One of the finest sci-fi/monster movies made in the 1950s. This is an all time classic. Wonderfully acted by Edmund Gwenn, James Arness, James Whitmore and Joan Weldon this film for its time will be difficult to surpass. Lingering radiation from the first atomic bomb test, White Sands, Mexico in 1945 turns ants into huge rampaging monsters. The world is about to come to an end, but determination to destroy the giant ants leads to an exciting confrontation in the nest beneath the LA sewers which to this day, is one of the most amazing scenes ever filmed. A must buy if on DVD, although as far as I know is not available on VHS tape which is a pity. See it.
Reviews
17 Reviews
A Great Kitchen Sink Drama!
15 April 2001
This is the film which made Albert Finney a star. Filmed on location at Nottingham, Albert Finney plays Arthur Seaton a bored factory worker who is having an affair with his workmate's wife (Rachel Roberts). Controversial at the time because of its references to abortion, this film gives an idea of what life was like amongst the working classes during the 1950s. Shirley Anne Field also made her name in this film, but she never really fulfilled her potential as an actress. A well acted and produced gritty drama which is still watchable today.
Quatermass 2
(1957)
A Hammer Classic!
15 April 2001
Another Hammer success of the 1950s. Adapted from an original television broadcast first shown during the autumn of 1955, this version is a lot pacier than the broadcast. Brian Donlevy does his best in a part which he didn't really want, but he manages to bring some credibility to the part. This was an age of Government cover-ups and conspiracys. Quatermass discovers a secret establishment believed to be making synthetic food. It turns out to be an alien invasion. With some help he manages to destroy the plant before the invasion can proceed. Some good action sequences, and a tremendous music score. Worth seeing just to see what sci-fi was like in the 1950s. Sci-fi has come a long way since then of course. Not as good as Quatermass Experiment, and no-where as good as Quatermass and The Pit. (released 1967) Still good nonetheless.
The Sight
(2000 TV Movie)
Better Than The Sixth Sense!!
24 March 2001
Many viewers are divided about this story. But I think it is far superior to the Sixth Sense which I believe to be one of the most overrated films of all time. The storyline is much tighter with better acting. Its good to see Honor Blackman on the screen again, albeit only briefly. The twist is rather good too. The final scenes are very haunting indeed, and it made me think if there is a series in the offering. A good all round production!!
Sleepy Hollow
(1999)
A Fine Tribute To Hammer Films!!
24 March 2001
This is a fine achievement. Despite its few flaws such as Christina Ricca underplaying her part at times, the overall production is very well done. Johnny Depp is very good as the constable who is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the strange deaths caused by a headless horseman. There is a fine atmosphere throughout this film, and the lack of real colour adds to the overall feel. This is a fine tribute to Hammer. If only Hammer had the sort of budgets movies command nowadays!
Gladiator
(2000)
Epic of the Year!!!
16 March 2001
Epics have come a long way since the 1950s. Gladiator is a gem of a movie. Outstanding from first frame to last, this is moviemaking at its best. The opening battle scenes which were filmed in Surrey I believe, have to be seen to be believed. Russell Crow is perfectly cast as the Roman General who is betrayed, loses his wife and son who are both murdered, and then ends up in the Arena seeking revenge against Emporer Commodus. Some of the action is brilliant to watch. It is also a fine tribute to Oliver Reed who sadly died during the final shooting. Won't beat Ben-Hur for oscars though, but should gain a few.
Pride and Prejudice
(1995)
A BBC Classic!!
16 March 2001
BBC have been renowned for producing some fine classics over the years, when they spend the money that is! This is a fine example of how classics should be produced. Superb locations, wonderful acting with fine music. This is a must see. Both Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth really excel themselves here. Alison Steadman deserves a mention as Mrs Bennett, for she was so comical. A wonderful performance. Buy it and be enthralled for a full six hours!!! They don't come any better than this.
A Night to Remember
(1958)
A Fine British Film
3 March 2001
Filmed in semi-documentary style, this good effort was a success on its initial release in 1958. The film graced by many fine actors was an account of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Budget limitations meant of course that models had to be used. However, the atmosphere of the film was never compromised. Kenneth More really excelled himself here and his portrayal of 2nd Officer Lightoller is memorable. The final scenes in the water are extremely emotional. And the very final scene of the Titanic's debris floating past the rescue ship even more so.
Room at the Top
(1958)
An Adult Film for its Time!
24 February 2001
This film enhanced British film as the 1950s drew to a close. Controversial at the time, it looks dated now. But the quality of the acting and the overall production still makes it watchable. Simone Signoret shows how her acting qualities shine through in what was a difficult role. Laurence Harvey as Joe Lampton finally established himself as an actor with a role which seems to have been written for him. The story evolves around Joe Lampton's relationship with two women. Alice Aisgill, an unhappily married woman, and Susan Brown, the boss's daughter. Ambitious Joe gets what he wants in the end, but there is an enormous price to pay. Watch out for the many actors who grace this film. Many of them became household names. Video quality is not up to scratch, but it might be better on DVD.
