Starring: Anthony Quayle
A trooper, a governess and others escape downriver from one of General Gordon's outposts.
A mix between Robinson Crusoe and a David Attenborough documentary with wildlife galore. The lack of location filming meant that the whole thing lacked action and drama. But fascinating to see a young Sylvia Syms, Dereck Folds and Jenny Agutter in her first ever film role. 6/10
Starring: Marjorie Main
First movie that I've seen from this series. Great fun. Both Ma & Pa are extremely funny and the supporting cast all add to the enjoyment. Bread with cement, runaway pony and trap, slingshot made from Ma's knickers, it's all there. Would happily watch more from this series. 7/10
Staring: Gregory Peck
A tough cavalry officer in a lonely fort wins a battle against Indians.
A bit like a poor mans magnificent seven. Soldiers try to stop the penetration of a pass from a fort. The whole thing lacks a little pace and Peck seems somewhat subdued throughout. But there are some good scenes, the action is fun and the whole thing was quite enjoyable. 6/10
Starring: Audie Murphy
The war career of America's most decorated infantryman.
Audie Murphy has always been a favourite actor of min, I had no idea of his military history prior to this autobiographical movie. Fascinating stuff and a real inspiration, very well made. Respect!!! 7/10
Starring: Paul Newman
An inhibited lawyer snuffs out his wife's individuality during a long and apparently happy marriage.
If it's fast-paced action and rib tickling humour that you want, then this is not a movie for you. If you want gentle observations about family and relationships and the sacrifices that people endure to make a marriage work. Then this is the movie. Brilliantly acted by all concerned but particularly Joanne Woodward, this was typical Merchant/ivory and an absolute joy. 8/10
Starring: Glenn Ford
A drunken out-of-work engineer is used as fall guy by two thieves planning an elaborate coup.
Competent little thriller, almost Hitchcock like in the way it was filmed and played. Ford always turns in a solid shift and femme fatale Janis Carter was excellent. The plot never really amounted to much and the pace was a little slack at times, but it wasn't at all bad. 7/10
Starring: Peter Finch
In 19th-century Australia, two farming brothers join the notorious outlaw Captain Starlight.
A kind of family epic western but with Australian accents. At times it's humorous, there's adventure, romance and tragedy. If anything, it tries to cram too much into a short time. Interesting to see a very young looking David McCallum. A movie that grew on me as it went on. A kind of poor man's Butch Cassidy... 5/10
Starring: Richard Dix
Crooked finances mar the completion of an undersea tunnel to America.
1930's disaster/construction movie that focuses more on the love story angle. The scenes in the tunnel themselves are actually very well done & for their time, quite effective. I clearly remember the UK channel tunnel being built & all the discussions around it, this brought back those memories. 4/10
Starring: David Huddleston
An old woodcutter is given immortality by the elves and turned into Santa Claus; In modern times, he goes to New York to rescue a discontented elf from the clutches of a demon toy maker.
The first half of this movie was extremely good. Nicely acted with Huddleston superb as Santa, amusing toys and a general feel-good factor perfect for Christmas. It loses it somewhat when the action moves to New York. Dudley Moore stays nicely in character and the kids are cute. It just doesn't work when John Lithgow's character claims he will be taking over Christmas. All very well in New York, the rest of the World just seems to have been forgotten in this argument. Good fun though. 6/10
Starring: Mary Astor
Children try to find their widowed mother a new husband.
A delightful Judy Garland movie where a family hit the road in a caravan to try and find the mother a new husband. Well cast, light-hearted and constantly watchable. Judy Garland sings pitch-perfectly and the whole thing bowls along to a most satisfactory conclusion. 7/10
Starring: Pat O'Brien
Two gangsters out to get each other are led together by a small girl and a dog.
Johnny one-eye is a dog! The plot crawls along at a very pedestrian place. The print that I saw of this movie was so grainy that it looked about 20 years older than it is. But the girl and the dog were cute and I just considered myself lucky to be able to see this one at all. 3/10
Starring: Barry Jones
A Professor engaged on atomic research threatens to blow up London unless his work is brought to an end.
