glimmerglasspeg Reviews

Not as a Stranger (1955)

More than I expected

[7/10 · 13 August 2023]

Another movie checked off - probably on my list of dozens saved due to Mitchum and Sinatra and Gloria Grahame.

However, having grown up in a medical-centric community in the 60's, this felt a little bit like home - the reverence for the doctors, the typical topics of gossip. And things sure were different back then - before real medical profiteering.

I disagree about the miscasting - felt the entire cast chosen was fine, except deHavilland. Her acting was professional as usual, but she was too old for the part. Nursing wounded during the civil war fine. A stark blonde professional nurse in the 50's? No.

Mitchum was very good, solid and unflinching, then providing an emotional reward at the end. Frank Sinatra was also absolutely suitable, and refreshing. Grahame something different - and she really could ride a horse. And wow - Lon Cheney - catch him early on as Mitchum's father.

Another one worth having spent the time to watch.

Another one better than expected!

Winter People (1989)

Definitely worth watching

[7/10 · 12 August 2023]

One of dozens of movies saved the past couple of years for viewing, that I remembered hearing years ago were good - but never had the chance to watch.

Some are fine. Some are not.

This one is better than expected.

Always loved Kelly McGillis, and Kurt Russell is excellent in this film. Initially it looks like we're going to be stuck viewing Hatfields and McCoys type nonsense, but among the feuds and fights, difficult events lead to compromise and a satisfactory ending.

A couple of hunting scenes, and injured or killed animals, but nothing too graphic. It is depression era mountain life.

Worth seeing through to the end.