We dive at dawn 1943

Starring: John Mills

World war ii adventures of a British submarine disabled in the Baltic.

This starts of as alight hearted tale of sailors on leave but ends as a suspenseful submarine drama. Nicely plotted movie with good battle scenes and characters that you care about. Not overly memorable but nicely done.     6/10

Interrupted melody 1955

Starring: Eleanor Parker

The story of Marjorie Lawrence, an Australian opera singer who fell victim to Polio

Well told biopic. Eleanor Parker is engaging in an oscar worthy performance. Glenn Ford is a perfect underplayed foil and Roger Moore is mis-cast and awkward, but hey, you can't have everything. Parker's performance is so real that you genuinely believe her illness is real and you can't help but urge her on. I've never been a lover of opera o the singing did get on my nerves. But that's just personal preference, I'm sure it was fabulous for fans.       6/10

Distant drums 1951

Starring: Gary Cooper

In 1840 Florida, an army officer rescues prisoners from an Indian fort and decimates the Seminoles who threaten their return journey.

A single paced Western lacking any real drama or excitement. The acting is poor and the direction at times bemusing. On occasions you wonder whether you're watching a wildlife documentary with swooping Eagles, slithering snakes and exotic birds. The scene where a guy is supposedly mauled by an alligator is hilarious as it's so fake. Not great.       4/10

The Holcroft covenant

Starrring: Michael Caine

One of the architects of Hitler's Third Reich leaves a bequest wich may fall into the wrong hands.

Single paced thriller with Michael Caine playing a German born architect who has lived in New York since he was a baby and sounds like Michael Caine. The script is cliched, the acting is extremely poor and the attempted humour falls way wide of the mark. Only the press conference at the end that neatly ties up the ends saves this movie. Not Michael Caine's finest hour.     4 /10

Invitation to a gunfighter 1964

Starring: Yul Bruyner

A small-town tyrant hires a smooth gunfighter to keep down the farmers he has cheated.

The sort of gunfighter for hire Western that has been made a 100 times. The difference with this is Yul Bruyner. He is close to charismatic throughout most of the movie as the plot slowly simmers towards the inevitable shootout. No great surprise but not bad.           5/10

Gentlemen prefer blondes 1953

Starring: Marilyn Monroe

A dumb blonde and a showgirl go to Paris in search of rich husbands.

Glitzy Hollywood musical comedy. Jane Russell & Marilyn Monroe both look great and certainly make this worth watching. Not hilarious but short enough that it doesn't matter and the scene with Monroe dressed in a rug with the young lad beneath it was very amusing. The term dumb blonde could have originated from this movie & Monroe's voice was particularly grating. The musical number 'Diamonds are a girls best friend' is one of the classics.

Harmless froth        6/10

The Way ahead 1944

Starring: David Niven

Adventures of a platoon of raw recruits during World War 2.

Very much a character driven film which gives adequate time to learn of the inner thoughts and feelings of newly called up squadies. This certainly makes you care about the characters and also makes you route for them. I understand that this was made as a 'flag waver' and I'm sure it did its job. Obviously, not so relevant now but still thought provoking.      6/10

Our man in Havana 1959

Starring: Alec Guinness

A British Vacuum cleaner salesman in Havana allows himself to be recruited as a spy, and wishes he hadn't.

Any spy film has to be measured against James Bond and I'm afraid this just didn't work for me. I never really bought the premise of this man being recruited barely without argument and therefore none of what cam after, worked for me. It was a bit wordy and single paced with only the occasional scene standing out. Guinness was certainly competent in his role & his daughter brought a breath of fresh air whenever she was in a scene. Not dreadful but certainly non memorable.      4/10

The Blackboard Jungle 1955

Starring: Glenn Ford

In a slum school. a teacher finally gains the respect of his class of young hooligans.

This type of unruly school movie is frequently turned out, some more convincing than others. This one in my opinion is grossly underrated. Glenn Ford as the initially timid & then determined teacher doesn't put a foot wrong, Sidney Poitier verges on the charismatic and Vic Morrow comes over as truely disturbed. Hard to watch at times but gripping.             8/10

The Strongest man in the World

Starring: Kurt Russell

An accident in a science lab gives a student superhuman strength.

There's something comforting about the opening credits & music of a Disney film. This movie started OK and was fairly watchable however daft the premise. It lost it for me when the two characters were released from prison. Suddenly we had two people taking up a load of screen time that I as an audience member, didn't care about. The characters that we'd previously been introduced to, were nowhere to be seen. The ending was satisfactory & Phil Silvers lifted any seen that he was in.       4/10

The Final test 1953

Starring: Jack Warner

A cricketer looks forward to his last game but is out for a duck; He is however cheered by the crowd and comforted by his son.

