Category: Trivia

“I Married a Monster from Outer Space” (1958) starring Gloria Talbott and Tom Tryon / Z-View

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I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)

Director: Gene Fowler Jr.

Screenplay: Louis Vittes

Stars: Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott, Peter Baldwin, Robert Ivers, Valerie Allen, Ty Hardin, Ken Lynch, John Eldredge, Alan Dexter, James Anderson, Jean Carson, Steve London and Maxie Rosenbloom.

Tagline: Is it possible? Is it true? Can humans mate with MONSTERS?

The Plot…

Marge Farrell (Talbott), a newlywed bride, begins to suspect that something is strange about her husband, Bill (Tryon).  He’s become distant, cold even.  Tom loved dogs and now any dog that comes near him begins to growl and bark.  Things that Tom should know, he has forgotten.

Then Marge begins to notice changes in other men in Tom’s social circle.  Marge follows Tom one night and discovers an alien has taken Tom’s identity.  Marge realizes that aliens are planning a takeover.  But who will believe her before it is too late?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John P. Fulton who did the special effects for I Married a Monster from Outer Space was well known and respected for his work.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Fulton was nominated for 8 Academy Awards for Special Effects and won three.

Tom Tryon retired from acting in 1969 and began a writing career.  He is best known for his novel THE OTHER.  Mr. Tryon wrote the screenplay for the feature film adaptation.

I’m surprised I Married a Monster from Outer Space isn’t as popular as other horror pictures of the era.  It is definitely an underrated gem.  Perhaps the title hurts the film from being given a chance.

I Married a Monster from Outer Space and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers makes a great double feature!

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958) rates 4 of 5 stars

“The Human Duplicators” (1964) / Z-View

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The Human Duplicators (1964)

Director: Hugo Grimaldi, Arthur C. Pierce (uncredited)

Screenplay: Arthur C. Pierce

Stars: George Nader, Barbara Nichols, George Macready, Dolores Faith, Hugh Beaumont, Richard Arlen, John Indrisano, Margaret Teele and Richard Kiel.

Tagline: Made to Kill or Love on Command!

The Plot…

 Dr. Kolos (Kiel) is teletransported to Earth to begin plans for an Intergalactic takeover.  The plan is to create human androids to assist in the takeover.  Kolos goes to the mansion of the brilliant scientist, Dr. Vaughan Dornheimer (Macready).  Kolos forces Dr. Dornheimer to work with him to create the androids.  They begin by duplicating the top scientists in the country.

As the android army increases an agent from the NIA (National Intelligence Agency) begins snooping around. He discovers the plan to take over the planet, but it may be too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hugh Beaumont, best known for his role as Beaver’s father on the television classic Leave It To Beaver, appears in his final feature film role.

Richard Kiel plays Dr. Kolos, the alien sent down to lead the takeover of Earth.  His name wasn’t featured on the original movie poster.

I made it through the movie so I’ll give it two stars… barely.

The Human Duplicators (1964) rates 2 of 5 stars

“Clash by Night” (1952) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas and Marilyn Monroe / Z-View

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Clash by Night (1952)

Director: Fritz Lang

Screenplay: Alfred Hayes; based on Clash by Night by Clifford Odets

Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas, Marilyn Monroe, J. Carrol Naish, Keith Andes, Albert Cavens and Charles Cirillo.

Tagline: They called it love! But that isn’t what the whole town whispered…nor the ugly name the husband gave it when he found out…too late!

The Plot…

Mae Doyle (Stanwyck) left Monterey for a glamourous life.  Now, ten years later she’s returned.  The rich man she was seeing died.  He left Mae some money, but the man’s wife and family took her to court.  They won and Mae got nothing.  Now she’s ten years older and back in the same small town she hoped to never see again.

Mae moves into the family home now owned by her younger brother, Joe (Andes).  Joe isn’t happy to see Mae back.  Joe knows she’s a gold digger and is worried Mae will be a bad influence on his girl, Peggy (Monroe).

Mae begins to date Joe’s boss, Jerry.  Jerry owns a boat and makes a modest living leading a fishing crew.  Jerry falls for Mae but thinks he’s not in her league.  Mae hoped for a better life, but Jerry is the best she’ll find in this town.  They continue to date with Jerry hoping to win her over.

