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452,869 | 15,896,852 | 361,462 | 6 |
All in Color for a Dime
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High School history teacher , and unapologetic fanboy , Mark Hamill ( as Don Swan ) is tapped to serve as technical adviser for a film adapting the adventures of his favorite super-hero , " Commander Courage " . The film producers decide it would financially rewarding for a documentary to accompany the film , and DVD . So , Hamill is followed around , showing his love for " Commander Courage " ( and bare-legged sidekick " Liberty Lad " ) , interviewing comic strip celebrities ( like the Marvelous Stan Lee ) , and inadvertently causing trouble for the movie studio . Don't search your " Golden Age " comic book collection for any evidence of " Commander Courage " . The " Wow Comics " heroes " Mr . Scarlett ( & Pinky ) " and " Commando Yank " look promising , but the super-hero is more ( or less ) a composite creation . His origin is like a " Big Bang " version of Fawcett's " Captain Marvel " . As with " real " comic heroes , " Commander Courage ( and Liberty Lad " ) " undergo a steroids ' n ' silicone reboot . The " Dark Age " version is the movie studio's interest , much to Hamill's chagrin . Mr . Hamill's film satirically illustrates what it attempts ; but , its specialized focus does not , unfortunately , advance the idea that comic books are an important art form . Instead , the film will probably confirm an unbeliever's view of comic book aficionados as arrestedly developed . " Comic Book : The Movie " is funnier as a satire on Hollywood studio types . While obviously low budget , it is an enjoyable movie . Cameraman Jess Harnell ( as Ricky ) is the film's greatest asset . Mr . Harnell smoothly makes every one of his lines , both scripted and improvised , work . Harnell is Hamill's indispensable , and sometimes hilarious , sidekick ( and , he does a fantastic Beatles impression ) . Billy West ( as Leo Matuzik ) has some Keatonesque deadpan moments . Discovered in " a musical version of ' Under the Yum Yum Tree ' " , Daran Norris ( as Bruce Easily ) essays one of the better " comic " characterizations . And , Jonathan Winters and Maggie Thompson show how to give a great " cameo " performance . Do NOT skip viewing the full version of Hamill's historically revelatory interview with Hugh Hefner , on disc two . Finally , Matt Kenny , the boy receiving a " Shazam ! " toy from Hamill , is the film's biggest super-hero . He REALLY knowing his " Marvel Family " characters . Comic Book : The Movie ( 2004 ) Mark Hamill - Mark Hamill , Jess Harnell , Billy West
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452,435 | 15,896,852 | 17,492 | 6 |
Limehouse Hoer
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In the seedy Limehouse district of London , Colleen Moore ( as Twinkletoes ) rushes to bust up a major street brawl , with her comedic ballet routine . Ms . Moore's charming dance , with musical assist from father Tully Marshall ( as Dad Minasi ) , soothes the savagery . Ironically , Moore falls in love with the man in the center of the conflict , professional boxer Kenneth Harlan ( as Chuck Lightfoot ) . Mr . Harlan is also enchanted with Moore ; however , he is already married to boozy , shrewish Gladys Brockwell ( as Cissie ) . This film was released in late 1926 , around the time Colleen Moore was determined to be the year's # 1 US Box Office Star , by Quigley Publications ( currently recognized as the industry standard ) . So , Moore is justified in production and characterization resembling Lillian Gish or Mary Pickford ; she had reached a equalizing level . " Twinkletoes " is an enjoyable feature , although it falls short of the poetic standard it is so obviously straining to achieve .
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452,521 | 15,896,852 | 26,123 | 6 |
Binary Boris Karloff
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Boris Karloff ( as Gregor and Anton de Bergmann ) plays cursed twins , separated as young children . " Twenty years later " ( forty would have been closer to the lead actor's apparent age ) , good twin " Anton " returns to the old Hungarian homestead , where bad twin " Gregor " presides as Baron . They , and most everyone in town , are aware of a " Cain and Abel " - recalling curse , which dictates that the younger Karloff kill the older Karloff , in " The Black Room " . Can two Karloffs survive in the castle , and for how long ? The dualistic Karloff , director Roy William Neill , and photographer Allen Siegler make an otherwise very ordinary , predictable film look much better than it should . Karloff's performance in the later half is especially outstanding ; he makes it very difficult to turn away from the screen . Lightly porcelain-faced blonde Marian Marsh ( as Thea Hassle ) is a beautiful vis-à-vis . The Black Room ( 1935 ) Roy William Nell - Boris Karloff , Marian Marsh , Robert Allen
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453,360 | 15,896,852 | 24,008 | 6 |
The Huntress Gets Captured by The Game
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Ruth Chatterton ( as Alison Drake ) is the successful president of " Drake Motors " ; she runs a tight ship , and has a yen for good-looking men . In fact , she enjoys treating men they way they have always treated women ; and , attractive new hires are invited to Ms . Chatterton's mansion for an evening of vodka and sex . When invitees get out of line , or expect more than a " one night stand " , Chatterton has them transferred . The boss woman goes unsatisfied when evening " pick up " George Brent ( as Jim Thorne ) turns her down . When she discovers Mr . Brent is a new hire at her company , Chatterton again tries , and fails , to seduce him . Has Chatterton finally met her match ? " Female " looks most like a William A . Wellman film , but boasts three directors ; and , here's how ( more or less ) : The film's director was William Dieterle ; then , he became ill . So , the film was directed ( mostly ) by Mr . Wellman . However , Jack Warner was unhappy with George Blackwood's performance ( as Cooper ) . The studio ordered the scenes with Mr . Blackwood re-shot . Then , Michael Curtiz directed ( only ) the scenes with Blackwood's replacement , Johnny Mack Brown ( as Cooper ) . Still , the completed film was to credit Wellman ( rightly ) . But , Wellman and Warner Brothers terminated their relationship ( unhappily ) . So , the studio credited Mr . Curtiz . With whomever directing , Chatterton is terrific ; sadly , her efforts are ruined by an ending which is almost repulsive - - what this film does to Chatterton's character is criminal . Still , " Female " is well worth watching , mainly for Chatterton's great style , and performance . Brent ( her off-screen husband , at the time ) is at his very best , too . And , the supporting cast is great fun . For example , Ferdinand Gottschalk ( as Pettigrew ) amuses in the workplace ; and , don't miss Rafaela Ottiano ( as Della ) getting a swat in the derrière ! Note Ms . Ottiano was Greta Garbo's maid in " Grand Hotel " ( 1932 ) ; incidentally , Garbo used the name " Harriet Brown " ( Lois Wilson's character ) , and the soon divorced leading man George Brent , from this film . Small world .
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453,211 | 15,896,852 | 17,534 | 6 |
Haines Makes You Feel Good
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William Haines ( as Brice Wayne ) is a cocky West Point cadet , and star football player , who alienates his teammates with his arrogance , and lack of team spirit . His steadfast pal , William Bakewell ( as Tex McNeil ) , can't defend Mr . Haines without ending up in the hospital ; and girlfriend Joan Crawford ( as Betty Channing ) grows more distant as Haines juvenile behavior becomes more and more tiresome . What will it take for Mr . Haines to win Ms . Crawford's heart ? Will Mr . Bakewell regain his health ? Can Haines straighten up in time to help his teammates win the big game ? " West Point " is a typical Haines film vehicle ; it is worth checking out to see the popular actor's performance , and enjoyable screen presence . It is neither his most satisfying characterization , nor his best film ; but , Haines is still great . Crawford's emoting is less polished , in an early role . Surprisingly , Bakewell offers the film's strongest performance ( highlighted by his hospital bed scene ) . Edward Sedgwick's direction makes the most of Haines ' silliness , and David Davidson's soundtrack is wonderful ( albeit sounding too seasonal , at times ) .
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453,293 | 15,896,852 | 33,190 | 6 |
Turnabout is a Good Play
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Although Adolphe Menjou is billed first , the " Turnabout " stars are John Hubbard ( as Tim , then Sally ) and Carole Landis ( as Sally , then Tim ) ; they play a bickering couple who are granted a wish : they switch bodies ! There are some stereotypes evident , but this is a surprisingly well-done comedy from the time period . Possibly , the most " offensive " bit is not the gender role playing , but the repeated bit involving Mr . Menjou and the water fountain . Donald Meek ( as Henry ) and Marjorie Main ( as Nora ) are delightful as servants to the gender-bending couple . Mr . Hubbard and Ms . Landis are funny and believable . The ending is a trifle weak ; but , " Turnabout " is an enjoyable surprise . Turnabout ( 1940 ) Hal Roach - John Hubbard , Carole Landis , Adolphe Menjou
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452,979 | 15,896,852 | 215,750 | 6 |
All Quite on the Russian Front
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It's 1942 , and the Russians are brutalized by the Nazi Army at Stalingrad . Still , the Russian resisters proclaim , " Never will the enemy put his foot on the soil of Stalingrad ! " Sharp-shooting soldier Jude Law ( as Vassili Zaitsev ) meets , and bonds with , commissar comrade Joseph Fiennes ( as Danilov ) . Mr . Fiennes , who survives massacre by playing possum , is very impressed with Mr . Law's sniper fire . Law had been firing between the eyes since his days as a shepherd boy . After losing several Germans to Law's bullets , the Nazis send their own Major sharpshooter , Ed Harris ( as König ) , out to bag Law . Meanwhile , Law and Fiennes form the obligatory " love triangle " with fetching Rachel Weisz ( as Tania ) . Jean-Jacques Annaud directs big production values well enough , and the story's setting is a refreshing change from the usual western-fronted World War II epics . But , the whole thing collapses under its unnecessary , and startlingly ordinary " love triangle " . Law and Ms . Weisz are the main lovey-dovey duo . Their love-making scene may remind you about . . . well , not waking up the roommate . Duplicitous chocolate-loving young Gabriel Thomson ( as Sasha ) and Mr . Harris portray somewhat more interesting supporting characters . Enemy at the Gates ( 2001 ) - Jude Law , Joseph Fiennes , Rachel Weisz
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452,620 | 15,896,852 | 352,248 | 6 |
A Working Class Hero Is Something to Be
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In all the history of the boxing game you find no human interest story to compare with the life narrative of James J . Braddock is how the famed writer ( and boxing fan ) Damon Runyon described the Boxer he dubbed " Cinderella Man " . Director Ron Howard uses the quote to open the film . So , you are guaranteed a heartwarming story of a man who overcomes abject poverty . Russell Crowe ( as Jim Braddock ) begins as a moderately successful boxer , living with wife Renée Zellweger ( as Mae ) and their three young children . The Braddock family suffers through bad luck , cold New Jersey winters , and the Great Depression . If you've been cold and poor , you'll identify with warming socks in the stove and adding water to stretch a bottle of milk . The film's , and the leading character's , high moral tone is set when Mr . Crowe , in an early scene , brings his son to the local butcher shop ; there , the boy returns a piece of meat he stole to feed the hungry Braddock family . " No matter what happens , we don't steal , " Crowe explains . Ever . He also promises the children , " We will never send you away , " and sobs when poverty dictates otherwise . His dedication and commitment to his wife and children are the driving force in the life of the boxer . Today , the boxing ring has been taken over , in popularity , by choreographed pretenders . But , once upon a time , you were to cause your opponent actual physical damage . Continuing to hit someone in the head until they fell , " Knocked Out " , was the prime directive . During a fight , Crowe's manager Paul Giamatti ( as Joe Gould ) demands , " Fill his face with blood ! " Later , Crowe's Braddock is successful enough to face wicked champion Craig Bierko ( as Max Baer ) , who is credited as having " killed two men in the ring . " So , the fight is promoted as a chance to witness a potential murder . Boxing and morality make strange bedfellows . But , " Cinderella Man " is a pretty , predictable , and well-produced film . Cinderella Man ( 2005 ) Ron Howard - Russell Crowe , Renée Zellweger , Paul Giamatti
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453,019 | 15,896,852 | 50,468 | 6 |
The OK Corral Legend Grows Longer
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For Burt Lancaster , Kirk Douglas , Dennis Hopper , and / or western fans , generally , this movie is O . K . Others may want to make a full pot of coffee before viewing " Gunfight at the O . K . Corral " . Could they stretch out the story of these characters any further ? Anyway , it has some differences from other versions . Mr . Lancaster and Mr . Douglas are both good , and the film is mostly enjoyable if you like the epic western style represented ; although , in my opinion , this isn't really the best version of the story . The singing of Frankie Laine was okay , but I confess to wondering , each time he sang , can this be near the end ? . I found myself bored , and read signs ; for example , the " Eddie Foy " sign - that was a favorite . The signs that , finally say , " O . K . " and " O . K . Corral " were signs of relief ! Just like they said , the movie is O . K . Gunfight at the O . K . Corral ( 1957 ) John Sturges - Burt Lancaster , Kirk Douglas , Dennis Hopper
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453,505 | 15,896,852 | 325,596 | 6 |
Two Minutes To Live
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When Simon ( Ryan Phillippe ) awakens in the hospital after surviving a near-fatal accident , amnesia has erased the last two years from his memory . He learns that his brother ( Robert Sean Leonard ) was killed , he has married a woman he doesn't remember ( Piper Perabo ) ? and he's haunted by strange visions of the woman he loved ( Sarah Polley ) . Soon , he starts to uncover the truth behind his brother's death and unravel the unbelievable turns his life has taken ? Actually ( or perhaps not ? ) , Mr . Phillippe falls in love with his estranged brother's fiancée ( Ms . Polley ) , which results in a violent confrontation - and , an even more tragic car accident , involving all three . Roland Suso Richter's direction of Michael Cooney's " Point of Death " is intriguing , engrossing , and imaginatively plotted . But , the ending does not really fulfill the film's promises - and , the lead character's relationships with both brother and lover lack passion . Still , it's more good than not . The I Inside ( 2003 ) Roland Suso Richter - Ryan Phillippe , Piper Perabo , Sarah Polley
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452,717 | 15,896,852 | 122,690 | 6 |
The Poor People of Paris
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The sleeve attempts to explain : " The Cold War may be over , but a new world order keeps a group of covert mercenaries - whose skills in surveillance , reconnaissance , and attack are legendary - employed by the highest bidder . These operatives for hire , known as " Ronin " , are assembled in France by a mysterious client for an extremely dangerous mission : steal a top-secret briefcase . This seemingly easy task soon proves explosive as other underworld organizations vie for the same prize . But to get the job done , this rag-tag group of misfits , led by an ex-CIA agent named Sam ( De Niro ) , must do something they've never done before - trust each other ! " Head " Ronin " ( think Japanese samurai ) Robert De Niro ( as Sam ) and Jean Reno ( as Vincent ) are definitely a team you want on your side ; the two actors have a cool chemistry , which almost makes up for the lack of an intellectually stimulating story . It can also be fun to guess where the team's traitors lurk - sometimes obvious , and sometimes not . Director John Frankenheimer and photographer Robert Fraisse provide you with wild , speeding car chases - which more than deliver orgasmic crashes . Hopefully , the citizens of Paris were advised to stay in their homes during filming . If filmmakers wanted to leave you with some mystery about the contents of a certain silver suitcase , they certainly succeeded . Probably , it was only a pair of silver ice skates . Ronin ( 1998 ) John Frankenheimer - Robert De Niro , Jean Reno , Natascha McElhone
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453,598 | 15,896,852 | 30,384 | 6 |
Orphans in the Dorm
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Freddie Bartholomew stars as a seemingly upper crust " Lord " ( Jeff Braemer ) who is really an orphaned thief ; suspected in an emerald necklace heist , he is sent to a navel academy and meets idealized Irish orphan Mickey Rooney ( as Terry O'Mulvaney ) . Boy-among-the-young-men Terry Kilburn ( as Albert Baker ) keeps the " cute quotient " high . Their roles are tailor-made for Mr . Bartholomew's " British upper crust " and Mr . Rooney's " Irish working lad " personas . Bartholomew is perfect as the aristocratically-guised London thief , complaining about the " wretched " hotel service and fainting during opportune moments . Bussed to a a purgatory-type sailor school ( not quite a hellish reform school ) , he immediately clashes with Rooney . The two " child stars " contrast well , and their difficult bonding becomes the film's main source of entertainment . Rooney is much more relaxed in " Lord Jeff " than other " orphaned lad " roles ; here , he exudes natural likability . Kilburn's little Albert seems out of place among the older boys , but he performs as well , and gives Bartholomew's character some much-needed appeal . Other story structure , and editing , problems weaken the running time . Irrelevant , probably , to the film " Lord Jeff " is the status of its two stars . Bartholomew was a very popular " boy star " and Rooney was much more popular as a " teen star " ; and , they made several films together . This film catches the Bartholomew near the end of his career , and Rooney beginning his most successful years . With this in mind , don't miss their mid-film fistfight ! Lord Jeff ( / 38 ) Sam Wood - Freddie Bartholomew , Mickey Rooney , Terry Kilburn
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453,304 | 15,896,852 | 41,555 | 6 |
Knocking Down the House
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Accused of killing a policeman , ageing juvenile delinquent John Derek ( as Nick " Pretty Boy " Romano ) turns to lawyerly father figure Humphrey Bogart ( as Andrew Morton ) for defense . Mr . Bogart was acquainted with Mr . Derek's similarly jailed father , and had been trying to rehabilitate the young man , off and on , over the years . Derek swears he is innocent ; and , believing him , Bogart takes the case . District Attorney George Macready ( as Kerman ) is just as sure that Derek is guilty . When the trial begins , Bogart tells the unfortunate story of Derek's life , which is shown in flashbacks ? Derek's life is , indeed , filled with misfortune . After the death of his father , young Derek is reared in slums ; caught stealing , he is sent to reform school . Upon release , Derek fails to " go straight " , despite getting a legitimate job , and marrying the attractive , compassionate young Allene Roberts ( as Emma ) . During the flashback sequences , the film's weakness is exposed - - while there is nothing wrong with his performance , Derek isn't given enough script to thoroughly make the film's point : that young men like him are " angels with dirty faces . " This theme , that society was the cause of juvenile delinquency , had been a subtle part of movies during the 1930s-'40s . " Knock on Any Door " makes the theme explicit ; but , the film does not offer strong enough characterizations to back up its thesis . Willard Motley's original novel was much clearer , undoubtedly ; an accurate film adaptation was unlikely in 1949 . Mr . Motley's sequel " Let No Man Write My Epitaph " , was adapted for film , more successfully , in 1960 . Together , the Motley novels might make an interesting " epic " re-make . Still , Nichols Ray and Bogart make " Knock on Any Door " interesting viewing . The supporting cast is full of faces to spot : Dooley Wilson , Sid Melton , John Mitchum , and others .
