 | 23,878 | 6 |
Love Is in the Air
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Although they are not at their relative best in this rather routine drama , actor Richard Barthelmess ( as Jim Blaine ) and director William A . Wellman make " Central Airport " worth visiting . Mr . Barthelmess is in a familiar role as an accident prone World War I pilot . He catches Sally Eilers ( as Jill Collins ) hanging from a tree , after a parachute drop . This funny / sad sequence , early in the film , is a highlight - - Ms . Eilers and Barthelmess have a great meeting , which is immediately followed by great tragedy . Although the two fall in love , Barthelmess won't marry ; he thinks daredevil pilots are unstable husband material ( a keen observation ) . Instead , Eilers marries Barthelmess ' little brother Tom Brown ( as Bud Blaine ) . Eilers appears in a far too brief scene in her slip , by the way ( about 30 minutes into the running ) . Later on , an interesting scene occurs with Barthelmess and Eilers in separate rooms , divided by a wall ; then , the camera moves is a way which pleasantly violates the " Fourth Wall " rule ( showing the set ) . Another notable sequence occurs later in the film , near the end ; wherein , John Wayne appears as an extra . Mr . Wayne plays Mr . Brown's co-pilot , on a downed plane , to the left of your screen . He tries to save a drunken passenger . A somewhat unpredictable ending keeps the film above average .
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452,416 | 15,896,852 | 19,558 | 6 |
In Apple Blossom Time
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In Vienna , before The Great War ( aka World War I ) , dashing Erich von Stroheim ( as Nicki ) is a Prince with little family money ; therefore , parents George Fawcett and Maude George ( as Prince and Princess von Wildeliebe-Rauffenburg ) want their son to wed the wealthy , but crippled , Zasu Pitts ( as Cecelia ) . Mr . von Stroheim seems game ; though , obviously , he plans to continue bedding maids and other girlies . However , attending the " Corpus Christi " celebration , he meets impoverished beauty Fay Wray ( as Mitzi ) . And , for von Stroheim and Ms . Wray , it's love at first sight . As if matters weren't complicated enough for the mutually attracted pair , Wray has been promised to spitting butcher Mathew Betz ( as Schani ) . Will von Stroheim marry for love , or money ? " The Wedding March " is a very well-produced film , but Stroheim miscasts himself as the romantic young " love child " ; and , he takes more than a little getting used to . When Wray falls in love with him , Stroheim recalls , all decked out , the cruel " Iron Man " knight which helps open the film . By the end , this appears to have been intentional . The film is , also , way too lengthy ; while possessing some lovely images , it drowns itself in a sea of apple blossoms . The soft focus lens is unnecessarily excessive on Wray's beautiful , young face . The actresses perform very well ( Wray , Pitts and George ) ; and the photography , including a color segment by Ray Rennahan , is luxurious .
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453,338 | 15,896,852 | 2,214 | 6 |
Griffith Gets Sweet on West
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On an opportunistic walk in the country , Blanche Sweet encounters a snake , and is rescued by dashing Charles West ; the two are mutually attracted , and begin courting . Mr . West is Ms . Sweet's ideal . Then , trouble arrives from the city , in the form of Dorothy Bernard , Sweet's visiting sister . Introducing Ms . Bernard to a pal doesn't work ; and , she sets her sights on her sister's beau . Soon , it's West and Bernard strolling in the country ; and , Sweet is devastated ? Director D . W . Griffith employs the " classic love triangle " very well ; with Sweet , West , and Bernard playing the roles perfectly . Of course , the characters are placed in the expected danger situation , which is suspensefully staged and directed . While this may not be the most innovative Griffith , it's definitely a crosscutting cut above your average early 1900s film .
