grantch Reviews

Mr. and Mrs. North (1942)

May Not Capture the Lockridge "North" Spirit, But Emulates the Successful Radio Series

[8/10 · 6 July 2014]

I can but conclude that complaints that Pam North is more Gracie Allen than the Lockridge character, were not originated by fans of the long-running radio show in which zany Pam, played so strongly by the delightful Alice Frost, over rode any interference by husband Jerry, admirably portrayed as good-natured and long suffering by Joseph Curtin, and the NYPD to solve the weekly murder(s) Mr. and Mrs. North encountered regularly. Today such a series would be laughed off the air, but back in the '40's and early '50's everyone turned on their radio to see if they could beat Pam to the solution of the crime.

Compared to the colorful and humorous radio show, the subsequent TV adaption with Barbara Britton and Richard Denning was OK, but not nearly as much fun.

If you don't take the Lockridge characters too seriously, you'll love Gracie Allen and William Post Jr. in this 1942 adaptation of a Broadway play.

The Counselor (2013)

Don't Waste Your Time ...

[3/10 · 28 October 2013]

... by suffering for two hours waiting for a good story or good development. I won't reveal any of the startling occurrences in this movie, but it's absolute tripe; shocking since the actors and actresses are top quality ... which is why I chose to see "The Counselor". Had I but heard some feedback before going to the local Sunday matinée, I'd have avoided the movie totally.

I gave it 3 stars because I genuinely like all the individual cast members who normally are excellent, and they were excellent in "The Counselor" despite the poor script and direction. 'Nuff said? Do yourself a favor and avoid this movie!

Finger Prints (1931)

Interesting Plot - Good Cliff Hangers

[6/10 · 7 November 2012]

I was curious to see that Wikipedia reports this 10-episode chapter play as "lost" since in the mid-1970's Swedish TV (which every summer showed old movie serials, a chapter a week) showed "Finger Prints" which actually was silly, as serials tend to be, but did have an intriguing plot. Perhaps I watched it weekly simply because it was broadcast in English (with Swedish subtitles, LOL) but I would enjoy seeing it again. LOL Note that as these serials go, the acting is OK; certainly more proficient than the acting in "Blake of Scotland Yard". While not as much fun as "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars" or one of my personal favorites "Superman" which my loving grandmother suffered through on our weekly trips to the movie theater, it is fairly suspenseful and if you enjoy that type of vintage material, I'd recommend it (provided all copies have not disintegrated in the past three decades).

The L.A. Complex (2012)

A Pleasant Tuesday Evening Viewing Surprise

[9/10 · 23 May 2012]

Coming late to review as I came late to "The L.A Complex". Last Tuesday night I was channel surfing and hit upon it at 9 p.m. It caught my fancy with its realistic depiction of likable youths wanting to become entertainment successes. Made a point to watch last night and will be there for the "season ending" next week.

I've enjoyed the depiction of all the relationships. It's a plus that the central characters have good sexual appeal as well as the ability to portray their situations, good or bad. These are people who've earned your interest in what will become of them in their struggle to become stars.

It's a treat to see a genuine show about real people. Talented cast and excellent treatment of Hollywood situations. Hope it continues!

The Three Musketeers (2011)

Expensive Rewrite of History

[23 October 2011]

I saw an early morning showing of the new version of The Three Musketeers this morning. It was a great disappointment, having rewritten history, royal relationships and being a stunning example of useless 3D.

If a movie is billed in 3D, why can't it be shot in the process with TWO cameras to effectively create the illusion of depth as those flicks from the 1950's did, with brilliant utilization of the possibility to throw things "out of the screen" between the eyes of the viewer? A pox on the producers of this extravagant and costly movie.

If Alexandre Dumas could attend a screening, I'm sure he'd be shocked. There are elements in the movie which may have been conceived by Jules Verne who did live some years after Dumas.

If you don't expect a great deal, you'll enjoy the movie. There is good action although the resolution of the plot may be anticipated half an hour before it occurs and when the credits start to roll, you'll receive an apparent invitation to what is presumably the upcoming sequel.

If you like the novel, although it doesn't precisely follow the plot, I recommend the 1940's MGM version starring Gene Kelly, Lana Turner and Vincent Price.

