Al Jennings of Oklahoma 1950

Starring: Dan Duryea

A lawyer becomes a western outlaw

I'm guessing that this is a true story as it had the movie based on a book by Al Jennings. Most interesting with the legal elements. When Jennings became an outlaw, you lost all sympathy for him and it turned into a more standard western. Interesting elemeents kept it watchable.     6/10

Artists and models 1955

Starring: Dean Martin

A goonish young man receives telepathic top secret information in his nightmares, which are used by his artist friend in comic strips; foreign agents and the CIA get interested.

Although occassionally irritating, you can't help laughing at Jerry Lewis. Dean Martin was at his best in roles like this, the musical numbers are terrific, particularly the song sung by Shirley Maclaine on the stairs. The whole gangster thing got a little in the way and could have been ommitted from the movie altogether. A nice, feel-good movie.       7/10

the Last challenge 1967

Starring: Glenn Ford

Being a fan of Glenn Ford & Angie Dickinson, this was easy viewing. A traditional 'Fastest gun' storyline, there was plenty of filling as we waited for the inevitible showdown. Had a gentle feel to it and the characters were so likeable, it was a shame one of them had to lose.        6/10

The last chance 1945

Starring: E.G Morrison

In 1943 an Englishman and an American escape from a fascist camp in northern Italy and with the help of refugees cross the mountains into Switzerland.

An unusual movie with an element of suspense. Have spoken in English and half spoken in Italian with sub-titles. This had a real air of authenticity about it and although dated, it was worth a view.     5/10

Twenty million miles to Earth

Starring: William Hopper

An American rocket ship returning from Venus breaks open and a scaly monster escapes into the Mediterranean and is cornered in the Coliseum.

Quite good fun and some of the effects are not at all bad. These monsters never get cornered in a small side street in Belgium, always a famous landmark!     6/10

The Conversation 1974

Starring: Gene Hackman

A bugging device expert lives only for his work, but finally develops a conscience.

Had real potential but became too complex. All people really ant is a good story that is easy to follow. Is that really so difficult?       3/10

Storm in a teacup 1937

Starring: Vivien Leigh

A national sensation ensues when a Scottish provost fines an old lady for not licensing her dog, and sh refuses to pay.

Seems odd in this day to see a movie about a ntional outcry caused due to non-payment of a dog licence. But this film had an easy charm and some amusing moments. Vivien Leigh and Rex Harrison were both good value despite Harrison having panda like eyes in his opening scene.       6/10

Now voyager 1942

Starring: Bette Davis

A dowdy frustrated spinster takes the psychiatric cure and embarks on a doomed love affair.

Over-long family drama. Bette Davis turns in a superb performance and is terrific in showing the changes in her personality. The best scenes are with the matriarch mother who acts her scenes brilliantly and is the most awful character.   4/10

Take me high 1973

Starring: Cliff Richard

A bank manager helps an unsuccessful restaurant to launch a new hamburger.

He may be in icon, but Cliff really couldn't act. Rubbish script and poor performances never gave this much of a chance. Somehow, cliff's charisma and some original, catchy songs kept the whole thing watchable and I came on the verge of enjoying it.    5/10 

Comanche territory 1950

Starring: Maureen O'Hara

Jim Bowie assists the Comanches against treacherous whites

Watchable enough without being brilliant. Maureen O'Hara is feisty, Macdonald Carey a fair enough leading man, although Will Geer steals the show. The plot has little originality, the script poor and the acting isn't brilliant. Still quite enjoyed though.        6/10  

Point blank 1967

Starring: Lee Marvin

A gangster takes an elaborate revenge on his cheating partner.

Complete cobblers. confusing plot, badly acted and odd direction with flashbacks, slow motion and music that completely overpowered the action and grated on your nerves.      2/10

Miss London Ltd 1943

Starring: Arthur Askey

An escort agency is formed to assist soldiers on leave.

A few nice songs, a couple of smiles but basically this is formula Askey and just falls a little flat in the 21st century.    3/10

East of sudan

Starring: Anthony Quayle

A trooper, a governess and others escape downriver from one of General Gordon's outposts.

A mix between Robinson Crusoe and a David Attenborough documentary with wildlife galore. The lack of location filming meant that the whole thing lacked action and drama. But fascinating to see a young Sylvia Syms, Dereck Folds and Jenny Agutter in her first ever film role.     6/10

Ma and Pa kettle at the fair 1952

Starring: Marjorie Main

First movie that I've seen from this series. Great fun. Both Ma & Pa are extremely funny and the supporting cast all add to the enjoyment. Bread with cement, runaway pony and trap, slingshot made from Ma's knickers, it's all there. Would happily watch more from this series.    7/10

Only the valiant 1950

Staring: Gregory Peck

A tough cavalry officer in a lonely fort wins a battle against Indians.

A bit like a poor mans magnificent seven. Soldiers try to stop the penetration of a pass from a fort. The whole thing lacks a little pace and Peck seems somewhat subdued throughout. But there are some good scenes, the action is fun and the whole thing was quite enjoyable.    6/10

To hell and back 1955

Starring: Audie Murphy

The war career of America's most decorated infantryman.

Audie Murphy has always been a favourite actor of min, I had no idea of his military history prior to this autobiographical movie. Fascinating stuff and a real inspiration, very well made. Respect!!!   7/10

Mr & Mrs Bridge 1990

Starring: Paul Newman

An inhibited lawyer snuffs out his wife's individuality during a long and apparently happy marriage.

If it's fast-paced action and rib tickling humour that you want, then this is not a movie for you. If you want gentle observations about family and relationships and the sacrifices that people endure to make a marriage work. Then this is the movie. Brilliantly acted by all concerned but particularly Joanne Woodward, this was typical Merchant/ivory and an absolute joy.      8/10

Framed 1947

Starring: Glenn Ford

A drunken out-of-work engineer is used as fall guy by two thieves planning an elaborate coup.

Competent little thriller, almost Hitchcock like in the way it was filmed and played. Ford always turns in a solid shift and femme fatale Janis Carter was excellent. The plot never really amounted to much and the pace was a little slack at times, but it wasn't at all bad.     7/10

Robbery under arms 1957

Starring: Peter Finch

In 19th-century Australia, two farming brothers join the notorious outlaw Captain Starlight.

A kind of family epic western but with Australian accents. At times it's humorous, there's adventure, romance and tragedy. If anything, it tries to cram too much into a short time. Interesting to see a very young looking David McCallum. A movie that grew on me as it went on. A kind of poor man's Butch Cassidy...       5/10

Transatlantic tunnel 1935

Starring: Richard Dix

Crooked finances mar the completion of  an undersea tunnel to America.

1930's disaster/construction movie that focuses more on the love story angle. The scenes in the tunnel themselves are actually very well done & for their time, quite effective. I clearly remember the UK channel tunnel being built & all the discussions around it, this brought back those memories.    4/10