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452,537 | 15,896,852 | 382,625 | 6 |
Leonardo We Hardly Knew Ye
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As a ritualistic murder is committed , in Paris ' Louvre museum , Harvard " Professor of Religious Symbology " Tom Hanks ( as Robert Langdon ) delivers a lecture on " The Interpretation of Symbols " . Naturally , as a famed symbologist , Mr . Hanks is called upon , to help investigate the murder . Assisting Hanks is pretty police cryptologist Audrey Tautou ( as Sophie Neveu ) . Ms . Tautou immediately hooks up with Hanks ; and , the two quickly turn from investigators to investigated . Meanwhile , fanatical self-flogging murderer Paul Bettany ( as Silas ) eludes capture ? Writer Dan Brown's storyline is a grand one ; and , director Ron Howard's film adaptation of " The DaVinci Code " is definitely well-produced . Still , it's neither as successful nor startling as the book . If you've managed to stay unfamiliar with the main plot revelations , they should be apparent by the time Ian McKellen ( as Leigh Teabing ) pontificates . Mr . McKellen and Mr . Bettany effectively play their showy supporting roles . Hans Zimmer contributes a marvelous soundtrack . Until something better comes along , this version of the story is intriguing , at least . The DaVinci Code ( 2006 ) Ron Howard - Tom Hanks , Audrey Tautou , Paul Bettany
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452,967 | 15,896,852 | 30,696 | 6 |
A Flying Turkey from the Marx Brothers
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The Marx Brothers and Frank Albertson must avoid being thrown out of their hotel suite . They have no money to pay their bill , so they invent a series of ailments for Mr . Albertson to act out in order to distract hotel management . The four hope an upcoming production of a play will reverse their fortunes . " Room Service " finds the Brothers slightly of the mark . Groucho and Chico appear uninterested , especially when watching the other performers . Harpo is more lively , but is still not quite Harpo ; his " Say Ahhhh ? " goes on too long . Oddly , enough , the fourth member of their team , Mr . Albertson , turns in the more consistent performance . Donald MacBride is also very good . Lucille Ball acts like the Marx Brothers - standing around until her next line . Ann Miller is more interested , as Albertson's squeeze . A flying turkey steals the show ! Room Service ( 1938 ) William A . Seiter - Groucho Marx , Chico Marx , Harpo Marx
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453,573 | 15,896,852 | 30,491 | 6 |
Bonita Granville Suspects Fowl Play
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The " Brinwood School for Young Ladies " is buzzing about the arrival of wealthy sponsor Helena Phillips Evans ( as Mary Eldredge ) . Pretty teenage sleuth Bonita Granville ( as Nancy Drew ) and the girls hope the woman's offer of $250 , 000 will be used to install a swimming pool . When the elderly woman disappears just before making the donation , Ms . Granville suspects foul play . Her father , lawyer John Litel ( as Carson Drew ) , and others try to veer Granville of the case ; but , she is determined to find the missing woman . Granville enlists help from young wavy-haired neighbor Frankie Thomas ( as Ted Nickerson ) . The " Carolyn Keene " characters were unfamiliar to this commenter , but this certainly seems like a satisfactory adaptation . Granville , who made an impression in " These Three " ( 1936 ) , is an attractive , determined , intelligent , and charming heroine . Unlike most early " teen " stars , Granville appears natural and endearing , even with expressions like " I'll bet you $23 . 80 " and " I should say not ! " Mr . Thomas , who made an impression in " Wednesday's Child " ( 1934 ) , is similarly appealing and unaffected , for a 1930s movie juvenile . Thomas says " Let's keep it clean " and makes the " drag " scene . " Nancy Drew - Detective " shows how well a " small " genre film can be done . Granville and Thomas make a cute team . Nancy Drew - Detective ( 1938 ) William Clemens - Bonita Granville , Frankie Thomas , John Litel
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453,527 | 15,896,852 | 56,575 | 6 |
A Touch of Doris