Jerry introduces Mae to his best friend, Earl (Ryan).  Earl is rough around the edges, and like Mae had hoped for a better life than he has.  Mae can’t stand Earl and the feeling is mutual.

Jerry proposes to Mae.  She warns him that she’s no good for him.  Jerry doesn’t see it that way.  Mae realizes that although Jerry isn’t her type of man, he could provide her with security.  Mae agrees to marry Jerry, maybe she will come to love him.

A year into the marriage and Jerry and Mae have a baby girl.  Small time life isn’t what Mae wanted.  And the way Earl is looking at her and talking to her.

Mae knows it’s wrong and someone could end up dead, but…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Clash by Night features one of Marilyn Monroe’s first starring roles.  During filming, news of Monroe’s nude calendar photos became public knowledge.  The news created quite a distraction for the film’s production.  Barbara Stanwyck advised Marilyn to admit the truth and say that she posed for the photos when she was younger and needed the money. (Much as Stanwyck did when she was younger.)

Stanwyck, Ryan and Monroe get well deserved praise for this film.  And rightly so.  Paul Douglas shines as well.

Clash by Night deals with a mature theme and is well directed and well cast.  I felt the ending wrapped things up too nicely.  Interestingly enough, the play on which the film is based had a different ending.  One of the main characters is murdered.  Director Fritz Lang wanted to keep that ending, but the studio forced a more positive outcome.  I wish Lang had gotten his way.

Clash by Night (1952) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Hand of Death” (1962) starring John Agar, Paula Raymond and Steve Dunne / Z-View

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Hand of Death (1962)

Director: Gene Nelson

Screenplay: Eugene Ling

Stars: John Agar, Paula Raymond, Stephen Dunne, Roy Gordon, John A. Alonzo, Butch Patrick, Norman Burton, Fred Krone, Jack Donner and Joe Besser.

Tagline: No one dared come too close!

The Plot…

Alex Marsh (Agar) thinks he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.  Marsh has been working on the creation of a nerve gas for the military.  After long hours in the lab, Marsh spills some and infects himself.  Marsh slowly turns into a monster whose very touch kills!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Joe Besser, best known as one of the Three Stooges, has a small role.  Butch Patrick, best known for his role on The Munsters, appears in a small role as well.

Comic Book fans may note the resemblance between the movie’s monster and The Thing’s early appearances in Fantastic Four comics.  Although the movie monster was colored black, on the posters and lobby cards he was orange (same as the Thing).  The monster also disguised itself using a hat and trenchcoat (as did the Thing in comics).  Coincidence?

Hand of Death (1962) rates 2 of 5 stars

“John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023) starring Keanu Reeves / Z-View

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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski

Screenplay: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, George Georgiou, Lance Reddick, Clancy Brown, Ian McShane, Marko Zaror, Bill Skarsgård, Donnie Yen, Aimée Kwan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: No Way Back. One Way Out.

The Plot…

Recovered from wounds that should have left him dead, John Wick (Reeves) is ready to take his vengeance on the High Table.  He plans to “kill them all.”  Very quickly Wick learns that his actions have consequences.  If not on him, then on those few that he cares for.

Wick then decides to use a High Table tradition against them.  Wick will challenge the Marquis (Skarsgård) to a duel.  But to do this, John Wick must be a part of one of the crime families.  Reinstatement will come at a bloody cost.  But once in and if he wins the duel, John knows he will be free of all obligations to the High Table.

The Marquis learns of Wick’s plan and sets in motion all of the worldly resources he controls.  Wick must be killed at all costs.

Let the fun begin.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lance Reddick died a week before John Wick 4 was released.  Although he filmed some scenes for Ballerina, John Wick 4 contains Lance Riddick’s final completed film role.  The movie is dedicated to his memory.

As in previous chapters, Keanu Reeves did most of his own stunts.

Each new John Wick chapter expands his world.  Chapter 4 is no exception.  The new characters keep the movie fun.  Favorites this time out include Tracker (Shamier Anderson) and Killa (Scott Adkins).  It was nice to see roles for Donnie Yen, Clancy Brown and Bill Skarsgård.  It was also cool to see Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and of course, Ian McShane back.  Sven Marquardt is memorable in his role as Klaus.

