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Reviews
Bill Kennedy at the Movies (1956)
His show gave me my love for movies!
Watched so many classic movies on this show growing up in Toledo. a great jost and often he would have guests from movies and show business frim the Elmwood Casino in Canada.
City for Conquest (1940)
A great film not often mentioned!
I think everyone in this film was really wonderful. This kind of result is why we had movie stars, and such great films in the 1940s. Cagney is top notch as usual, and I fell in love with this movie on late night TV as a young teenager.I always love Ann Sheridan! Think how many great performances she gave in different roles. Sometimes I didn't even realize it was her because of her variety of roles. I really like this era because as a history buff, you get to see how people lived in a different era, the scenery, and little bits of Americana. Another thing missing from so many films today even in great films, is how the old screenplays and directors allowed you to get to know the characters more and allowed the plot to slowly develop rather than quickly jumping ahead of the plot development. See this movie!!
Show Boat (1951)
What great movies should be!
First saw this movie in the 50s and loved it as a boy. Everyone in the cast is perfectly cast. The singing is really wonderful, and all the songs are great. I like the storyline as well. The unconditional love between Julie and Nole is what really stands out. Need some of that today! I have probably seen this movie 50 times, and I still tear up at the last 15 minutes of the film. BTW if you can find the soundtrack album it includes Ava Garners signing of the songs that were dubbed for the movie. Both versions are great! I think Frank Sinatra was correct. And speaking of Ava Gardner, she certainly deserved an Oscar for this performance. And she is so beautiful in her closeups, wow!
I have now seen other versions of this film, and though they are also very well done, the music and emotional impact of this version really are a triumph. If they could make musicals like this one and Sound of Music again, they might make a comeback!!! See it if you have not!!
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
The standard for adventure films with a story.
Of course so many versions have been made, like 10 Little Indians" that everyone knows the story, now, but a fairly original idea when it first appeared.
I don't know how anyone can not like Coleman. He was outstanding in everything he did.Fairbanks is great as well, I wish he would have done the sequel, Rupert of Henslau!
I can imagine seeing this film in the theater as a boy, what an impact it would have made. I wish Hollywood would give up some of the special effects, and frenetic pacing of so many films today, that never take time to develop the storyline or the characters, but jump from scene to scene every 30 seconds. Anyway, Stewart Granger is no match for Coleman, see this version if you never have. It should be on anyone's top 100 films list!
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
John Ford's Triumph
I saw this film in the movie theater when it was released as a boy. I was surprised it was black and white. I must say i didn't really get it at age 10! This movie is one of the greatest of all time. The story with all its subtle messages and twists, the screenplay, memorable quotes that have become part of our language, Pilgrim, and wonderful acting from so many really talented actors. Edmund O'brien is wonderful in so many scenes, as are many of the supporting actors. Wayne and Stewart are great together, as is Vera Miles. The exposure of the legends myths as well as the politics that seem so common today, are very insightful. I still get chills and emotional at the end of the film, very moving. The characters all ring so true, and on different levels. It is a fun, moving, action, drama with a heart. If you haven't seen it, please do. And the haunting score from Ford's Young Mr Lincoln was a perfect theme. Even if you are not normally a Wayne fan, you will be. Great date night film too!
Between Two Worlds (1944)
BTW Excellent Choice
First saw this film as a child on Bill Kennedy at the movies in Detroit. I thought it was so cool at the time, and spooky. I loved the acting and many of the character actors I had recognized from so many other films of that era. And the ending was so great because I didn't see it coming and I was such a romantic that I couldn't stand that the two main characters would be apart since she had done nothing wrong but out of love for him. A great screenplay! Ever since I have always preferred films from the 30s and 40s over today's offerings. They always gave the actors time on screen to develop the characters and events. This film is one of the reasons I grew up loving movies!!
The Shootist (1976)
Wonderful
I think Don Siegel is underrated for sure. All the comments about the small budget and lighting and sets, look at many of the "Big" westerns and you will see the same things in parts of the movie. Of course the only way they could get all these actors with such a low budget was that many volunteered or took almost no salary just to be in this film. All the actors were wonderful in this film, but especially Wayne and Bacall. The magic in their eyes and little touches are examples of real artistry at it's best without tricks or gimmicks. As good in many ways as John Ford's Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, which was also panned at release but is now considered one of the truly great films. If you loved John Wayne, you will love this movie as well. Don't pass this one by.
Going Back (2001)
too bad
Would have been alright if they would have left out all the crying and "can't we all just get along: garbage. Battle scenes were OK and military language was accurate for USMC. No Captain would have allowed his men to mutiny without resorting to arrest or assault. Also, Caspers change of heart in the movie is incomprehensible given the set up to his character. Noticed that the Vietnamese Cultural Dept aided in this attempt to whitewash the North V. and Viet Cong atrocities which were well documented. Furthermore anyone who studies the war or reads the me moires of the North Vietnam Generals will really understand the war a lot better. As a vet from that era I submit that you can study the motives of both side to see who held the moral high ground. Likes the music in end credits the best. Don't watch the Deer Hunter, Apocalyse Now etc if you weren't around then except for entertainment.