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453,592 | 15,896,852 | 19,824 | 6 |
That Griffith Woman
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Briefly , as explained in an introductory title card , " This is the historic tale of two people whose lives are an immortal romance ; the story of the love and destiny of England's greatest beauty , and England's greatest sailor . " The film focuses on the greatest beauty of Corinne Griffith ( as Emma Hart ) . Her main lover is the greatest sailor , Victor Varconi ( as Horatio Nelson ) . Ms . Griffith dominates the drama , which begins in late 18th century England . Introduced as a servant girl , Griffith becomes enamored with noble boss Ian Keith ( as Charles Greville ) . After gaining a reputation as a " vulgar hussy " , Griffith is sent to Italy ; there , she becomes more ladylike , and marries Mr . Keith's uncle , H . B . Warner ( as William Hamilton ) . Then , as " Lady Hamilton " , she meets , and has an historically influential affair with Mr . Varconi , her " true love " . " The Divine Lady " is a showy , costly production . It was noticed during the second " Academy Awards " ceremony for the direction of Frank Lloyd . Mr . Lloyd's direction is , indeed , a strength ; in one scene , he makes you feel you are on a Ferris Wheel . Lloyd was also noted for directing Richard Barthelmess in " Weary River " and " Drag " , films which sandwiched " Divine Lady " . John Seitz ' photography is another strength ; he is responsible for many beautiful scenes ; and , of course , shows superstar Griffith in her best light . Comic relief Marie Dressler ( as Mrs . Hart ) appears too briefly . In 1994 , Corinne Griffith received a belated " Academy Award " nomination as " Best Actress " for " The Divine Lady " ; the revelation appeared in Robert Osborne's " 65 Years of the Oscar : The Official History of the Academy Awards " . There were no actual " nominations " announced that year ( actually , the 1928-29 season ) ; after the awards gained stature , there were attempts to bring the earlier ceremonies in line with what was becoming the industry standard . The inclusion of Griffith's name among the nominees may have been due to a suggestion Jeanne Eagels ' performance in " The Letter " be dropped , since she died in October 1929 . A look at the other nominations would support Griffith's inclusion ; however , the second ceremony was not one of the Academy's best efforts . Griffith's starry , self-conscious performance was better than " Best Actress " winner Mary Pickford's , in " Coquette " ; but , so were most . Lillian Gish and Greta Garbo essayed far superior characterizations , during the eligibility period , but were not nominated . However , dog star Rin Tin Tin was considered for a " Best Actor " nomination . The Divine Lady ( / 29 ) Frank Lloyd - Corinne Griffith , Victor Varconi , H . B . Warner
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453,480 | 15,896,852 | 134,619 | 6 |
A Clockwork Apple Pie
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Muscular , handsome James Marsden ( as Steve Clark ) moves to the sleepy island town of " Cradle Bay " , with his parents and younger sister , after older brother " Alan " shoots himself to death . The family enrolls the children in " Cradle Bay High School " . Predictably , the high school is full of obviously older actors cast as teenagers . Oddly , Mr . Marsden finds it difficult to fit in with his peers , especially a group of do-gooders called the " Blue Ribbons " , who swear off sex , drugs , and rock and roll music . Instead , " Blue Ribbons " save their juices , eat yogurt , and listen to Wayne Newton and Barry Manilow music . Marsden does connect with grungy stoner Nick Stahl ( as Gavin Strick ) . Mr . Stahl thinks some form of mind-control is infecting the town . Stahl has witnessed some mysterious behavior ( the film's opening shocker ) ; he tells Marsden ; but , Marsden thinks Stahl's just a tweaked , paranoid druggie . Through Stahl , Marsden meets hot , slim-waisted Rachel Wagner ( who moved from " Dawson's Creek " to " Cradle Bay " ) . Ms . Wagner and Marsden form the obligatory romantic twosome ; they pose , and perform , well together . However , the superior role , and performance , is Stahl's " Gavin " ; he is the most normal acting of the lot , on or off drugs . Filming in Canada , David Nutter and John Bartley make " Disturbing Behavior " look way better than expected ; there are quite a few nice location scenes . And , you have to like the high school janitor , with Kurt Vonnegut's " Slaughterhouse-Five " in his hip pocket . It would have been nice to see more of that part of the story ; perhaps , with Stahl and William Sadler setting up a resistance and / or investigation center in the high school basement . And , more close-ups of Steve Railsback's " Officer Cox " . The film too suddenly becomes " A Clockwork Orange " , then " Terminator " ; and , the ending just makes you wish Stahl had more participation . Disturbing Behavior ( 1998 ) David Nutter - James Marsden , Rachel Wagner , Nick Stahl
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452,889 | 15,896,852 | 105,435 | 6 |
Running on One Sneaker
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Sneakers are a team of " security specialists " who specialize in computer hacking . They are : computer expert Robert Redford ( as Bishop ) , former CIA employee Sidney Poitier ( as Crease ) , gadgets wizard Dan Ackroyd ( as Mother ) , young genius River Phoenix ( as Carl ) , and blind soundman David Strathairn ( as Whistler ) . The men are joined in progress by Mary McDonnell ( as Liz ) , likely a former " Sneaker " and definitely a former girlfriend of leader Redford . Mr . Redford , who dominates the action , is also connected to the film's main villain , Ben Kingsley ( as Cosmo ) . Mr . Kingsley's identity isn't too surprising , once you realize he didn't grow up to be the character played by Mr . Ackroyd . The mission is to retrieve a " black box " for some nasty men , who claim to be representing the United States government . The best chunk of the film involves the extended " computer date " Ms . McDonnell has with Stephen Tobolowsky ( as Werner Brandes ) as Redford breaks into the man's office . It begins about the time Mr . Ackroyd arrives with the man's trash and ends with Mr . Phoenix crashing into a scene between Redford and nasty Eddie Jones . Director Phil Alden Robinson , and WarGames-men Lawrence Lasker and Walter F . Parkes , create a good deal of suspense , highlighted by a light sense of humor . But , the picture's conflict ( Redford / Kingsley ) isn't very interesting or dramatic . Although the terrific " Sneakers " team falls short of expectations , their participation alone makes it a film worth watching . Sneakers ( 1992 ) Phil Alden Robinson - Robert Redford , Sidney Poitier , Mary McDonnell
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453,033 | 15,896,852 | 113,071 | 6 |
Live by the Sword , Die by the Sword
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It opens with the backdrop , " At long last , the wars were over . Arthur , the great king of Camelot , had devoted his life to building a land of peace an justice . Now he wished to marry . But the peace was not to last . The most powerful of Arthur's knights , Prince Malagant , had long been jealous of the King's glory . Now he found cause to quarrel with Arthur and left Camelot with hearted in his heart . And so the land was divided again , between those who rallied to Prince Malagant , seeking the spoils of war , and those who stayed loyal to the King . And then there was Lancelot , a wanderer who had never dreamed of peace or justice or knighthood . Times were hard . A man made his living any way he could . And Lancelot had always been good with a sword ? " An awareness of a general negativity concerning this film is one of the reasons it's a more enjoyable than not . Even without lowered expectations , " First Knight " is an above average film . Jerry Zucker directs a series of well-paced action scenes with pomp and circumstance . William Nicholson's screenplay focuses on the " love triangle " formed with Richard Gere ( as Sir Lancelot ) falling in love with Julia Ormond ( as Lady Guinevere ) on her way to marry Sean Connery ( as King Arthur ) . It isn't difficult to figure out the rest of the story . The three principal players are nicely suited to their roles . Mr . Gere plays " Lancelot " ( the leading man ) with nobility and nonchalance ; he has a gracefulness which might have been utilized in other Errol Flynn-type roles , had he chosen to perform them . Ms . Ormond adds a considerable amount of spirited resoluteness to her " Guinevere " ; this , combined with her physical beauty , makes her irresistible . Mr . Connery's " King Arthur " gives the film an old-world foundation . Ben Cross ( as Prince Malagant ) heads up a splendid supporting cast , with something old John Gielgud ( as Oswald ) , and something new Stuart Bunce ( as Peter ) , all dressed up in something blue . So , where's the rub ? The valiant filmmakers took a chance by removing the mythological elements . The wizard " Merlin " does not appear . " Excalibur " has no magical powers . Stripped of its magic , the still noble " Camelot " is a nice place to visit , but you wouldn't want to live there . First Knight ( / 95 ) Jerry Zucker - Richard Gere , Julia Ormond , Sean Connery
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453,611 | 15,896,852 | 116,361 | 6 |
Lurid Red Riding Hood
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White trash bred Reese Witherspoon ( as Vanessa Lutz ) loses her whorish mother and crack-head stepfather to the cops . Since she is underage , the social worker comes to take her away ; but , Ms . Witherspoon doesn't want foster care . She handcuffs the social worker to a bed , and heads for a California " Freeway " . Witherspoon wants to go live with her grandmother up North . When her car overheats , she pulls over , and attracts assistance from perverted passerby Kiefer Sutherland ( as Bob Wolverton ) . Mr . Sutherland says he wants to to help little red-jacketed Reese ; but , he has ulterior motives ? Writer / director Matthew Bright's version of the Grimm classic " Little Red Riding Hood " could be described as a crude satire . Sometimes , it is very amusing ; especially funny are Witherspoon's reactions to Sutherland . Witherspoon holds the film's interest . There are a dozen entertaining supporting roles . Susan Barnes is a highly pleasing prison matron . And , dysfunctional parents Amanda Plummer ( as Ramona ) and Michael T . Weiss ( as Larry ) get things off to a great start . Mr . Weiss , late of " Dark Shadows " , and on the verge of success with " The Pretender " , returned for Bright's " Hansel and Gretel " - themed sequel . Freeway ( 1996 ) Matthew Bright - Reese Witherspoon , Kiefer Sutherland , Michael T . Weiss
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453,679 | 15,896,852 | 15,016 | 6 |
A Long Working on the Railroad
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The Iron Horse is the first trans-American railway system ; the story of its construction is told in this film . Chief among the other plot lines is the love story featuring hero George O'Brien ( as Davy Brandon ) and heroine Madge Bellamy ( as Miriam Marsh ) . Villainous Cyril Chadwick ( as Peter Jesson ) comes between them . Will Mr . O'Brien and Ms . Bellamy come together ? Will the Central Pacific railroad and the Union Pacific railroad hook up ? Only time will tell ? This film takes a long , long time to pick up steam . Star O'Brien ( and many regular cast members ) appear only after a prolonged prologue . Some of the supporting cast are dispensable , like the unfunny " three musketeers " . Fortunately , " The Iron Horse " is expertly directed by John Ford ; and , lead actor O'Brien is very appealing .
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452,624 | 15,896,852 | 11,163 | 6 |
The Roaring Road ( and Son )
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In " The Roaring Road " ( 1919 ) , you might recall , Wallace Reid ( as Walter Thomas " Toodles " Walden ) set the auto record from Los Angeles to San Francisco . He also won a wife , Ann Little ( as Dorothy ) . Ms . Little has convinced Mr . Reid to give up dangerous car-racing ; now , he is the manager of her father , Theodore Roberts ( as J . D . " The Bear " Ward ) ' s , company . Reid has settled into domestic tranquility , but will a threat to his old record ( and sick kid ) tempt him into revisiting the dangerous game of auto racing ? Hint : the film is titled " Excuse My Dust ! " As a sequel , speed writer Byron Morgan's story is more contrived and unimaginative than his other " speed flicks " . The cars are better displayed than earlier , however ; and , Tully Marshall ( as Mutchler ) is a welcome addition to the returning cast . One scene , where Reid nearly kills his son , is rather more uncomfortable than exciting ; some audiences may have thought Wally , Dorothy , and Junior were the real Reid family .
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453,476 | 15,896,852 | 151,582 | 6 |
Beware of Transients
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Mild-mannered serial killer Owen Wilson ( as Vann Siegert ) drives his truck around , and kills an asthmatic junkie played by Sheryl Crow ; then , he rents a small town room from Brian Cox and Mercedes Ruehl ( as Doug and Jane Durwin ) . The couple seem to be getting over the possible loss of a daughter ( " Karen " ) , and begin to treat Mr . Wilson as a member of their cold , distant family . He's a good fit . Mr . Cox offers fatherly help in getting Wilson a job at the post office ; there , he meets Janeane Garofalo ( as Ferrin ) . Ms . Garofalo is attracted to Wilson , but he appears disinterested . Hampton Fancher's " The Minus Man " is baffling . What's up with the imaginary room entrance , the borrowed truck , and the head bashing ? What compels Wilson ? Was it the spider that crawled in his ear ? Are the detectives imaginary , or from the future ? Like Vann says , " There's a mystery here that I could one day be tempted to explore , when I learn it better . " The film is interesting and well-performed , but only minimally satisfying as a story . The Minus Man ( 1999 ) Hampton Fancher - Owen Wilson , Janeane Garofalo , Brian Cox
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452,466 | 15,896,852 | 623,147 | 6 |
Jodie Foster Raises Caine
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Entranced by her mandolin playing , Caine accompanies little Jodie Foster ( as Alethea Patricia Ingram ) to a waiting stagecoach . When the coach arrives , an unwelcome gunfight results in Ms . Foster mistakenly believing she sees Caine shoot an innocent man to death . Foster's testimony results in Caine being convicted as a murderer . Although she likes Caine ( she cannot understand why he did it ) , Foster is compelled to tell the truth . And , Caine supports her honesty . Will it result in Caine's death by hanging ? Carradine and Foster are excellent ; they make the somewhat uncertain story believable . Perhaps the oddest moment is when Carradine seems to sigh regretfully when a " lie " saves his life . The episode challenges perceptions about truth . At least , it ends well ; how could it not ? Of the fine " Kung Fu " supporting cast , Radames Pera ( as the younger Caine ) is featured well . With Foster and Pera highlighted , grasshoppers rule the day . Kung Fu - Alethea ( / 73 ) John Badham - David Carradine , Jodie Foster , Radames Pera
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453,299 | 15,896,852 | 39,190 | 6 |
A Misguided Bishop for Christmas
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First , this film would be more accurately titled " The Bishop " because it's more about David Niven's character than his wife . Mr . Niven plays the Bishop ; and , he is married to Loretta Young ; they are Episcopalian . Niven wants money for a huge Cathedral ; so , an Angel in the form of Cary Grant goes down to grant his wish - or , does he ? You'll want to watch if you like the stars . Ms . Young is perhaps the best ; she plays the wife with the right level of innocence , and creates a solid character . Niven does well in a difficult part , discovering something about wishing , and what to wish for . . . Cary Grant always lifts a film , but his portrayal of the Angel is the film's weak link . There are several times when you think Mr . Grant is going to kiss the wedded Young ! Grant is lighted differently , to make him look Angelic . If you're wondering , " What is this film trying to be ? " by the end , you'll know . . . Of course , there is a " heart-warming " Christmas message . The Bishop's Wife ( 1947 ) Henry Koster - Cary Grant , Loretta Young , David Niven
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452,461 | 15,896,852 | 32,428 | 6 |
Angels in Disguise ( with Scratches )
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The first " East Side Kids " feature reaches back to the original " Dead End " formula , as another movie studio decides to cash in on the kids . " Monogram " couldn't obtain any of the six original young scene stealers , so they built their team around second stringers . The leader role , usually assigned to Billy Halop , went to Harris Berger ( as Danny Dolan ) . Mr . Berger had joined the original stage play , and was already appearing in Universal's " Dead End " features . The Bobby Jordan-type role is played by Hal E . " Hally " Chester ( as Fred " Dutch " Kuhn ) , who was featured most prominently ( of this cast ) in previous " Dead End " films . Leo Gorcey and the others are replaced by : Frankie Burke ( as Skinny ) , Donald Haines ( as PeeWee ) , Edwin " Eddie " Brian ( as Mike ) , and Sam Edwards ( as Pete ) . And , for one film only , Jack Edwards ( as Algernon " The Mouse " Wilkes ) joins the group , playing the well-heeled " sissy " who wants to be " tough " . The " Dead End " plot variation involves grown-up juvenile delinquent Leon Ames ( as Pat O'Day ) trying to help out some young " Angels with Dirty Faces " . Now a policeman , Mr . Ames decides to open a club for " Danny's Gang " , to keep them out of trouble . Ames recalls his youth as a young gangster , with Dennis Moore ( as " Mile-Away " Harris ) and Dave O'Brien ( as " Knuckles " Dolan ) . Although they are still friendly , Mr . Moore is on the wrong side of the law . Mr . O'Brien , Danny's big brother , is falsely imprisoned . The film is rushed and rough - which , on one level , helps . With re-takes , Mr . Burke's background " scratch and sniff " scene would be " corrected " , but it fits the " Dead End " kid atmosphere perfectly . The film , with some additional work , would be on par with the " Warner Brothers " features . The real Bobby Jordan took over the role of " Danny Dolan " for this film's sequel , " Boys of the City " ; and , early in this " Monogram " series , some continuity between films in attempted . East Side Kids ( / 40 ) Robert F . Hill - Harris Berger , Hal E . Chester , Frankie Burke
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452,379 | 15,896,852 | 58,981 | 6 |
Paris When It Sizzles
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All you need is a timetable , explains playboy Tony Curtis ( as Bernard Lawrence ) , an American reporter working in Paris . Mr . Curtis keeps three blondes in one apartment , each thinking she is Curtis ' " one-and-only " fiancée . The rotating women are all airline stewardesses , on different timetables . Curtis ' sexy arrangement is discovered by envious old pal Jerry Lewis ( as Robert Reed ) . Mr . Lewis plots to take over the satisfying arrangement of women , after he learns Curtis may be transferred to New York . But , both men are threatened when the stewardesses ' flight patterns change ; and , everyone heads for the apartment bed ! Funnier than its reputation ; perhaps , the film's celebration of pseudo-promiscuity distanced it from other sixties sex comedies - - the " romance " between Lewis and Suzanna Leigh ( as Vicky " British United " Hawkins ) comes closest to " acceptable " for the genre . The other two women , hefty knockwurst-loving Christiane Schmidtmer ( as Lise " Lufthansa " Bruner ) and wispy soufflé-loving Dany Saval ( as Jacqueline " Air France " Grieux ) , are more funny than romantic . Curtis is finely frantic ; however , Lewis , in a lower key , and Thelma Ritter ( as Bertha ) are more outstanding . Boeing Boeing ( 1965 ) John Rich - Tony Curtis , Jerry Lewis , Thelma Ritter
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453,473 | 15,896,852 | 12,940 | 6 |
J . B . Warner Jumps the Fence
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Devil-may-care buckaroo J . B . Warner ( as Jim Gregory ) is torn between two pretty women : south-of-the-border Senorita Elinor Fair ( as Mercedes Aloyez ) catches his romantic eye - but , beautiful Caucasian waitress-in-distress Wilamae Carson ( as Mary Moore ) also captures his attention . Probably , the weakest part of the story involves how the women become a dilemma for Mr . Warner , because he is scripted to favor Ms . Fair almost exclusively ; Ms . Moore unexpectedly attains an equal romantic status , later in the running . And , Warner's selection seems strangely xenophobic . Despite its shortcomings , " Big Stakes " is an enjoyable , well-paced silent western . The handcuffed " big stake " opening leads a few clever bits , and the cast performs them very well . The climax provides some old-fashioned D . W . Griffith-styled excitement . Tall-in-the-saddle Warner is comically supported by rotund ton-of-fun Hilliard Karr ( as " Skinny " Fargo ) . This film provides a rare look at Warner , a western star who died unexpectedly . Les Bates and Robert Grey , the actors playing the two main villains , also died too soon . Big Stakes ( 1922 ) Clifford S . Elfelt - J . B . Warner , Elinor Fair , Hilliard Karr
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452,473 | 15,896,852 | 12,938 | 6 |
Silence Is Golden
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Fetching young Gloria Swanson ( as Theodora Fitzgerald ) is rescued from drowning by debonair playboy Rudolph Valentino ( as Hector Bracondale ) . Although Ms . Swanson clearly falls for Mr . Valentino , her family notes : he's not the marrying kind . They set beautiful Swanson up with elderly millionaire Robert Bolder ( as Josiah Brown ) , which enhances family fortunes considerably . On her honeymoon , Swanson slips on the Swiss Alps ; she is saved by Valentino , and the two find it difficult to resist each other ? Director Sam Wood's " Beyond the Rocks " is an enjoyable pairing of superstars Swanson and Valentino . Their initial flirtation , and fantastical costumed interludes are effective . Otherwise , the two seem more like pals than romantic partners ; and , the story is sheer nonsense . Still , this is a film found in 2003 , which co-starred not one - - but TWO of the most popular film performers of the 1920s . What will they uncover next ? Much thanks to Nederlands Filmmuseum and Milestone Films for " Beyond the Rocks " .
