Out Of The Blue 1947

 

Starring: George Brent

A Greenwich Village artist thinks a girl who has passed out in his apartment is dead, and tries to hide the body.

Props department must have had a field day. Farce that happily goes around in circles for 85 minutes, harmless fun.   5/10

The Caddy 1953

 

Starring: Dean Martin

A music hall comedy act recall how they got together.

No doubting the star quality of Martin and the energy of Lewis. Some scenes work better than others, but it's exhausting to watch and in my opinion, the physical comedy is 'too much'. Sports movies just never seem believable. Movie went quickly and with refinement, could have been excellent.    6/10

Men In Her Diary 1945

Starring: Peggy Ryan

A jealous woman tries to hire an unattractive girl as her husband's secretary.

People shouting at the same time and characters having an irritating laugh do not make a comedy. Shame, the idea was quite decent and beneath the surface, there was a charm trying to get out.   4/10
 

Cancel My Reservation 1972

Starring: Bob Hope

A TV talk show host retreats to his ranch and finds himself mixed up with murder.

Mixing comedy and mystery never really works, but Bob Hope has enough about him to raise a few laughs and despite being stupid, I quite enjoyed this.   6/10
 

The Girl Who Had Everything 1953

 

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor

The daughter of a wealthy criminal lawyer falls in love with one of her father's crooked clients.

Short movie. William Powell is comfortable and believable in his role, Liz Taylor is not bad, Fernando Lamas though had no chemistry with Taylor at all. All builds to a decent climax in last 15 minutes.   6/10

Bartleby 1970

 Staring: Paul Scofield

A young clerk gradually refuses to take part in life.

In a time before depression and autism is recognised and understood, this is a strangely moving piece. The boss displays a confused, frustrated character who clearly has a soft heart. Bartleby himself is brilliantly portrayed. We've still got a lot to do but have come a long way.    6/10

The Small Voice 1948

 Starring: James Donald

Escaped convicts hold up a playwright and his wife in their country cottage.

Too dark for too long, all a bit manufactured and Howard Keel seems completely miscast. Throw a couple of kids into the mix and there is a degree of tension. Some lines that were so bizarre, they made me laugh, James Donald played it all on one level, it did have its moments though.    6/10