misctidsandbits Reviews

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife (1982) Season 1, Episode 1

Early Short Story from the LATER "Queen of Crime"

[9/10 · 8 June 2014]

Gwen Watford is a great character actress, and did very fine here indeed. Put the Parker Pyne and Miss Lemon duo together with her, and you have a jolly good show. Oh yes, there's a stereotypic husband doing the mid-life crisis to the hilt and a prescribed younger man for the neglected wife. It plays out well, with the early Parker Pyne (early to Christie works) being a treat with his intelligence guided by experience approach. We get to see the precursor of the maximum-ly efficient Miss Lemon later to be girl Friday to Poirot (as yet a gleam in the writer's eye).

Great production after you get over the British sound stage thing they invariably do on TV. Costumes by whomever for Ms. Watford were well appreciated. Age-old story refreshed, I thought, with Pyne and Lemon's statistical and informed interference.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Red Signal (1982) Season 1, Episode 8

Good Tale With a Christie Oft Repeated M.O.

[9/10 · 8 June 2014]

Christie liked to throw you a loop, as does many a mystery writer. Alas, she did not always play fair, withholding info and dynamics crucial to the real perp until the end. But, who said mystery writers had to play fair?

Here, there's the clear insinuation that one is definitely "mad" (in other venues, the evil one), yet at the end it is turned about to reveal it is indeed the counterpart party. But, a well casted and produced account, which provides enjoyment as it goes along with class and style. We get to see the "evil one" forced to play his hand and the timeworn lovers finally united.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Manhood of Edward Robinson (1982) Season 1, Episode 10

It Comes About

[9/10 · 8 June 2014]

Immediately, I registered that I did not like this actor nor his character. But soon, the character began to get with it. And, more than immediately, I liked his fiancé still less -- a whining, rather hen pecking type with her mother in tow as part of the equation. NOT! However, to the viewer's relief and enjoyment, this rather hapless fellow steps out of his small space, makes a decision on his own, has an absurd and delightful adventure, and becomes fueled with enough confidence to step up to the controlling fiancé and her intervening mother. Someone showed confidence in him (the society girl) and thus, he gained confidence in himself.

Right ho! and fun along the way. Jolly good show.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Case of the Discontented Soldier (1982) Season 1, Episode 5

Parker Pyne's Reconstruction at Work

[7/10 · 8 June 2014]

Parker Pyne was an interesting early Christie figure, using intelligence and background to effect life transformations to all that would apply to his simple advert about happiness. It's a fabled tale with added intelligence and comes across well on those bases. We get to see Miss Lemon, whom we assume to be the future M. Poirot's faithful secretary, and mystery writer, Adriane Oliver, no less. That makes it fun for those who have read the later works first. While I agree that this Parker Pyne is not as quixotic and personable as the one from the written story, he does the job.

The good major's current life status of boredom and lack of adventure is allayed, his core need intrinsically met in a most entertaining fashion. I thought Miss Oliver justified her stereotypic methods in this by her assertions that people liked the traditional and time worn dilemmas which were employed here.

Good fun. (We trust the Major came to the realization that "a man" did not in fact "owe him 50 quid."

The Agatha Christie Hour: Magnolia Blossom (1982) Season 1, Episode 6

Enjoyale Episode for Many Reasons

[9/10 · 8 June 2014]

Setting the sound stage element aside, I found this a well produced episode. It took me a while, but I caught up with Jeremy Clyde as being the "Jeremy" of "Chad and Jeremy" of bygone days. Kudos to him for his development as an actor. I would now like to see him in other things. Along these lines, I looked up Madden who reminded me of a character I saw in an AC, Miss Marple episode, "The Body in the Library," Joan Hickson version, of course, (All others come across as quite spurious, alas). In that she was an entirely different character, but the fine facial bone structure is the prompt on the resemblance.

Getting beyond the ineptness of the "lover's" responses in the love scenes, this was a good depiction of a faithful and neglected wife coming into her own, but according to her own historical principles.