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453,556 | 15,896,852 | 2,381 | 6 |
Griffith Makes Crime Pay
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Early crime film directed by D . W . Griffith . Hyped in the subtitle as " Unparallel drama inspired and played on the streets of the American city - Bold - Truthful " ! Lillian Gish lives with her musician husband Walter Miller near Pig Alley , an area frequented by gangsters . The head Musketeer is Elmer Booth . Gangster Booth tries to put the make on Ms . Gish , and mugs Mr . Miller as he returns home with his hard-earned pay . Stumbling into a gang shootout , Miller recognizes Musketeer Booth as his mugger . What will he do ? Here , in " The Musketeers of Pig Alley " , Gish and Miller are better than when they are threatened by the temptress in " The Mothering Heart " ( 1913 ) . Acting more naturally , you really sympathize with the couple . Booth is an endearing " Little Caesar " . The shootout is lively , and the thugs creeping along the alley walls into close-ups is interesting . The ending is played more for humor ; it's not bad , but it breaks the mood of the movie . The Musketeers of Pig Alley ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Walter Miller , Elmer Booth
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452,860 | 15,896,852 | 34,936 | 6 |
Citizen Forrest
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Keeper of the Flame ( 1942 ) George Cukor - Spencer Tracy , Katharine Hepburn , Margaret Wycherly The film opens with the never appearing " Robert Forrest " dying in a car crash . Robert Forrest was , as it turn out , a great American hero ; his tragic accident is big news ; and , and the country mourns . Biographical journalist Spencer Tracy ( as Steve O'Malley ) decides to write a story about Forrest's life ; but , the prospective " Keeper of the Flame " finds it difficult to interview beautiful Forrest widow Katharine Hepburn ( as Christine ) . And , the people closest to the deceased accident victim are mysteriously uncooperative . What are they hiding ? Tracy and Hepburn , under George Cukor's moody direction , are great fun to watch . Mr . Cukor and photographer William Daniels are especially Garbo-like when introducing Hepburn's character . Still , it's Tracy who holds everything together . The revelation about " Robert Forrest " was unexpected ( to me , anyway ) ; it was nice to see a film show the American belief system is based on ideas and truths rather than mindless patriotism . The film should have been better . First , the movie's main " romantic " relationship seems to occur too suddenly ; certainly , the film's stars were capable of portraying a man and woman falling in love . Also , what did the Forrests ' do ? It's hinted , once , that " Christine " may have been an actress ( believable ) ; but , what office did her husband hold ( if any ) ? Of the supporting cast , Margaret Wycherly seems truest , as the dead hero's " invalid " mother ; a couple of the other players become more grating than effective , after a good first impression .
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453,070 | 15,896,852 | 34,928 | 6 |
There Were Snakes in the Jungle
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Sabu ( as Mowgli ) is raised by wolves after his father is killed in the jungles of India . After a dozen or so years as an " animal " , he encounters a village of humans . The village includes his natural mother Rosemary DeCamp ( as Messua ) , who coincidently takes him in , and teaches him to speak English . But , adjusting to human life is difficult . Sabu discovers humans are a mixed bag ? Beautiful color photography is the highlight of " Jungle Book " . Additionally , the performance of Sabu is certainly intense ; his eyes , in introductory scenes , really seem like the eyes of someone raised by wolves ! Storyteller Joseph Calleia ( as Buldeo ) is charming . This is , however , a very lethargic movie . I expected to like the " village " scenes , but was surprised to favor the non-talking jungle scenes . Okay , GIANT English speaking SNAKES are exempt from the previous sentence . I did like the pursuit of the ordinary non-speaking tiger . Admittedly , I'm not a " Jungle Book " movie fan , but I do recall seeing another version ; and , this one is better . . . Jungle Book ( 1942 ) Zoltan Korda - Sabu , Joseph Calleia , Rosemary DeCamp
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452,729 | 15,896,852 | 43,526 | 6 |
Goo Goo Ga Ga ( Their Blessed Event )
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At first , I was hoping " Father's Little Dividend " was going to be about Joan Bennett's character becoming pregnant ; then , Spencer Tracy dealing with a new baby of his own ! In the beginning of the film , Mr . Tracy shows some very amorous interest / contact with Ms . Bennett ; and , she certainly looks young enough to be pregnant . I guess Tracy and Bennett were being " careful " ; because , all too predictably , Elizabeth Taylor becomes the expectant . I see the " middle class " Banks ' still employ their maid " Delilah " ; despite their worries about money , they didn't have to " let her go " after the wedding bills rang . . . This is a pleasant enough sequel , but having " the stork " visit Bennett & Tracy , instead of Taylor & Taylor , might have made " Father's Little Dividend " ( 1951 ) even better than the original " Father of the Bride " ( 1950 ) . Father's Little Dividend ( 1951 ) Vincente Minnelli - Spencer Tracy , Joan Bennett , Elizabeth Taylor
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452,987 | 15,896,852 | 61,122 | 6 |
Smoking in the Girls Room
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Rosalind Russell is the Mother Superior of a Catholic school invaded by troubled young women Hayley Mills ( she's Mary ) and her cohort June Harding ( she's Rachel ) . Ms . Mills and Ms . Harding don't want to be in the stuffy convent school ; predictably , they become the resident Juvenile Delinquents . Can Mother Superior turn their lives around ? The story is very weak . For 1966 , you wonder what all the fuss was about . The girls smoke in the bathroom and boiler room ( which is mistaken for a fire ) . When the girls mention idols Jack Lemmon and Kim Novak , you know the screenplay was not even made contemporary to 1966 ( originally , the story took place several decades earlier ) . AND , can you believe a Mother superior plucking and painting her eyebrows quite like Ms . Russell ? BUT , the movie works . The strength of the players carries you along . Mills and Harding could be smoking pot - - it doesn't matter ; the message is relayed . Russell's reaction to the girls ' band uniforms works for the same reason ; the uniforms are not shocking , but you know how Russell feels ( note director Ida Lupino's close-up during this scene ) . The strength of the performances make " The Trouble with Angels " more successful than it looks on paper . The theme / ending is VERY predictable ; but , note that Mother Superior also changes - - by the " cocktail dress " scene , her character has become more like her unmanageable twosome . The Trouble with Angels ( 1966 ) Ida Lupino - Rosalind Russell , Hayley Mills , June Harding
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453,056 | 15,896,852 | 54,988 | 6 |
Something Is Rotten in Denmark
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Obviously intended to frighten , director William Castle's psycho trip , instead , amuses . Joan Marshall ( as Emily ) ' s homicidal performance may be unconvincing on a technical level ; but , she performs it endearingly , and with a straight face . Glenn Corbett ( as Karl ) and Patricia Breslin ( as Miriam ) are an attractive vis a vis . And , Eugenie Leontovich ( as Helga ) is a " knock-out " ( note : stroke victims may want to see what else is on ) . Don't miss the beginning , when Ms . Marshall propositions handsome bellhop Richard Rust for marriage , but not sex , then loses control on her wedding day . Also , enjoy Burnett Guffey's photography . " Homicidal " screams out for a TV-movie or home video remake , with the " fight break " replaced by a " bathroom break " . Homicidal ( 1961 ) William Castle - Joan Marshall , Glenn Corbett , Patricia Breslin
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452,682 | 15,896,852 | 213,149 | 6 |
I Think World War II Just Farted
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Michael Bay's " Pearl Harbor " is terrific , explosive , exciting , and technically well-made . John Schwartzman's photography , and the film's effects , are outstanding ; and , many of the supporting performances would have been exceptional , in a better story . Unfortunately , this film is far too long , and focuses on a the lamest possible retelling of the eternal " love triangle " during a war setting . The film's length is not justifiable . First of all , the Japanese segments are pointless ; since there is no attempt to portray them accurately , or with substance , they should have remained in the shadows . Secondly , the underused supporting cast's stories are even not worthy of inclusion . For example , Cuba Gooding Jr . appears to receive a medal , due to his race , apparently . And , Jon Voight appears to do his Franklin D . Roosevelt impression . But , Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler appear as themselves . So , wasn't the real Roosevelt good enough ? Ben Affleck ( as Rafe McCawley ) , Josh Hartnett ( as Danny Walker ) , and Kate Beckinsale ( as Evelyn Johnson ) make up the starring threesome ; and , they are earnest and attractive , playing out the storyline like they were acting in an old movie . Still , there really isn't anything to this trio ; compare them , for starters , with the extraordinary characterizations in the silent " Wings " ( 1927 ) . Then , see " From Here to Eternity " ( 1953 ) . Either of those film's stories would have been preferable to this non-smoking " Pearl Harbor " . It's all so obviously contrived and predictable ; and , with such good production values , a certain level of disappointment is assured . Pearl Harbor ( 2001 ) Michael Bay - Ben Affleck , Josh Hartnett , Kate Beckinsale
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453,496 | 15,896,852 | 118,113 | 6 |
How to Win Friends and Influence People ( Not )
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Catherine Keener ( as Amelia ) spends the opening scenes putting down everyone in her life . She doesn't like best friend Anne Heche ( as Laura ) ' s engagement ring . She calls video store geek Kevin Corrigan ( as Bill ) , who wants to date her , " The Ugly Guy " . She repeatedly calls ex-boyfriend-turned-friend Liev Schreiber ( as Andrew ) an ass - - - - , for enjoying telephone sex . Her cat has cancer . And , her kitchen sponge stinks . Intriguing character study , from writer / director Nicole Holofcener . Ms . Keener's " Amelia " seems to have a lot going for her ; she is funny and attractive , and , she manages to keep friendships while being excessively judgmental . Things may have started going wrong for her when roommate Heche moved in with boyfriend Todd Field ( as Frank ) . Mr . Field becomes another supportive friend , however . Although Keener is cranky throughout , she eventually proves to be an interesting , supportive friend . The performances are all terrific . Mr . Corrigan may be most memorable , as the horror movie geek Keener labels " The Ugly Guy " ; watch for an outstanding scene as he overhears a message on Keener telephone answering machine . Some back-hair might have helped him look more ugly , though . Then , again , hairier Rafael Alvarez does seem prove excessive hair isn't so ugly . Wonderfully ironic to see Randall Batinkoff ( as Peter ) play a waiter so well , and an actor so poorly . " Walking and Talking " manages to be a story about meaningful friendship without being terribly meaningful . Walking and Talking ( 1996 ) Nicole Holofcener - Catherine Keener , Anne Heche , Kevin Corrigan
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452,771 | 15,896,852 | 56,937 | 6 |
The Queen of Denial
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Beautifully busted Elizabeth Taylor ( as Cleopatra ) copulates with seething lover Richard Burton ( as Mark Antony ) , after godly lover Rex Harrison ( as Julius Caesar ) becomes indisposed . The threesome do not perform their best work ; and , neither of the men pair very memorably with Ms . Taylor . Off screen , Taylor and Mr . Burton were lovers - but , that " chemistry " doesn't show . Taylor had proved herself a worthy actress up until " Cleopatra " - but , in this role , she faltered . Most of the time , she is modeling rather than acting . In fact , Taylor was beyond this role ( which should have been offered to someone like Sophia Loren ) ; but , the money was good ? Despite all that , the film is incredibly gorgeous . The reputation of " Cleopatra " as either a flop or failure isn't entirely true . Its flaws are obvious , but so are its strengths . The " Academy Awards " for cinematography , sets , costumes , and special effects are earned ( more or less ) . Roddy McDowall ( as Octavian ) should have received a " Best Supporting Actor " nomination , also . Writer / director Joseph L . Mankiewicz and crew do not create an extraordinary finished product ; but , there are individual scenes and sequences of great beauty . The direction and photography help make the film's running time more tolerable . Better than its reputation , and marginally recommended . Cleopatra ( 1963 ) Joseph L . Mankiewicz - Elizabeth Taylor , Richard Burton , Rex Harrison
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453,391 | 15,896,852 | 56,860 | 6 |
Frankie and Annette Catch a Wave
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It's a colorful southern California summer of 1963 . Swinging surfer Frankie Avalon ( as Frankie ) takes beautiful girlfriend Annette Funicello ( as Dolores ) to a beach shack for some house playing ; but , the couple's teenage friends have already crashed the place . Soon , the fit young vacationers are in their tight swimsuits - - singing , dancing , and romancing in the sand . They don't know it ( yet ) , but anthropologist Robert Cummings ( as Professor Sutwell ) is peeping through his binoculars at the teenagers ' " mating habits " ; he and secretary Dorothy Malone ( as Marianne ) have arrived to study the sex lives of the younger set . The characters meet at Morey Amsterdam ( as Cappy ) ' s beer joint , where Ms . Funicello develops interest in Mr . Cummings , after Mr . Avalon gets lewd with waitress Eva Six ( as Ava ) . Harvey Lembeck ( as Eric Von Zipper ) and his motorcycle gang are around to cause even more friction , until Cummings gives " Zipper " the finger . Director William Asher's first " Beach Party " is , while it doesn't contain the best writing of the series , a cut above the other films . The performances , led by Avalon and Funicello , are fresh and natural . Subsequent films , while they boast some individually entertaining elements , lack the spontaneity herein . There are also , you'll notice , details " toned down " over the course of the series . In this " Beach Party " , bathing suits and camera angles seem tighter , and sexier , than usual . The music is perfect ; appropriately , they chose Dick Dale and his Del-Tones to perform songs written by Gary Usher and Roger Christian . Funicello's double-tracked " Treat Him Nicely " ( by Hemric-Styner ) and Avalon's lascivious " Don't Stop Now " ( by Marcucci-Faith ) were great single songs , and should have been bigger hits . Where else are you going to find Annette Funicello , in a hot pink two-piece , exclaim " Isn't it a hooting day ! " Beach Party ( 1963 ) William Asher - Robert Cummings , Frankie Avalon , Annette Funicello
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452,827 | 15,896,852 | 33,627 | 6 |
Sauerkraut in Canada
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One of the more interesting World War II propaganda films , due to outstanding writing ( by Emeric Pressburger ) , direction ( by Michael Powell ) , and performances . The opening credits and sequences may be confusing . The story involves six Nazis making their way from Hudson Bay ( in northeastern Canada ) to cross the " 49th Parallel " ( the United States / Canadian border ) , after their U-boat ( submarine warship ) is damaged . At the time the film was made , the U . S . would have been a " safe " ( neutral ) country . Also , the film does not " star " Leslie Howard and Lawrence Olivier - rather , the lead actor is Eric Portman ( as Hirth ) . Mr . Portman and crew do very well in their roles . The most interesting aspect of the film is that the Germans are written to include a " good " Nazi , who wavers in his support for the Fuehrer . The most satisfying of the film's loosely threaded stories involves the " good " Nazi bonding with a Canadian immigrant settlement , led by Anton Walbrook ( as Peter ) . This , and the segment with Raymond Massey ( as Andy Brock ) , is where you'll find the filmmakers delivering their most palpable ( and eloquent ) sermonettes . The film is too episodic for its own good - one story , with more focus on Portman's crew , would have sufficed . 49th Parallel ( / 41 ) Michael Powell - Eric Portman , Leslie Howard , Laurence Olivier
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452,950 | 15,896,852 | 74,258 | 6 |
No Fire
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Happily married Karen Black and Oliver Reed ( as Marian and Ben Rolf ) rent a beautiful , but weird , Gothic mansion for the summer . Moving in with them are young son Lee Montgomery ( as David Rolf ) and smoking Bette Davis ( as Aunt Elizabeth ) . The quartet of tenants face accidents , arguments , and ever-increasing danger . Director Dan Curtis would have been wiser to use his third theatrical film to re-tell the original " Laura the Phoenix " story from his TV series " Dark Shadows " . The title " Burnt Offerings " would have been perfect ; and , the story is vaguely compatible . With its chilling Robert Cobert music , the film tone resembles 1971 " Shadows " ; but , the plot is disjointed and somewhat confusing . There appear to be two creepy stories . One involves the House ; and , the other hints at some incident from Ben Rolf's past . The two story threads are never fully connected , and neither is explained as well as they should be . More than a little viewer analysis is required to " fill in the blanks " . Still , you get the amazing Ms . Davis , shining in a " nice old lady " role . And , Curtis favorites Ms . Black and Mr . Montgomery are also very good . Burnt Offerings ( 1976 ) Dan Curtis - Karen Black , Oliver Reed , Bette Davis
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452,588 | 15,896,852 | 56,891 | 6 |
Hello , Ann-Margret !
