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Reviews
The Lion and the Horse (1952)
A man and his struggle to save a wild horse
this was an offbeat role for Steve Cochran who was typecast in Hollywood in tough guy, gangster roles. The rapport between the cowboy, the stallion and a young girl played by Sherry Jackson was gentle and realistic. Filmed in Warner color, on location in Wyoming, it rings true to life as the cowboy searches for and rescues a horse from a short, cruel life in a rodeo. There is humor and action, with an escaped circus lion, a brutal owner, as the cowboy bonds with the abused animal. A good film for adults and children and a plea for the protection of wild horses. (still in jeopardy today) And if you are a Steve Cochran fan, a rare treat. And the film scheduled to be shown on TCM in late January, if only this might result in a DVD release, we wouldd have a happy ending for sure:)
Of Love and Desire (1963)
Katherine and Steve--Merle and Steve A Love Story
I came to this film because of Steve Cochran. Surprisingly, it is lovely to look at, has an over the top love story, and though a bit of editing would have helped in the last half hour, It is well acted for this genre. Katherine is a middle aged woman, whose self esteem is determined by the number of men who desire her. She meets Steve and something happens--they fall in love against all odds. With a half brother whose intentions are a bit bent, you wonder if the lovers will wind up with each other or go their separate ways. Oberon and Cochran in real life did both--a RL romance that ended with the film, but a connection that caused Oberon to ask the Los Angeles police to further investigate the cause of death for Steve on his boat 2 years later.They refused but she cared enough to risk headlines for him. Life IS sometimes stranger than fiction.
Tell Me in the Sunlight (1965)
The Erotic Legacy of Steve Cochran
This film was made in 1965, but not released until 1967, because of the death of its star, producer, director-- Steve Cochran. It was filmed on location in the redlight region of Nassau. Dave, a cargo skipper is on leave searching for a one night companion, when he meets Julie,a stripper at Dirty Dicks. Julie looks like the proverbial girl next door,but is she simply a stripper or working girl, doing what a girlhas to do to pay the rent? Dave, tired of waking up with strangers, is finally ready to settle down with the lovely Julie, but there is another man in her life.Still, They fall in love, but is Julie really playing the field? Dave wants to know and this leads to some rather graphic scenes.Will they make a go of it? Several minutes were cut from the original film, that Steve Cochran made. He also shot 2 endings--the one used by the new distributor was not the one Steve chose. But, all things considered-- fans, of Steve Cochran will consider this film a treasure.
Die Vier im Jeep (1951)
Review over 50 years late
Recently, during a discussion of films made a few years after the end of WW2, I mentioned Four In A Jeep. No one had ever heard of it. I recall seeing it in the early 50s and being impressed by it--possibly because of the times--it was the Cold War, and I was very political then--leftie to the core. This storyline of 4 soldiers of different nations--former allies, patroling a conquered city was just my cup of tea. I found it or wanted to find it-- a plea for peace. The main story itself, trying to reunite 2 lovers torn apart by war and a difficult peace, was secondary to the 4 men themselves; especially the American (Ralph Meeker who was getting recognition in Hollywood,) and the Russian, Voroshenko. Because of the Cold War, they could have made Voroshenko the villain, instead he became for me the pivotal character torn between instinct (perhaps love) and duty. He and the American sergeant were pitted against each, but developed respect toward the other rather than hatred. I found this film to be a good companion piece to The Third Man--same period, many similar situations. Too bad it will probably be seen by so few--no DVD for this one--a real pity!
Chris
The Desert Song (1955)
Nelson & Gale heat up Desert Song
Nelson Eddy is back on screen, starring in a 1955 TV version of Romberg's Desert Song. Nelson, best known for a popular series of operettas with Jeanette MacDonald, has matured into a ruggedly, handsome man, still blessed with the gorgeous baritone voice that thrilled millions. His costar, and longtime singing partner, is the talented, statuesque beauty. Gale Sherwood, whose lilting soprano voice blends perfectly with his. Together, they face the hazards of live TV, and escape unscathed, without missing a beat. The production, wisely relies on the music to tell the story, and along with love scenes, culminating in kisses that are unabashedly intimate, appears far more adult than previous film versions. Unfortunately, reflecting the shortsightedness of early TV,the color version no longer exists. Only a black and white copy has survived, leaving us to only imagine the beauty of the original showing. That aside, the sheer pleasure of seeing Nelson Eddy and his lovely partner is a rare treat to be treasured.
The Chocolate Soldier (1941)
Nelson Eddy excels in humorous role
Nelson Eddy and Rise Stevens star in an amusing film about a jealous husband, and his suspicions of his wife's infidelity. Nelson plays a dual role as the insecure husband and the Russian singer he impersonates to test his wife's loyalty. Rise is delicious as the teasing wife who exploits his doubts unmercifully. Nelson plays the Russian in a broad and sardonic manner which seems to prove again that he is more at ease and sure of himself in films without his usual costar and RL love interest. Nelson and Rise are in excellent voice. A couple of dances without the two leads could easily be cut. Neither approaches the humor of Nelson, nervously biting his nails, as he contemplates his insecurities.
Balalaika (1939)
Nelson Eddy proves he can carry a film
Nelson Eddy and Ilona Massey Make a handsome couple in a gorgeous setting. Ilona portrays an anarchist in pre WW1 Russia who falls in love with a Russian prince, played with strength and humor by Nelson Eddy. Their duets are pleasing, and Nelson sings magnificently in Russian, German, French and English. The black and white photography captures the period and costumes well, and the two stars are so strikingly similar in looks, they could easily be siblings. Nelson demonstrates once again, what a loss he was to opera, but how fortunate to have him on film and hear that magnificent baritone.
Naughty Marietta (1935)
The Singing Sweethearts Are United
This is the first film that paired Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. It is probably the best and favorite of most fans. The stars look devine, the music is beautiful, and surprisingly, there is a lot humor, and witty playfulness. The chemistry between the two is awesome and quite obvious. The duet of Sweet Mystery of Life was the first of their many sucesses, and Nelson's solo of Neath The Southern Moon is quite sexy for 1935 films. A rare gem.
Sweethearts (1938)
Nelson & Jeanette as themselves/
Sweethearts was the first color film for Nelson & Jeanette, and they, and the film are quite beautiful.They portray a married couple, appearing in musical comedy. This shows Nelson at his most playful--the "Pretty as A Picture" duet was so personal, I thought I was privy to a private moment between them. Too bad, MGM never took advantage of Nelson's self depreciating talent, but this film is most interesting, because it gives us a fascinating glimpse of what might have been.