Well produced, casted (alas for the lover figure, Bates, was it?) and played. Recommend.

The Agatha Christie Hour: Jane in Search of a Job (1982) Season 1, Episode 9

Fun Frolic

[9/10 · 8 June 2014]

Hey, this one is a treat, all tongue-in-cheek and clueless bounding along come right. No one would spot this as Christie from her later, more lengthy and serious works, but this one displays the marvelous range of the prolific writer. It's a fun tale, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't imagine picking at it. Not quite cricket, it would seem. Jane is a plainer Jane than most Christie heroine film depictions, but she did quite nicely, being an accomplished actress. Andrew Bicknell let his earnestness be known to protect this innocent, the thugs were central casting, and the "high brow" posers quite entertaining in their convincing-come-revealing transition. Jolly good fun -- which is exactly what is was written to be. Amen.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Fourth Man (1982) Season 1, Episode 4

This One Is a Poser

[6/10 · 8 June 2014]

As this tale concerns the supernatural and "orthodox: Christianity, it goes down rather hard on the pertinent points. I can understand everyone's perspective, especially the religious figure. While I appreciate his view, I can think that something else is at play in this instance for which his religious training did not prepare him.

It seems every prolific writer eventually delves into the supernatural. This is especially true of the mystery writers (such as Conan Doyle). However, throughout her works, I did not find Agatha Christie out of touch with the genre, either of the supernatural or the effects of religion, per se, some of which deserve pillorying. This is with the understanding that there is a difference in religion and literally taken Biblical Christianity. Christie did not demean Christianity, I have found, but its posing counterpart in the guise of standardized religion.

Thus, this was a bold endeavor, rather early-on in her career, and likely universally not anyone's favorite of her stories of any type. Personally, I come to her for diversion and entertainment, and the subject story does not fall into those ranks for me.

However, she is always good, and this is not a story I would revisit; however, it is not one that I would strike from my ownership of her works.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Girl in the Train (1982) Season 1, Episode 3

Fun Frolic

[8/10 · 8 June 2014]

I think I gathered what this was supposed to depict, a hapless, rather clueless fellow, stumbling along into placement at last. This guy is several rungs down from even a Bertie Wooster. To me, he proved a treat in his assignment. I found the ride quite enjoyable, with that understanding.

Most folks know Christie as a serious and adept mystery writer, with finely tuned plots, characters and serious detectives. "The Agatha Christie Hour," however, was about her lighter weight, varied, early short stories which featured a gamut of venues and themes. They were not mysteries in the main, just episodes, and I thought interesting ones.

Having read and/or viewed the more serious and longer versions and adaptations, it was enjoyable to read and now view her earlier, shorter and lighter works.

The Agatha Christie Hour: The Mystery of the Blue Jar (1982) Season 1, Episode 7

Gullible

[6/10 · 8 June 2014]

While this fellow ends up looking the prize turkey of the piece as it goes, he and his aged relative fare the best in the end, which establishes the settled order of -- well, the settled order. The miscreants are not depicted here as meeting their justice, but we kind of know they will. Instead, we see the young enterprising chap and his aged relative succeeding to their course of well intention into continued well being. Right ho.

Well acted early short story with a touch of the supernatural. While Christie, like any prolific mystery genre author, dealt some in the supernatural, she never exalted it as darkly supreme. This was rightly handled in this instance, I thought.

Bung ho.

The Agatha Christie Hour (1982)

Christie Earlier Shorts With a Lighter Touch in General

[10/10 · 8 June 2014]

I deem these excellent because I am a thoroughgoing Christie fan who owns all her books and stories (except Hazelmore, aka Sittaford, which dealt heavily in the supernatural unacceptable to me as entertainment). I have also seen a large percentage of the film and TV adaptations and overall appreciate those. With that background, it is a treat to recently find out about this TV series featuring some of the very early short stories, most of which I have read. With the usual English quality dramatization and casting, this proved a very interesting series. As pointed out by another reviewer and from a background special feature in one of the video sets, the "pre-Poirot" stories, as they put it, introducing Miss Lemon and Adriane Oliver was a treat. I also knew from having read these that Christie didn't get around to concentrated full mystery books until later and that she had a sense of humor. This set depicts her earlier period and well, I thought. Overall, a veddy good show.

