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