Feel a bit guilty about not watching this properly - was tired after a hard day of landscape gardening and got some beers in, sat down next to the box, put it on indiscriminately and thought "this'll do" and then watched it like a vegetable. Didn't know anything about the show and hadn't seen the write ups, but watched both the episodes shown together thinking it was very realistically put together (the fight sequences in 'real time' for instance, and the was he/wasn't he really there images in the ruined old house. Yes, love CAN send you nuts!) Genuine tension and emotion, went to bed and woke up thinking I'd dreamt it! Thought it was a dream about Wuthering Heights, read the book 20 years ago. Haven't stopped thinking about it now for about 3 days so in my opinion at least it's good if it leaves a thoughtful/lasting impression on you. Which is a lot more than can be said about some of the complete rubbish that comes out of Hollywood! Well done, gave it 9/10.
Reviews
13 Reviews
Trouble in the Glen
(1954)
The colour isn't too bad!
17 April 2002
Actually videoed and watched this film 'cos the film review book I was flicking through said it had the "most garish colour ever committed to celluloid". Well I have to say that it isn't so bad after all. And it's something that I wish was made more often today, a harmless and interesting diversion from life's problems, just sit back and forget about it all. Other films like this are John Wayne westerns and 50's film noir B movies. All are totally watchable if you are truly prepared to switch off from the year 2002, and more so than the contemporary offerings. Anyway, it's advertised as an Orson Welles film - he doesn't exactly spend a lot of time in it does he? ( Perhaps he was paid by the frame!)
Interesting -- umm, 7 /10, agreed?, agreed!
Interesting -- umm, 7 /10, agreed?, agreed!
Fireball XL5
(1962–1963)
Catchy theme tune
11 April 2002
I'm not really old enough to remember this show properly, although there are elements in it which kind of strike a chord. Most probably it's the TALKING about it that I remember in the school playground when aged around 5. All the later Anderson shows were repeated in very early 70's, have watched them all. (From Stingray upwards.)
Anyway, it's been a kind of distant, foggy memory until last week. Friend loaned me a tape, watched it 3 times over. Not convinced it's a work of art, but it has that kind of really watchable quality that you just can't take off Mr. Anderson.
Anyway I liked it, and then went off to spend the next few days singing that annoyingly catchy theme song.
Anyway, it's been a kind of distant, foggy memory until last week. Friend loaned me a tape, watched it 3 times over. Not convinced it's a work of art, but it has that kind of really watchable quality that you just can't take off Mr. Anderson.
Anyway I liked it, and then went off to spend the next few days singing that annoyingly catchy theme song.
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
(1963)
Just get fed up of seeing inexperienced movie watchers criticise where they shouldn't go
9 March 2002
Alright, we all know one of IMDb's golden rules is that you shouldn't be critical of the other person's comments - this time I want to be outspoken (please ?)
Thanks. Just wading through some of the previous write-ups nauseated me, because I have both fond memories of this film AND understand the where, when and why's of it's filming.
You just can't impose your late 1990's standards / later on a film like this. It is a product of it's own time frame and should be viewed as such. Would you criticise the 1933 Invisible Man on poor special effects ? The 1954 Dambusters on the bouncing bomb scenes and ultimately the dam destruction scenes ? What about the original Terminator ? Looking a bit crap now isn't it but nevertheless people still watch it in their droves. The point is that The Mad +3 World tried to make a point that ultimately stranded it in 1963 - and that is exactly the era in which you should judge it ! Do you really think all those stars were in it for the money ? Hum...... This is Hollywood after all, ok let's just say that there was a GENERAL feeling that they were trying their real best and believed the end product would further their careers or cap an already successful one. There are just too many big names in this for all to have been idiots.
A further line of critique seems to be the running time. Well if you think it too long then just switch off ! Is that too hard ? If you went out for a meal with coffee and the coffee was too hot would you continue to drink it ? Let it and yourself cool off. I just cannot believe a line of moaning that includes something like "3 hours of my life wasted".
If you enjoy stand up comedy on a variety show then watch this film. That is a broad analogy. If you want the latest blockbuster - that is always better than the previous blockbuster - then don't bother watching. This film now has it's own little niche as a historical document and doesn't need the mobile phone generation to put it down. I give this no less than 9/10
Thanks. Just wading through some of the previous write-ups nauseated me, because I have both fond memories of this film AND understand the where, when and why's of it's filming.
You just can't impose your late 1990's standards / later on a film like this. It is a product of it's own time frame and should be viewed as such. Would you criticise the 1933 Invisible Man on poor special effects ? The 1954 Dambusters on the bouncing bomb scenes and ultimately the dam destruction scenes ? What about the original Terminator ? Looking a bit crap now isn't it but nevertheless people still watch it in their droves. The point is that The Mad +3 World tried to make a point that ultimately stranded it in 1963 - and that is exactly the era in which you should judge it ! Do you really think all those stars were in it for the money ? Hum...... This is Hollywood after all, ok let's just say that there was a GENERAL feeling that they were trying their real best and believed the end product would further their careers or cap an already successful one. There are just too many big names in this for all to have been idiots.
