The Great Sioux massacre

Starring: Joseph Cotten

Two officers are court-martialled after Custer's last stand.

Yet another telling of Custer's demise. Having never studied this historically, I'm unsure how true the events leading up to the final stand are. But Custer & all the cavalry don't come out of this at all well & you end up having a large sympathy towards the Sioux. Quite well made & choreographed film, shame it's a subject matter scene dozens of times before. 6/10

Behind green lines 1945

Starring: Carole Landis

A murderer is spotted during one night in the press room of a police station.

A rather rushed 'B' style movie that seemed to flick from scene to scene without a great deal of care. Two many unnecessary characters and scenes breezed through the movie as an attempt was made to demonstrate a busy police station. The main story was okay but the whole movie was just a little clumsy. 4/10

The Graduate 1967

Starring: Dustin Hoffman

A rich Californian ex-student is led into an affair with the wife of his father's friend, then falls in love with her daughter.

An iconic movie that if it was re-made with unknown actors today, would sink without trace. It is relevant to its period, the performances by Hoffman, Bancroft & Ross are all spot on. The music score is just right and there is love, angst, desperation and a little humour. The scenes in the hotel were beautifully played and somehow, this movie mesmerises you. 8/10

Haunted Honeymoon 1986

Starring: Gene Wilder

A radio actor takes his fiancee to the family's gloomy country estate, where werewolves and transvestites re some of the creatures which abound.

As with most of Wilder's movies, almost a series of sketches with very little plot. It's almost like ideas keep cropping up as they're filming and these are added to what's already there. A bit like machine gun fire, some of these hit the spot whilst others are way off the mark. I loved the song and dance number that randomly appeared & also a great scene when Wilder was talking to policemen with someone else's legs. For me Dom DeLuise stole the show. 5/10

Stay hungry 1976

Starring: Jeff Bridges

The heir to an Alabama estate annoys the locality by assembling a curious bunch of friends and making unexpected use of his money.

A peculiar kind of film. At the end, I wasn't entirely sure what it had all been about & my conclusion was that the plot got bogged down somewhat in excessive dialogue. Sally Field is always a delight & it was interesting to see a very young Schwarzenegger who as a Mr Universe contestant was very good. 3/10

All the Young men 1960

Starring: Sidney Poitier

A marine patrol in Korea is commanded by a black man, and racial tensions take precedence over fighting the enemy

Set in gorgeous mountain location, this war movie was certainly unusual due to the snow angle. Sidney Poitier is excellent & smoulders throughout. I guess in the 21st century, the race angle is just a bit tired and nowadays, irrelevant. The action scenes are okay although a bit samey. Watchable if not memorable. 6/10

Captain Kidd 1945

Starring: Charles Laughton

A pirate tricks King William iii into giving him Royal orders, but enemies he believes dead return to see him hanged.

I wonder whether Jonny Depp got any of his inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow from Laughton's performance? In many ways & particularly in voice, they are very similar. This film is all about Laughton. His slightly camp & under played amusing performance is really the only thing worth watching. The script is fairly poor, the location virtually non-existent and Randolph Scott is wooden although it was nice to see him not sat on a horse in a cowboy hat. 6/10

The Wackiest ship in the army 1960

Starring: Jack Lemmon

In the South Pacific during World war ii a decrepit sailing ship with an inexperienced crew manages to confuse Japanese patrols and land a scout behind enemy lines.

A nice idea but did not come off for me. Some occasional good moments but the wacky ship and crew were not nearly wacky enough for me. Jack Lemmon is a brilliant actor and his comedy timing was as usual, up to scratch. He was just left with a clumsy, slightly lightweight script that at times seemed to get confused as to whether it was outright comedy, sentimental comedy/drama or war film. 4/10

Millions like us 1943

Starring: Patricia Roc

The tribulations of a family in wartime, especially of the meek daughter who goes into war work and marries an airman, who is killed.

A war film which focuses mainly on the women, in this case based at a factory making parts for aircraft. A ridiculously young Gordon Jackson played the love interest. This was watchable but held no surprises as th scenes made you smile but also produced a sadness & tragedy. As always, movies like this have a historical fascination. 6/10

There's no Business like show business 1954

Starring: Ethel Merman

The life and times of a family of vaudevillians

Typical Holywood musical centring around the multi-talented Donohue family. The routines were very slick and the singing good, it just became a little too similar after a while. The lives of the children became the most interesting aspect of the film and there was a satisfactory ending. The performances were good with the exception of Marilyn Monroe who was hopelessly mis-cast. Quite a feel good affair. 5/10

Night of the Eagle 1961

Starring: Peter Wyngarde

At a medical school, a jealous witch sets an evil force on her rival.