Final Destination 5 (2011)

Terrific use of 3D

[31 August 2011]

What a treat to see an intelligent "horror" flick which, like movies made in the 1950's 3D craze, actually uses depth in all its shots as well as for hungry fans like me who loved House of Wax and Phantom of the Rue Morgue throws enough objects out of the screen into your face to keep you happy. Perhaps I'm sinking into senility, but if I pay extra to see 3D I feel things should be poked out of the screen to surprise me or make me want to duck. The screenplay is excellent and the 3 leads (2 guys and a girl) are personable and engaging. Tony Todd does a haunting cameo. See it in 3D while it's still in theaters! You'll love it!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Great Flick but 3D not used properly

[8/10 · 23 May 2011]

Enjoyed the flick very much. Love Depp and Cruz and everyone in it. Great story and a lot of fun. But why pay extra for 3D if the possible effects were not utilized. Nearly 60 years ago one-eyed director Andre de Toth mapped out 3D in the Vincent Price House of Wax much more cleverly than is utilized in this Pirates. Old 3D movies showed very specific (if exaggerated) depth and did not hesitate to throw things out of the screen at the audience. I sometimes wonder if modern 3D movies are even shot in 3D as most scenes seem to lack that illusion of depth. Kudos to the film itself, a lot of fun. But be aware that the 3D claim is a rip off. (I saw it in Real 3D, perhaps the iMax version is more effective.)

Marple: Towards Zero (2007) Season 3, Episode 3

Good plot

[7/10 · 16 July 2007]

Definitely worth a glance. I saw this on our local NPR station last night (July 15) and in this summer of Desperate Housewives reruns, thought "Mystery" is usually a viable alternative. And it was. A shock to see "old" Tom Baker. Has it really been three decades since he rode through time in his telephone booth? I liked the new Miss Marple ... at least she was new to me. Perhaps not as lovable as the cinematic Marple of 4 decades ago (was that Margaret Rutherford?), but okay. I'd gladly catch another episode of the series with her. It was also a treat to see the drop-dead handsome Greg Wise and present-day Julian Sands. The clues to solve the mystery are presented fairly and it is a good mystery, worthy of Christie. Check it out if you like brain teasers.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

a fun movie with great puns ... and a 1953 Donald Duck cartoon!

[10/10 · 7 April 2007]

Who woulda thunk that Meet the Robinsons would be a grand time for adults as well as kids? I took a co-worker who'd never seen a 3-D movie, mainly because it was in 3-D and had a terrific time. (My friend laughed every time something was thrust out of the screen into our faces.) As a prior commentator said, the 3-D is not overdone but when it's employed, it's fun. Unlike the throw-away glasses theaters provided in the '50's and '80's, the glasses the box office gives out this time are solid and even fit comfortably over a pair of normal glasses. Before the feature begins we were treated to a cartoon Disney studios had created in 3-D over 50 years ago ... one where Chip and Dale plague Donald Duck. This was my first viewing of Disney Digital 3-D but it certainly won't be my last. The image is strikingly clear and the illusion of depth is excellent. It was a treat to see a cartoon and animated feature played straight for laughs with little or no sexual innuendo. You'll really enjoy the Robinsons, the quirky scene shifts and the great puns. By all means, go to a theater showing it in 3-D ... although I've been told by people who saw it "flat" that it's still a super family show.

Phantom of the Rue Morgue (1954)

Atmospheric Thriller

[7/10 · 6 November 2006]

If you've never seen this Parisian outing in 3-D, you must. It's been decades since the last time I enjoyed it at a temporary 3-D revival, but I remember the effects quite well. I won't discuss the story because too many commentators have already discussed how it is modified from Poe's original, but the script works. It is a horror movie, after all, which makes me think the writer who critiqued the "over the top" and "stilted" acting, doesn't realize that like fair rides we go to these movies to be thrilled and shudder. By current slasher film standards, this movie is very tame ... but it effectively depicts enough to give you nightmares, if you really think a bout what's going on. As mentioned, the 3-D effects are stunning. No, this movie is not as good per se as "House of Wax" but it is definitely worth a look. Why the devil doesn't Warner Brothers release both HoW and PotRM on DVD in 3-D using the shutter process utilized for the Imax releases?

23 Paces to Baker Street (1956)

Clever Thriller

[8/10 · 29 May 2006]

Now I will go to great trouble to avoid entering a spoiler like an earlier commenter. I give this film such a high rating because of the cleverness of toe concept: a blind man overhearing a conversation which indicates a crime is afoot. A tip of toe hat to the commentator who noticed the similarity between this movie and Argento's Cat O' Nine Tails ... a similarity that immediately crossed my mind the first time I saw the Argento flick. Anyway, 23 Paces to Baker Street could easily be an Argento giallo with the clever plot twists, but it lacks the gore most Argento fans want. I enjoyed 23P in 1956 when it was new and I was my voice had not changed. The plot twists and surprises have remained vividly in my memory for 50 years. Oddly I didn't notice a resemblance to Rear Window but I was very young then. I heartily recommend 23P to Baker Street. It's most suspenseful!