If you’re a fan of John Wick’s previous outings, you should greatly enjoy Chapter 4.  I wouldn’t mind a Chapter 5, if they can come up with a new twist.  I also wouldn’t mind seeing Tracker get a film of his own.  More tales from the World of John Wick would also be welcomed.  Then again, if this is the last Keanu Reeves outing as John Wick, I’m okay with that too.  It’s been a truly fun ride.

John Wick: Chapter 4 rates 4 of 5 stars.

“War of the Worlds” (1953) starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson / Z-View

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War of the Worlds (1953)

Director: Byron Haskin

Screenplay: Barré Lyndon; based on THE WAR OF THE WORLDS by H.G. Wells

Stars: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, Lewis Martin, Vernon Rich, Henry Brandon, Jack Kruschen, Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Barrier, Carolyn Jones and Paul Frees.

Tagline: Amazing! terrifying! The most savage spectacle of all time!

The Plot…

When a meteor impacts near a small California town it generates a lot of attention.  The attention turns to fear when the meteor turns out to contain an alien ship. The ship goes airborne and begins destroying everything in it’s path.  Things go from terrible to devastating when it is learned that hundreds of these “meteors” have landed around the world.

Armies across the globe attempt to take down the alien invaders with no success. Cities are being wiped out.  Dr. Clayton Forrester (Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren (Robinson) find themselves on the run searching for safe haven.  As the aliens close in, reports from around the world show that no weapon works against the alien’s technology.

Humankind will be wiped out in weeks…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

War of the Worlds was nominated for three 1954 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Sound, Recording – Loren L. Ryder (Paramount Sound Department)
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Everett Douglas
  • Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects

The alien craft in H.G. Wells novel walk on tripod legs.  Unsure of how to make this work on screen, George Pal opted to give the craft the ability to fly.

H.G. Wells’ estate was so pleased with The War of the Worlds, that George Pal was offered any other H.G. Wells story to adapt.  Pal chose and made The Time Machine.

Paul Frees plays a radio reporter and uses his voice impersonation of Orson Welles as a homage to Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast.

Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, the stars of this version appear as grandparents of Tom Cruise’s character’s children in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 War of the Worlds.

War of the Worlds is a classic.

War of the Worlds (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hog Wild” (1930) starring Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy / Z-View

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Hog Wild (1930)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay: H. M. Walker, Stan Laurel

Stars: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy.

Tagline: Amnesia! Mr. Hardy was beginning to forget things but Mr. Laurel had no fear of losing his memory – As a matter of fact, Mr. Laurel never had a memory to lose.

The Plot…

Stan and Ollie plan to spend the afternoon together having fun.  But first, Ollie’s wife insists that Ollie install the radio antenna on their roof.

Oliver and Hardy on a rooftop installing an antenna!  What could go wrong?

But is using the car as the base of a ladder that Ollie has climbed to the top of the best idea?  Let the go times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hog Wild (1930) clocks in at just 19 laugh filled minutes.

Stan and Ollie on a rooftop — deal me in.

Hog Wild (1930) rates 5 of 5 stars.

GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes

First sentence…

The first blow split Stan’s lip and knocked him into a stack of recapped tires at the back of the repair bay.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Keller is an ex-vet who makes a living as a bounty hunter.  Keller still deals with personal issues from an attack that left him the sole survivor of his unit.  His relationship with sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones has been tested more than once because of this.

Keller’s latest assignment is to bring in Laurel Marks.  She’s a nineteen year old who didn’t show up for a court hearing.  Bringing her in should be easy money.

Meanwhile Deputy Jones is first on the scene of a brutal gas station robbery.  The owner of the station was repeatedly shot, with the death blow being point blank to the face.  The station owner’s son is missing.

Shortly after the gas station robbery, a trio of killers begin their mass murder spree.  They film the executions for a local newscaster.  The killings come hours apart and are low risk/high target spots.  The killers become immediate nationwide news sensations.

When Keller is almost killed following up on a lead, it becomes clear Laurel Marks is part of the murderous trio.  Keller is ordered by the police to stand down.  He refuses.  Now it’s personal.  Keller will bring her in, no matter the cost.