A quite well made witchcraft, black magic story. The characters are believable and the locations excellent. You can' deny that this is far-fetched, I just felt that the story needed a bit more consideration to flesh it out so that all the loose ends tied together & we understood the motivation. Nice ending though! 6/10

Bus Stop 1956

Starring: Marilyn Monroe

In a Rodeo town, a simple-thinking cowboy meets a cafe singer and asks her to marry him.

A simple plot but a movie filled with likeable characters. Monroe pitches it just about right but the real star is Don Murray. His boyish enthusiasm & un-realised manly looks are brilliantly exploited. I found the whole thing to be great fun. 8/10

Half shot at sunrise 1930

Starring: Bert Wheeler

Allegedly one of the best representations of a star comedy duo who went into a decline after 1932.

The comedy story of 2 POW soldiers in Paris chasing girls and causing mayhem. One of them ends up dating the General's daughters and finds himself trying to get crucial orders through to the front line. Not a comedy duo I've ever heard of. This was surprisingly slick & amusing in places. A witty script and a lead duo with good timing. Even a couple of songs thrown in, this was dated but quite good fun. 6/10

Force of evil 1948

Starring: John Garfield

A racketeer's lawyer finds that his boss has killed the lawyer's brother

I don't really get on with film noir. As well as this film has been made & as classy as the acting is, it just seemed ever so dull. Too much dialogue, not enough movement and no light or shade. Difficult to follow because my mind kept wandering. 3/10

Aces high 1976

Starring: Malcom McDowell

In the air force during World War 1, young pilots are needlessly sacrificed.

Utterly brilliant. The special effects and dog fights are thrilling, but more important than that, a brilliant atmosphere is created. A real team spirit with typical stiff upper lipness although several poignant moments when you can see the despair & tragedy in the pilots eyes. I do wish Malcom McDowell wasn't always dysfunctional in some way in his movies, but his characterisation was top drawer. 9/10

The Spanish main 1945

Starring: Paul Henreid

In the Caribbean, the fiancee of the Spanish viceroy is kidnapped by a pirate who determines to tame her before marrying her.

A bit of swash and buckle with likeable characters. Nicely done with tongue in cheek and that light -hearted air makes all the difference. Good fun. 7/10

Lady in a cage 1964

Starring: Olivia De Havilland

A rich widow is trapped by roving marauders in her private elevator

Talk about having a bad day! Lady trapped in a cage like elevator first has to put up with a wino, then a female hustler & then 3 hoodlums rampage through her house. Well directed and quite well acted although the movie is full of deeply unpleasant characters. Best advert I've ever seen for a Stannha stairlift. 7/10

The Rains of Ranchipur 1955

Starring: Lana Turner

Remake of 'The Rains came'

A romantic melodrama with a bunch of self-centred, selfish people who can't see beyond the end of their lit cigarette. The whole thin livens up when the rains & earthquake come with the effects quite good. Star studded cast is adequate & although Richard Burton is a brilliant actor, he looked ridiculous as an Indian doctor in a turban. Just a bit too Hollywood in its production and casting. 6/10

The captive heart 1946

Starring: Michael Redgrave

Stories of life among British officers in a German POW camp, especially of a Czech who has stolen the papers of a dead Britisher.

Slow moving, sentimental, nostalgic piece that seems Worlds away from modern society. Occasionally hits the spot with the story of the Czech officer holding the most interest. Gordon Jackson played the blind officer with his usual skill. 6/10

Ill met by moonlight 1956

Starring: Dirk Bogarde

In Crete during the German occupation, British agents work with partisans to capture a German general.

It's always good to see Dirk Bogarde & you don't find too many movies set on Crete. Unfortunately, although not terrible, this film never reaches the level it could have. There is no tension, events seem to take an age to develop and it's all just a bit lacklustre. A lot of humour is attempted, not a bad thing but I feel the director should have concentrated more on the plot & action. 5/10

Holiday on the busses 1973

Starring: Reg Varney

3rd movie from the popular TV series. A laugh here or there but the movie fails as there's no on-going plot line. Blakey has to be one of the most irritating central characters ever although the other stars and their family members have an endearing quality about them. A nice trip down memory lane. 5/10

Hangman's knot 1952

Starring: Randolph Scott

Confederate soldiers returning home with Union booty are waylaid at a way station by renegades

A fairly short movie tht starts quite well with the capture of the gold. Unfortunately, once they are held up in the cabin, it gets terribly bogged down and seems to run out of ideas. The ending is fairly inevitible and most of the action is carried out in pitch darkness. 4/10

The Lion has wings 1939

Starring: Merle Oberon

A documentary drama tracing the steps leading up to the outbreak of war.