The Mad Room (1969)

A Tasty Thriller

[10/10 · 16 May 2006]

This engrossing film has a wonderful premise ... and terrific acting. Shelley Winters as a cranky, self-indulgent whiny control freak is so memorable that I am shocked her fans ave not picketed to have The Mad Room made available on DVD. Stella Stevens turns in a truly remarkable performance becoming more and more unhinged as hidden secrets begin to emerge from the proverbial closet. This movie, like Return from the Ashes, has so many twists and turns you will never be bored.

Possible SPOILER (?):

Thre is so much wry humor mixed in with the thrills, you will really appreciate. In Othello, plot spoilers say "Watch the handkerchief." In this movie you should "Watch the dog", who surely should have received an award for lending a paw to the proceedings.

When and if you see this movie (which seems to, like Return from the Ashes and Four Flies on Grey Velvet, have disappeared from the face of the earth), your admiration of both Winters and Stevens is bound to increase. After viewing, you may require your own Mad Room.

Return from the Ashes (1965)

Cocky Thriller!

[10/10 · 9 May 2006]

Once upon a time, before the giallos and the slasher films took over, there was an undercurrent of clever thrillers ... where you knew who had done it, but the question was could they get away with it? The earliest one I can remember is The Unsuspected with Claude Raines as a DJ with a mission ... In the '60's we had director William Castle's twisted thrillers (Homicidal is my favorite) and Bette Davis as Baby Jane and Charlotte ... then along came Return from the Ashes, at about the same time as Bunny Lake Is Missing. Ladies and gentlemen, RftA is a stunning thriller which will keep you enthralled from the expositionary opening to the wonderfully complex plot developments. Why is this not available to viewers today? This is a movie I would like to show friends. Hard to believe it was 40 + years ago I sat in a darkened theater enraptured by the clever plot with more twists and turns than you could believe. If you see this movie in any listings, record it! Ingrid Thulin, Samantha Eggar and Maximilian Schell pull out all the stops but they make you BELIEVE the lurid goings-on. Too bad movie makers can't look at these old classics and learn how to pace and plot a good thriller.

The Ritz (1976)

Great Fun

[10/10 · 14 March 2006]

Why is this great comedy not available in the US? When I checked the listings, it's only on a PAL VHS tape ... I can view other region DVDs on my computer, but have no way of viewing PAL VHS. This movie which I saw several times when it was new, is one of the funniest films you'll ever see. It's based on a Broadway play but you'd never guess its source as, unlike many movies made from plays, it's not stagebound. The characters and the situation make for nonstop action and absolutely terrific one-liners. Treat Williams is indeed well named for he is a treat as the detective. You'll howl at the predicaments Jack Weston gets in. And you'll love Rita Moreno who proves to be a comedic gem. "The Ritz" is high on the list of best cinematic comedies and whoever owns the rights should release it in a wide-screen DVD version. It's sort of like a Noel Coward play updated to a "modern" bathhouse ... jokes on the screen overflow to keep the viewers happy and having a terrific time.

Paranoiac (1963)

Cool thriller!

[7/10 · 21 September 2005]

Fascinating film, an exercise in understated British acting. How did I miss this flick? In 1963 I used to go to movies a lot, and surely this film played the drive-in or "B" movie circuit. Howevr, this is a wannabe "A" movie. The story is convoluted, with lots of twists and unexpected turns. Never be sure of anything in Paranoiac. There are even a couple of genuine thrill jumps along the way to the conclusion. Acting is excellent and the music works well. Best of all, Paranoiac is shot in absolutely gorgeous black and white. Since the movie was released in 1963, Oliver Reed was slim and drop-dead handsome.

No one can make suspense thrillers like the Brits. Actually, Paranoiac reminded me of Bunny Lake Is Missing and Midnight Lace. It's now available in a Hammer studios presentation box of 8 films. Since Paranoiac was one of two films in the package I had not seen, ever, I watched it as soon as I opened the package. Heartily recommended.

Love of Life (1951–1980)

One of the Great TV Daytime Serials

[20 August 2005]

Love of Life back in the early '50's aired at 12:15 EST Monday through Friday on CBS. Roy Windsor, who also produced Secret Storm (4:15 p.m. Monday - Friday) knew how to create interesting character-driven stories. Bad sister Meg and good sister Van with their various conflicts and romantic interests were welcome daily visitors into the homes that had television sets. In 1958 Love of Life expanded to a half-hour show, now starting at noon for a weekday half hour, transplanting Vanessa to New York City and introducing many new characters, particularly actress Tammy and the widowed Bruce Sterling along with his meddlesome in-laws the Carlsons, who owned a paper mill in Rosehill, a suburb of New York. Stories and melodramatic conflicts continued to enthrall the daily audience. Since I was unable to watch the serial after the mid-60's, I can't vouch for what it became, but it left a positive image on daytime drama for those of us who followed the show on a regular basis. Both Love of Life and Secret Storm were giants of daytime when TV was in its infancy.