The Agatha Christie Hour: In a Glass Darkly (1982) Season 1, Episode 2

Provoking - Either Good or Bad, According to Your Own Bent

[7/10 · 8 June 2014]

This follows the course of the well produced (though sound staged quality) episodes in this television series, with the story line being in the balance. Christie was so versatile that she could include just about "it all." I can appreciate the irony in this without appreciating the tension created. It was well acted. Not my favorite of her tales, yet appreciate its cleverness and a good ending. I had read this tale among her short stories, and it was one of my least favorites. I appreciate the English for their quality depictions of Christie, drawing eminent actors and the production values of the current day. Frankly, I do not recall any American productions of any period using this particular sound stage method, but so glad to get any Christie adaptation and other English productions. Thanks to BBC and then ITV.

Jane Eyre (2006)

Weakened and Cheapened

[1/10 · 13 February 2014]

Modernization of old films and books doesn't usually work. Here, it failed in spades. It is especially unsuccessful to actually downgrade a merited classic with supposedly more updated mores and styles. Bronte's "Jane Eyre" is not broken and does not require a fix.

From start to finish, from casting to execution, this is a rotten stinker. I personally consider the two leads to be unattractive. Wilson, repulses instead of attracts. She is larger than Stephens, awkward and appears over-nourished, instead of the half-starved girl of the book. Indeed, this Rochester is the one who appears undernourished. Besides, he needed the makeup to cover that gravely, pock marked face. Hers was not appropriate, though she needed help. Yuk to both, I think especially her. Their "love" scenes are actually revolting.

All other cast members miss it by a mile, including the scruffy mange of a dog! The changes and adjustments (compromises) in the script and demeanor of especially the lead characters fails utterly. The depth and deliberation of the time and the true Bronte characters were obviously not valued and likely not comprehended by those responsible for this atrocity.

Any other version is superior. This one hits the skids and turns the stomach along the way.

Wives and Daughters (1999)

Wonderful Discovery

[10/10 · 29 August 2013]

Where has this film been or where have I been concerning this film? I found it in passing in a library period film search and then got busy and almost didn't play it. So very glad I did. I understand the author is a lesser known for some reason, and there is a move to bring her works to the forefront. If this isn't the cream of her crop, it is likely close. This film stands up against the most popular period presentations of the last several decades. Excellently produced, spot-on casting and portrayals, overall even pace. The surpassing feature, however, is the emotional depth of the characters. These people come to life in full dimension. There's an even flow of them, without so much extreme bad or good. Along with that, characters embody weaknesses and vulnerabilities along with their strengths. It's an effective and affecting film experience.

I ran into something on this one that happens with me from time to time on this type of film, and that is the variance between my taste in looks and beauty and those of the time. For example here, between the two son, Osbourne is said to be the handsomest and Roger to be plain in looks. I find it the opposite. Found this in "Pride & Prejudice" as well, preferring Elizabeth Bennett's looks over her sister, Jane, who is credited the beauty in the film.

Regardless, this is a super outstanding period film I will be ready to share with all my friends who enjoy these and definitely add to my favorites. It conveys its characters and the story gently, but very effectively. There is much of interest and variety. It is realistic in showing flaws in persons and customs, who change in some respects, but do not undergo unbelievable transformations. I like it that the film demonstrates the reward of patience and endurance and the folly of self-indulgence and stubborn prejudice. There is wit, humor, depth and shallowness of character, joys and sorrows, generosity and self-centeredness, wisdom and frivolity.

