The Rescuers 1977

 

The Mouse Rescue Aid Society volunteer to bring back a girl lost in a swamp.

Grew on me, actually quite a nice little adventure story with some good touches of humour. Particularly liked the Albatros aircraft and the gators. Didn't have the catchy songs that sets Disney films apart.     6/10

Breakfast In Hollywood 1945

 

Starring: Tom Breneman

A day in the life of a radio breakfast show host.

A bit like watching a cabaret show. Some of the songs and humour are easy on the ear but there is no strong plot line to knit the whole thing together.      4/10

Innocent Bystanders 1972

 

Starring: Stanley Baker

The British secret service sends three agents to trace a Russian traitor.

Very 1970's, poor man's James Bond and a bit like an episode of the Professionals. Take away the terrible script, average acting and just watch the action and it's not too bad.     6/10

Lola. 1969

 

Starring: Susan George

A 16-year old London schoolgirl marries a dissolute 40-year old American author.

A fascinating, discussion-worthy movie although Charles Bronson was mis-cast for me. Amazing named actors making cameos, the most is best in the UK section for me. Susan George is spot on and seriously, how gorgeous a young lady was she?        7/10

Chicago Syndicate. 1955

 

Starring: Dennis O'Keefe

A young accountant breaks up an outwardly respectable crime syndicate.

Not bad, just a little run of the mill. Probably instantly forgettable.    4/10

Ah Wilderness. 1935

 

Starring: Wallace Beery

Problems of a small-town family at the turn of the century.

A disappointing way to end the year, nothing of interest at all in this one despite yet another performance by the prolific Mickey Rooney.    2/10

Mr Soft Touch 1949

 

Starring: Glenn Ford

A gangster is reformed at Christmas by a social worker.

Alternative, low key gangster movie that takes a while to take off. Interesting alternative Christmas though.     4/10

Three Sailors And A Girl. 1953

 

Starring: Jane Powell

A ship's funds are unofficially invested in a musical show.

Surprising how few movies Gordon Macrae made, a routine musical with nothing overly original or toe-tapping.      5/10

Family Honeymoon. 1948

 Starring: Claudette Colbert

A college professor marries a widow whose three children join them on their Grand Canyon honeymoon.

This is just good, family friendly fun. Nothing much more to add, it's a movie that puts a smile ob your face with Phyllis the maid pretty much stealing the show.        6/10

Tammy And The Bachelor. 1957

 

Starring: Debbie Reynolds

A backwards tomboy falls for a stranded flier.

What a delight! I had a constant smile on my face throughout. Stunning locations, especially the houseboat, Debbie Reynolds is perfect as the young, charming Louisiana girl who is thrust into a different World. Loved it.    9/10

Big Trouble. 1984

 

Starring: Peter Falk

Two incompetent con men try to swindle an insurance company.

Movies like this are so frustrating. Cracking cast including the lovely Beverly D'Angelo who was a real favourite of mine from this era. The start was terrific with the scene well sent and it then descended into a muddled silliness. Such a disappointment.     4/10

A stranger In My Arms. 1959

 

Starring: June Allyson

A test pilot falls in love with his dead friend's widow and helps her face up to her in-laws.

Jeff Chandler id grounded, similarly this movie takes a while to take off. Stick with it, the melodrama builds to a great climax with Mary Astor terrific. Interesting to see Sandra Dee, famous from the Grease song and yet rarely seen.        6/10

A Good Man In Africa. 1993

 

Starring: Colin Friels

In a West African nation, the womanizing British 1st Secretary of the High Commissioner deals with different issues.

Watched this as a tribute to the great Sean Connery who passed away this week. A silly, light-hearted romp with no historical accuracy but it did put a smile on my face. Hell of a cast with Lithgow, Whalley-Kilmer, Riggings & Gossett Jr. also on show. Connery is stately and head and shoulders is the best thing in this movie. RIP Sean and thank you.    7/10

The Serpent And The Rainbow. 1987

 

Starring: Bill Pullman

A scientist travels to Haiti to investigate zombies.

Zombie movies these days are ten a penny and mostly rubbish. This movie is different, it has believable people, is well acted with good effects and is vaguely terrifying. Bill Pullman with his gentle drawl is a terrific actor when he's given good material and I thought he was great in this. A real Halloweeen surprise.      7/10

Jupiter's Darling 1954

 

Starring: Esther Williams

Advancing on Rome, Hannibal falls in love with the dictator's fiancee.

A little thin on plot, this seemed like an excuse for Esther Williams to be spend a lot of time underwater and Howard Keel to belt out songs. Harmless enough and I thoroughly enjoyed the dance number with the elephants.     6/10

Cry -Baby. 1990

 

Starring: Johnny Depp

A delinquent rock 'n' roll singer falls in love with an upper-class girl.

A poor man's Grease but without the charm or charisma. Like so many of Depp's movies, it's just a little odd. Still, the music is great and it's worth watching for that.     5/10

The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt. 1939

 

Starring: Warren Williams

A group of "spies" is after the plans for an anti-aircraft gun, and the leader uses the opportunity to embroil the Lone Wolf in the plot. Trying to settle an old score, this shady character implicates his old nemesis by forcing him to crack the safe where the plans are stored.

About a dozen short films were made with this character and this is the first that I've seen. Light hearted and kind of fun without having any great weight behind it.     4/10

Return To Macon County 1975

 

Starring: Nick Nolte

In the fifties, two wandering youths pick up a waitress and have serious trouble with a manic Policeman in America's unfriendliest area.

Routine road, buddy movie but win Nolte & Don Johnson, two serious A list  actors and worth watching for that. Lots to enjoy or you could just sit back and admire the scenery.        7/10

Laxdale Hall 1952

 

Starring:  Raymond Huntley

MPs are sent to investigate a tiny Hebridean island which refuses to pay road tax.

Charming, amusing, delightful scenery and a gentle accent you could listen to all day. Nothing changes, MPs hopelessly out of touch!     7/10

Peg Of Old Drury. 1935

 

Starring: Anna Neagle

The romance of 18th-century actress Peg Woffington with David Garrick

Cobwebs hanging off of this movie it seemed so old. Kind of charming though and Cedric Hardwicke was terrific as Garrick.   5/10