The Lemon Drop Kid 1951

 

Starring: Bob Hope

A gangster forces a bookie to find the money which he has lost on a horse through the bookie's incompetence.

Typical, fast-talking Bob Hope movie, some humorous scenes, the man was a genius.     5/10

Rio Lobo 1970

 

Starring: John Wayne

A Union Colonel near the end of the Civil War recovers a gold shipment and exposes a traitor.

I'm not a great fan of John Wayne, so quick on his cue bite he never really developed any unique characters. Loved the opening half hour, movie deteriorated after that and took a very long time to reach its shoot-out conclusion. Not bad though.      7/10

Springfield Rifle 1952

 

Starring: Gary Cooper

A Union officer gets himself cashiered, joins the confederates as a spy, and unmasks a traitor.

Not that interested personally in the American war aspect but there was enough action and fist fighting to keep me entertained.     6/10

Checkpoint 1956

 

Starring: Anthony Steel

A tycoon sends an industrial spy to Italy in search of new motor racing car designs.

A sort of poor man's James Bond set in the motor racing World. Locations are great, some excitement but let down by a poor script. James Robertson Justice, surprise, surprise, plays James Robertson Justice.    6/10

Fall Into Darkness 1996

 Starring: Tatyana Ali

Ann Price blames her best friend, Sharon Mckay for her brother's Jerry's death. She decides to set Sharon up for her murder, but there is an unexpected surprise.

Typical TV movie, weak plot and acting although to be fair, this is better than most. Ending which I guess was trying to add a twist, totally didn't work for me.    6/10

The Devil's 8

 

Starring: Christopher George

A federal agent on the trail of a moonshine gang recruits a gang of hardened convicts and arranges for them to escape.

An enjoyable watch and is the film is so bad. Shocking acting, poor production and every time there's a bit of action, which is a lot, the same bit of hillbilly music kicks in. Loads of fighting, shooting and explosions.     6/10

Compulsion 1959

 

Starring: Dean Stockwell

In the twenties, two Chicago students kidnap and murder a young boy for kicks.

Brilliantly acted and watched as a tribute to Dean Stockwell who passed away this week. Still relevant today with the rich thinking they have licence to do whatever they choose.    6/10

Cairo Station 1958

 Starring: Farid Chawki

A crippled newspaper seller goes mad through thwarted love.

Fascinating for seeing the hustle and bustle of Cairo station and people going about their everyday life, plot wasn't up to much though.     4/10

North Dallas Forty 1979

 Starring: Nick Nolte

The gruelling life of a professional football player, laced with drugs, sex and alcohol.

Boys will be boys! All a little tedious watching grown men shout, slam about and behave like children. Thank goodness for Nick Nolte who is utterly believable in a very good performance.   6/10

Nazi Agent 1942

 

Starring: Conrad Veidt

A German-American is forced by his Nazi twin to help a group of German spies.

Made during the war, a little too talkative for my liking, needed a little light & shade.      4/10

Detective Story 1951

 

Starring: Kirk Douglas

A day in a New York precinct police station, during which a detective of almost pathological righteousness discovers a stain on. his family and himself becomes victim of violence.

A stage play and probably better delivered in that format. An interesting idea but a little too much until we reach the dramatic conclusion.   4/10

The Nanny 1965

 

Starring: Bette Davis

A ten-year old boy hates his nanny, and with good reason, for she is a neurotic murderess.

Forget your modern day, slasher movies. This is truly terrifying, quite frankly all of the nanny, mother and boy are unhinged. Brilliantly put together, this keeps you on the edge of your seat.     8/10

Loose Connections 1983

 Starring: Lindsay Duncan

Adventures on a drive to Munich

Bundt movie, interesting to see society views of the time. I never warmed to Lindsay Duncan and this will not be one that lives in the memory.      5/10

Too Many Husbands 1940

 

Starring: Jean Arthur

Allegedly drowned on a boat cruise, a man turns up again after his wife has remarried.

Not the most original script idea but this is delightfully delivered. Some very funny moments with a great supporting cast and quality comic timing.    7/10

A Guide For The Married Man 1967

 

Starring: Walter Matthau

A practised wolf explains to a perfect husband how to be unfaithful.

Despite a few humorous moments, this is just a bit too obvious for me. Plenty of views of ladies bums and tits, as pleasant as this may be, I feel a movie needs a lot more. Interesting to see all the star cameos though.       5/10

The Neptune Factor 1972

 Starring: Ben Gazzara

American oceanologists conduct an experiment in underwater living.

Wow, this looks dated. Some of the underwater effects were okay, the rest made me laugh out loud, I wonder how they were viewed at the time of release. Lacks tension to be honest but has Ernest Borgnine in it and he's always been one of my favourite actors, I love seeing what he does with a role. Not much for him to work with here, but his class shines through.     7/10

Hell's Half Acre 1953

 

Starring: Wendell Corey

A soldier missing after Pearl Harbor turns up years later in Hawaii under a different identity.

Hawaii is nicely shown off although the singing and flouncing, delightful if you visit, goes on a bit too long. The storyline itself is not strong enough and way too conversational.   4/10

Tomorrow We Live 1942

 

Starring: John Clements

French villagers help a spy escape to Britain.

Decent WW2 spy drama. Still makes my blood boil when you see how people were treated. Very well done and quite exciting.      7/10

Dark Waters 1944

 

Starring: Merle Oberon

Recovering from being torpedoed, an orphan girl visits her aunt and uncle in Louisiana and has some terrifying experiences.

A movie that certainly plays the melodrama card although it does have eight moments of 'gaiety'.   5/10

The Black Cauldron 1985

 

A medieval hero combats magic swords, wicked witches and skeletal tyrants.

Not my favourite Disney, a little dark for my taste. A few snatches of humour but none of the trademark songs or in this case, any songs at all, that make a Disney movie.       4/10