Dr. Gibson may well become one of my all-time favorite male characters from fiction. He is gratifying throughout, though tried and vexed, weighs in like gold in the punches. While open and accommodating to his new female household additions, he never compromises his tender watch care for his own beloved daughter. I love it when he tells the squire that she needs to come home now and receive some cosseting herself. He holds his own with the gentry along with the regular folk. He and his faithful girl are two of the most valued and respected denizens of their community. The new wife and step-mother is also a remarkable character, for a different reason, with her unrelenting zeal to tweak all about her. I love it that, though giving her proper place, the two girls do not allow her to "live in their place," but make their voices heard with spirit. She was entirely well played here, giving much interest throughout. Though we see her some mollified at the end by life's vicissitudes, we also sense she will definitely rise again. I really enjoyed the two girls hitting it off. Though light weight on steady character, Cynthia brings some playfulness and fun in needed relief to Molly's older-than-her-years intensity. However, there is a period of angst over Molly's being made use of to cover Cynthia's inconsistencies.

I definitely want to read the book and will likely purchase both. Many of these characters have a classic quality about them, the kind that becomes a type of reference. I'll also be seeking out this author's other works and will likely find them keepers as well if they are anything like this marvel.

Marple: At Bertram's Hotel (2007) Season 3, Episode 1

The Skids

[1/10 · 14 August 2013]

Just when you thought the MeElwen series had reached its lowest ebb, along comes this edition. Agatha Christie would roll over in her grave. There are not enough lines to justify comment on this travesty. Absurd,Absurd,Ridiculous, Bastardization, Travesty. Also it's insipid, desperate, foolish, freakish, stupid, de trop, extremely bad taste, out of context, out of time period, out of it in general. Absurd,Absurd,Ridiculous, Bastardization, Travesty. Also it's insipid, desperate, foolish, freakish, stupid, de trop, extremely bad taste, out of context, out of time period, out of it in general. Absurd,Absurd,Ridiculous, Bastardization, Travesty. Also it's insipid, desperate, foolish, freakish, stupid, de trop, extremely bad taste, out of context, out of time period, out of it in general.

Marple: Marple: What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw (2004) Season 1, Episode 3

Screwy. Convoluted Mess

[2/10 · 14 August 2013]

Liberties taken, but some scant amusement provided, such as Ms. McGillicutty's calling the cheeky young policeman a snotty little pup. Sorry, can't find anything else. Hokey Miss Marple. Lots of quirks, none of them appealing. Alfred's half-drunken blubber over the demise of his Jacqueline was pretty revolting. These characters across the board are entirely less attractive and effective than those in the 1980's series. Perhaps an attempt is made at "artistic," but it was lost on this viewer, with no apologies. There is some bizarre emoting, taking things entirely too seriously, along with some insipid frivolity of communication, of which Miss Marple (or is it "Ms." now) has a fair share. In short: it's inferior; it's confusing; it sucks. Highly ineffective (that's flattering) adaptation. Stupid as a production in general and in particular.

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

What is with IMDb's handling?

[10/10 · 22 January 2013]

This is at least a 90% hit with reviewers everywhere, with the usual back draft pulling down the rest for their own reasons, some of them quite bizarre. My question is perhaps moot here, but why does IMDb have its head in the sand on this one? Get it -- it is now a much anticipated annual series showing. Where is the Season 3 or 2013 listing for this? They have the original season, some odd following years with nothing in them, then a very partial breakdown of scattered episodes. Like it or not, this is one of the biggest smash hits in a long time, PBS television or not. Get over it IMDb and set up distinctive seasons for this, as they are quite distinct.