With every police officer in the state on the lookout for them, the killers know it’s just a matter of time before they’re brought down.  They’ve always planned to go out in a blaze of glory.  They want publicity.  What better way to get it than to take down a police officer broadcast live on television.  And what sweet revenge since it will be Keller’s lover, sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones.

+++++

This is the second in J.D. Rhodes’ Jack Keller series.  You don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this outing.

Rating:

“Sin City” (2005) directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller; starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba & Benico Del Toro / Z-View

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Sin City (2005)

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller based on Sin City created by Frank Miller

Screenplay: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez

Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Jude Ciccolella, Jeff Dashnaw, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Greg Ingram, Nicky Katt, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Frank Miller, Brittany Murphy, Nick Stahl, Nick Offerman, Jason Douglas, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick Gomez and Tommy Flanagan.

Tagline: Walk down the right back alley in Sin City and you can find anything.

The Plot…

Four interconnected tales from Sin City…

The Customer is Always Right… A hitman that marks don’t see coming until it is too late. (Bookends the movie.)

That Yellow Bastard… For Detective John Hartigan (Willis) it’s his last day on the job.  He’s thinking about the thick steak his wife has waiting for him at the end of his shift.  But first, Hartigan is going to have a run-in with a serial killer who preys on children. Hartigan learns that the sick bastard is the son of a Senator, and is now prepping his next victim.  Hartigan knows this can only end one way.  He’ll save the child or die trying.

The Hard Goodbye… Marv (Rourke) is a ex-con hardcase.  Last night he had a one night stand with a goddess named Goldie.  She was beautiful beyond belief.  Marv wonders why she picked a big scary mug like him when she could have any man she wanted.  He’ll have to work it out later.  He just woke up.  Goldie is in bed beside him.  Dead.  Someone snuck in and murdered her while they were sleeping.  And now Marv hears cops coming up the stairs.  Someone set him up.  Someone killed Goldie.  Marv knows once he finds the killer the hell he sends the murderer to will seem like heaven after what Marv does to him.  But first the cops outside his door…

The Big Fat Kill… When Shellie’s ex-boyfriend, Jackie Boy (Del Toro) shows up unexpectedly with his crew, he’s surprised to find Shellie’s new boyfriend, Dwight (Owen) there.  The events that follow will lead to a potential turf war… unless Dwight and some of his friends from Old Town can set things right.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sin City, the movie, is what Robert Rodriguez called a “translation” of three of Frank Miller’s Sin City graphic novels – The Hard Goodbye; The Big Fat Kill, That Yellow Bastard and Miller’s Sin City short, The Customer is Always Right.  They are some of my all time favorite comics and the movie is a beautiful “translation”.

Quentin Tarantino is listed as a guest director.  Tarantino directed the scene between Dwight and Jackie Boy before the cop pulls the car over.

Rodriguez filmed the opening “intro” before Miller agreed to the Sin City “translation”.  Rodriguez wanted to prove that Miller’s Sin City tales could work as a movie that complemented the comics.  The comic panels from each tale were used as storyboards.

Robert Rodriguez working with Frank Miller to bring Sin City to the big screen was a dream project for me.  Magnificent casting was the icing on the cake.  If you like the comics, you should enjoy the movie.

Sin City (2005) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Annie Hall” starring Woody Allen & Diane Keaton / Z-View

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Annie Hall (1977)

Director: Woody Allen

Screenplay: Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman

Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Janet Margolin, Colleen Dewhurst, Hy Anzell, Russell Horton, Dick Cavett, Mark Lenard, John Glover, Bernie Styles, Jeff Goldblum, Shelley Hack, Beverly D’Angelo, Sigourney Weaver, Walter Bernstein and Christopher Walken.

Tagline: A nervous romance.

The Plot…

Alvy Singer (Allen) looks back on his romance with Annie Hall (Keaton) trying to figure out where it went wrong.  There are many possibilities.  Alvy is a twice divorced, middle-aged, Jewish stand-up comedian from New York who over-intellectualizes.  Annie is younger, never married, insecure, WASP from the Midwest who dreams of being a singer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Annie Hall was nominated for five 1978 Academy Awards and won four…

  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Woody Allen
  • Winner for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman
  • Winner for Best Director – Woody Allen
  • Winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Diane Keaton
  • Winner for Best Picture – Charles H. Joffe

Sigourney Weaver’s feature film debut in a non-speaking role as Alvy’s date near the end of the movie.  Shelley Hack also made her film debut in Annie Hall in as a “street stranger”.