Propaganda in its day, now ideal I would imagine for a history lesson in school. Interesting from a historical point of view but hugely dated. Should really only be used now for archive purposes and is certainly not a piece of entertainment. 3/10

Designing woman 1957

Starring: Gregory Peck

A sports reporter marries a dress designer and finds that their common interests are few.

A comedy which misses the mark and is overlong. I find the talking heads tiresome and the plot was very slow moving. The fight scene at the end with the balletic actor taking every one out was a great scene and the movie was worth watching through for that. 3/10

Santa Fe 1951

Starring: Randolph Scott

After the civil war, the eldest of four westbound brothers tries to prevent the others from becoming outlaws.

I have a theory that all movies set on or around trains are quite entertaining. This was not the best, but still rattled along at a fair pace as Randolph Scott helped build the Santa Fe railroad with drama along the way. Some nice light hearted moments & some good action. 6/10

THX 1138 1970

Starring: Robert Duvall

In a future society, computer programmed and emotionless, an automated human begins to break the rules.

If you like white costumes on a white set, then this is the movie for you. Quite odd in a lot of ways and only got interesting for me in the last 20 minutes. A bit of background and explanation before the start could have made all the difference. 3/10

Lt Robin Crusoe USN

Starring: Dick Van Dyke

A navy pilot parachutes on to a Pacific Island and gets involved in the local women's lib movement.

Typical Disney comedy in the 'Herbie' mould. With such a great location and attractive girls, you can't help but like it and Dick Van Dyke is perfect for the role. Great for a wet weekend.      6/10

The Silver bears 1977

Starring: Michael Caine

A Las Vegas money man invests money in various European outlets and makes a killing.

If only the production had been as stunning as the locations. The first half of this movie was as laborious as beyond belief & the scene at the Swiss restaurant had the worst editing I've seen for a long time. Fortunately, the movie picked up once the Luckman's arrived despite some dodgy acting throughout. Michael Caine brought nothing original to a performance I've seen him give dozens of times.             5/10

David and Bathsheba 1951

Starring: Gregory Peck

King David loves the wife of one of his captains, and ensures that the latter is killed in battle.

Old testament story, this is terribly talkative to start with and the orchestra should have been paid overtime. Once you get into the consequences of David's affair with Bathsheba, it becomes more interesting although it's very single paced throughout.          5/10

The Lion in Winter 1968

Starring: Peter O'Toole

Henry 11 and Eleanor of Aquitaine celebrate Christmas together and have a family row.

Over long drama with plots, sub-plots, treason and feuding. Too talkative and never really gets anywhere. Having said that Peter O'Toole is excellent & Katherine Hepburn is an absolute joy, this movie is worth seeing for that reason alone.     4/10 

Welcome to Hard Times 1967

Starring: Henry Fonda

A small Western town arms itself against a mysterious bandit.

Off-beat Western set in a town that spends most of its time smouldering having been burnt town. I found that I wanted to know who the bandit was & where his motivation came from. Basically, a character driven movie that I just found a little tedious.       4/10

The Wooden horse 1950

Starring: Leo Genn

During World war 11, British prisoners escape from Stalag Luft 111 by tunnelling under a vaulting horse.

Iconic story & worth seeing for that alone. I found it a bit dated, lacking in tension and very single paced. Considering this was a true story, I have nothing but admiration for these people and I'm sure the tension missing from this film was not missing from their escape.      5/10

Tarzan the ape man 1932

Starring: Johnny Weismuller

First talkie of the Tarzan series. An excellent movie that still stands up now with great effects and genuine locations. Weismuller was the definitive Tarzan & Maureen O'Sullivan was the perfect foil, both of them were ridiculously good looking at this time. Great fun.       7/10

The War wagon 1967

Starring: John Wayne

Two cowboys and an Indian plan to ambush the gold wagon of a crooked mining contractor.

Formula Western. John Wayne always played the same character but sometimes a partnership just hits it off & he is splendid with Kirk Douglas. Some nice supporting characters and a light, witty script help bowl this along.       7/10

Night Moves 1975

Starring: Gene Hackman

A private eye is engaged to find a runaway teenager.

Gene Hackman with a dodgy moustache, looks like a porn star and the music also has that feel at times. This movie starts slowly and you wonder where it's going. But the characterisations are brilliant particularly by Hackman & Jennifer Warren. The movie at some point, grabs your interest, hooks you in and has an unexpected, explosive finish. A real, slow burner.         7/10

A Fistful of dynamite 1971

Starring: Rod Steiger

In 1913, a Mexican bandit and an ex-IRA explosives expert join forces to rob a bank.

Typical Sergio Leone fayre, is there any other kind? Rod Steiger is terrific, James Coburn creates a marvelous character and the music is spot on. As Spaghetti Westerns go, it's not bad, but you need to give yourself time to sit & enjoy it as it's very long. My only problem were the flashback scenes that never quite worked.           4/10

The Flamingo kid 1984

Starring: Matt Dillon

In 1963, a teenager comes of age while working at a beach club.

