Starring: Buster Keaton
A professor inherits a Bradway musical and falls for the lure of the bright lights.
A Keaton talkie & he plays the part of the professor brilliantly. Completely straight, he is hillarious particularly when undertaking silent style comedy. Jimmy Durante's humour doesn't last 80 years but he exudes a tremendous energy. Surprisingly enjoyable all round. 7/10
Starring: John Wayne
In 1901, a dying ex-gunfighter arrives in a small town to set his affairs in order.
The best performance I've ever seen by John Wayne & a real tribute to his life and career. He underplayed his part magnificently and was superbly aided by Lauren Bacall. Ron Howard looking exactly like Richie from Happy days never quite fitted for me, the brilliant James Stewart did his best to steal the show. A great mixture of old Western and emerging 20th century technology. This was touching with tremendous attention to detail. 8/10
Starring: Boris Karloff
Baron Frankenstein is blackmailed by Dr Praetorious into reviving his monster and building a mate for it.
Considering this was made in 1935, the quality was superb. Excellent effects especially the King, Queen etc in a jar & superb explosion of the castle at the end. The acting was not at all bad and it was a pleasure to watch such a classic. 6/10
Starring: Robert Taylor
A police detective is on the payroll of a crime syndicate.
This just didn't work. You never got the feeling that this cop was a bad apple. We were handed 90 minutes of tough talking, New York, gangster chat and little action. Just all a bit tedious. 3/10