Alvy’s (Woody Allen’s) sneezing into the cocaine was reportedly an unscripted accident.

With Annie Hall Woody Allen became the first person to give an Oscar nominated performance in a film for which he won Best Director.  Interestingly enough, Annie Hall features Woody Allen’s only Oscar nominated performance and the only film directed by him to win a Best Picture Academy Award.

I liked Annie Hall, but it didn’t resonate with me like the majority of folks who love it.  Your mileage, as always, could vary.

Annie Hall (1977) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Wages of Fear” aka “Le salaire de la peur” (2024) / Z-View

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Wages of Fear aka Le salaire de la peur (2024)

Director: Julien Leclercq

Screenplay: Henri-Georges Clouzot (based on the motion picture “Le salaire de la peur”); Jérôme Géronimi (based on the motion picture “Le salaire de la peur” co-written by) (as Jean Clouzot); Georges Arnaud (novel); Hamid Hlioua (scenario); Hamid Hlioua (adaptation) & Julien Leclercq

Stars: Franck Gastambide, Alban Lenoir, Sofiane Zermani, Ana Girardot.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

When a remote desert oil well catches fire, the only way to extinguish the blaze is to set off a small explosion that will put it out.  In less than 24 hours the oil well will explode.  If it blows the explosion will be gigantic and kill the local population.

A pair of brothers and a few other mercenaries are paid handsomely to drive two truckloads of highly explosive nitroglycerin to the site.  They’re sending two truckloads, because it is unlikely even one truck will make it.  With two there might be a chance.  Odds against making the journey safely include the speed needed to cover the distance, the rough terrain, bandits and more.

It’s a suicide mission to save a village.  Not all will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wages of Fear (2024) is a remake of 1953’s Le Salaire de la Peur (The Wages of Fear).  In 1977, William Friedkin brought his version, Sorcerer, to the big screen.  Both the original and Friedkin’s versions are vastly superior to the latest.

Wages of Fear aka Le salaire de la peur (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Longlegs” (2024) written & directed by Osgood Perkins; starring Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage & Blair Underwood / Z-View

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Longlegs (2024)

Director:  Osgood Perkins

Screenplay: Osgood Perkins

Stars: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby, Kiernan Shipka, Jason William Day, Lisa Chandler and Shafin Karim.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

It’s discovered that rookie FBI agent Lee Harker (Monroe) has some psychic ability.  For that reason Harker is assigned to a small task force working to find the serial killer known as Longlegs.  For years, Longlegs has wiped out entire families by forcing the father to kill his children, wife and then himself.  Longlegs then leaves coded Satanic messages behind.

Shortly after Harker is assigned to the task force she receives a message from Longlegs.  Slowly Harker begins to realize she may have a connection to the killer.  As the clock ticks and the date of Longlegs’ next family massacre draws near, Harker works to discover Longlegs’ identity.

Tick…tick…tick…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although Nicolas Cage starred as the killer, Longlegs, writer/director Osgood Perkins requested that posters/trailers limit his use to promote the film so when he appears onscreen in the film it would be even more frightening.

Longlegs is the highest-grossing independent horror film since Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013).

Kudos to director Osgood Perkins.  He films each scene to at angles to increase tension.  Halls feel long and narrow.  Doors, windows and rooms in the background create concern.  There is always the feeling that something beyond the camera’s focus is about to occur.  Sometimes it does.  Creepy.

Longlegs (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Third Man” (1949) written by Graham Greene; directed by Carol Reed; starring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten / Z-View

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The Third Man (1949)

Director:  Carol Reed

Screenplay: Graham Greene

Stars: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Paul Birch, Martin Boddey and Bernard Lee.

Tagline:  HUNTED…By a thousand men! Haunted…By a lovely girl!

The Plot…

World War 2 is over.  Vienna is divided into five occupation zones—one zone for each of the Allied powers and one international zone.  The black market thrives.

