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Reviews
The Twilight Zone: The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (1962)
Waiting for the clincher
Although this episode is presented in flawless Twilight Zone style, it left me waiting for something a little bit more. It was almost like anticipating a punchline at the end of a 30-minute joke that never quite materializes. Yes, every square inch of this well produced episode screams bizarre, yet it lacked that final thought-provoking mental punch that most TZs dish out so very well. The acting is superb, although I kept expecting Edgar Buchanan to slip into his Petticoat Junction persona. The two leading characters mold themselves into the perfect country bumpkin characters, right down to the last shred of hillbilly "reckoning" that they portray.
The Wet Parade (1932)
The Wet Parade Marches Into the Past
It's difficult to find old movies that I haven't already seen, so it was with great anticipation that I watched The Wet Parade, 1932, for the first time. It was like taking a vicarious time machine journey that landed smack in the middle of one of America's less memorable self-righteous escapades: The Prohibition. The best part is that this intensely dramatic flick was made a full year before prohibition ended, so the full flavor of the alcohol-soaked theme really hits home. It includes some historically accurate details, which were still very fresh in everyone's minds when the movie was produced. It also depicts some of the darker details of desolation and desperation the general public wrestled with after losing complete access to drinkable alcohol. Walter Huston, one of Hollywood's most convincing actors of his era, outdoes himself in this movie. Young Robert Young is quite dashing in his role, although the sight of him paired up with the gregarious Jimmy Durante might prompt a quick reality check if you're not prepared for this early "odd couple" concept.
The Mad Miss Manton (1938)
Bouncing Debs
My favorite aspect of this movie is the manner in which this gaggle of giggly débutantes present themselves. They wear sparkling, full-length evening gowns and fabulous furs, and sport impeccable manicures, while sleuthing about in the dark. You go girls! It was also interesting to observe Penny Singleton, aka the infamous Blondie, with extremely dark hair, reciting a couple of lines. Barbara Stanwyck is, as always, seamlessly gorgeous, and she takes on a tireless leadership role while constantly flirting with a young and handsome Henry Fonda. Everything from the beautiful, sleek and shiny cars to the stunningly brilliant fashion displays make this a great choice for old movie fanatics.