Spiky little thriller that keeps up a good pace and although obviously slightly dated, holds up quite well still today. Some interesting observations on human behaviour, but there's no way on earth that an evacuation of London would be so orderly today. Although disaster was averted, it didn't have the ultimate happy ending that I was expecting. Well worth a view. 8/10
Starring: Winona Ryder
A highschool student begins to systemically murder his fellow students.
I don't fully get black comedy. I understand the dark side, but don't ever find it particularly funny. A psycho kid attempting to blow up a high school is just too near the mark to be entertaining, whether it's done tongue in cheek or not. Christian Slater is his usual oddball self and there is a certain irony in the gorgeous Winona Ryder playing a character who goes a little off the wall. 6/10
Starring: Seymour Hicks
A miser reforms after ghosts haunt him on Christmas eve.
What better way to start Christmas morning? A version of scrooge that I hadn't seen. It doesn't bring much new to the table & Tiny Tim is a little too sprightly for me. But this is a timeless classic and it still made me feel good at the end. 7/10
Starring: Jason Patric
Vampiric bikers corrupt Innocent teenagers.
At the risk of becoming hugely unpopular, I don't get this interest i vampires. Every new programme coming out seems to be vampire related & it's just, oh so boring. This was on the comedy channel & I'm thinking of doing them under trade descriptions as it never once made me smile, let alone laugh. I suppose that the amosphere was well depicted an I know there's a market for this, it just wasn't for me. 3/10
Starring: Ralph Richardson
A secret ray helps spies to steal test aircraft during proving flights.
With Richardson & Olivier, how had I never heard of this movie? The acting was terrific as you would expect & the premise was way ahead of its time. Occasionally witty, the movie got bogged down with too much chat and not enough variation. The climax had some nice action and the ending also raised a smile. An interesting movie to watch. 4/10
Staring: Charles Bronson
In new Orleans in the depression-hit thirties, a prizefighter and a promoter help each other.
Of sll the sports, boxing/fighting is probably the one that you come across most in the movies. And to be fair, they're often very good. This was gritty but realistic. Nice depiction of the time although I'm not sure that the poverty was completely conveyed. Bronson & Coburn were both terrific and this was an extremely watchable movie. 8/10
Starring: Dean Jagger
Customs agents track down a murderer.
Slow paced and poorly acted B movie. When a crucial part of the blot occured early on in the movie, the orchestral underscore was sl loud that you couldn't hear the dialogue. A couple of the female actresses came out of this with credit, mostly the lead's secretary, but this is not a movie to go out of your way for. 3/10
Starring: Harold Lloyd
A milkman becomes a prizefighter and overcomes a gang of crooks.
Sure, there are many annoying scenes in this movie. But there were also a few moments that made me laugh out loud. Lloyd is at his best with the physical theatre and certainly cut a humorous figure as the bespectacled prize-fighter. 4/10
Starring: James Stewart
A tenderfoot becomes a hero for shooting a bad man, but the shot was really fired by his friend and protector.
The second week running I've landed a James Stewart movie. Absolutely compelling from beginning to end. In my view, Stewart is possibly the greatest actor ever to have graced our screens and you find yourself routing for him throughout. This is one of Wayne's stronger performances and Lee Marvin is suitably rotten to the core. Brilliant sets and location, nearly every scene is a delight. 10/10
STARRING: James Stewart
Problems of a lawyer and his new wife culminate in the near-death of their infant son.
Gentle comedy that turns into light drama for its final third. A young married couple cope with inlaws, a difficult boss, poverty and then illness. A slightly dull plot is saved by the brilliant James Stewart with Carole Lombard, an admirable companion for him. 5/10
Starring: Gordon Harker
Hornleigh and Binham track down a fifth columnist.
2 zany Scotland yard detectives catch the bad guy by luck and the odd nice move. Reasonably amusing with Harker & Alistair Sim both superb. 6/10
Starring: Brian Donlevy
A research station operating under military secrecy is supposed to be making synthetic foods, but is in fact an acclimatization centre for invaders from outer space.