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Don't expect this to be a faithful adaptation of the stage hit , starring Dick Van Dyke ( as Albert ) , with a black-wigged Janet Leigh ( as Rosie ) attractively shouting " Ole ! " Instead , this is a showcase for the delicious Ann-Margret ( as Kim ) . Ms . Margret , with the co-operation of director George Sidney , pulls the rug out from under everyone and everything in sight . Although miscast ( " a child of fifteen " ! ) as a star-struck teenager , Ms . Margret is a delight . Watching her perform must have made moviegoers feel like star-struck teenagers . The thirtysomething ( but drafted ! ) " Elvis " - inspired Jesse Pearson ( as Conrad Birdie ) suffers , in comparison . But , so do most of the cast ? Though nowhere near as successful as it should be , " Bye Bye Birdie " is worth watching . Most of all , for Ann-Margret's breakout performance as a 1960s sex symbol . The production number " A Lot of Living to Do " ( perhaps inspired by Presley's similarly titled " Loving You " tune ) easily goes to the head of the class - with Ann-Margret , Bobby Rydell ( as Hugo ) , and troupe performing admirably and energetically . Ironically , Mr . Rydell is successfully cast . In " real life " , Rydell was the type of " teen idol " the film was unsuccessfully satirizing . The other musical numbers are fair to middling ( the " Moscow ballet " is poor ) . You do get to see Dick Van Dyke " Put on a Happy Face " ( in his first feature film ) , and Paul Lynde's observations on " Kids ! " - but , both performers improved upon the renditions offered herein . Matronly Maureen Stapleton adds some weight to the cast . Ed Sullivan fills a flattering supporting role . All things considered , it's Ann-Margret's " really big shew " , with Rydell and the production's " kids " doing their best to help out . Bye Bye Birdie ( 1963 ) George Sidney - Ann-Margret , Dick Van Dyke , Bobby Rydell
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452,387 | 15,896,852 | 394,874 | 6 |
On the Road Again
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James Dean says this " play is the story of a young man named Jeffery Latham , who opened the door of a very ordinary , innocent-looking roadside diner , and he saw his whole life change ? " Mr . Dean ( as Latham ) plays a restless young man from Wisconsin , who has just ended his stint in Korea . With little luck hitchhiking after dark , Dean enters the diner , and orders coffee and a sandwich . Dean goes behind the counter to fix proprietor Murvyn Vye ( as Mike Deegan ) ' s broken coffee pot , revealing he's worked in diners . Mr . Vye needs help in the coffee shop , and offers Dean a job , and a room . With no place to go , Dean happily accepts . While tending tables , Dean meets pretty Pat Hardy ( as Ann Burnett ) , who becomes his girlfriend ( Hardy was a real-life friend of Dean ) . Dean feels his restless drifting may have ended , with a stable job , and relationship . After a date with Ms . Hardy , Dean overhears a conversation revealing his trusted benefactor is involved with local crime lord Edgar Stehli ( as Matt Schreiber ) . Though disillusioned , Dean stays in town , intending to avoid criminal activity . Mr . Stehli and Vye , however , have other plans . Vye tricks Dean into transporting some stolen goods ; and , while driving on an " unlighted road " , Dean's car draws gunfire . Dean's speedy attempt to get away causes the other car to swerve out of control , and crash . Racing back to the diner , Dean learns the other driver , a state trooper , has died . Now a " cop killer " , Dean must choose to work for gangster Stehli , or turn himself over to the police . . . Appearing after the premiere of " East of Eden " , this short drama was no great shakes , relatively speaking . Still , " The Unlighted Road " is a neat little play . Writer Walter C . Brown , Dean , and the cast perform admirably . With Brown's script , Dean is able create a sympathetic character . And , it's nice to see Dean , newly a big screen " movie star " , still appearing in an occasional small screen drama . The Unlighted Road ( / 55 ) Justus Addiss - James Dean , Murvyn Vye , Pat Hardy
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452,615 | 15,896,852 | 332,280 | 6 |
The Memory Play's Tricks
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As teenagers , Allie ( Rachel McAdams ) and Noah ( Ryan Gosling ) begin a whirlwind courtship that soon blossoms into tender intimacy . The young couple is quickly separated by Allie's upper-class parents who insist that Noah isn't right for her . Several years pass , and , when they meet again , their passion is rekindled , forcing Allie to choose between her soul mate and class order . This beautiful tale has a particularly special meaning to an older gentleman ( James Garner ) who regularly reads the timeless love story to his aging companion ( Gena Rowlands ) , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . " The Notebook " is a pretty and predictable love story . Mr . Gosling and Ms . McAdams never seemed ( to me ) like they would age into characters like those essayed by Mr . Garner and Ms . Rowlands . Many times , the younger lovers appear to be modeling , rather than playing , their roles . The older couple is more enjoyable . Garner's performance , and narration , is particularly strong . James Marsden ( as Lon Hammond ) and Joan Allen ( as Anne Hamilton ) have interesting , underdeveloped roles . ( Ms . Allen may been channeling Ellen Burstyn's " Lois Farrow " ) . The " teenage " , and later , undressing scenes are very funny . And , some of the characters ' implausible actions ( the 365 letters , for example ) could be explained as embellishments and / or enhancements made by Rowlands ' character , in her " The Story of Our Lives " account . It is interesting that the lead characters write , at different times , a prolific amount of material to be read at a later time . With the exceptions of Robert Fraisse's photography and Gosling's dirty undershirt , the film applies too much gloss . The Notebook ( 2004 ) Nick Cassavetes - Ryan Gosling , Rachel McAdams , James Garner
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452,826 | 15,896,852 | 24,539 | 6 |
Mary Pickford Blows Out the Candles
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In director Frank Borzage's 1924 original version of this film , the character " Mary Carlton " ( played by a matured Norma Talmadge ) looks back on her life , and its " Secrets " . For this re-make , Mary Pickford ( as Mary Marlowe ) is initially photographed to appear as young as possible . Later , Ms . Pickford is " aged " ( although , she is photographed in soft focus throughout ) . So , the entire " framing " of the film - as about an old woman looking back on the " Secrets " of her life - is lost . Moreover , the movie misses an opportunity to startle audiences by opening with an " aged " Pickford . " Secrets " is not a bad film - but , it is frustrating to look at a miscalculation , in this last career appearance for Mary Pickford . Both Pickford and Borzage should have had the storytelling wherewithal to go ahead with the " old age " framing . Borzage had success with Talmadge's version , and Pickford supported Charlotte Smith ( her mother ) in Thomas H . Ince's similarly structured " Sweet Memories " ( 1911 ) . Without the framing , the story blindly lurches , uncomfortably , through the years . Pickford surely knew audiences weren't responding well to her recent features , and likely made what she thought were wise decisions about the filming of " Secrets " . So , it is a first class production . This shows in Pickford's selection of director Borzage , photographer Ray June , and co-star Leslie Howard ( as John Carlton ) . Mr . June's photography is beautiful . Mr . Howard , a stage star close to Pickford's own age , is a smart choice for leading man . Ironically , Howard looks much younger than his years . Pickford's choice of vehicle and co-star reveal her continued belief in " stage " acting as a way to succeed in talking pictures . To her portrayal , Pickford adds some of the cutesy mannerisms which came to be expected by fans , but plagued much of her later work . These factors help mar her overall performance . Yet , watch for a stand-out scene featuring Pickford and a baby , played silently , during the film's " western " portion . Pickford and Howard would never appear on film into their 70s , which makes the ending of " Secrets " a sweet farewell . Secrets ( / 33 ) Frank Borzage - Mary Pickford , Leslie Howard , Mona Maris
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453,085 | 15,896,852 | 98,230 | 6 |
From Flashback to Déjà Vu
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In 1969 , peace loving hippies Eric Roberts ( as Fred ) and Cheech Marin ( as Hesus ) flee to Central America , to avoid being drafted into Vietnam War service . Why the US government believes Mr . Marin would be of any real use during warfare is never explained ; but , Mr . Roberts looks like a major Commie-killing loss . Anyway , they spend the next 20 years hiding in the jungle , smoking marijuana , and enjoying peace . Their hippie friends , Julie Hagerty ( as Petra ) and Robert Carradine ( as Sammy ) , remain behind . While in Central America , Roberts and Marin learn about a US invasion plan , and decide to return to New York , and stop the war . They are in for a rude awakening . . . In 1989 , the peace movement appears dead . Roberts and Marin try to adapt to the changes in American society . They try to re-connect with Ms . Hagerty and Mr . Carradine , who have become materialistic yuppies . How can they erase their friends ' 1980s brainwashing , avoid capture by perseverating FBI man Cliff De Young ( as Brubaker ) , and stop the war ? Aaron Russo and Neil Levy's underrated " Rude Awakening " certainly doesn't always work ; but , it's funny more often than not . Roberts and Marin are almost a satirical casting in-joke ( sixties , meet the eighties ) . One of the film's most obvious misses is that the main attempt to transcend a 20-year-gap is an unconvincing pair of pasted-on beards . Although , to answer Roberts ' later , more general question , " How's my hair ? " Great . It's impossible to hold back laughing at Marin's first meeting with the " fish " . But , they should have used Don Knotts voice . Of the four " hippie " friends , Carradine's is , performance-wise , most convincing . Check out Louise Lasser ( as Ronnie ) ' s customers ! The highlight of the film is a terrific " cocktail party " hosted by Carradine and uptight wife Cindy Williams ( as June ) . They are visited by the " Stools " , Buck Henry ( as Lloyd ) and Andrea Martin ( as April ) . A cocktail party attended by Cheech Marin , Eric Roberts , Robert Carradine , Buck Henry , Cindy Williams , and Andrea Martin is every bit as funny as it sounds . If only they could have figured out how to get Lasser there ( and the overhead mike out ) . There are enough funny moments , all around ; but , the hilarious supporting characterizations by Martin and Williams , alone , make this well worth watching . Rude Awakening ( 1989 ) Aaron Russo - Eric Roberts , Cheech Marin , Andrea Martin
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453,416 | 15,896,852 | 651 | 6 |
Trick of the Trade
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A smoking newspaper boy takes a break , to play in the street with messenger boy pal Robert Harron ( as Swifty ) . When they notice a couple of mysterious men follow a well-dressed woman , the newspaper boy decides to play " The Boy Detective " . Sure enough , the men are crooked . With help from his friend , a disguise , and ingenuity , the newspaper boy plans to foil the criminals . It's nicely photographed by G . W . Bitzer , with some good angles ; however , the camera is sometimes unsure . Wallace McCutcheon directed . Edward Dillon is notable as one of the villains ; he played Mr . Harron's father in the unfortunately lost " Bobby's Kodak " . More notable , perhaps , for Harron's supporting role ; and , the Hoboken , New Jersey location footage is beautiful .
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452,494 | 15,896,852 | 32,143 | 6 |
Putting The Women in Their Place
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After Norma Shearer ( as Mary ) discovers her husband is having an affair with Joan Crawford ( as Crystal ) , she learns women must not be proud . Rosalind Russell ( as Sylvia ) leads an MGM parade of supporting players - all women ; in fact , only women appear in the film ! But , don't expect a " feminist " statement from George Cukor's " The Women " . The message may waver , but it never really gets too far away from putting women in their place . If the film is about anything other than being faithful and subservient to your man , it's about gossip . It could have been titled " Gossip " . What's appealing about " The Women " is enjoying some of its fine , albeit dated , dialog and situations . There are scores of actresses to watch ; Ms . Shearer and Ms . Russell come off best , but appreciators of any will like their favorites . Ms . Crawford likes to smoke in her bathtub . The film's fun is severely weakened by an extremely distracting interlude - the " Fashion Show " - which is presented in COLOR . " Gimmicks " like the color segment and the all female cast ruin " The Women " ; and , the acceptance of a " double standard " for men and women is presented as part of a great woman's character . The Women ( 1939 ) George Cukor - Norma Shearer , Joan Crawford , Rosalind Russell
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453,314 | 15,896,852 | 12,754 | 6 |
Let There Be L7
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In the old west , home-seeker William S . Hart ( as Ben Trego ) finds a dreamy spot to build , for himself and his twin boys . Unfortunately , there are savage Indians ( aka Native Americans ) around ; obviously , they haven't studied " manifest destiny " . To protect his motherless sons from Indians , Mr . Hart blows himself up . Although Hart's pioneer-man is eventually memorialized ( " Trego County " , " Trego Valley " ) ; his twins are separated , after being sent to an orphanage . They grow up to be William S . Hart ( in two additional roles , as Bill Brand and Paul Marsden ) . Hart as " Bill Brand " is a rancher ; he is affectingly called " Three Word Brand " , due to his economy with words . Hart as " Paul Marsden " is the newly elected Governor of Utah . Rancher Hart and partner S . J . Bingham ( as George Barton ) find the " L7 " ranch threatened by nasty neighbor Gordon Russell ( as Bull Yeates ) . Mr . Russell frames Mr . Bingham for murder ; and plots to take the " L7 " from Hart . Russell's lovely young sister , Jan Novak ( as Ethel Barton ) , is Hart's romantic interest . It's nice to see Hart in a dual role ( not counting his fatherly introduction ) ; however , " Three Word Brand " doesn't really take advantage of its dramatic possibilities . Hart's characterizations are surprisingly one-dimensional for an actor who played " good / bad " duality so memorably ; but , the script doesn't offer him much opportunity . Hart's highlights occurs later in the film , when his simple Rancher twin ( " Brand " ) impersonates the more sophisticated Governor twin ( " Marsden " ) . It's nicely photographed , and mostly enjoyable , despite a certain lack of excitement .
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453,297 | 15,896,852 | 43,390 | 6 |
Return to Sender !