Wild Seed (1965)

Sensitive Movie Disappears from Public View

[11 June 2005]

Back in 1967 Wild Seed received a TV showing on one of the networks' night at the movies. I was so delighted with Michael Parks' performance, I went out of my way to see the film again at a second-run movie house. This is a film which should still be available. It's surely one of Parks' best cinematic appearances and makes one wonder how his career never really took off. (Perhaps he figured after playing Adam in The Bible, he'd given his all to start mankind on its road to perdition.) This would be a great movie to receive the Anchor Bay DVD treatment. In truth I remember the actual details of Wild Seed rather sketchily but the character of the drifter has remained in my memory for four decades. Wild Seed is a realistic depiction of alienation and redemption.

A Family Affair (1937)

Interesting Start to the Hardy Family

[19 May 2004]

This was a charming movie which I unfortunately tuned into half way through, shown on Turner Classic Movies in the wee hours on May 19, 2004. I'll look for it again and tape it. I was surprised to see Lionel Barrymore as Judge Hardy. Very creditable performance. Probably he wasn't used again in the resultant series because of his ill health, but I'm just guessing. It was indeed a treat to see pre-December Bride Spring Byngton (how many of you readers can name her co-stars in that sit com?). And who can name the Western series she was featured in some 40 years ago? I digress. Turner has just started Judge Hardy's Children with Lewis Stone taking his rightful place as Judge Hardy. It's 4:32 am and I think I'm hooked on the students of Carvel High. Check out A Family Affair, you'll like it. Ted Turner must own the rights, so how about an Andy Hardy DVD box?

The Whip and the Body (1963)

Some films improve with maturity

[24 April 2004]

Could it be a result of changing taste as one becomes older? I had seen What! some 40 years ago and it really left no impression on me. Perhaps a year or so later I saw Blood & Black Lace which I thought was one of the best horror movies I'd ever seen due to the clever plot and great cinematography. Perhaps at the ripe age of 17 I failed to realize the same director had created What! In fact, as a teen, I found What! tedious to sit through. How taste changes! I have just seen the European wide-screen restored version of The Whip and the Body and was overwhelmed by the glorious cinematography and use of color, complementing an intriguing and absorbing story. I am hooked on Bava and his films. Last week I enjoyed Kill, Baby, Kill and again found the use of color and camera angles fascinating. I heartily recommend TW&TB to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. Gore hounds will be disappointed because there is little blood but what there is is wonderfully creative. Christopher Lee's death scene is shocking and the subsequent events will hold your interest. An added bonus is the beauty of the leading lady who is also an excellent actress.

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)

Feed that Venus, Foxhill!

[24 April 2004]

I was still in high school when this movie came out. Interested in theater arts, I thought the world of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Streetcar Named Desire. And now here was a new Tennessee Williams play transferred to film. I remember prior to its release a radio or TV interview with the stars which centered upon the fact that the true protagonist never appears but is only discussed. I did not realize prior to seeing the movie what the "taboo" topics were. In fact non of my peer group had any trouble diagnosing Sebastian and his relationships. I do remember that the now-defunct Legion of Decency condemned the movie (which I am sure enhanced the box office receipts) and that John Wayne publicly trashed it as anti-American .

Au contraire, M. le Duc, Suddenly Last Summer is a prime example of great acting in the grand style. Kathryn Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor really enjoy digging their teeth in this meaty work. Montgomery Clift is not as bad as some posters feel, after all Dr. "Sugar" is basically there for the two women to talk to. A special bonus in the casting are Hollywood legends Albert Dekker and Mercedes McCambridge. Gore Vidal did a terrific job of expanding a 1-act play into a full-length screenplay. The score lends intensity to the drama. What a movie!

The final scene with Kate still sends delightful shivers up and down my back.

It is a crime that neither Kate nor Liz were rewarded with an Oscar, although both were nominated. Check this strange drama out. Today people would not blink twice at the subject matter. If you've ever wondered why Liz is considered a great actress, this movie tells it all. See it with an open mind. You may not see the face of God but you'll experience some of the best acting you've ever enjoyed!

Picture Mommy Dead (1966)

Low Budget Fun!