Sci-fi, slight horror B-movie, Acting isn't up to much and sets are a bit wobbly. But keep going until the end as the last 10 minutes are positively hilarious. 6/10
Starring: John Savage
Two policeman are shot by a manic killer, and the one who survives finds that he is suspected of cowardice and has to resign from the force.
There's something about true stories that let you buy into what you're seeing on screen. This is a harrowing and yet captivating, tragic story. James Woods is truely terrifying as the psychotic killer. I went straight on to read more about this case. Beautifully put together. 9/10
Starring: Freddie Bartholomew
Feuding next door neighbours have children in love.
A surprising little gem. Although some of the parents feuding got on your nerves, the other characters helped soften the movie and were very likeable. A pacy plot, humourous moments when the children have to move next door after finding out they they were swapped at birth and a well thought out & satisfactory ending. This actually made me laugh out loud and was good fun. 8/10
Starring: James Mason
An Austrian refugee in the south of France is asked by the police to track down a spy among his fellow hotel guests.
A reasonably enjoyable "Who is the spy" drama. The best part is early on when you're trying to identify the spy yourself. Short enough to be quite enjoyable. 6/10
Starring: Claudette Colbert
The daughter of an impoverished French aristocrat marries for money a millionaire who has had seven previous wives, and determines to teach him a lesson.
Unsurprisingly, rather dated as a comedy. Some humorous moments and a strong start as the two stars quibble over buying pajamas. Colbert is a delight as ever but Gary Cooper seems miscast and misses many comic opportunities by charging through his lines. A young David Niven gives a nice supporting performance. 5/10
Starring: Clark Gable
Andrew Jackson enlists the aid of a Texas adventurer to persuade Sam Houston to change his mind about an agreement with Mexico.
A mixture of politics and action. A bit of a history lesson really although fairly hard to follow as a European. Quite good action & stars give reliable performances. 4/10
Starring: Van Hefflin
The tough boss of a New York corporation forces a showdown between a young executive and the older ineffectual man who he hopes will resign.
Certainly not a movie I'd heard of before watching. An unexpected gem with tremendously passionate acting and a scenario that is still relevant today. Well observed and some of the secretary's were almost as imposing as the business men. 7/10
Starring: Cary Grant
Three cheerful army veterans meet adventure on the North-West frontier.
All a little tiresome with too many frantic scenes and unnecessary shouting. Maybe Gunga Din could have been saved if the army had spent less time blowing bagpipes and singing and had actually hurried to the battle scene. Cary Grant although a brilliant actor, was mis-cast for me. A great film if you like fist fights and people falling off buildings. 3/10
Starring: Audrey Hepburn
The daughter of a private detective warns an American philanderer in Paris that an enraged husband is en route to shoot him.
Charming little love story that is unfortunately about 30 minutes too long. I wasn't sure if Audrey Hepburn was trying to do a French accent or not. She was so damn cute, I ended up not caring. The Gypsy quartet musicians were hilarious and the scene where they got drunk was a joy. Quite charming all round. 7/10
Starring: Rory Calhoun
Seafarers chance on an uncharted island, ruled by a deadly fanatic.
All a bit rubbish really. The characters were not at all believable and the action hardly set the pulse racing. Thanks goodness for the supposed God on the island. He made an amusing villain & the movie was saved somewhat by the whole island section at the end. I've seen worse but still instantly forgettable. 3/10
Starring: Clint Eastwood
A New Orleans detective investigating a series of sex murders finds that his own impulses are none too healthy.
Serial killer, crime movie with Eastwood once again playing the strong, silent type. The plot moves along at a good pace. There's a line about 30 mins in that says something like "Everyone has a dark side, some keep it under control whilst others explore it". Eastwood's dark side is brilliantly portrayed, as is his tender side in the scens with his kids. Not overly original, but always kepy my attention. 8/10
Starring: Dana Andrews
A dying scientist fires a missile into the earth's centre, and nearly blows the planet apart.