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Loretta Young acts up a storm as a woman ( Ellen ) married to a terminally ill man ( George ) who believes she is planning to murder him . Husband Barry Sullivan composes a letter to the District Attorney , explaining how exactly Young will commit the murder ? The film is a showcase for Young , and she delivers a fine performance . The story , however , is very hard to accept . There are many things happening on the screen which needed to be more fully explained . For starters , the husband's illnesses - how does his heart condition affect his mind as manifested on screen ? Then , there are several actions Young takes which do not seem to be the choices most level-headed thinking individuals would take . So , maybe she's not exactly a level-headed thinking individual ? Cause for Alarm ! ( 1951 ) Tay Garnett - Loretta Young , Barry Sullivan , Bruce Cowling
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452,415 | 15,896,852 | 14,672 | 6 |
Love Is Blind
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Appropriately subtitled " Love and Sacrifice " , director D . W . Griffith's fictionalized account of revolutionary " America " should have been more successful , given the obvious costly effort in evidence ; it is weighted down by lack of imagination , and a significantly unsuitable performance from the leading actress . Still , it offers many worthwhile scenes ; and , some legendary scenes are brought beautifully to life . Griffith gentlemanly reveals prejudices early , explaining , " The story of the sacrifice made for freedom in the American Revolution is that of a civil war between two groups of English people ; one group , the Americans , being merely Englishmen who settled on the American Continent . " Moreover , Griffith asserts , " The government which Canada and Australia now enjoy was absolutely denied to America through the stubborn and false ideals of the autocratic powers guiding the hand of King George the Third . " During the running time , Griffith uses Royalist Walter Butler to represent the evil on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean . Were it not for Mr . Butler , the Revolution might have been settled amicability ! Not as despicable a thesis as presented Griffith's similarly plotted Civil War epic , but neither is " America " as excitingly presented as " The Birth of a Nation " . And , try as they might , Neil Hamilton ( as Nathan Holden ) and Carol Dempster ( as Nancy Montague ) are not Robert Harron and Lillian Gish in " Hearts of the World " . Griffith's epics are much more convincing with when characterizations and relationships are well presented . Mr . Hamilton , as the poor young New Englander , has no rapport with Ms . Dempster . And , as the Virginia belle , Dempster is wrongly directed . Compare Dempster / Hamilton with Gish / Harron in " Hearts of the World " . Or , even better , with Gish / Harron in " A Romance of Happy Valley " . The later film shows how well Ms . Gish and Mr . Harron played the " bedroom window " scene which Griffith re-visits in " America " . Hamilton , a promising actor , had a great career highlight , later , as " Commissioner Gordon " of " Batman " in the 1960s ; but , ribald Lionel Barrymore ( as Butler ) steals the acting honors . Griffith used his stars better in the forthcoming " Isn't Life Wonderful ? "
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453,371 | 15,896,852 | 210,844 | 6 |
The Legionnaire Who Killed
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Two French Foreign Legionnaires are lost amid the shifting sands of the Sarah Dessert when they stumble across the entrance to an underground world . Searching this new found subterranean passage , our heroes are surprised to find the lost city of Atlantis . Ruling over this fantastic underworld realm , an evil queen sets her sights upon these strangers to her kingdom , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . To begin , Legionnaire John Stuart ( as André de Saint-Avit ) responds to modern speculation about the lost city of Atlantis by proclaiming he and partner Gustav Diessl ( as Jean Morhange ) actually visited the legendary city . A flashback recounts the men being kidnapped , and brought to Atlantis ; it is still in existence , a labyrinth beneath the Sarah Desert . Beautiful and bewitching Brigitte Helm ( as Antinea ) is the city's ruler ; descended from ancient queens , she has an insect-like agenda for the men caught in her web . Extraordinarily directed ( by G . W . Pabst ) and photographed ( by Eugen Schüfftan and Ernst Körner ) , " The Mistress of Atlantis " offers a lot of eye-appeal ; but its storyline suffers considerably , in comparison . Searching for information on Pierre Benoit's original novel , " L'Atlantide " , will uncover the sexuality buried in the mix . Ms . Helm and Mathias Wieman ( as Ivar Torstenson ) heat things up a little , however . " Die Herrin von Atlantis " ( 1932 ) , the German version , must be considered definitive . The Mistress of Atlantis ( 1932 ) G . W . Pabst - John Stuart , Brigitte Helm , Mathias Wieman
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453,712 | 15,896,852 | 104,567 | 6 |
Poor Little Fool
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Big hair-pieced Brad Pitt ( as Johnny Suede ) moves to a large American city , from North Dakota ; he wants to become a Big pop music star . He has everything except " Black Suede Shoes " . One evening , he discovers a woman being roughed up in an alley / alcove . While in a nearby phone booth , calling for help , Pitt is practically hit over the head with his blessed " Black Suede Shoes " . Then , he feels he is on his way . Pitt is hampered by an underwhelming singing voice , and poor material ; but , due to his muscular good looks , he is successful with women . Pitt has several sexy underwear scenes ; and , he slips under the sheets with quirky Catherine Keener ( as Yvonne ) and alluring Alison Moir ( as Darlette ) . Pitt idolizes Ricky Nelson ( who certainly would have gotten a kick out of this movie ) . For the record , the most frequently played song , Rick Nelson's " Teen Age Idol " could not have been turned over to play " Travelin ' Man " , as Pitt does in an effective scene with Ms . Moir . The two Nelson hits were on different Imperial singles . The record album hanging on Pitt's apartment wall is the excellent " Ricky Sings Again " album . " Midtown " is the best of the " original " tunes ; it has some of the breezy feel evident in Nelson's early Decca material . Moir , Ms . Keener , and Calvin Levels ( as Deke ) perform very well . Keener won an " Independent Spirit Award " ; but , Moir and Mr . Leeds are also very impressive . Tempting Tina Louise ( as Mrs . Fontaine ) , from " Gilligan's Island " , has a leggy cameo ; and , Nick Cave is a " Freak Storm " . Debuting director Tom DiCillo's " Johnny Suede " is filled with style and good intentions . Johnny Suede ( 1991 ) Tom DiCillo - Brad Pitt , Catherine Keener , Calvin Levels
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452,431 | 15,896,852 | 5,060 | 6 |
Geraldine Farrar Hits the Screen as Carmen
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Geraldine Farrar ( as Carmen ) is a Gypsy involved with a gang of smugglers ; to help them , she agrees to deflect Officer Wallace Reid ( as Don Jose ) ' s attention with a seduction . Mr . Reid is so smitten with Ms . Farrar , he decides to pursue her ; but Farrar only has eyes for bullfighter Pedro de Cordoba ( as Escamillo ) ? Farrar , with a flower in her teeth , is unintentionally amusing ( and not very convincing to modern eyes ) as a seductress . Nonetheless , she was a big Metropolitan Opera star , and Bizet's " Carmen " proved to be a popular film debut . In fact , Motion Picture Magazine conducted an extensive poll to determine " Screen Masterpieces of Acting " . and Farrar's " Carmen " was the best female performance of the year 1915 ; she outpolled not only Mae Marsh ( in " Birth of a Nation " ) and Mary Pickford ( in " Rags " ) , but also Theda Bara in a competing version of " Carmen " . A movie highlight is Farrar letting her hair down and cat-fighting with another woman in the cigarette factory where they work - and almost ripping the other woman's shirt off ! Reid is a very handsome leading man , who doesn't overact throughout ; making a scene where he nearly rapes Farrar more convincing . Mr . de Cordoba always uses his eyes to great advantage . Cecil B . DeMille shows improvement as a director - near the end , Farrar and de Cordoba play a nicely staged scene before the bullfight ; though , Farrar ruins it by approaching the camera like she's going to take a bow . After the bullfight , Reid and Farrar take more " affective " bows . Carmen ( / 15 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Geraldine Farrar , Wallace Reid , Pedro de Cordoba
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452,440 | 15,896,852 | 14,606 | 6 |
Lessor Unholy Three
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After their underworld father is shot down , children Raymond Griffith ( as Roy Donovan ) and Priscilla Dean ( as Sylvia Donovan ) are brought up believing each other is dead ; they are separated , and raised , by other criminals . Wallace Beery ( as Bill Hawkes ) , the " Stool Pidgeon " who played a part in her father's death , raises Ms . Dean to be an accomplished London pickpocket . Meanwhile , enterprising Mr . Griffith scams pawns as " The Mechanical Chess-player " . Mr . Beery , who calls himself " Count Donelli " invites Griffith to join himself and Dean . Soon , the unholy trio travel to New York's Fifth Avenue ; there , they plan their biggest heist . Tod Browning's " White Tiger " is entertainingly performed , and directed . Later in the running time , Matt Moore ( as Richard Longworth ) makes the troupe a fine acting quartet . The story situation requires too great a suspension of disbelief , however . You'll may wonder why Griffith and Dean don't dope things out sooner ( just for starters ) . The " White Tiger " referred to in the title is , by the way , the criminal element that lives in the heart of the unholy criminal : " Fawning and hating the strong , ready to ravage the weak , faithless ? suspicious ? cruel and savage , fearing no God ? trusting no man ? that's White Tiger in the heart of the crook ! "
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453,330 | 15,896,852 | 58,725 | 6 |
A Lucky Strike
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Elvis Presley plays a singing race car driver hotly pursuing swimming instructor Ann-Margret . She's a singer , too ; and , they make beautiful music in Las Vegas . Can Elvis win both Ann-Margret and the " Big Race " ? Beautifully choreographed and directed , " Viva Las Vegas " is one of the best Elvis movies . The " Elvis Presley Movie Formula " is well-represented . His performance is confident and relaxed . He has a co-star of worth in Ann-Margret ; clearly , they enhance each other's performance . The title song is classic , heading up an extraordinary " Viva Las Vegas " soundtrack . You can see the studio spent some more money on this production . The movie lacks a complimentary , well-constructed story ; but , the filmmakers were , probably , not aware they had a potential classic . Viva Las Vegas ( / 64 ) George Sidney - Elvis Presley , Ann-Margret , Cesare Danova
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452,540 | 15,896,852 | 190,865 | 6 |
Chivalry Is Not Dead
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The first ten minutes , or thereabouts , of Martin Campbell's " Vertical Limit " are very engrossing . You get the feeling you're about to see one terrific movie . Now , there are many more great minutes to be enjoyed ; but , the story never gets any further off the ground . The opening introduces the film's leading man and woman , handsome Chris O'Donnell ( as Peter Garrett ) and winsome sister Robin Tunney ( as Annie Garrett ) . A mountain climbing mishap results in the death of their father . The story would have worked better if quickly expiring father Stuart Wilson ( as Royce Garrett ) had persuaded Ms . Tunney to " cut the rope " , and save Mr . O'Donnell . This would have matched their later career choices ; note , survivalist Tunney continues mountain climbing , while brother O'Donnell becomes a photographer . The gender reversal would have given an otherwise painfully ordinary script some real distinction , and it matches up with later events well . Still , you have a lot of excellent visual effects ; and , extraordinary photography and location shooting by Mr . Campbell , with cinematographer David Tattersall . The film is set in New Zealand ( as Pakistan ) . Immoral billionaire Bill Paxton ( as Elliot Vaughn ) and vengeful veteran Scott Glenn ( Montgomery Wick ) try to give the story some weight . The " K2 " mountain is a central , inanimate " character " ; but , like the humans , it is underdeveloped . " Vertical Limit " is not Chekhov , and it's not Melville ? but it's okay . Vertical Limit ( 2000 ) Martin Campbell - Chris O'Donnell , Robin Tunney , Bill Paxton
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453,356 | 15,896,852 | 2,985 | 6 |
Soothing the Savage Beast
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Or : " How the mind of an unfortunate was brought to reason by music . " The unfortunates subtitled are the mentally ill , who are taken care of in a nice-looking insane asylum . Claire McDowell ( a Nurse ) and Lionel Barrymore ( a Doctor ) work at the asylum ; they fall in love , and get married . Later , inmate Charles Hill Mailes ( a Lunatic ) loses it , cops a gun from Alfred Paget ( a Guard ) , and escapes . Mr . Hill Mailes is not without a redeeming quality , however ; he enjoys music , played on piano by nurses McDowell and Lillian Gish ( another Nurse ) . Director D . W . Griffith's storytelling strengths make " The House of Darkness " quite an enjoyable early film . The House of Darkness ( 1913 ) D . W . Griffith - Charles Hill Mailes , Claire McDowell , Lionel Barrymore
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453,204 | 15,896,852 | 22,208 | 6 |
In Need of a Milk Bath .
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Barbara Stanwyck ( as Lora Hart ) is a hard-boiled nursing student who dates bootlegger Ben Lyon ( as Mortie ) while occasionally sharing a bed with gum-chewing chum Joan Blondell ( as Maloney ) . Upon graduation , Ms . Stanwyck gets a job as " Night Nurse " to a pair of plump looking children ; she suspects the well fed looking kids are being starved to death , possibly by their drunken mother's gangster lover Clark Gable ( as Nick , the chauffeur ) . Soon , Stanwyck is in great danger ? Delightfully lurid melodrama , with star Stanwyck in fine form ( she and Blondell are seen are often shown undressing , by the way ) . Full of things they couldn't do , say , or show in movies after the Hays Production Code began enforcing its standards on all motion pictures released on or after July 1 , 1934 . Today , it's a fun William A . Wellman directed film .
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452,429 | 15,896,852 | 4,635 | 6 |
Fill in the Blanks
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English cousins Dustin Farnum ( as Jim ) and Monroe Salisbury ( as Henry ) are made trustees for an orphans ' fund . Mr . Salisbury has a fondness for betting on the horses , and pilfers money from the fund . For the sake of family honor , Mr . Farnum accepts responsibility for the missing funds , and sails off to America . Farnum buys a ranch , befriends the local Indians ( Native Americans ) , and feuds with wicked William Elmer ( as Cash Hawkins ) . When Salisbury dies , on the Swiss Alps , widow Winifred Kingston ( as Diana ) wants to bring Farnum home to England , but he's settled in America with Squaw Red Wing ( as Nat-u-ritch ) ? Due to its relatively long length , this is sometimes called the first feature film . It is also the noted as first feature filmed in Hollywood , California ; but , you wouldn't know it - the Farnum ranch looks like Hollywood ( check out the background ) , but the more memorable ship trek and heavy snowfall scenes can't be Hollywood ( obviously ) . It's the first film by director Cecil B . DeMille , who shows some promise ( in hindsight ) . There are no great performances ; Dustin Farnum was an important stage actor , getting acquainted with film . I thought Farnum was best and most impressive in the scenes with his " half-breed " son ( who looks NOTHING like his Indian mother ) . Billy Elmer was entertaining in what should have been a larger role ( Cash Hawkins ) . I found " The Squaw Man " confusing - some of the events and relationships are like . . . " fill in the blanks " . The Indian / Englishman relationship was , perhaps , daring for an early film theme ( if you can figure out what's going on ) ; and , Ms . Wing was a real Winnebago Indian actress . The Squaw Man ( 1914 ) Cecil B . DeMille , Oscar Apfel - Dustin Farnum , Red Wing , William Elmer
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452,716 | 15,896,852 | 50,882 | 6 |
Speak of Angels and Hear Their Wings
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Idealistic Montgomery Clift ( as John Shawnessy ) is distracted by buxom Southern belle Elizabeth Taylor ( as Susanna Drake ) , and marries her instead of pretty sweetheart Eva Marie Saint ( as Nell Gaither ) . Life with Ms . Taylor proves to be a cursed existence , so Mr . Clift takes refuge as a Union soldier , after the United States Civil War breaks out . Of course , Clift is on the winning side of the war - but , his personal search for happiness , in an Eden called " Raintree County " , is a more difficult path to manage . . . Clearly , MGM was hoping for something approaching " Gone with the Wind " - and , they failed . However , " Raintree County " is not so bad , when viewed without the comparative eye . The big budget production values are beautiful ; the obvious expense , and the cast , helps maintain interest in the relatively weak storyline . And , it does get better , as the starring triad ( Clift , Taylor , and Saint ) slowly draw you into their lives . Viewing will require some degree of commitment , though ; it's a long movie . Early in the filming , Clift left a visit with friends at Taylor's home , and drove his car into a telephone pole . He nearly died , and his facial " reconstruction " is obvious throughout most of " Raintree County " . Clift's performance is uneven , also - but , he was too good an actor to be completely derailed . And , Clift is better than you might have heard . Also , he , does not look as bad as many have claimed . The eventual toll on his " looks " was mainly taken by a growing dependence on alcohol and painkillers . Taylor , who is credited with saving Clift's life , shows some of the sparkle that would quickly make her one of the best actresses in the business , especially during the film's second half . Nigel Patrick , Lee Marvin , Rod Taylor , and Agnes Moorehead head up a strong supporting cast . Robert Surtees ' savory cinematography is noteworthy . And , Nat King Cole sings the Johnny Green title song , a minor hit , very sweetly . Raintree County ( 1957 ) Edward Dmytryk - Montgomery Clift , Elizabeth Taylor , Eva Marie Saint
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453,339 | 15,896,852 | 6,826 | 6 |
Lucky Strikes
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Friendless Mae Marsh has been left , as a baby , at " The Clarissa Parker Orphanage " , on Friday the thirteenth . Due to the superstitions associated with the date , she becomes known as " Hoodoo Ann " . Still , she " lives in sweet unconsciousness of her unhappy lot . " Young artist Robert Harron ( as James Vance ) lives in the same town , on Peaceful Street . One day , Ms . Marsh steals Mildred Harris ( as Goldie ) ' s doll , which seems to trigger some " hoodoo " ( bad luck ) in the form of a fire ; actually , the fire is caused by stepping on matches . Obviously , they are the self-striking kind of matches . Although Marsh hides the doll under a dirty mop , it cleans up well . The fire sequence is well done ; and Marsh becomes a heroine . This leads to her eventual adoption . After riding in a very cool looking early 1900s Ford automobile , Marsh is taken in by a kindly couple . " You are going to stay here and be our little girl , " they explain , dressing her in a very funny looking outfit . Marsh gratefully begins to scrub chairs . As luck would have it , Marsh discovers Mr . Harron is her new neighbor , and they begin to date . Harron takes Marsh to see a western move , which they enjoy ; oddly , the other members of the audience seem bored . Then , a shooting incident makes Marsh think her " hoodoo " has returned ? The director of record is Lloyd Ingraham ; but , it's a safe bet D . W . Griffith , who also wrote the scenario , helped out behind the camera . The story is rather absurd ; it's difficult to accept the legend of " hoodoo " based on Marsh's arrival date , and the superstitious palm-reading of " Black Cindy " ( Madame Sul-Te-Wan ) . The cast performs well , considering ; notably , young Mildred Harris caught Charlie Chaplin's eye . The folks running that orphanage must have had a parallel place , where they kept the older boys and younger girls . Though " Hoodoo Ann " has charms , they're much better presented in Griffith's similarly-themed , and highly recommended , 1918-19 films . Hoodoo Ann ( 1916 ) Lloyd Ingraham , D . W . Griffith - Mae Marsh , Robert Harron , Mildred Harris
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452,536 | 15,896,852 | 57,129 | 6 |
Julie Harris Sees Dead People
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Nervous Julie Harris ( as Eleanor " Nell " Lance ) arrives to help investigate a reportedly haunted old dark house ; since she supposedly , as a child , was able to see ghosts . Also arriving are clairvoyant Claire Bloom ( as " Theo " Theodora ) , and the mansion's skeptical heir , Russ Tamblyn ( as Luke Sanderson ) . The three houseguests are led by anthropologist / parapsychologist Richard Johnson ( as John Markway ) . Mr . Johnson believes " Hill House " may definitively prove the existence of supernatural entities . Shirley Jackson's " The Haunting of Hill House " is similar to Henry James ' " Turn of the Screw " . Both are excellent psychological stories , involving the questionable participation of ghosts . This film adaptation is not as successful as 1961's " The Innocents " ( the cinematic version of " The Screw " ) . Possibly , this is due to the faithful rendering of Jackson's guilt-ridden protagonist being in " possession " of " ghosts " as a part of her psyche . " Eleanor " makes things up . So , you never see on-screen apparitions in Wise's " Haunting " . In James ' " Screw " , the ghosts seem more real ; their presence , in both works , is debated . " The Haunting " has a grand , eerie " look " , thanks to angling director Robert Wise , and Gothic photography by Davis Boulton . Ms . Bloom's subtly homosexual performance is another highlight . But , in the end , it's a long , underdeveloped , and relatively spook-free melodrama . The Haunting ( 1963 ) Robert Wise - Julie Harris , Claire Bloom , Russ Tamblyn