Cricket meets poetry in this sleepy little movie. Jack Warner has the emotion & charisma of a dining room table & looks about 30 years too old for his bride to be. But his son brings some youthful charm & Robert Morley is an absolute delight (Not something I normally say). Some how, this movie had charm and for me, worked.     7/10

Went the day well 1942

Starring: Leslie Banks

Villagers resist when German paratroopers invade an English village and the squire proves to be a quisling.

An insular little movie that makes you believe that you're the only one looking in on a dreadful ordeal for this typical English village. The film pulls no punches & highlights the tragedy and pointlessness of 2 nations fighting. 60 years after the war ended, this still gets the blood boiling.   8/10

Desperadoes 1943

Starring: Randolph Scott

A gunman rides into town to cause trouble, but finds romance and renews an old friendship.

This movie cannot decide whether it's a drama or a comedy. As a drama it's oh so predictable, as a comedy I'm afraid it just wasn't funny. As usual with Westerns, some great scenery, there was just no originality with plot or action. Glenn Ford is OK, Randolph Scott goes through the motions without really being noticed.      4/10

Water 1985

Starring: Michael Caine

Chaos comes to a Caribbean island when industrialists check it for mineral springs.

This film just doesn't work & it has no right not to work with the writers, actors & musicians who were signed up. The story is actually quite a good idea but all the characters were played so over the top that they descended into caricatures. If they'd played it utterly straight, the humour would have been pointe 7 the whole thing could have been brilliant.

Such a waste.     4/10

Billy Liar 1963

Starring: Tom Courtenay

In a drab North country town, an undertaker's clerk lives in a World of fantasy

Every character in this movie comes across as so genuine. Nothing is over the top apart from Liar's daydreaming scenes, all of which is completely called for. It's amusing, there's so much you can relate to, it's moving & also sad. Julie Christie is delightful as the one person who genuinely understands Liar. So different from anything you see in this day & age.    7/10

Jeremiah Johnson 1972

Starring: Robert Redford

In the 1850's an ex-soldier becomes a mountain trapper.

Beautifully made epic set in the wilderness. Stunning locations, fascinating characterisation & great performances. Touches of humour, particularly where Redford first tries to fish & when Grandpa Walton sends a Grizzly into his shack for Redford to skin. Touching as well as tragic, a great movie with Director & star both at the top of their game.     9/10

Leave her to heaven 1945

Starring: Gene Tierney

A selfish, jealous woman causes unhappiness for those around her, even in her suicide.

From the first frame with the melodramatic music, you knew that this wouldn't be a bundle of laughs. A slow-moving drama that simmered beautifully under the surface. Tierney was excellent as the slightly deranged siren, I would have liked to have known more as to what triggered her desperate behaviour. A movie thatr had a nice beginning, middle & end.      8/10

I was Monty's double 1958

Starring: John Mills

To distract the Nazis in Africa, an actor is hired to act as General Montgomery.

Quite an original idea. My main problem, is I'm ashamed to say that I'm not really too sure what the actual Monty looked or sounded like. That rather dates the film for me although its easy going style along with some nice performances, made it more than watchable. It got rather bogged down in the second half of the film & the capture scene didn't quite work for me. Quite good fun though.      5/10

Creepshow 2 1987

Starring: Lois Chiles

Cheapjack sequel, of no interest whatsoever.

Three short stories by Stephen King. The plus points are they were reasonably well made, quite well acted with some very good special effects. The stories were watchable enough, but the minus point is that they were all utterly predictable with no shocks. I liked the Indian story best followed by the hitchhiker & finally the raft.      6/10

Forty ninth parallel 1941

Starring: Eric Portman

In Canada, five stranded U-boat men try to escape into the US.

Nazis arrive on Canadian soil for the first time & find the Canadians indifference towards the war difficult to take. The constantly moving situations & locations keep this movie interesting. Good performances and a whole bunch of star cameos. A war movie with a difference.     6/10

Doctor in trouble 1970

Starring: Leslie Phillips

Dr Burke inadvertently becomes a stowaway on an Atlantic cruise.

Formula British comedy with no surprises 7 saucy, seaside postcard humour. Most films from this time include either James Robertson Justice, Robert Morley or John Le Mesurier. This had all three. Not very amusing but harmless fun for a Sunday morning.    5/10

Death Race 2000 1975

Starring: David Carradine

In the Year 2000, the World's most popular sport involves motor racers who compete for the highest total of human casualties.

Cult style B movie. All extremely distasteful and exhibited some acting of the poorest quality by the likes of Stallone. Never raised a smile, the cars were nicely put together for any petrol heads. Occasionally this caught my interest and at least it was mercifully short.    3/10

California Split 1974

Starring: Elliott Gould

Two cheerful gamblers get drunk, laid, cheated and happy.