Ah, you can't beat a good disaster movie. The plot was a little daft, the acting was a little poor, but the special effects and the daftness of the whole thing made it an enjoyable romp. There's always an underlying moral message. Don't mess with nuclear explosions. 7/10
Starring: Rod Steiger
A Jew in slummy New York is haunted by his experiences in Nazi prison camps.
Incredibly down-beat and hard to watch. I spent a long time early in this movie wondering what the hell it was all about. Slowly, the connection with concentration camps comes out but I wish the links between the two parts of his life had been explored more closely. Harrowing & well acted, but so dreary that it's hard to find where the interest or entertainment is in watching such a piece. 2/10
Starring: Richard Dix
A convict plans escape from a forced labour gang, under the threat of the lash and the sweatbox.
Somewhat dated movie now about the life of over-worked chain gangs in a US prison. Some of the sweat & anguish is rather well done and the rounding up of escaped convicts is also worth seeing. A satisfactory plot & ending. The whole thing is just difficult to relate to in this day & age. 4/10
Starring: Dennis Quaid
A New Orleans homicide detective is persuaded by a lady investigator from the DA's office to look into irregularities in the department.
Routine police corruption thriller but with a nice mixture of action & humour. Dennis Quaid draws up an interesting character & although I never believed Ellen Barkin as a deputy DA, her chemistry with Quaid kept the whole thing watchable and interesting. Ned Beatty was superb as the police captain and came very close to stealing the whole movie. 7/10
Starring: Dirk Bogarde
Modest but still costly remake with good moments but a rather slow pace.
Very well made with a good fell & look. Dickens always penned great characters and that was the best thing about this. Just a little dull in pace and plot with little to get excited or enthralled with. 4/10
Starring: Basil Rathbone
A female Moriarty kills her victims with spiders so that she can collect on their insurance policies.
When of the better of the Holmes movies. Rathbone gets several opportunities to don a disguise & do a bit of acting. Watson was at his bumbling best particularly when he mistook a spider expert for Holmes in disguise. Quite good fun. 7/10
Starring: Boris Karloff
A scientist dabbles in braiin transplants.
Boris (One trick pony) Karloff plays a mad scientist who swaps peoples thoughts & personalities between bodies. This is all rather good fun and the plot zips along. The swapping of the 2 chimpanzee minds was amusing and the swapping of human minds all rather effective and well acted. Touches of good humour and a nice ending - This was all a lot more enjoyable than expected. 8/10
Starring: Jack Palance
A depressed Hollywood star who wants better things for himself is blackmailed into signing a new contract.
Occasionally interesting but the subject matter is just not riveting. Most of the actions takes place in a Hollywood home and that leaves a certain tedium to affairs. Everyone acts their heart out & Palance, Ida Lupino & Shelley Winters are not bad. Unfortunately, Rod Steiger comes in like a freight train, goes way over the top and I just didn't find him believable at all. Too long a movie for little reward. 3/10
Starring: Gig Young
The work of the Chicago police force during one night.
I understand the idea, but maybe it would have been better focusing on one story. If that many people get shot in one night, I'm amazed there's anyone ever left in Chicago. Still, the mechanical man in the window was good & the film had some entertaining moments. 4/10
Starring: Lew Ayres
The young doctor cures a mental patient by the newest methods.
One of a series of Kildare movies made. A bit soap opera like with doctor/nurse relationships, but the story isn't bad & Lionel Barrymore is superb as the wheelchair bound Dr Gilliespie.
Starring: Madge Evans
Air travellers are wrecked on a South sea island.
Not brilliant but also not bad. The air crash for its time was quite effective. The whole thing was a little single paced although valiant attempts were made at characterisation and humour. More watchable than I anticipated. 6/10
Starring: Michael Redgrave
In 1943 the Ruhr dams are destroyed by Dr Barnes Wallis' bouncing bombs.