[22 April 2004]

34 years have not dimmed the memory of this super low budget thriller. The special effects remind me of a Mario Bava film because maximum use is made of camera angles and light and shadow. Mind you, I only saw this shocker once at a remote air base but, along with the early Dario Argentos (Bird, Cat & Flies), What's the Matter with Helen?, Who Slew Auntie Roo?, and Romero's original Night of the Living Dead, this flick hit my funnybone and I remember its twisted plot and shocking ending as fondly as I remember those schlocky Bill Castle masterworks, Homicidal and Strait-Jacket. Seriously, the film is a fun ride and if you like Grade B thrillers, you'll get a big kick out of it. So, please, put it on DVD before the film stock dissolves!

Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)

One of 1971's Best!

[11 April 2004]

What happened to this movie? I've recommended it for 3 decades as one of the finest of the surreal comedies and it seems to have vanished. Who owns the rights? Please reissue this farcical drama. Like "Where's Poppa?" Central Park represents the evils of the world. The heaven-related references are hilarious. Ms. York was never prettier. Rod Steiger delivers a (not unexpectedly) bravura performance. It's based on a Kurt Vonnegut story. What more need I say? If you enjoyed "A Boy and His Dog", you certainly will savor the sophisticated and sly humor to be found in "Happy Birthday, Wanda June."

Twins of Evil (1971)

Interesting Twists in Vampire Tale

[10 April 2004]

The Hammer Vampire Collection (Region 2 DVDs) includes Countess Dracula,

Vampire Circus and Twins of Evil. The last-named flick I saw once 33 years ago but remembered it vividly & looked forward to renewing an acquaintanceship

with those gorgeous girls. Peter Cushing excels as a looney religious nut (think Reverend Trask from the original Dark Shadows TV series) whose main source

of fun is torching local teenage girls whom he accuses of witchcraft. He's the guardian and uncle of twins who come to live in his village. The local feudal lord sees the girls & ... no spoilers here. The film is well plotted. My only complaint is the use (typical '70's) of shooting night scenes in daylight and putting a dark filter over the lens to create the illusion of night. Folks, this just does not work in a color movie. But you may not notice because the story moves quickly, had several exciting twists and will keep you enthralled til the end. (I wonder if Dario Argento was familiar with ToE before he outlined Phenomena?) Get it. You'll love it if you enjoy the Hammer Studios output. If you can't view Region 2 discs, write Anchor Bay & ask them to put this on their list for USA release. You won't be sorry.

Vampire Circus (1972)

Great Vampire Flick!

[10 April 2004]

I gave in to my desire to resee Twins of Evil and check out Vampire Circus & Countess Dracula which I had never seen and ordered the "Hammer Vampire Collection" from UK. (If you're considering purchase, the discs are coded Region 2, so you can't play them on a lot of USA-sold DVD players. I watch Region 2 on my computer.) I loved Twins of Evil but the real winner was Vampire Circus, an intelligent and fun treatment of a curse upon a village which had the temerity to call an abrupt halt to the fun of the local feudal lord. It's suspenseful and fast moving. I agree with previous commenters that the villagers are so pompous that they earned their fates. Unlike most other posters, I welcomed the opportunity to see John Moulder-Brown in a (for me) new movie, albeit 32 years old. VC is beautifully photographed and the special effects are terrific. Clearly the folks at Hammer Studios did not need computers to create stunning visual images. If you can view Region 2 discs, go for it! You'll get a great thrill out of VC, probably their best vampire flick after Taste the Blood of Dracula!

The Mad Magician (1954)

3D Followup to House of Wax

[5 April 2004]

At a tender age when Hollywood battled home television by offering movie-goers 3D and then CinemaScope (to say nothing of Cinerama!), I begged my family to take me to every 3D movie. In retrospect I can only admire their stoicism at sitting through this surfeit of corny flicks. (The only truly good movies made in 3D must have been Kiss Me Kate and Dial M For Murder. The rest were usually horror or action to utilize the unique ability of the actors to jump out of the screen or throw something directly at you.)

Anyway, I loved House of Was and when I saw the newspaper ads for The Mad Magician, my whining began. Five decades later, I've reseen it several times "flat" on television and can only wish someone would create a viable method to put 3D movies on DVD or home video. (When House of Wax was re-released in the early '80's to usher in that attempt to interest audiences in the 3D process, the aids claimed "You've never seen House of Wax if you haven't seen it in 3D!" and to a great extent that is true.

The process added to the fun of these campy movies. Incidentally "Magician" is in black & white but still looks great. By all means check it out if you like the shlocky type of B horror flicks which inundated audiences in the '50's & early '60's.