Really hard to en joy this movie. Occasionally a plot line would grab the attention or I'd start to connect with a character. But the constant chatter with 2,3 or 4 people all talking at the same time was a bizarre directional decision. Basically, you ended up taking in very little and at the end I found that I didn't care whether they won or lost in the casino.         3/10

Coroner Creek 1948

Starring: Randolph Scott

A Western crusader tracks down the man behind a stagecoach raid.

A routine Western rolled off the Randolph Scott production line. This didn't really have anything to set it apart from many other Western's (Man arrives in town seeking revenge). Possibly slightly more vicious than some, but lacked originality.        4/10

The Great St Trinian's train robbery 1966

Starring: Frankie Howerd

The staff of St Trinian's is infiltrated by would-be train robbers

St Trinian's is all the rage at the moment following the remake. This is one sequel to far in the originals. All the essence that made this series work had disappeared and we were left with some poor characters, the headmistress was particularly annoying. Frankie Howerd bought some nice touches and his timing as ever, was spot on. The end sequence with the train chase went on about 5 mins too long. Watchable, but instantly forgettable.       5/10

Reach for the sky 1956

Starring: Kenneth More

Douglas Bader loses both legs in a 1931 air crash, learns to walk on artificial limbs and flies again in World War 11.

Utterly inspirational movie, Bader's courage and determination made me feel utterly inadequate. A light hearted, bouncy feel drives the movie along & at over 2 hours, I wanted it to keep going, very unusual for me. More is charming and bordering on the charismatic, all the other characters are rounded and utterly believable. Only the flying sequences were slightly unrealistic.     9/10

The Great Rupert 1950

Starring: Jimmy Durante

A family of impoverished acrobats are assisted by a pet squirrel which proves lucky in more ways than one.

Now, I've seen a lot of movies & thought that I'd pretty much seen it all, but a dancing squirrel? Let's just say that I was worried after 5 minutes as to just what I'd be watching. But this settles down to be a charming movie. Sure, the plot line is as implausible as you can get, but it's great fun. Jimmy Durante is a natural entertainer and there are some cracking one-liners and catchy little musical numbers. The whole thing comes together nicely at the end, I loved it!      9/10

The Life and times of Colonel Blimp 1943

Starring: Roger Livesey

A British soldier survives three wars and falls in love with three women

A tour de force for Livesey, he portrays his character brilliantly with Anton Walbrook proving to be a perfect foil for his blustering Englishness. Deborah Kerr is a delight throughout in this lavish, light hearted epic. So much to enjoy, but why did it have to be so interminably long?      5/10

Flying tigers 1942

Starring: John Wayne

American airmen fight the Japs over World war 11 China

Not the most interesting of films. It never seems to be going anywhere until the last 10 minutes. Wayne goes through the motions as usual but brings no personality to his character, All a bit unbelievable really.        4/10

Miss Sadie Thompson 1953

Starring: Rita Hayworth

Vigourous semi-musical remake of Rain a good star vehicle, but not otherwise notable.

This movie is all about Rita Hayworth. Sure, she can act, sing & has definite star quality. Unfortunately this is not enough, as the plot is as thin as it is unbelievable and the rest of the cast are generally wooden.    4/10

The Man with the gun 1955

Starring: Robert Mitchum

A gunfighter in search of his estranged wife becomes lawman of a lawless town.

A reasonable Western with a well paced plot & a good set. The only problem is that this story has been seen 100 times before. Man single cleans up a town single handed. Worth  view though.      6/10

Plenty 1985

Starring: Meryl Streep

After World war 2, the career of a neurotic society woman has parallels with the problems of western Europe.

Meryl Streep is as usual, breathtakingly good. The first 45 mins are compelling, but the film never really gathers pace and drifts somewhat, changing in location and time with only tenuous links guiding the audience along. A strong cast helps the piece. It's a movie to be watched for the acting rather than the plot.   6/10

The Battleship Potemkin 1925

A partly fictitious account of the mutiny at Odessa, an episode in the 1905 revolution.

For entertainment in the 21st century, this is a non-starter. As a piece of cinematic history, this is fascinating. The classic scene on the steps at Odessa still shocks today. A masterpiece considering it's nearly 100 years old. I'd seen clips at the MOMI in London, but I urge anyone interested in cinema to see the whole piece.       5/10

The Man from Colarado 1949

Starring: Glenn Ford

A maladjusted civil war veteran becomes a western judge and rules by the gun.

A shell-shocked, megalomaniac goes on a killing spree under the flag of war & law.  Not a bad plot although a lot of routine bar and jail scenes. Ford showed his madness by opening his eyes a little wider, not the most convincing acting I've seen, I did feel he underplayed this role. But the plot moved along at a healthy pace and the ending was both eye-catching & satisfactory.       5/10

There's a girl in my soup 1970

Starring: Peter Sellers

A randy TV personality finds himself outplotted by a waif he picks up

A sex comedy of sorts. Sellers character is horribly slimy but he is as convincing as ever. Goldie Hawn looks great but actually looks too good when Sellers first meets her, she needed much more of a rough edge. The whole thing was just not very believable and only made me laugh once.       5/10

That Forsyte woman 1949

 Starring: Errol Flynn

The wife of an Edwardian man of property falls in love with her niece's fiancé.