The Law and the Lady (1951)

And a Witty Wilding Too

[8/10 · 2 January 2013]

Guess the butler got left out of the title, but he was so spot-on with his many graces and polish. That cape in the early segment was quite dashing, along with the top hat and stick. Did not like Ms. Garson's dark hair in this or in "Mrs. Parkington." It just doesn't suit her, but she is still quite lovely. Her voice alone is ample attraction. "When Thieves Fall Out" would be a good title, maybe adding, "… And Make Up." Lots of irony there at the rancho, with everyone's righteous indignation fizzling out when their dirty linen got a genteel airing. Then, just when everything was all smiles again, along comes the extradition agent, all over a measly hundred pounds. What a bore. Oh well, maybe time off for good behavior will come sooner than expected, what with all the repository of charm brought to bear from the respective parties. Then, tally ho, off to the country house, manor house, town house and/or shooting box. This is so changed around, one needn't compare with previous editions. Certainly an interesting group of scenarios. Fun picture.

Ladies in Love (1936)

The Long Shot Is the One That Paid Off

[7/10 · 31 December 2012]

Starting off with a bit of perhaps heresy to some, I have never understood the appeal of Janet Gaynor, and this did not help. However, though the long-shot and quirkiest character here, hers was the lucky ticket that paid off. It is interesting to see the former box-office dominating Bennett underbilled to Loretta Young, whose star was on the rise. They say Ms. Young's fan mail always abounded, something the execs kept a close eye on. Despite that, she has a thankless part here, the heir apparent to the young nobleman's second billing, having already been aligned with a worthy marriage candidate, likely by family design. With Young's character, he was shopping for the extracurricular interest in advance. However, it's more the personality type chosen for this character that did not fit Ms. Young, who seemed off balance playing off balance, being more effective as a more self-assured type. Ms. Bennett had the best part and did well enough. The screenwriter(s) did not play true to type and time here in that they only rewarded one of the three young hopefuls, the other two left to gracefully bow out of the venture at the end, perhaps some the wiser. The production values along with interesting players form the lifeline of this one, the script needing recessitation from the beginning, but never receiving it.

Four Men and a Prayer (1938)

Good One for Particular Actor Completists

[5/10 · 30 December 2012]

Interesting film for the actors playing three of the brothers and the father and Loretta Young in a more whimsical part than usual for her. We've seen this type character portrayed before - a charmed harum scarum type - but not particularly by her. It features Richard Greene, an actor whose star rose quickly but had a short run. Don't try to follow the action, and see it more than once if you intend to attempt to follow the path leading toward the perpetrator. The arms seller father is a rewarding figure as he turns out a good guy who helps to simplify things, much needed in a complicated and twisted trail. Alan Hale is also in an atypical role as the evil genius. I can see why this one would be diverting at the time of release, but not one with a lasting shelf life, except for completists of a particular actor or stalwart fan.

Employees' Entrance (1933)

Cad of Cads

[6/10 · 30 December 2012]

This movie has to have at least the distinctive of one of the most ruthless characters ever portrayed, positioned in the mainstream. I think he tops the Grinch. But, aside from that -- there's not much else. The characters seem to play around him and however you liked their reactions determined how much else you got out of it. Ms. Young is quite a young chic here. The boyfriend was unbelievable for her level of beauty movie-wise, but actual life plays out that way sometimes. He certainly provided the real deal support when it got down to it. Some of the acting and scenarios reminded me of why I liked the movies better as they came more of age.

The Unguarded Hour (1936)

Like This Overall and Would Revisit

[7/10 · 30 December 2012]

Just watched this one, though I've had it a while. Was surprised and pleased. It's interesting to see Ms. Young with this group of contract players, on loan from her home studio. Makes we wonder what MGM would have done with her had she been contracted there. As it is, she is her soft and sincere persona here, doing well enough with Tone. As for the plot line, I'm glad by reading other reviews to find that I'm not the only one left scratching my head at the rather abrupt wrap-up. The quick introduction of a trap at the 11th hour brought maybe a too swift resolution to this rather complex embroilment. As soon as milady misidentified the picture, I got lost and basically stayed that way. One viewer clue came when hubby requested to talk with his wife alone after his official confrontation, but one had to think back to that later trying to map out the circuitous route. Just too much came too fast and too pat. But, even Dame Agatha threw you a loop now and again; but not to the extent of this one. However, as it goes along, there's a prime treat in Roland Young, playing the impish, pleasingly inappropriate friend of the lead couple. He was so much fun.