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453,580 | 15,896,852 | 832 | 6 |
Cornering the Market
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Early film of " social relevance " directed by D . W . Griffith . It's a little difficult to follow - apparently , Mr . Griffith is showing the contrast between the wealthy " Wheat King " ( played by Frank Powell ) and the poor " Farmer " ( played by James Kirkwood ) . The farmer does the manual work , laboring in the fields . The wealth businessman reaps the profits , in luxury . In the film , Mr . Powell's character becomes more and more greedy , making the price of goods so high the poor farmers can't afford the goods they helped create . Of the supporting players , Henry B . Walthall is most impressive as Kirkwood's associate . Griffith mixes location and set nicely . Watch the wicked " Wheat King " meet a pitiful , ironic end in the " Corner in Wheat " . A Corner in Wheat ( 1909 ) D . W . Griffith - Frank Powell , James Kirkwood , Henry B . Walthall
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453,075 | 15,896,852 | 8,652 | 6 |
Frank Lloyd Raises the Dickens with William Farnum
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Frank Lloyd's silent version of Charles Dickens ' " A Tale of Two Cities " may make you wonder why D . W . Griffith didn't direct his own version of the classic ( not that he didn't come close , on a few occasions ) . Mr . Lloyd's Griffith-like direction is a plus ; though , it's somehow not as good as the original . William Farnum , who was one of the leading actors of the teens , does a fine job in the leading role ; seeing Mr . Farnum play both as reluctant French nobleman " Charles Darnay " and English alcoholic lawyer " Sydney Carton " is , today , the main attraction . While filled with decent performances , the more famous sound re-makes lose something by casting different men in the lead roles . Beautiful Jewel Carmen has no trouble attracting both men , as " Lucie Manette " . And , Florence Vidor ( King's wife ) sews up stardom on the way to the guillotine . " A Tale of Two Cities " was considered a top production in its time , but it doesn't possess the timeless quality you'll find in many other silent movies . A Tale of Two Cities ( / 17 ) Frank Lloyd - William Farnum , Jewel Carmen , Charles Clary
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453,684 | 15,896,852 | 24,258 | 6 |
Ruth Chatterton's Life Is a Carnival
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Ruth Chatterton ( as Lilly Turner ) impulsively marries handsome actor Gordon Westcott ( as Rex Durkee ) . Soon , Ms . Chatterton learns Mr . Westcott is a two-timer , who can't keep a job . Additionally , Westcott beats up Chatterton's pal Frank McHugh ( as Dave Dixon ) , who shows a fondness for alcohol . When Westcott's previous wife makes a surprise appearance , Chatterton learns he is a bigamist ; but , Westcott has taken off for parts unknown . Chatterton , left pregnant , accepts Mr . McHugh's marriage proposal ; and , the two try to make ends meet as carnival workers . Then , Chatterton falls for down-on-his-luck engineer George Brent ( as Bob Chandler ) , who soon replaces carnival strongman Robert Barrat ( as Fritz ) . Mr . Barrat has gone insane with love for Chatterton ; and , she is torn between her love for Mr . Brent and her loyalty for McHugh ? Less than spectacular , but competent , star vehicle for superstar Chatterton , ably directed by William A . Wellman . During this film , Brent and Chatterton were real-life husband and wife . Brent co-starred with the most popular actresses of the time ; though , he oftentimes comes across as rather ordinary , but is most appealing opposite Chatterton . McHugh gives an excellent supporting performance as Chatterton's alcoholic friend . Guy Kibbee and Marjorie Gateson are also highly watchable , as the amorous McGills . Lilly Turner ( 1933 ) William A . Wellman - Ruth Chatterton , George Brent , Frank McHugh
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452,599 | 15,896,852 | 35,345 | 6 |
Bobby Jordan Hits a Homer
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During a game of street baseball , angelic slugger Bobby Jordan ( as Danny Stevens ) scores a hit by capturing dangerous bank robber Max Rosenbloom ( as Butch Brocalli ) . Young Mr . Jordan secretly plans to spend the $200 reward money on new baseball uniforms for " The East Side Kids " . But , leader Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs McGinnis ) wants the money to be split seven ways , with fellow club-mates Stanley Clements ( as Stash ) , Huntz Hall ( as Glimpy ) , Bobby Stone ( as Skinny ) , Ernest Morrison ( as Scruno ) , and David Gorcey ( as Peewee ) . Misunderstandings put Jordan at odds with his former pals . And , bad becomes worse when former " East Side Kid " Gabriel Dell ( as Hank Salko ) returns , to warn the gang that Mr . Rosenbloom is out of prison , and prowling for Jordan . . . " Smart Alecks " uses its cast well . The film's line-up of performers is a classic , and the storyline is a good representation of this particular Bowery boy era . " Introducing Stanley ' Stash ' Clements " leads the credits ; a good addition to the team , Mr . Clements looks very much like he was brought in as a possible replacement for one of the Gorcey brothers ( which is more precisely what happened , in 1956 ) . And , Jordan's pretty sister Gale Storm ( as Ruth Stevens ) is a treat . Smart Alecks ( / 42 ) Wallace Fox - Bobby Jordan , Leo Gorcey , Stanley Clements
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452,955 | 15,896,852 | 117,991 | 6 |
or , What They Won't
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In William Shakespeare's " Twelfth Night " ( or , " What You Will " ) , brother and sister twins " Viola " and " Sebastian " are shipwrecked off the shores of " Illyria " . " Viola " mistakenly thinks brother " Sebastian " has drowned . She goes to " Illyria " alone ; and , she assumes the identity of a young man , " Cesario " . In " Illyria " , " Cesario " ( " Viola " ) gets a job as gentleman ( dresser ) for the duke " Orsino " . Male ( female ) " Cesario " ( " Viola " ) falls in love with ( male ) " Orsino " . But , he loves another woman , " Olivia " . Meanwhile , " Olivia " falls in love with the female twin " Cesario " ( " Viola " ) , thinking she is a male . Then , real male twin " Sebastian " returns , undead ! Then , all's well that ends well . The supporting characters in director Trevor Nunn's cinematic version are all right ( actually , they come off better , due to the overall execution of the film ) . But , mainly , it's about Imogen Stubbs ( as Viola aka Cesario ) , and her interaction with Toby Stephens ( as Orsino ) and Helena Bonham Carter ( as Olivia ) . This " Twelfth Night " is very well produced . It seems much more dramatic than comic , which is most obvious in the tone-setting opening . The supporting characters and subplots retain the more comic flavor , though . This portends a promising adaptation . But , the film doesn't really end up as you like it . Ms . Stubbs becomes an endearing " Viola " . Both Stubbs and Mr . Stephens , and Stubbs and Ms . Bonham Carter are fun to watch " fall in love " . The sexual dynamics work ; interestingly , each of the performers add some subtleties . Film , of course , picks up its own ( different than stage ) nuances . The already shaky premise falls apart , however , when " Sebastian " returns ; and , the performers lose credibility very quickly . Originally , a male would more convincingly play BOTH twins . It would have been better to have Stubbs ( or even Steven Mackintosh ) play both roles . This film points in the right direction ; but , next time , either go all the way , or leave " Twelfth Night " on the stage . Twelfth Night ( 1996 ) Trevor Nunn - Imogen Stubbs , Toby Stephens , Helena Bonham Carter
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453,671 | 15,896,852 | 80,506 | 6 |
The Devil Is Loose Again !
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The investigation into the mysterious death of an aging Nazi war criminal hunter brings a surprising revelation to the cop working on the case . It appears the old man was actually following an individual with ties to the Nazis , who seems to have not aged in appearance in spite of the passage of over 30 ( sic ) years . The policeman and some other individuals decide to track down the mysterious individual to find out his horrifying secret , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . The appropriately named Faith Clift ( as Dr . Claire Hansen ) and atheist writer husband Richard " Charles " Moll ( as James Hanson ) go to sinful Las Vegas to see the shows and promote Mr . Moll's book " God Is Dead " . Ms . Clift is troubled by nightmarish dreams about Nazis . Meanwhile , Marc Lawrence ( as Abraham Weiss ) , a blathering Jew , has traced Nazi war criminal Robert Bristol ( as Mr . Olivier ) to Vegas ; and , he reports the finding to police lieutenant Cameron Mitchell ( as Sterne ) . At first , Mr . Mitchell won't believe old Mr . Lawrence , because young Mr . Bristol hasn't aged in 35 years . " Cataclysm " ( aka " Satan's Supper " aka " The Nightmare Never Ends " ) is a classic " so-bad-it's-good " film . Although others try , nobody in the cast can best Clift's supremely awful performance ; her effort is astonishing . Also , watch Mitchell ( " High Chaparral " ) defeat Moll ( " Night Court " ) for best artificial hair . Bristol is delightfully devilish ; it's too bad he , Maurice Grandmaison ( as Papini ) , Klint Stevenson ( as Jim ) , and Christie Wagner ( as Ann ) have so few screen credits ; their characterizations are perfect . Films like this hardly ever have good endings ; admittedly , it's truly difficult to appropriately end a story as bad as this one - - but writer Philip Yordan and company come up with a real winner ; it may make you want to click your heels ? or hooves , as the case may be . See it with an open heart , or liver ?
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452,905 | 15,896,852 | 29,712 | 6 |
Cheers for the Victor
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Congenital swashbuckler Conrad Veidt ( as Gil de Berault ) can't keep his sword in its sheath , despite a law against dueling ; so , he is sentenced to death . Mr . Veidt receives an offer of exoneration from ruthless and powerful Raymond Massey ( as Cardinal Richelieu ) ; but , he must first capture Mr . Massey's enemy , a revolutionary Duke . Veidt manages to install himself as a guest in the Duke's castle , with its master away . While waiting for his prey to return , Veidt becomes smitten with the Duke's sister , Annabella ( as Lady Marguerite ) . Notable as Victor Sjöström final film as director ; and , the direction of " Under the Red Robe " is certainly a highlight . The performances of the three leads are also excellent , intensified by Mr . Sjöström , a master filmmaker . Unfortunately , this re-make of a 1923 swashbuckling silent doesn't offer very much action , which doesn't help its already slow-moving story . Romney Brent ( as Marius ) contrasts the intense lead performances , as Veidt's light-heeled lackey . Under the Red Robe ( / 37 ) Victor Sjöström - Conrad Veidt , Annabella , Raymond Massey
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453,706 | 15,896,852 | 327,056 | 6 |
When Bad Things Happen to Bad People
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Director Clint Eastwood's " Mystic River " is a well-performed , but ugly and disturbing film . When it opens , the characters who grow up to be Sean Penn ( as Jimmy Markum ) , Tim Robbins ( as Dave Boyle ) , and Kevin Bacon ( as Sean Devine ) are pre-teenage boys . Young " Dave " is abducted , after the three play hockey on a Massachusetts street . First of all , the actors playing young " Jimmy " ( Jason Kelly ) and " Sean " ( Connor Paolo ) seem to be reversed ; possibly , this is because Mr . Bacon's character's name is also Mr . Penn's first name ? Secondly , the confusing abduction is of a sexual nature ; later , when the story temporarily becomes an intriguing drama , this is clarified . By the third act , the film has fallen apart . Mystic River ( 2003 ) Clint Eastwood - Sean Penn , Tim Robbins , Kevin Bacon
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452,843 | 15,896,852 | 247,751 | 6 |
An Untold Tale of Frankenstein
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Dr . Frankenstein has recreated his creature , but wishes to correct his previous mistake . He wishes to prevent his creation from any further murderous rampages by placing the brain of a good man inside the skull of the monster . The arrival of a woman and her terminally ill husband offer the doctor an opportunity to try his new theory , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Anton Diffring ( as Baron Von Frankenstein ) is an extremely enjoyable and effective leading man . If this is , indeed , the pilot for an unsold television series , it's difficult to understand how they were going to come up with the nearly 40 per season story ideas . As a short movie , writer / director Curt Siodmak does surprisingly well in this format , creating a " new " story to work within the existing " Frankenstein " mythos ; and , it's much better than the average 1958 half hour teleplay . Tales of Frankenstein ( 1958 ) Curt Siodmak - Anton Diffring Helen Westcott , Don Megowan
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453,727 | 15,896,852 | 69,362 | 6 |
Eating In
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A college student returns to her dorm room after class and discovers she is the winner of an all-expense paid vacation to the Red Wolf Inn . Before she can share her good fortune with her parents , she and two other girls are whisked away to begin their vacation of a lifetime . When one of the guests suddenly disappears , the young woman doesn't believe the explanation the old couple who run the inn gives her concerning the strange goings on at the Red Wolf , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Offering a delicious slice of low-budget horror cheese ; director Bud Townsend and writer Allen Actor , along with a wonderful cast , should absolutely exceed your expectations . There are some flaws , and unanswered questions - - like , what happened to Myrtle ? - - but , " Terror House " is too fun to pass up . Linda Gillen ( as Regina McKee ) plays a sweet , adorable lead character ; and , doesn't she have a great arrangement of The Beatles ' " White Album " photos on her dorm wall ? John Neilson ( as " Baby " John Smith ) is just as adorable , albeit touched ; love him licking his finger after going for the bottle of after dinner brandy . It's a wonder neither Ms . Gillen nor Mr . Neilson became better known ; they certainly had the hair to succeed through the 1980s . Players in tasty supporting roles include overeating Margaret Avery ( as Edwina ) , hortophile Arthur Space ( as Henry ) , and well-read Janet Wood ( as Pamela ) . But , the best of all may be marvelous " Grandma " Mary Jackson ( as Evelyn Smith ) ; her performance definitely is one to savor . Like Ms . Jackson says , " Don't be a party pooper ! " Mind your " Grandma " , and give yourself a big helping of " Terror House " . Terror House ( 1972 ) Bud Townsend - Linda Gillen , John Neilson , Mary Jackson
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453,280 | 15,896,852 | 58,329 | 6 |
Take the Money and Run
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Light-fingered Tippi Hedren ( as Marnie Edgar ) changes her hair color and gets secretarial jobs in order to steal from her employers . Dashing publisher Sean Connery ( as Mark Rutland ) is set to be Ms . Hedren's latest victim ; instead , he catches her red-handed . In order to stay out of the pokey , Mr . Connery insists Hedren be his wife . Then , he attempts to unravel the mystery of her : frigidity , fear of thunder , repulsion over the color red , and strange relationship with her mother ( memorably played by Louise Latham ) . Alfred Hitchcock's " Marnie " is not a bad movie ; it's just disappointing , after the director's string of classic predecessors . Many Hitchcock touches are evident ; and these , alone , make it an entertaining feature . Ms . Latham and the supporting players perform well , also . However , the leading co-stars never really make it very interesting ; and , the psychological combining of kleptomania and frigidity is a cold , loose fit . Marnie ( 1964 ) Alfred Hitchcock - Tippi Hedren , Sean Connery , Louise Latham
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453,065 | 15,896,852 | 11,909 | 6 |
Tempted by the Fruit of Another
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Wallace Reid ( as Anatol Spencer ) is a wealthy newlywed who is oddly attracted to various women other than his wife - specifically : Wanda Hawley ( as Emilie ) , Agnes Ayres ( as Annie ) , and Bebe Daniels ( as Satan Synne ! ) . Gloria Swanson ( as Vivian ) is the wife who seems to develop a roving eye of her own as the running time progresses . BUT , are " The Affairs of Anatol " really affairs , or just a series of titillating temptations ? DeMille's work with mirrors is on display , with the director inserting a skeleton image of Mr . Reid in one scene . Reid was a very big star when this film was released ( one of the most popular actors in the world ) ; and , though this isn't really representative , it's nice to see him . Of the leading ladies , I enjoyed Ms . Ayres over the others , because her simple scenes with Monte Blue seem so ORDINARY when contrasted with the rest of the goings-on . DeMille's unlikely mix of titillation , religiosity , and heavy-handed message is obviously in full flower . While there are no performances for the ages , the scenes with Swanson being hypnotized by Theodore Kosloff are fun . Elliott Dexter ( as Max Runyon ) is the film's best supporting actor ; keep a sharp eye on his closing scenes as he'll reveal , through his performance , the affair you might not have been expecting ? The Affairs of Anatol ( 1921 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Wallace Reid , Gloria Swanson , Bebe Daniels
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452,699 | 15,896,852 | 55,304 | 6 |
Steele Away
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This retains much of the " House of Usher " glow , but is too repetitive ( of the earlier film ) , and loses story focus . It's really one short story - the ending , basically , stretched way out to feature film length . I didn't like the flashbacks - with the camera lens going down to brick size ( foreshadowy , though ) . They seemed only to pad the film , and didn't expand my knowledge of character motivation . I think the script was sloppily written , with the viewer left to explain away horrific plot holes , like : Who was buried in wife's tomb ? AND - Why oh why couldn't they let Barbara Steele scream " Let Me Out ! LET ME OUT ! " at the end ? Still , more fun than not . Pit and the Pendulum ( 1961 ) Roger Corman - Vincent Price , John Kerr , Barbara Steele
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453,349 | 15,896,852 | 7,610 | 6 |
Nugget Notch
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Born and bred in the western United States , Joseph Girard ( as Judge Brand ) has never grown accustomed to life in the industrialized East . Mr . Girard reminisces , to young secretary Leo Pierson ( as Tom Reeves ) , about his life in the old West . In flashback , Girard loses his romantic interest to a pal , who is deserted , after two years , by the woman . Later , Girard moves to the East , to care for his ailing sister . In the present , Girard discovers the abandoned town of " Nugget Notch " ; he wants to rebuild and re-populate the town in the style of his fondly remembered West . Mr . Pierson is assigned the task . Pierson , who shares his older boss ' dream , finds a group of down-on-their-luck carnies outside San Diego : the " 49 Camp " . The ' 49-ers ' western theme is not popular with city folk ; and , they accept Pierson's invitation to Nugget Notch . So , Pierson joins the troupe as " Tom Robbins " ; his identity is a secret to everyone except leader William J . Dyer ( as J . Gordon Castle ) . As " Robbins " , Pierson falls for pretty Donna Drew ( as Peggy Bobbett ) . But , gentlemanly Jean Hersholt ( as Jim Raynor ) maneuvers to keep the romance from blooming ; he has knowledge about a dark secret from Ms . Drew's past . Distrusting Mr . Hersholt , Pierson writes boss Girard , who prepares his arrival ? All of the above happens within the first 25 minutes of " ' 49-'17 " ; indeed , it is a densely plotted movie . Don't miss a single title card , or you may be lost . The unusual title refers to the years 1849 and 1917 . The year 1849 refers to character Castle's troupe of " ' 49-ers " ; 1849 is the year noted as beginning the " California Gold Rush " , which also evokes the spirit of character Judge Brand's western memories . The year 1917 is , of course , the film's release year . The film would have been better off with a title like " Nugget Notch " . Ruth Ann Baldwin is more than serviceable , if less than spectacular , as both writer and director . ' 49-'17 ( 1917 ) Ruth Ann Baldwin - Joseph Girard , Leo Pierson , Jean Hersholt
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452,478 | 15,896,852 | 49,652 | 6 |
A Kinder , Gentler Torture
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Paul Newman ( as Captain Edward W . Hall Jr . ) returns home from the Korean War , on stretcher , after being held in an enemy prison camp . At first , Mr . Newman is treated as a recovering war hero . After evidence surfaces to reveal he collaborated with the enemy , Wendell Corey ( as Major Sam Moulton ) serves Newman with court-martial papers . This doesn't sit well with military-minded father Walter Pidgeon ( as Colonel Edward W . Hall Sr . ) . Newman's widowed sister-in-law , Anne Francis ( as Aggie Hall ) is more understanding . A re-make of the Rod Serling's television version " The Rack " ( 1955 ) , with Mr . Corey reprising his thankless prosecutorial role ; this is a very well-acted , thought-provoking drama . It is also one of Newman's best early feature film performances . Smaller parts , like those essayed by Cloris Leachman ( as Caroline ) and James Best ( as Cassidy ) , provide an added incentive to watch . However , the ending , whatever the filmmakers ' intentions , is not very well-handled .