Period drama focussing on love, marriage & betrayal. Nice to see Flynn playing against type, he never once came close to a smile. A slow moving piece but the whole thing worked with all actors remaining true to their characters.       7/10

Tomahawk 1951

Starring:  Van Heflin

An Indian scout helps the Sioux to get their territory rights.

A run of the mill Western with the Sioux basically shown in a far better light than the cavalry. An Indian sympathiser is advising the soldiers, but which side will he fight on should war erupt?

The usual rotten apples basically causing the conflict.

Not great acting & a bit preachy. As with most Westerns, the locations were fantastic and in the movie, the horses looked fabulously turned out!        5/10

Predator 2 1990

Starring: Danny Glover

A heavily armed alien killer visits Earth.

I gave this one point for some clever use of CGI. Other than that, this is tiresome & predictable. Constant use of machine guns from the first frame, mass drug related murder, swearing, shouting and mostly bad acting. The whole thing lacks originality and intelligence. It's not big and it's not clever!      1/10

Kiss of the spider woman 1985

Starring: William Hurt

Fantasies of two prisoners in a South American jail.

A real slow burner of a movie. About half way through, following a conversation between Hurt & the prison governor, you suddenly twig what's going on and what the first hour has all been about. It then becomes utterly absorbing. Darkness & silence are cleverly used to build the tension. I was a little disappointed with the ending but two superb acting performances were well worth seeing.       6/10

Moonrise 1948

Starring: Dane Clark

A murderer's son is driven into violence by memories and fears of his childhood.

Melodrama where a man fights the inner demons he's had to live with since his father was hung when he was a young boy. Memorable mainly for the imaginative use of lighting and some strong supporting, acting performances. A bit single paced, but certainly caught my imagination and kept my interest.     6/10

Stranger on the third floor 1940

Starring: Margaret Tallichet

A reporter finds that he was wrong in the well-intentioned testimony which helps convict an innocent man for murder.

At only an hour long, this is a bit like watching an episode of your favourite TV show. The lead characters are personable & Peter Lorre (Never a favourite of mine) is only briefly in the movie. A decent plotline although I found too much time was spent listening & seeing the reporters thoughts and dreams. Overall, a short film which was very easy on the eye. 6/10

Arsenic and old lace 1942

Starring: Cary Grant

Two dear, well-meaning old ladies invite lonely old men to their Brooklyn home, poison them with Elderberry wine, and have their mad brother, who believes the corpses are yellow fever victims, bury them in the cellar. A homicidal nephew then turns up with bodies of his own.

A story that to my mind sits better on the stage. I'd like to have seen some of the victims being poisoned, it would have made the piece darker. Some great characters, namely both the aunts and their relative who thinks he's Roosevelt. Cary Grant, usually so dependable, shouts his way through the film and is actually quite annoying. A classic story but not my favourite adaptation. 5/10

The Courage of Lassie 1946

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor

For the first 20 minutes, all you see is a dog messing about with a bear & some birds. All very cute & scenic but could have been 15 minutes shorter. Lassie is called Bill in this film, why wasn't he just called Lassie? He gets brought up by a young girl, gets run down by a truck & is then enscripted in the army where he saves lives. After suffering a stress disorder he almost gets put down but is saved by a rousing, morale boosting speech. Not bad, once it got going. 5/10

Superfly 1972

Starring: Ron O'Neal

The New York adventures of black cocaine pedlars.

Blaxplotation, drugs movie set against a 1970's elevator music soundtrack.

Somebody will probably tell me that this was true to life. It's all just a little tedious & obvious. Too many scenes where the soundtrack takes over and we're left watching stills or silent conversations.Admittedly, the ending is well thought out and there's not as much bad language and blood hsed as you often see. Not the worst type movie of this genre I've ever seen, but a story line that's oh so obvious and has been seen hundreds of times before. 4/10

Two thousand women 1944

Starring: Phyllis Calvert

Two pilots try to rescue British women from a French concentration camp.

The heading above is misleading as it's the women who are trying to help the pilots escape. Set in an internment camp in an ex-hotel in occupied France, this is a light-hearted movie where even death is treated with throw away one-liners. The film builds well, has an exciting climax and unashamed patriotism at the end, absolutely suitable for when it was made. I rather enjoyed this film. 7/10

The Big sky 1952

Starring: Kirk Douglas

In 1830 two Kentucky mountain men join an exploration up the Missouri and become preoccupied with Indian trouble.

Overlong, tedious Western that I never engaged with for one minute. 1/10