Billed as a romantic comedy, it never made me laugh and wasn't particularly romantic. It was watchable though, Matt Dillon was engaging and personable and Hector Elizondo as his father lifted every scene he was in. A bit like a frothy drink that looks great but doesn't have a lot of substance.        6/10   

Oliver 1968

Starring: Ron Moody

A musical version of Oliver Twist

A very well known version of this story but the first time I'd seen the whole film. Lavish, brilliantly choreographed, fabulous locations and songs that never miss the mark. Some of the acting misses the mark where as performances particularly by Moody & Reed are quite magnificent.        9/10

The Thief 1952

Starring: Ray Milland

A nuclear physicist is on the run from the FBI, who suspect him of being a spy.

Bizarre decision to make a full length movie with no dialogue whatsoever. At times, there's no dialogue seemingly only because, that's what the director had decided to do. Strange decision with any interest only being supplied by knowing looks and atmospheric music. Desperately dull.         1/10

Of Human bondage 1946

Starring: Paul Henreid

Good-looking but thoroughly dull remake

Henreid is the medial student with an odd accent who falls for a lower class waitress and becomes infatuated & obsessive towards her. To be honest, it was him who came over as creepy and slightly deranged and I couldn't quite see why his adopted family became so fond of him. Over-long but still watchable.    6/10

Tunes of glory 1960

Starring: Alec Guinness

The new disciplinarian CO of a highland regiment crosses swords with his lax, hard drinking predecessor.

For the second week running I've found myself watching a Scottish themed movie. Set almost entirely in a barracks, this is the story of to men clashing over the running of a regiment. Both men are clearly traumatised by their wartime experiences although this is only briefly referred to. Guinness is superb as the overbearing, outgoing commander with his Scottish accent as authentic as they come, what an actor! John Mills is the perfect foil, another brilliant, angst ridden performance. Superb back up by all the other actors, this is a little gem.    8/10

The Kidnappers 1953

Starring: Duncan Macrae

In a Nova Scotian village at the turn of the century a stern old man denies his young grandchildren a pet, so they borrow a baby and hide it in the woods.

Set in a Scottish community in Nova Scotia. This starts as a dispute over who owns the land on a hill and ends with one of the young children in court over kidnapping a baby. Not a good example as a movie, inbred prejudice passed on to innocent children and petty squabbles where nobody will compromise. A little dour, but watch-able with a score that always lets you know what's about to happen.        5/10

Before winter comes 1968

Starring: David Niven

Austria 1945; A British major in charge of displaced persons is helped and hindered by a cheerful Yugoslav refugee who turns out to be a Russian deserter.

Filmed in beautiful Austrian scenery, Niven is fine as a stuffy major whilst Topal verges on charismatic as the interpreter. The problem is that this movie is a little single paced. It takes ages to see where this film is going & although the ending is moving, the groundwork has not pulled enough strings to make the ending dramatic enough. Probably would be better as a book.      4/10

The Sword and the rose 1952

Starring: Richard Todd

The romantic problems of young Mary Tudor.

A light-hearted drama with lavish settings & bright colours, typically Disney. Richard Todd is suitably suave & debonair, Glynis Johns as Mary is full of spirit and delightful, James Robertson Justice when he underplayed his role of Henry v111 was fine but whenever he tried to portray any emotion, he just shouted, typical of this one dimensional actor. Harmless enough movie.      5/10

A Shock to the system 1990

Starring: Michael Caine

Passed over for promotion and bored by his wife, a marketing executive turns to murder to resolve his difficulties.

Unoriginal black comedy where a man finds ingenious ways to get away with murder. Caine's performance is incredibly one-paced except for one scene in his bosses office; I'm guessing he was supposed to be cool and calculating, I found it a bit like wading through treacle. Most of the cast looked bored and only occasional scenes brought this to life. The whole murder idea was supposed to have been triggered after Caine had an electric shock. That idea kind of summed up the whole movie.        5/10

Cromwell 1970

Starring: Richard Harris

An account of the rise of Cromwell to power, the execution of Charles 1, and the civil war.

Certainly taught me a little more of Britain's history although it was too wordy to be compelling. Very well acted with Richard Harris & Alec Guinness exemplary in their performances.      5/10

The Woman in question 1949

Starring: Jean Kent

Police investigating a woman's death build up several different impressions of her.

Simple, single paced  whodunit, this must have been great fun for the actors who got to play their characters from several different angles. The usually rock solid Dirk Bogarde gave possibly the weakest performance that I've ever seen from him. But this kept me guessing right up until the end.      6/10