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452,920 | 15,896,852 | 564,233 | 6 |
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
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Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) startles dinner preparations by announcing policeman John Reach is at the door . He's there with Charles Herbert ( as David Barker ) , a 7-year-old runaway who won't say where he belongs . Young Herbert told the policeman he had the blood sucked out of him by " Dr . Stone " at the hospital . Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) tries to bribe information from young Herbert , but he won't talk . Donna ( Donna Reed ) intuitively senses the boy needs some motherly attention , and persuades Alex they should keep him for Thanksgiving break . Jeff is recruited as " big brother " , but Herbert is incorrigible ? The guest performance , by scowling young Charles Herbert , is terrific . A busy young man before the camera ( at the time ) , Mr . Herbert later learned ( like Mr . Peterson ) that fame can sometimes be a cruel lover . The fact that the boy's mother not only divorced his father , but also deserted her son , makes this Thanksgiving-themed episode more thoughtful . And , it ends with an acceptance of single parenthood ; Donna helps repair the father / son relationship , without introducing daddy John Bryant ( as R . H . Barker ) to a potential new wife . So , writer John Whedon scores points for ducking the obvious . By the way , father Barker , who was a " Marlboro Man " , is allowed to smoke in the Stone home . And , the fish are real . Guest in the House ( / 58 ) John Whedon - Charles Herbert , Donna Reed , Paul Peterson
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453,726 | 15,896,852 | 743,195 | 6 |
Duke and the Preacher
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As the Wagon Train moves , Duke ( Denny Miller ) is out scouting the terrain . Meanwhile , traveling preacher Franchot Tone ( as Malachi Hobart ) settles down to camp for the night . Duke , afoot due to problems with his saddle , is relieved to encounter Mr . Tone , who shares his food and campfire with the younger man . Tone ministers , " We are all brothers under the sky . " In the morning , Tone fixes Duke's saddle . Duke leaves very impressed , and perhaps naively enthralled , with the charismatic preacher . Before re-joining the Wagon Train , Duke visits feisty old Irene Ryan ( as Martha Gresham ) ; and , he learns her boozing husband has drowned . When a sobered-up Wally Brown ( as George Gresham ) turns up alive , Duke learns the old couple were bilked out of $300 . 00 by Tone , who is revealed a fraud . Duke decides to find the unholy minister ; pretending to be a friend , he invites Tone to join the Wagon Train ? The resulting dramatics may be predictable ; but , they are deftly handled , by writer Ken Kolb and the Wagon train crew . Train master Chris Hale ( John McIntire ) takes a back seat , as the episode focuses on Mr . Miller's attractive " Duke " character . Miller performs well with veteran Tone , who performs marvelously as the bilking preacher . Tone explains , " I tell people what they want to hear . I revive their faith in miracles . " Ms . Ryan and Mr . Brown are noteworthy among the typically fine supporting players . After this appearance , Ryan began her successful episodic career as " Granny " on " The Beverly Hillbillies " . Conversely , Brown's career was over ; he died shortly before this episode aired . It must have been startling to see his character " come back from the dead " ; still , his appearance in " The Malachi Hobart Story " is served by a coincidently reverential tone . The script affirms the characters ' ( Christian ) faith . The Malachi Hobart Story ( / 62 ) David Butler - Franchot Tone , Denny Miller , John McIntire
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453,574 | 15,896,852 | 31,709 | 6 |
Bonita Granville & Frankie Thomas Go Under Cover
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In her second case for the movies , pretty teenage sleuth Bonita Granville ( as Nancy Drew ) enters a " young newspaper reporter " contest . Naturally , she sheds her human interest story assignment for something more dangerous , and decides to cover a murder trial . Soon , Ms . Granville is re-investigating the case , eventually putting herself in danger . Granville , looking more and more curvaceous , enlists the aid of young wavy-haired neighbor Frankie Thomas ( as Ted Nickerson ) , who looks swell in boxing trunks . ( " One Round Lugan , the Frisco Flash ! " ) This entry's story isn't as well-paced as the first , but the teen detectives are still very appealing . John Litel ( as Carson Drew ) leads an entertaining supporting cast . Nancy Drew . . . Reporter ( 1939 ) William Clemens - Bonita Granville , Frankie Thomas , John Litel
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453,141 | 15,896,852 | 49,414 | 6 |
Robert Wagner knocks Joanne Woodward up for Oswald & Levin
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Handsome college student Robert Wagner ( as Bud Corliss ) gets his heiress fiancée , Joanne Woodward ( as Dorothy " Dorrie " Kingship ) , " in trouble " . Unfortunately , this means Mr . Wagner can't marry the two months pregnant Ms . Woodward - because her savvy father George Macready ( as Leo Kingship ) frowns on sex before marriage . Wagner realizes he will have to drop out of school , and support his disinherited love child , unless he can come up with another solution ? When Woodward gets up unscathed , after her fall on the bleachers , it's almost like you're watching a cartoon . She suffers nary a scratch , and is too stupid to ask why Wagner expressed so little concern . Still , it's fun to watch 25-year-old Wagner try to get away with it ; his is a cool , subliminal performance . And , just when you thought the film couldn't get any better looking , Jeffrey Hunter ( as Gordon Grant ) and Virginia Leith ( as Ellen Kingship ) enter the storyline . Director Gerd Oswald gets in some good Hitchcock-like licks ; and , Mary Astor ( as mother Corliss ) dresses up well . A Kiss Before Dying ( 1956 ) Gerd Oswald - Robert Wagner , Joanne Woodward , Virginia Leith
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452,370 | 15,896,852 | 44,863 | 6 |
Just Watchable
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Macao looks very beautiful . The photography and setting make it very watchable . However , the movie never really takes off . All the beautiful photography seems wasted . The actors are also somewhat wasted ; though , they often appear to be doing the best they can . One scene , in particular , illustrates missed directorial opportunities : It's when Ms . Russell slices a pillow with an electric fan . There is so little menace . . . the scene loses so much potential , and it could have helped characterization . Beautiful looking , but really lacking substance . Macao ( 1952 ) Josef von Sternberg - Robert Mitchum , Jane Russell , William Bendix
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452,512 | 15,896,852 | 38,097 | 6 |
More Lassies Than You Can Shake a Stick At
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The first of many sequels to the classic 1943 Lassie movie finds original dog owner Joe Carraclough suffering from accelerated growth ; in two years , he has grown about ten years - from boy Roddy McDowall to man Peter Lawford ! Little Pricilla has experiences a similar growth spurt - from girl Elizabeth Taylor to woman June Lockhart ( who would re-encounter Lassie a decade later , as young Timmy's mother ) . Donald Crisp as father Sam has holds up well , considering . Meanwhile , in dog years , Lassie has a son , Laddie . Presumably , " Pal " plays Mama " Lassie " and Son " Laddie " - but , it's possible an actual " Son of Lassie " is used in the film . " Son of Lassie " is , understandably , not as good as the first Lassie film . The photography is absolutely beautiful , though ; and , Pal / Lassie's performance is excellent - in fact , one could argue that the dog creates two separate characterizations ( the Son a little less wise ) . Lawford in endearing as Joe . The World War II storyline is flawed , but inevitable , considering the time of release . The multiplication of Lassies was unnecessary , since it had been less than two years since the first Lassie . Still , it's a very well-photographed Lassie , with a rousing conclusion . Son of Lassie ( 1945 ) S . Sylvan Simon - Peter Lawford , Donald Crisp , June Lockhart
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452,433 | 15,896,852 | 11,779 | 6 |
White Men Can't Jump
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In a western cave , white William S . Hart ( as Black Deering ) , leader of the outlaw Raiders , feels the law crashing in on his gang's crime spree . Fellow bandit Joseph Singleton ( as Tom Jordan ) thinks Mr . Hart is chicken , and goads his rival and the gang into one more heist . Of course , as Hart feared , things go all wrong . Later , on the lam from both Jordan and the law , Hart hides out with lonely white Anna Q . Nilsson ( as Mary Brown ) . Ms . Nilsson is living alone with son Richard Headrick ( as " The Little Feller " ) , since the disappearance of her husband ? " The Toll Gate " delivers the expected Hart western elements ; however , they do not coalesce . It's a little unpleasant to start off with Hart disarmed by his gang's " mutiny " , but nice to see him tough it out . Watch for a pivotal scene wherein Hart opens Nilsson's Bible : in it , he reads the verse " By their fruits ye shall know them " and locates a photograph which reveals something important about the film . The " by their fruits " theme is completely illogical if you think about the photograph . Also , Hart's cabin revelation is rather foolishly timed ; obviously , it should have been made some minutes later ( relating it more to Singleton's threat ) . The Toll Gate ( / 20 ) Lambert Hillyer - William S . Hart , Anna Q . Nilsson , Joseph Singleton
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453,637 | 15,896,852 | 42,994 | 6 |
Curtain Call
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Without going into details , director Alfred Hitchcock's " Stage Fright " does something with a character's " point-of-view " that fatally flaws the film . By the last act , it will be obvious . It's surprising that so adept a director would " cheat " so ineffectively ; especially , when the technique can ( and has ) be done so well elsewhere . Possibly , Mr . Hitchcock is deliberately misleading the viewer , when he should be ambiguous . The picture is , otherwise , enjoyable . Wilkie Cooper's camera performs expertly . The cast , individually wonderful , never convincingly comes together . For example , it's difficult to believe Jane Wyman ( as Eve Gill ) is the daughter of Alistair Sim ( as Commodore Gill ) and Sybil Thorndike ( as Mrs . Gill ) . Still , Mr . Sim and Ms . Thorndike provide for a wealth of dry Hitchcock humor . Ms . Wyman and Marlene Dietrich ( as Charlotte Inwood ) are , of course , a treat ; and , they make the romantic entanglements as believable as possible . Leading men Richard Todd ( as Jonathan " Johnny " Cooper ) and Michael Wilding ( as Wilfred " Ordinary " Smith ) do their best opposite strong women and , especially in Mr . Todd's case , an unsure storyline . Kay Walsh ( as Nellie Goode ) leads the pack of smaller , delightful Hitchcock characters . Stage Fright ( 1950 ) Alfred Hitchcock - Jane Wyman , Marlene Dietrich , Richard Todd
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453,683 | 15,896,852 | 23,034 | 6 |
Ramon Novarro Gets Tackled at Yale
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Ramon Novarro ( as Tony Amatto ) works in a steel mill ; he is the son of Italian immigrants , and seems likely to remain a member of the working class . Then , as luck would have it , he wins a college scholarship . At Yale , Mr . Novarro becomes a football star ; but , he still faces class discrimination . Don't miss the opening sequence of this film ; it's a terrific introduction to the film , and defines Novarro's character : Novarro is seen in his " working class " job ; he gets into a fistfight , encounters a beautiful woman , and ends up under a pile of rubble . The woman with the irresistible legs is Madge Evans ( as Rosalie Stone ) ; she is both beautiful , and " upper class " . Novarro re-encounters her later in the film , along with Una Merkel ( as Thelma ) and Martha Sleeper ( as Barbara Winston ) . Novarro's nemesis is Ms . Evans ' brother Kane Richman ( as Tom Stone ) ; and , his roommates are John Arledge ( as Jim " Pidge " Pidgeon ) and Frank Albertson ( as Larry ) . Silent star Ralph Graves is a sound coach Malcolm Gale . Mr . Arledge , as Novarro's second roommate " Pidge " is the best supporting performer ( beating off some stiff competition ) . " I've lived with twelve fellas in my time and only liked three of them , " Arledge explains , after Novarro chases him around the dorm , trying to get some first aid down his pants . The film is a little too long for its own good ; and , it wavers too far from the main story of a poor working class youth winning a chance to attend college , and break class barriers . It's difficult to determine what Novarro is actually learning at Yale . He already knew how to fight , and doesn't seem to have accumulated too many career options - though , he is certainly better off with a Yale diploma . Novarro ( # 44 ) and the cast are certainly appealing , even when the story wavers . The end game plays well . Huddle ( 1932 ) Sam Wood - Ramon Novarro , John Arledge , Madge Evans
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452,939 | 15,896,852 | 234,215 | 6 |
The Matrix Overloaded !
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The Matrix ( 1999 ) is still a great stand-alone film . That first film is THE ONE to see . " The Matrix Reloaded " , the first of the inevitable sequels , sucks all the awesome special effects it can muster , and coats the screen with them . The underdeveloped storyline , which helped make the original more mysterious and imaginative , is filled in enough babble to expose it as significantly less than satisfactory . The creative balance of action , effects , and imagination is lost . The three main actors ( Reeves , Fishburne , and Moss ) are upstaged by " exciting new allies " . So , what's left ? - Although overwrought and onerous , the visual effects are STILL exciting , and the " Matrix Universe " isn't damaged beyond repair . Like they say , " To Be Concluded ? " The Matrix Reloaded ( 2003 ) Larry & Andy Wachowski - Keanu Reeves , Carrie-Anne Moss , Laurence Fishburne
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453,048 | 15,896,852 | 9,976 | 6 |
A Baseball Hit for Charles Ray
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Charles Ray ( as Benjamin " Ben " Harding ) is a country boy who loves baseball ; he's the pride of small town Brownsville . His sweetheart , Colleen Moore ( as Mazie Palmer ) , has a batting average of 1 , 000 in Mr . Ray's affection - however , he barely gets to first base ! John " Jack " Gilbert ( as Jim Blair ) is a rival for Ms . Moore's affections ; he is not only a heel , with a tendency to drink and gamble - Mr . Gilbert is also more well-heeled , being a banker's son . When St . Paul Pink Sox , a big league team , is stranded in Brownsville , Ray gets to strut his stuff ; then , he is offered a major league spot . Will success spoil Ben Harding ? Ray is convincing as " The Busher " , displaying the little mannerisms which made him so successful in this type of part . His face and body movements expertly portray the " innocent country boy " type . He says , " Gosh ! " . Entering a social , he pats his hair down with a licked hand . His performance at the " Box Social " is charming - at this occasion , the men " bid " on women they can only see as shadows behind a screen . Moore and Gilbert are fine in the supporting roles ; both would become major 1920s stars . The St . Paul Pink Sox ? It might have been a combination of the Boston Red and White Sox . Ray's curve ball nicely strikes out into one of the title cards , and that " Box Social " sure looked fun . It's difficult to believe a major league baseball team considers you finished after one bad game , though ; if that were true , there would be no baseball . The Busher ( 1919 ) Jerome Storm - Charles Ray , Colleen Moore , John Gilbert
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453,235 | 15,896,852 | 34,183 | 6 |
Tombstone Cowboy
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Roy Rogers ( as Brett Starr ) gets out of Dodge , with some of his brother's family , to become " Sheriff of Tombstone " . Along the way , he meets old up with old pal George " Gabby " Hayes ( as Gabby ) , now a lawyer . Sally Payne returns as Gabby's daughter Queenie . Mr . Rogers and company find lawlessness in Tombstone , led by corrupt Mayor Addison Richards and wayward Sheriff Harry Woods . Jay Novello steals away with all acting honors as John Anderson aka Joe Martinez ; Mr . Novello is dialect-able , makes terrific getaways - and , he is more fun to watch than the cute kids , the granny , and the love interest for Rogers . Novello's versatility is very much appreciated in this film . By the way , the film closes with a suggestion Rogers is about to do some major neckin ' with Elyse Knox ( as Mary ) . Rogers and Ms . Payne share in a light , pleasant soundtrack , highlighted by Rogers ' " Sons of the Western Foil " and Payne's " Two-Gun Pete " . Sheriff of Tombstone ( 1941 ) Joseph Kane - Roy Rogers , George ' Gabby ' Hayes , Jay Novello
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452,442 | 15,896,852 | 71,589 | 6 |
Hot for Preacher
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In order to elude authorities , western outlaw Marjoe Gortner ( as Ernie Parsons ) assumes the identity of a traveling preacher . Mr . Gortner takes up residence in parson-needy Castle Walk , Arizona ; there , at a funeral , he and sexy teenager Pamela Sue Martin ( as Sally Underwood ) are mutually attracted . Soon , Gortner's shady past threatens his budding relationship with young Ms . Martin . Sidekick Slim Pickens ( as Billy One-Eye ) and mother Estelle Parsons ( as Sadie Underwood ) lend their support . Even in this slightly above average television production , Gortner has star quality to burn . Taken as a screen test , " The Gun and the Pulpit " miraculously elevates the former evangelist to convincing western hero . Pamela Sue Martin is excellent as Gortner's barely legal leading lady ; her glances are more sensual than a strip tease . Director Daniel Petrie handles the assignment admirably . Gortner's star quality was evident since the riveting documentary " Marjoe " ( 1972 ) , which revealed his evangelical movement to be a money-grubbing scam . In hindsight , it seems Marjoe Gortner was too hot for Hollywood to handle .