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Doris Day gets her outfit ruined , but meets wealthy Cary Grant . She accepts his romantic trip to Bermuda , but gets " cold feet " in the bedroom . Ms . Day's portrayal of a sexually repressed woman facing the prospect of becoming an " old maid " was very good - especially during the sequence where she imagines a series of beds while out with Mr . Grant . She is nervous about sex and / or wants husbandry at this point in her life , so she refrains . Later , she changes her mind and returns to Bermuda , but is too drunk for sex . Day , drunk and spread-eagled on bed waving a bottle of booze on her toe , is very funny ! I do not understand Grant's character ; he is seen stepping out with other women , and states he not attracted to Day ( though , he did like kissing her back ) ; all of the sudden , he seems to be in love with her ! Maybe because she said " No " ? Also , I do not understand how a psychiatrist would be unable to deal with homosexuality ( he believes Gig Young's character is gay ) . The film looks beautiful - sets and photography . The practice of blurring Ms . Day is not as bad as in other films . I don't know why it's necessary to blur Ms . Day in this film ; she would look fine with the older Grant . That Touch of Mink ( 1962 ) Delbert Mann - Cary Grant , Doris Day , Gig Young
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453,203 | 15,896,852 | 21,885 | 6 |
A Little Theatrics Goes a Long Way
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This is theatrical ! declares prosecutor Frank Sheridan , as the final " A Free Soul " trial is re-opened , near the end of the movie . Indeed , this is an extremely theatrical melodrama . The prosecutor's exclamation comes as alcoholic defense lawyer Lionel Barrymore quizzes actressy daughter Norma Shearer about her affair with underworld gambler Clark Gable . Yes , theatrical . Ms . Shearer is too often using her hands to exclaim ; however , she is a riveting , and sexy " Jan Ashe " . Mr . Barrymore ( as Stephen Ashe ) is incredibly coherent , for a drunken defender , as he teeters over the edge . Gable ( as Ace Wilfong ) displays an abundance of the aggressive manliness audiences loved in the 1930s . So , you get three great stars doing what they do best . Slightly over the top , but fun to watch ; supporting players Leslie Howard , James Gleason , and Lucy Beaumont are almost as much , in less flashy roles . For its time , the characterizations and subject matter were commendable . The ace film-making team of Clarence Brown ( director ) and William Daniels ( camera ) make " A Free Soul " look lovely . Interestingly , the Willard Mack play " A Free Soul " ( 1928 ) starred Kay Johnson ( star of the just released " Madam Satan " ) , and featured the great , pre-celluloid Melvyn Douglas ( as Ace ) .
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452,503 | 15,896,852 | 70,533 | 6 |
Dan Curtis Produces Dorian Gray
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The story is familiar - Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray wishes his painting would grow old whilst he remain young . This is the version from Dan Curtis Productions , which produced the TV-series " Dark Shadows " from 1966-1971 ; the television show incorporated a version of " Dorian Gray " into the series ' " 1897 flashback " ( 1969 ) . The next film , the sexually charged " Dorian Gray " ( 1970 ) , starred Helmut Berger . But , the most well-known version remains " The Picture of Dorian Gray " ( 1945 ) , which starred Hurd Hatfield . This " The Picture of Dorian Gray " ( 1973 ) was produced for late night TV , and the " videotape " quality shows , sadly . Still , it plays . Few actors could play the part as deliciously as Helmut Berger ( who fitted the part like a glove ) ; but , Shane Briant takes a fine turn in the lead role . Mr . Briant's Dorian is sweeter-looking , but much more evil . Nigel Davenport , John Karlen , and Fionnula Flanagan head a great group of supporting players . The 1973 TV film , oddly enough , portrays Dorian as more wicked than other versions . For example , Briant's character has sex with a child ; and , it's not ambiguous ! In addition to upping the wickedness , the film is played more for horror than drama . Briant's blackmailing of pal John Karlen ( as Alan ) by reciting his lovers ' names tops other versions ; the 1970 movie had Dorian and Alan's wife in some naked photographs . The Picture of Dorian Gray ( 1973 ) Glenn Jordan - Shane Briant , Nigel Davenport , John Karlen
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