A further line of critique seems to be the running time. Well if you think it too long then just switch off ! Is that too hard ? If you went out for a meal with coffee and the coffee was too hot would you continue to drink it ? Let it and yourself cool off. I just cannot believe a line of moaning that includes something like "3 hours of my life wasted".
If you enjoy stand up comedy on a variety show then watch this film. That is a broad analogy. If you want the latest blockbuster - that is always better than the previous blockbuster - then don't bother watching. This film now has it's own little niche as a historical document and doesn't need the mobile phone generation to put it down. I give this no less than 9/10
Fawlty Towers
(1975–1979)
The only time the hotel trade could laugh at a guest passing away at night.
28 January 2002
Can't really say much that hasn't already been said. How about BRILL and FAB for a try?
Just remember the episode where the poor guy dies one night and Basil is convinced it was dodgy, hotel served kippers that did the dirty work, when in reality it was natural causes. The real star of the show is the "corpse". He didn't say a lot but his allowing to use the lowering of his dignity gave the show it's funniest moments.
The best bit is when Basil doesn't quite take it all in, thinking that he'll be prosecuted.
After that check out "What do you expect to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window?" : "Herds of wildebeest?" "The Taj Mahal?" "The hanging gardens of Babylon?"
An unsurpassed classic. Undoubtedly you've seen it or have memories of it to be reading here, but anyway, tell your friends and loved ones that this is the one to watch -- even if you have to search a long way to find it.
Enjoy.
Just remember the episode where the poor guy dies one night and Basil is convinced it was dodgy, hotel served kippers that did the dirty work, when in reality it was natural causes. The real star of the show is the "corpse". He didn't say a lot but his allowing to use the lowering of his dignity gave the show it's funniest moments.
The best bit is when Basil doesn't quite take it all in, thinking that he'll be prosecuted.
After that check out "What do you expect to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window?" : "Herds of wildebeest?" "The Taj Mahal?" "The hanging gardens of Babylon?"
An unsurpassed classic. Undoubtedly you've seen it or have memories of it to be reading here, but anyway, tell your friends and loved ones that this is the one to watch -- even if you have to search a long way to find it.
Enjoy.
The Six Million Dollar Man
(1973 TV Movie)
Has this show been forgotten?
28 January 2002
Just flicking through IMDB on a Monday evening, as you do, and have been stirred to write something through what can only be described as the apathy of others.
This show has only got ONE comment. (You're not supposed to comment on the other folk's remarks, but I'm not doing that, I'm writing to complain about the near absence of feedback, and the other writer thought it cool too).
Can anyone reading this please offer their opinion. I attended school in the seventies when this show was originally aired, and have fond memories of it. Later in life I spent many years travelling and working throughout the world and in the classic scene of many different nationalities coming together in the evening over a bottle of wine, few beers etc this show was one of the highlights of conversation. Surely people must remember back with glee the exploits of Steve Austin and his bionic implants. There was a time when a whole peer group (myself included) wanted to train as astronauts just to come a cropper at some point in order to be dragged out of the smouldering wreckage so we may be rebuilt in the new, improved style. That's what seventies youngsters dreamt of; embodying new technology in a personal and pretty literal way. I remember the start:- Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him.
Better.
Stronger.
Faster.
It's a pity other people can't remember a little and perhaps write a bit more. Please get in touch.
This show has only got ONE comment. (You're not supposed to comment on the other folk's remarks, but I'm not doing that, I'm writing to complain about the near absence of feedback, and the other writer thought it cool too).
Can anyone reading this please offer their opinion. I attended school in the seventies when this show was originally aired, and have fond memories of it. Later in life I spent many years travelling and working throughout the world and in the classic scene of many different nationalities coming together in the evening over a bottle of wine, few beers etc this show was one of the highlights of conversation. Surely people must remember back with glee the exploits of Steve Austin and his bionic implants. There was a time when a whole peer group (myself included) wanted to train as astronauts just to come a cropper at some point in order to be dragged out of the smouldering wreckage so we may be rebuilt in the new, improved style. That's what seventies youngsters dreamt of; embodying new technology in a personal and pretty literal way. I remember the start:- Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him.
Better.
Stronger.
Faster.
It's a pity other people can't remember a little and perhaps write a bit more. Please get in touch.
The Collector
(1965)
When is it on?
18 January 2002
Have just come across the write-up to this film on one of my regular visits to IMDb, (thought I'd say that to impress them, great site guys and gals!)