Them!
(1954)
Giant Ants Amongst Us!!
24 February 2001
This classic came out during the early 1950s and is a gem of a film. Despite budget limitations which affected many so-called monster movies during that era, this one stand head and shoulders above all others. Wonderfully acted by a great cast, the story centres around the discovery of giant ants created out of atomic dust fallout from recent atomic bomb testing. It has a tremendous atmosphere throughout with a menacing music score. Two scenes stand out. The first one in the nest when there is an attempt to gas the ants. And the final scene in the Los Angeles sewers which is a classic. Time for a video release.
Quatermass 2
(1957)
Hammer at Its Best!
23 February 2001
Film version of a 1955 BBC broadcast(again, many episodes were lost. Shame!) this is a little better than Quatermass Experiment. Oddly enough, it is similar to The Body Snatchers released a little earlier. Quatermass discovers a plant manufacturing what appears to be synthetic food. It turns out to be a breeding ground for aliens planning an invasion. Of course, Quatermass saves the day and the world. Menacing throughout, it has a brilliant music score which enhances the atmosphere which never lets up from first frame to last. Not quite as good as the tele broadcast, it has transferred to the big screen rather well, and is still a favourite of mine. Incidentally, as far as I know the same locations for the plant were used in both tele broadcast and the film version. About time it was released on video.
The Alamo
(1960)
An Epic Story of Courage
22 February 2001
First saw this film when it was first released in 1960. The story of 186 men holding out in a broken down mission in Texas against impossible odds is well known. The film seemed a bit patchy then, although the battle scenes were quite well done. A little slow at times, but the actors bring their parts to life in what is a very talky first part. The video release contained much footage cut by the studios to make a reasonable running time. This is a must-see version. The restored scenes create much more fluency, and the action scenes are better. Still a little slow overall, but worth seeing.
The Quatermass Xperiment
(1955)
The First Hammer Classic
18 February 2001
This film brought Hammer films into the mainstream of British cinema during the 1950s. Adapted from a famous BBC serial shown in 1953(the BBC lost all of the tapes. Shame that!)the transition to the big screen is quite well done considering its low budget. Hammer was famous for that of course! There is an excellent atmosphere throughout supported by menacing music. Brian Donlevy struggled with it at times, but overall he was passable. The real star however, was Richard Wordsworth, the lone astronaut who gradually changes into a monster which takes refuge in Westminster Abbey. Done with a documentary feel, it does succeed. Worth seeing just to see how British sci-fi movies were made in those days.
Quatermass and the Pit
(1967)
A Hammer Classic!
15 February 2001
One of Hammer's finest efforts. A big screen version of the famous TV serial of the late 1950s, this is much faster, with better effects. However, something is lost in the colour version. In the black and white version, the grey look gave it a menacing feel, as if there was always something hiding in the shadows. Still, it was a great effort with some fine acting from Andrew Keir and Julian Glover. Good to see Hammer Queen Barbara Shelley too.! The end sequence of the Devil hovering over London is quite well done.
Timeslip
(1970–1971)
A Sci-Fi Classic
10 February 2001
This was actually released on Video quite a few years ago, and I bought the first three series, but somehow missed out on the fourth. This is a classic children's sci-fi drama which gripped tea time viewers during 1970. Comical in parts, and quite dramatic in others, particularly the cliff hangers which left you waiting for the next episode. Those who love Cult TV would have really enjoyed this. Perhaps now is the time for a re-release, perhaps on DVD.
Quatermass and the Pit
(1958–1959)
An All Time TV Classic
10 February 2001
I first watched this when it was first broadcast during the autumn/winter 1958/1959 and it had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I bought the video a few years ago and even though the editing spoiled the end of episode cliffhangers it is still worth seeing. This was BBC Drama at its best. Made on a low-budget, it was wonderfully produced and acted. Who could ever forget those special moments: The Corporal who saw a ghost walk through the wall; the opening of the missile revealing three long dead Martians; and the drill operator running through the streets of London as if was being pursued by real Martians; and the final scenes of the Devil hovering above a ruined London. A classic indeed.
A Tale of Two Cities
(1935)
An MGM Classic.
7 February 2001
This is probably THE version of Charles Dickens classic story. Wonderfully acted and produced, there isn't a dull moment. The sad ending is tastefully done. Ronald Coleman, probably one of the finest actors around at that time played the tragic Carton with great skill. You just couldn't help but feel for him as he gives his life for Lucy.
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