Bedtime Story (1941)

Thoroughly Enjoy This Movie

[8/10 · 30 December 2012]

Whatever you may think about this movie as it goes along, most will agree that the ending is absolutely hilarious -- Fredric March working his one-man phone bank from the lobby directing havoc to his wife's room. I personally don't see any good reason to compare this one with others that may be similar or with actors who have routinely made this type of film. This is a standalone film these actors made and I think they did it well. Fredric March is always a good actor, and he was convincing with what he had to do here. His earnest straight face in itself was more than amusing as he performed his chicanery throughout. Loretta Young is always beautiful, extremely well costumed and generally ladylike and can be enjoyed for those reasons. Additionally, unless prejudiced, one would have to admit that, despite her very strong beauty, she is a more than competent actress. She's the first to receive both an Oscar and an Emmy, with many, many other acting awards along the way of her extensive career. During that span, she has played a wide variety of characters and types. She especially enjoyed her long-running television program because she could vary her roles. This is a good movie.

They Call It Sin (1932)

Racy Title; Tame Enough Script

[6/10 · 28 December 2012]

This is an amazing one to see, especially for early days of the actors we're more familiar with decades later. Was Louis Calhern ever young? Even here, he has a very mature look. There's a very placid and pleasing Loretta Young, mostly philosophic, never very ruffled for long by the twists and turns that come her way. Her wild roomie, Una, is no end of fun, getting ruffled enough for the both of them. David Manners caught my eye and looked for other movies with him, his having left Hollywood after less than a decade or so in favor of stage work. Very handsome young man, who reminded me of Jeffrey Lynn, who also wasn't around very long, in his case, to pursue another career altogether. George Brent transfers his usual low key portrayal from the last time you saw him. Surprisingly lively and interesting older movie.

And Now Tomorrow (1944)

Unusual Pairing and Venue

[6/10 · 28 December 2012]

This is a decent quality movie overall with some good people, some surprising to see together. That's the way I felt about Loretta Young and Alan Ladd. Somehow, Ms. Young came off kind of awkward in appearance here, perhaps partially due to compensations having to be made for the difference in height between the two leads. But she seemed less graceful overall than I've ever seen her, even in a lot of the costumes. As mentioned, this is a departure for Ladd in type and he's good enough doing what he did, but not 100% for the pairing. He seemed to be mocking and scoffing at Emily all the way through, despising her really rather extremely and then suddenly he's in love with her. Not so smooth a transition. Yet, I enjoyed some of it, but it was just too choppy between them overall. The ending was unforgivable. Ms. Young's automatic speaking of the title phrase was so flat and inept as was the following kiss, with Ladd looking like he was lying in her lap with his head on her chest. Just so awkward.

The rest of it was smooth enough, if not redeeming of the angst created by the above. Barry Sullivan was in very good looks here, Susan Hayward doing a good enough job. Ms. Bondi, as always, provided quality and authenticity in her unusual role as a society matron. Cecil Kellaway was wonderful. Maybe another try at some future date.

The Doctor Takes a Wife (1940)

Has Its Moments

[5/10 · 28 December 2012]

If you have a number of these types of movies, they become more competitive. While this one is good in part, not a throwaway, neither is it particularly a keeper if you're short on space. Ms. Young does well enough with what she has to work with, Reginald Gardner the same, but Ray Milland disappoints here as some other places as well. He's better cool and collected, very effective in that, like in "Dial M for Murder." He just embarrasses me here with his contrived expressions, and I recall experiencing that with him previously in a comedy. So artificial, so put on, you wonder why they let it pass. There are good segments, but overall, I wouldn't go out of my way to watch this one.