You know I haven't seen this film in ages and I'd forgotten the plot and everything, but now I want to see it again and watch it properly and all that, so when is it on?.....Can't wait!---Think tomorrow I'll go to the video emporium and buy a copy; most of the early 60's releases are priced very reasonably at around £6.99, (that's less than ten bucks you folk over yonder.)
Can't wait to finish work Saturday, good film to view, good ol' IMDb!
You know I haven't seen this film in ages and I'd forgotten the plot and everything, but now I want to see it again and watch it properly and all that, so when is it on?.....Can't wait!---Think tomorrow I'll go to the video emporium and buy a copy; most of the early 60's releases are priced very reasonably at around £6.99, (that's less than ten bucks you folk over yonder.)
Can't wait to finish work Saturday, good film to view, good ol' IMDb!
Vanishing Point
(1971)
Don't Psychoanalyse
17 January 2002
Please oh please can people just WATCH this film. Forget all the symbolism. You know since I was a kid this seems to have been a topic of conversation with just about anyone who's ever seen it, you've heard it haven't you? The bar-room amateur psychoanalyst or the self proclaimed expert on human behaviour, all giving out opinions of dubious worth.
HERE IS THE CLUE!..... It's a big one too! -------The title!.....There is no point... There.
Anyway back to the film. If you were thinking that I don't like it you're wrong because I think it's terrific. In fact it's brilliant, and not in some foot to the floorboards and brain out of the window way either. There IS a lot of meaning, albeit so jumbled up as to defy any reasoned explanation. So get the beers in, get your mates round and enjoy it--all 500 Horse Power, the gleaming chrome, the V8 rumble,the cool DJ, the clanking bulldozers, the surreal nudist and the full circle ending. Like I said, pointless. Brilliant. Memorable.
HERE IS THE CLUE!..... It's a big one too! -------The title!.....There is no point... There.
Anyway back to the film. If you were thinking that I don't like it you're wrong because I think it's terrific. In fact it's brilliant, and not in some foot to the floorboards and brain out of the window way either. There IS a lot of meaning, albeit so jumbled up as to defy any reasoned explanation. So get the beers in, get your mates round and enjoy it--all 500 Horse Power, the gleaming chrome, the V8 rumble,the cool DJ, the clanking bulldozers, the surreal nudist and the full circle ending. Like I said, pointless. Brilliant. Memorable.
Joe 90
(1968–1969)
Severely Underrated Show
17 January 2002
This show just doesn't seem to receive the popularity it deserves. It was made after Captain Scarlet and quite a few years after Thunderbirds when the puppet animation had improved considerably. Perhaps because it details the exploits of a young boy it seems in some way "for the kids". But some kid's show! The carnage in some episodes is unbelievable, like the time Joe "borrows" a MIG jet fighter off the Russians, they come after him, he blows them all out of the sky AND goes back to destroy the base! The hardware is as good as Thunderbirds if not as varied. Joe's dad's car for example. Not only does it look good whilst driving it flies too.
This is one of my best remembered shows from childhood days and when it is repeated I always sit down and watch. Good ol' Joe, may you never grow old and may you work for the World Intelligence Network indefinitely.
This is one of my best remembered shows from childhood days and when it is repeated I always sit down and watch. Good ol' Joe, may you never grow old and may you work for the World Intelligence Network indefinitely.
Invasion
(1966)
Haunting invisible barrier
17 January 2002
This film had a kind of haunting effect on me for over 25 years.
There is a scene in it where a man (later to be realised a doctor) drives his car away from a building in a manic fashion, trying to get away from something, and crashes, he stops dead, literally dead as his car hits an invisible barrier. Then other people come out of the building and comment on how it's their turn next etc. You know that moment in time has come back to me on a number of occasions through life and until last year I didn't have the faintest idea what film it came from. Then one night I stayed up until the early hours - the vegetable slot - and started watching this Very Low Budget but Very Intriguing film. Good lord, it must have been put together for a few shillings in the old money but HEY was it watchable. And then this same scene came up and it was like a sheer relief that a question that went unanswered for so long was finally solved.
If you get the chance, see this film. Don't expect Hollywood budgets or special effects 'cos they're not present - what you will see is the kind of solid acting and credible performances that only come from a cast who take pride in what they are doing; committing something to celluloid for the benefit of others and something sadly lacking nowadays - real movie art.
Not a masterpiece but certainly very worthy.
There is a scene in it where a man (later to be realised a doctor) drives his car away from a building in a manic fashion, trying to get away from something, and crashes, he stops dead, literally dead as his car hits an invisible barrier. Then other people come out of the building and comment on how it's their turn next etc. You know that moment in time has come back to me on a number of occasions through life and until last year I didn't have the faintest idea what film it came from. Then one night I stayed up until the early hours - the vegetable slot - and started watching this Very Low Budget but Very Intriguing film. Good lord, it must have been put together for a few shillings in the old money but HEY was it watchable. And then this same scene came up and it was like a sheer relief that a question that went unanswered for so long was finally solved.