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453,547 | 15,896,852 | 1,207 | 6 |
Mack Sennett is Faithful
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Arthur Johnson ( as Adonese ) is driving home after a date when he sideswipes simple-minded pedestrian Mack Sennett ( as Faithful ) . Mr . Johnson feels awful , and takes the shaken , but unwounded , tramp out shopping . Mr . Sennett is so taken with Johnson's generosity , he attaches himself to his handsome new friend . At first , Johnson feels guilty ; and , he lets Sennett hang around . Eventually , Johnson grows tired of having the adoring Sennett play Siamese twin , and throws the bum out . It doesn't last , however , as " Faithful " Sennett returns with a flower for his benefactor . Poor Johnson can't even spend time alone with his fiancée Florence Barker ; understandably , she doesn't want to share her beau with his new companion ? Sennett's comic pathos makes this a very effective film ; this time , he plays extraordinarily well with director D . W . Griffith , and his ideal leading man , Johnson . Sennett is especially sweet when he brings Johnson a flower ; he is too simple-minded to mind being roughed up by Johnson . Although he is annoying , Sennett's " Faithful " elicits much sympathy . This is also a very nicely paced film , with a pleasant balance of comedy , drama , and suspense . As a bonus , look for a generous amount of early Hollywood location footage ( around Biograph's Pico studio ) .
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453,155 | 15,896,852 | 27,496 | 6 |
Go West , Young Man
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In 1820 , handsome dance instructor Charles Collins ( as Jonathan Pride ) decides to visit his aunt in California . Young Mr . Collins thrills the ladies by waltzing with his hands touching their waists . Leaving his giddy pupils wanting more , Collins takes the long route - around the continent of South America . Armed with only his satchel and an umbrella ( to return to his aunt ) , Collins is mistaken for a pirate . As the " Dancing Pirate " , he is holds up in the western town of La Paloma . There , he dances , faces danger , and falls in love with lovely Senorita Steffi Duna ( as Serafina Perena ) , daughter of the town's bumbling mayor , Frank Morgan ( as Don Emilio Perena ) . The well-staged " Finale " earned an " Academy Award " nomination for dance director Russell Lewis . Leading man Collins looks like he had everything needed to become a major star - possibly , he found himself in the wrong studio , at the wrong time . Without the takes afforded the standard era star ( Fred Astaire ) , he manages to be dazzling , in his solo routines . The scene with Collins ' umbrella stuffed down the front of his pants provides a visual worthy of a Mae West double-entendre . Mr . Morgan isn't a very convincing " Don " , but he is always a film asset . Ms . Duna , a Hungarian woman , is a beautiful and believable Senorita . Currently , this film is more available in " black & white " than " color " - this is not always a disadvantage , but " Dancing Pirate " really should be seen in color . Although my " Hollywood Legends " VHS Madacy HWGL-5512 says " B & W " on the sleeve , this release of film IS definitely " in color " . It most certainly does NOT star cover-girl Rita Hayworth , however . Ms . Hayworth , Pat Nixon , and Marjorie Reynolds can be spotted among the dancing extras ( provided you know who you are looking for well enough to spot them ) . Dancing Pirate ( 1936 ) Lloyd Corrigan - Charles Collins , Steffi Duna , Frank Morgan
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453,246 | 15,896,852 | 7,367 | 6 |
Putting the Make on Norma Talmadge
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Beautiful secretary Norma Talmadge ( as Mayme ) quits job after job because amorous men are always making sexual overtures . In order find steady work without sexual harassment , Ms . Talmadge decides to make herself look " extremely unattractive to men . " Talmadge puts on a pair of glasses , pulls her hair up in a tight bun , and cuts out the cleavage . Talmadge is hired by wealthy matriarch Kate Lester ( as Mrs . Peabody-de Puyster ) , who lives with boozy playboy son Gladden James ( as Jimmie de Puyster ) and heiress daughter Helen Weir ( as Elsie de Puyster ) . Of course , Mr . James finds Talmadge romantically unappealing , until he meets her sans disguise . . . While Talmadge and James fall in love , one of Talmadge's former caddish employers , Herbert French ( as Count Limonittiez ) loses his fortune , and begins to court Ms . Weir . Knowing he is only after Weir's money , Talmadge decides to catch Mr . French in a compromising position . Gossipy reporter Erich von Stroheim ( as Adam Buzzard ) causes everyone problems for everyone , by revealing their secrets in his newspaper society column . Real-life couple John Emerson and Anita Loos are notable contributors . While the situation is ludicrous ; Talmadge's comic performance , von Stroheim's snooty support , and the New York locale are strengths . The Social Secretary ( / 16 ) John Emerson - Norma Talmadge , Gladden James , Erich von Stroheim
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452,834 | 15,896,852 | 218,817 | 6 |
Pepsi-Cola Hits the Spot on a Sesame Seed Bun
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Beautiful young Ryan Phillippe ( as Milo Hoffman ) graduates from Stanford University . A computer whiz , he's immediately propositioned , along with a declining college geek pal , by charismatic billionaire Tim Robbins ( as Gary Winston ) . Mr . Robbins head-hunts the best minds , for his Internet company N . U . R . V . ( Never Underestimate Radical Vision ) . Flattery , and the promise of financial success , help Mr . Phillippe overcome his reluctance to enter the corporate world ; and , he accepts Robbins ' offer of employment . At home , Phillippe is encouraged by artist girlfriend Claire Forlani ( as Alice Poulson ) . At work , mysterious and sexy Rachael Leigh Cook ( as Lisa Calighan ) turns head . The Orwellian atmosphere at N . U . R . V . is ? well , unnerving . Phillippe's estranged friend Yee Jee Tso ( as Teddy Chin ) , who declined joining what he considers a " Fascist " company , is surprised by an unfortunate event . Meanwhile , paranoiac Phillippe begins to feel something may be rotten in Robbins ' computer empire ? Director Peter Howitt leads his cast and crew through a neat , suspenseful thriller . Sometimes , " AntiTrust " comes on a little too pretty ; but , it's an all-around good effort . And , it definitely captures that sinking feeling you have when switching from a school-centered to a work-based lifestyle . Robbins ' character isn't hard to figure out , but he plays it deliciously . Ms . Forlani is truly fascinating ; " Does that make me Yoko ? " she asks . Mr . Howitt has a terrific cameo . Three geek " shout-outs ! " for Howitt , John Bailey , and Zach Staenberg . AntiTrust ( 2001 ) Peter Howitt - Ryan Phillippe , Tim Robbins , Claire Forlani
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453,253 | 15,896,852 | 408,306 | 6 |
An Eye for Poetic Violence
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Described as , " Inspired by real events , ' Munich ' reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it , " on the DVD sleeve , " Steven Spielberg's explosive suspense thriller garnered five Academy Award nominations , including Best Picture and Best Director . " " Munich " is an undeniably well-produced film ; Mr . Spielberg's films generally are . After Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir explains , " The world must see that killing Jews will be from now on an expensive proposition . , " handsome Eric Bana ( as Avner Kaufman ) leads Israel's covert team , assigned to assassinate the terrorists responsible for the massacre at Munich . Mr . Bana gives the film a strong , focused characterization . He gets four helpers : pre-Bond blond Daniel Craig ( as Steve ) , bomb-maker Mathieu Kassovitz ( as Robert ) , veteran forger Hanns Zischler ( as Hans ) , and bespectacled diplomat Ciarán Hinds ( as Carl ) . The team of five tracks terrorists around the world . When one is found , the film's excitement is heightened considerably . Informant Mathieu Amalric ( as Louis ) adds some intrigue , also . The film is slow , and the violence intermittent - but when it occurs , you practically have to scrape the flesh off your screen with a squeegee . There is an attempt to be " fair " and / or " straightforward " in that the film gives an " historically fictionalized " account of a factual event . But , there is a political point being made - the film clearly questions both the righteousness and effectiveness of Israel's decision . Munich ( 2005 ) Steven Spielberg - Eric Bana , Daniel Craig , Mathieu Kassovitz
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452,870 | 15,896,852 | 443,632 | 6 |
Michael Douglas Gets Some Secret Service
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Secret Service veteran Michael Douglas ( as Pete Garrison ) once helped save President Ronald Reagan's life , during a 1981 assassination attempt . Presently , Mr . Douglas is one of the most trusted and respected agents assigned to protect the President . But , Douglas is having an affair with the President's wife , Kim Basinger ( as Sarah Ballentine ) . Getting it on with the " First Lady " results in deception showing up in a company-wide lie detector test Douglas has to take , after the Secret Service discovers a " mole " within the organization . Framed , Douglas flees top investigator Kiefer Sutherland ( as David Breckinridge ) and rookie hottie Eva Longoria ( as Jill Marin ) , while the real killers move to kill the President ? The questions Douglas is asked , during his lie detector test , should have tipped him off ; they are phrased differently than those given to the other agents . There are a lot of moments when the plot falters , but director Clark Johnson and the cast keep convincing you to ? move along . . . Mr . Johnson does an excellent job - and , he steps in front of the camera very effectively , as early victim " Charlie Merriweather " . It was nice to see Martin Donovan and Blair Brown in the supporting cast , reunited after working together on " Dark Shadows " . The cast , direction , and D . C . locations , keep " The Sentinel " above average . The Sentinel ( 2006 ) Clark Johnson - Michael Douglas , Kiefer Sutherland , Kim Basinger
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452,425 | 15,896,852 | 1,499 | 6 |
Griffith Draws the Battle Lines
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Sweethearts Charles West and Blanche Sweet have fun at an 1861 dance ; then , he and the other men , including Robert Harron , are off to fight for the Union , in the Civil War . Women and children cheer the departing throng - - but they don't get far , as the war rages just outside town . In the first conflict , Mr . West becomes panic-stricken , and goes AWOL . He runs home to Ms . Sweet , scared witless . Sweet is somewhat crazed , herself , and practically throws him out ; obviously , she is ashamed of her boyfriend . Luckily , he manages to gather his wits , and return to the front before he is missed . He goes just before being discovered by wounded Union Commander Charles H . Mailes , who arrives at Sweet's home to recuperate . On the battlefield , West gets a chance to prove himself , after a tragic event ? Though less than twenty minutes long , this is an " epic " film . The cast of extras is very large ; memorably , many of them march by ( presumably ) G . W . Bitzer's camera as they go off to war . Cheering crowds , and warring soldiers , are all over the screen . " The Battle " is one of the better early films directed by D . W . Griffith . The battle sequences are excitingly staged ; and a stagecoach ride thrills . The story of cowardice during wartime is bold ; Griffith had just explored the theme with " The House with Closed Shutters " ( 1910 ; but , in that instance , Walthall's " cowardly " character had been drinking heavily ; West's character is truly stricken by fear . Charles Ray would play a similar coward in 1915 . West and Sweet get a chance to emote ? and , over-emote . The total lack of understanding Sweet shows West is a little hard to understand ; it looks like she may have been playing a little " mad " herself . Probably , Griffith was directing the two to express some extra craziness for entertainment value . Harron is at his usual best . Familiar faces include Donald Crisp as the Union soldier first in line , to the left , when West joins up ; and , look for Lionel Barrymore steering the stagecoach just after Harron expires on the battlefield .
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452,641 | 15,896,852 | 3,436 | 6 |
One Good Turn Deserves Another
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Mae Marsh works , happily , as an ordinary telephone operator ; among the calls she places is one to the jewelry shop " Julius Jorgenson " , as wealthy Claire McDowell calls to arrange a meeting about some jewels . Ms . Marsh uses her break time to see policeman suitor Alfred Paget . " The Telephone Girl and the Lady " cross paths as the former is on her way back to work , and the latter is returning home from the jewelry store . McDowell is impressed with Marsh's friendliness . They do not know Ms . McDowell is being followed by bicycle thief Harry Carey ; he is planning to relieve McDowell of her jewels . Later , " The Lady " McDowell sends " The Telephone Girl " Marsh a beautiful necklace , writing , in an accompanying note , " I am asking you to accept this token in appreciation of your promptness and painstaking efforts to please . " From her telephone operator position , Marsh calls to thank McDowell for the gift . While the two women converse , burglar Carey sneaks enters McDowell's house , placing " The Lady " in great danger ! Marsh hears McDowell being assaulted at the other end of her telephone line - - will she be able to rescue McDowell from Carey's clutches ? D . W . Griffith , G . W . Bitzer and the good folks at Biograph deliver another winner . The location scenes are beautiful ; generous amounts of early 1900s New York scenery are displayed on screen . The Biograph players perform an exciting story well . Carey is particularly menacing in his scene with McDowell ; adding an amorous edge to his attack . Marsh is also notable ; she is both expressive and natural , in a thoroughly charming performance . The story is a little confusing , however ; it is adapted from a play , where some further explanation of story elements and character motivations may be clearer .
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452,861 | 15,896,852 | 22,685 | 6 |
A Sound Stage for the Stars
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A Bill of Divorcement ( 1932 ) George Cukor - John Barrymore , Billie Burke , Katharine Hepburn It's Christmas in England . World War I veteran John Barrymore ( as Hilary Fairfield ) has been committed to an asylum for 15 years , due to insanity brought on by " shell shock " . The season has resulted in a blessing for Mr . Barrymore , who is on his way home for the holidays , after recovering his sanity . Meanwhile , wife Billie Burke ( as Margaret " Meg " Fairfield ) has fallen in love again , received a divorce , and is planning to re-marry . Barrymore's return throws the household into turmoil . Daughter Katharine Hepburn ( as Sidney Fairfield ) , also planning to marry , begins to fear starting her own family , after learning Barrymore's madness is hereditary . It's admittedly not intended as such , and consequently not exceptional ; but , George Cukor's " A Bill of Divorcement " should be seen as a filmed stage play . The story is thought-provoking ; it mixes madness , marriage , and war with duty , self-sacrifice , and religion . The characterizations are , today , " outdated " in style , substance , and storyline . Still , they are interesting in context . The three lead performances are significant : Barrymore's theatrical skills are clearly evident ; his performance is most enjoyable ( the war duty scene is a highlight ) . Additionally , Ms . Burke begins a welcome " second career " in sound films ; and Ms . Hepburn begins a welcome " second career " in films . With less to do , steadfast supporting actress Elizabeth Patterson ( as Hester Fairfield ) definitely holds her own .
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452,551 | 15,896,852 | 86,589 | 6 |
All Punks Go to Heaven
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In Penelope Spheeris's " Suburbia " , alienated and unwanted teenagers ( and twentysomethings ) find a new home for themselves : the " T . R . House " by " The 605 " . T . R . stands for " The Rejected " , and Interstate 605 is a freeway located in San Gabriel , California . " Suburbia " is explained in the film , perhaps incorrectly , as a combining of the words " Suburb " and " Utopia " . Leader of the T . R . s is Chris Pedersen ( as Jack Diddley ) ; he is the one with the super blond surfer ' do . He rounds-up two rejected teenagers as the film opens ? BUT , first things first . Director-writer Spheeris begins the film with a " dog attack " ; interestingly , the film will feature a group of Wild Dogs , which threaten the inhabitants of " Suburbia " . The parallel / symbolism between the T . R . s and the abandoned dogs should be obvious . Then , we seen Bill Coyne ( as Evan Mark Johnson ) at home , reading a comic book , with the T . V . playing ; his mother comes home and berates him for stealing her liquor , and neglecting his chores . Mr . Coyne decides to runaway from home , saying goodbye to little brother Andrew Pece ( as Ethan Johnson ) ; after their mother has a drunken automobile smash-up , Mr . Pace will join his big brother at T . R . House . T . R . leader Pederson finds Coyne after a punk rock concert , " passed out " ; his drink spiked , incidentally , by the film's " druggie " Keef ( Grant Miner ) , who is also a member of T . R . They go pick up Wade Walston ( as Joe ) , who lives with his disinterested gay father . Mr . Walston provide the film's " romance " when he hooks up with suicidal Jennifer Clay ( as Sheila ) . Timothy O'Brien ( as Skinner ) is another important member of T . R . house ; he hammers nails in walls , so the inhabitants can hang . Flea ( as Razzle ) is the most illustrious member of the T . R . s ; also known as Michael Balzary , he is the Red Hot Chili Peppers ' bassist . Ironically , this Flea is good for dogs ; and , he attempts to tame the wild ones threatening " Suburbia " . Flea also demonstrates a fondness for rats ; so , perhaps , he was a fan of the 1970s punk band The Stranglers ' IV Rattus Norvegicus ? The punk music groups represent the era well ; but , the soundtrack could have been improved by more classic punk songs ; and , a title song would have been great . The T . R . s should be commended for not watching Wally George " Hot Seat " , but they still , however , have awful taste in T . V . shows . Their set should have been traded in for a good stereo . The acting is realistic , and the characters speak Spheeris well ; but , the relatively small amount of sex and drugs doesn't ring true . The End is a downer .
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453,378 | 15,896,852 | 71,399 | 6 |
Kate Is Enough
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Three married couples set off on a contest winning cruise . They are : Richard Long and Polly Bergen ( as Jerry and Sylvia Carter ) , Edward Albert and Kate Jackson ( as Jimmy and Mary Frances Radney ) , and Tom Bosley and Celeste Holm ( as David and Elizabeth Mason ) . On ship , they discover why nobody can really remember entering the contest ; it's a scam . A mysterious group known as " E & M Productions " has lured the six " winners " on board to kill them . As the travelers meet unfortunate ends , Michael Constantine ( as Dr . Burke ) assumes the role of investigator . Cesare Danova is the ship's captain . All are delightful . This is an unexpectedly suspenseful Spelling-Goldberg television production , with excellent performances and direction ( Ralph Senensky ) . And , it's very well paced . As they are being killed off , the three " happy " couples are revealed to be in significantly troubled marriages ; this , and a resemblance to ABC-TV's later " The Love Boat " series , gives the movie a heightened eeriness . Jack B . Sowards ' script has a few surprises ; and , most of the time , it is challenging to guess which passenger to will die next . Unfortunately , part of an ending explanation does not match a prior character motivation ; it's not enough to spoil the movie , however . This was Richard Long's last role , sadly ; the former " Big Valley " star died of a heart attack late in 1974 . Also , around this time , beautiful young co-stars Kate Jackson and Edward Albert were a real life couple ; although , they were " living in sin " ( unmarried ) . The relatively under-appreciated " TV performer " cast makes " Death Cruise " an enjoyable trip . Death Cruise ( / 74 ) Ralph Senensky - Richard Long , Kate Jackson , Michael Constantine
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