Everyone knows the story and has seen clips. But this is historically fascinating, Michael Redgrave is utterly convincing nd the bombing sequences are brilliantly done. A nabsolute classic. 10/10
Starring: Gene Tierney
A beautiful girl is murdered....or is she? A cynical detective investigates.
A little tedious for the first 20 minues, but once it became clear that the murder victim wasn't who you thought, the whole thing improved considerably & became more interesting. Clifton Webb was superb as the objectional 'Waldo'. A neat thriller that kept you guessing until about 10 minutes from the end. 7/10
Starring: Richard Dix
The captain of a merchant ship is driven mad by isolation.
Strange goings on all lead back to the captain of a ship who's gone mad. Very dated and filmed with extremely poor lighting. The movie lacks pace, only occasionally bursting into action. The final knife fight is filmed almost in total darkness. 3/10
Starring: Gloria Swanson
A socialite endangers her own romance when she tries to protect her younger sister.
Improved hugely as it went on & thankfully most of the songs had been cut from this copy. Girl chucks boy, gets engaged to other man. Her sister falls for first boy & girl pretends she loves him again to protect her sister. Very amusing where Swanson pretends to be mad & the scene on the boat at the end gave this a most satisfactory ending. Dated but good fun. 5/10
Starring: Lucille Ball
An American dancer stranded in London helps Scotland yard catch a killer.
Excellent crime thriller with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Lucille Ball plays it straight although her comic genius clearly lingers just below the surface. I liked the detective who kept stumbling across his crossword answers. Nicely put together & well acted movie. 8/10
Starring: Charles Grodin
Disappointed with his honeymoon, a sporting goods salesman promptly sets his cap at a richer, prettier perspective spouse.
I've always liked Charles Grodin & it was only halfway through this movie that I suddenly realised how similar the voice & delivery are by current actor Owen Wilson. You have to feel sorry for Grodin's wife in this movie. Some of the scenes are cringeworthy but I was hooked & it seemed to b over in no time. Cybil Shepherd was perfectly cast as the new love interest & her father was a delight. 8/10
Starring: Maureen O'Hara
In old Australi, a con man pretends to be a rancher's long lost heir, then complicates things by falling in love with the rancher's daughter.
The only reason this seems to be titled Kangaroo is because it is set in Australia, although a few marsupials were shown hopping around in the middle of the movie. A bit like a western but cannot be called a western. The desperation due to the drought was well portrayed & the plot moved along nicely enough. I would have liked an extra 10 minutes at the beginning building the characters. Not bad though. 5/10
Starring: Noel Coward
Survivors from a torpedoed destroyer recall their life at sea and on leave.
War film used to rally the troops. Interesting now only for historical purposes. 2/10
Starring: Hayley Mills
Children help their widowed mother in 1912 Boston.
Charming story with very little plot other than a family taking over a yellow house in the country without the landlord's permission. Typical Disney full of colour, bright songs, attractive actors and slightly daft humour. All in all, a very easy on the eye movie. 7/10
Starring: David Tomlinson
An unsuccessful racing driver finds that his small private Volkswagen has a mind of its own.
I'm sure most people saw this as a kid & I was no exception. However, great to see it again. It never made me laugh out loud but it did engage with me & I had a steady smile on my face. Ends up a bit like an episode of Wacky races but good fun with nasty David Tomlinson stealing the show. 7/10
Starring: Glenn Ford
A tough sheep farmer determines tp settle in a cattle town.
Westerns came at ten a penny & you need an outstanding feature for them to remain memorable. This one had it. Firstly, there were sheep at the centre of attention rather than cattle & secondly, the scxript is marvelous. Well paced & witty, the plot rolls along, Glenn Ford is cast perfectly & Shirley Maclaine is delightful. Some neat character portrayals from supporting actors round it off nicely. 8/10
Starring: John Mills
A rich man's son buys a car for one of his father's factory girls.
Charming little dipsy comedy. It's all in the comic timing & John Mills is a delight. Vera is played by a German lady, a decision I didn't quite understand but she was very good. Catchy little occasional songs helped the movie along. A little gem. 9/10
