One of those films with a great central idea and a fantastic cast that somehow just doesn't work. Why? Don't know. Possibly the script? Possibly the lack of chemistry? I've watched it a few times- each time expecting to "get it" this time. Not terrible- but disappointingly mediocre.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Guys and Dolls
(1955)
Stage to screen
23 May 2001
I'm not a big fan of moving musicals from the stage to the screen or vice versa; but this is my absolute fave stage musical of all time and the one bad song from the score was cut from the film!!
Anyone who considers themselves remotely to be a fan of Brando, in the old days, owes it to themselves to see this film. He has never been sexier- no leather required! And he more than holds his own in the songs, it shows how a good actor can get away with being a mediocre singer.
Brando apart, this contains some wonderfully subtle comic performance in the form of Vivain Blaine as Miss Adelaide, Stubby Kaye as Nicely Nicely and of course the marvellous Frank- who was going to play Sky but then didn't. Some people consider this to be a shame- personally I think it worked out just fine.
Because it was a stage musical and the film makers have padded things out a bit- giving us more of the Sky/Sarah relationship (good) it does end up feeling slightly overlong- but ultimately it is worth it.
Anyone who considers themselves remotely to be a fan of Brando, in the old days, owes it to themselves to see this film. He has never been sexier- no leather required! And he more than holds his own in the songs, it shows how a good actor can get away with being a mediocre singer.
Brando apart, this contains some wonderfully subtle comic performance in the form of Vivain Blaine as Miss Adelaide, Stubby Kaye as Nicely Nicely and of course the marvellous Frank- who was going to play Sky but then didn't. Some people consider this to be a shame- personally I think it worked out just fine.
Because it was a stage musical and the film makers have padded things out a bit- giving us more of the Sky/Sarah relationship (good) it does end up feeling slightly overlong- but ultimately it is worth it.
In Old Chicago
(1938)
Love these old movies
23 May 2001
I grew up watching this sort of thing, and loving every minute. There is something so quaint and innocent about this that you can't help but be charmed. However; there's alway a "however" isn't there?; How could anyone believe that a woman could choose pretty boy Power over cutie Ameche (or amesh as my mum used to say!!). It's totally unrealistic- what were they thinking!! Anyway, watch and enjoy; but try not to be put off by the apparent insanity of the leading lady.
Four Eyes and Six-Guns
(1992 TV Movie)
Nice, predictable mushy romance.
19 January 2001
I like Judge Reinhold, and I like men who wear glasses, and I like slushy romances, and I like predictable westerns with soft heroes who turn out to be more than they at first appear and plucky heroines who also turn out to be more than they appear. It's sort of like "Support your Local Optometrist" but without James Garner (shame); but with Judge Reinhold (yeah!). If you like all those things too you should like this film. :)
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