If you get the chance, see this film. Don't expect Hollywood budgets or special effects 'cos they're not present - what you will see is the kind of solid acting and credible performances that only come from a cast who take pride in what they are doing; committing something to celluloid for the benefit of others and something sadly lacking nowadays - real movie art.
Not a masterpiece but certainly very worthy.
Village of the Damned
(1960)
The Daleks weren't a patch on this.
17 January 2002
OK, OK, OK. I admit it.
No film, out of all the films I saw as a kid, spooked me out as much as this. This coming off a seasoned Dr.Who fan as well. (Dr.Who was easy though, you just crawled behind the settee or watched it through your fingers- you know, do a semi kind of Vulcan 'live long and prosper' sign and turn your hand horizontally).. :) . Anyway, all the blonde haired and blue eyed people in my class suddenly took on this new sinister edge. I knew they were looking at me and plotting something. I used to scrutinise them every morning to see if they had all grown abnormally overnight. And all this from a low budget film in black and white. How did I know they had blue eyes in monochrome? Answer, the little buggers followed me into my dreams, where they stayed with me in remarkable close proximity until such a time when I was able to tell myself it was all a dream. Hang on, that should be film there, OH NO, they're after me using their thoughts as weapons!
Based on a novel titled "The Midwich cuckoos", dare you to watch it by yourself at night, then walk up the stairs with the light off.
Excellent.
No film, out of all the films I saw as a kid, spooked me out as much as this. This coming off a seasoned Dr.Who fan as well. (Dr.Who was easy though, you just crawled behind the settee or watched it through your fingers- you know, do a semi kind of Vulcan 'live long and prosper' sign and turn your hand horizontally).. :) . Anyway, all the blonde haired and blue eyed people in my class suddenly took on this new sinister edge. I knew they were looking at me and plotting something. I used to scrutinise them every morning to see if they had all grown abnormally overnight. And all this from a low budget film in black and white. How did I know they had blue eyes in monochrome? Answer, the little buggers followed me into my dreams, where they stayed with me in remarkable close proximity until such a time when I was able to tell myself it was all a dream. Hang on, that should be film there, OH NO, they're after me using their thoughts as weapons!
Based on a novel titled "The Midwich cuckoos", dare you to watch it by yourself at night, then walk up the stairs with the light off.
Excellent.
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers
(1956)
Don't knock the SFX
17 January 2002
Alright, just a quickie.
First heard about this film in a book on cr*p 'B' movies. Looked in the TV guide for a while, then it came on. (At 3.00AM Wed if I remember rightly, like all the rest of the 'good' stuff). Videoed it, watched it and couldn't believe how !good! the special effects were. Really, it is well worth watching. The plot and other bits (e.g. the acting) isn't much better then the Granddaddy of them all, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, but those saucers, those saucy saucers, wow!..... :)
First heard about this film in a book on cr*p 'B' movies. Looked in the TV guide for a while, then it came on. (At 3.00AM Wed if I remember rightly, like all the rest of the 'good' stuff). Videoed it, watched it and couldn't believe how !good! the special effects were. Really, it is well worth watching. The plot and other bits (e.g. the acting) isn't much better then the Granddaddy of them all, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, but those saucers, those saucy saucers, wow!..... :)
The Dam Busters
(1955)
Low budget sceptics be DamnBusted
9 January 2002
Warning: Spoilers
This film is a classic. I don't mean that in "Gone with the wind" terms or Orson Welles directed so and so. No, what I am saying is that you should appreciate this film for a value it contains that is really a pure watchability factor. A nine year old kid on the edge of his seat desperately wanting to inform both parents of the enjoyment he was having. His moment. His crucial awareness of everything in his mind that was WWII. Except his dad was working late shift and his mum had popped out for a while, probably nothing important. So he had to do it alone, gripped tightly while the main plot ideas filtered through, the physics behind the dam attacks and the character interaction emerged. Then sadness, heart wrenching sadness (SORRY SPOILER AHEAD>)the Group Captains' dog got run over. Can you imagine the emotions running through a nine year old at the time? Anyway these things are quickly forgotten when we are at war with Germany so the DamBusting build up was anticipated and enjoyed. And this is the whole point. Please don't knock this film on allegedly poor special effects. It was made in (just) post war Britain when money was hard to come by, and let's face it that was a less enlightened age. Modern criticism is easy in retrospect. No, just get yourself a copy, sit back and enjoy a true piece of genuine, unpretentious escapism. And if you don't already know- it's based pretty closely on a true story. The music's rather good too. Just ask somebody who was around then. I rated this film one of the best. I gave it 10/10
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