Holly Martins (Cotten) comes to Allied-occupied Vienna.  Martins has been promised a job by his good friend, Harry Lime (Welles).  Martins is shocked to learn that Harry was killed crossing the street when he was hit by a car.  Still reeling from the news, Martins attends Harry’s funeral.

Afterwards, Martins talks to different people and their stories don’t add up.  Martins then goes to the Allied Authority, Major Calloway (Howard) and demands an investigation into Harry’s death.  Major Calloway informs Martins that Harry Lime was involved in the black market.  Lime was behind the theft of penicillin from military hospitals.  Lime diluted the medicine until it had to curative effect.  Lime then sold it on the black market at outrageous prices.  Because of the dilution, dozens of people, many children died.  If Lime had lived he was about to be arrested.

At first Martins doesn’t believe Major Calloway… but the evidence is there.  His childhood friend, Harry Lime had become a despicable person responsible for the death of many including little children.  That night as Martins walks a deserted street across the way he sees Harry Lime.  Martins calls out, but Harry runs away.

Determined to get to the bottom of this Martins makes it his mission to find Harry… even if it kills him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Third Man was nominated for three 1951 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Oswald Hafenrichter
  • Nominee for Best Director – Carol Reed
  • Winner for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Robert Krasker

Orson Welles was concerned that filming in real sewers would make him sick.  His close-ups were done in a studio with long shots in a sewer feature a body double.

Welles was offered a straight salary or a percentage of the profits.  He opted for a straight salary.  Because the film was so successful, Welles would have made much more with a percentage of profits.

The film was popular during it’s initial release, was nominated for three Academy Awards and remains popular to this day.  It currently has an 8.1/10 score on IMDb.  At RottenTomatoes it has a 99% rating from reviewers and 93% from all users.

Although Orson Welles is the film’s star, he finished his part in one week of filming.  He doesn’t show up in the movie until the movie is 2/3 over.

The Third Man is a classic.  Well written, well directed, well cast and well acted.  Well… what do you expect, I said, “It’s a classic.”

I love the final scene when Holly Martins waits for Anna to catch up to him.  He’s hoping they have a chance at romance.  She walks by without even looking his way.

The Third Man (1949) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“12 Angry Men” (1957) written by Reginald Rose; directed by Sidney Lumet; starring Henry Fonda / Z-View

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12 Angry Men (1957)

Director:  Sidney Lumet

Screenplay:  Reginald Rose based on his 1954 teleplay for Studio One.

Stars: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Edward Binns, Jack Warden, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, Robert Webber and Rudy Bond.

Tagline:  Life Is In Their Hands — Death Is On Their Minds!

The Plot…

On the hottest day of the year, twelve jurors enter the jury room to determine the verdict in a capital murder case.  A teenage boy is accused of stabbing his father to death.  A guilty verdict results in a mandatory death penalty.  Eleven jurors see the accused as guilty.  One isn’t sure.

Tempers will flare and motivations bared as deliberations proceed.  A young man’s life hangs in the balance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

12 Angry Men was nominated for three 1958 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Reginald Rose
  • Nominee for Best Director – Sidney Lumet
  • Nominee for Best Picture – Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose

12 Angry Men is considered a classic.  It currently has a 9 out of 10 rating on IMDb.  It has an 100% reviewers rating and 97% user rating at Rotten Tomatoes.  Surprisingly, 12 Angry Men was a box office disappointment.  Henry Fonda had deferred part of his salary and the film didn’t earn enough to pay off.  Still, Fonda considered 12 Angry Men one of his best films.

12 Angry Men was Sidney Lumet’s feature film directing debut.

An all star cast (although not all were stars at the time), an exceptional screenplay and a director who knew how to film in tight quarters and get the tension on screen from men talking make for a film classic.

12 Angry Men (1957) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hold That Ghost” (1941) starring Abbott & Costello / Z-View

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Hold That Ghost (1941)

Director:  Arthur Lubin

Screenplay:  Robert Lees, Fred Rinaldo, John Grant

Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Richard Carlson, Joan Davis, Evelyn Ankers, Mischa Auer, Marc Lawrence, Russell Hicks, The Andrews Sisters and Shemp Howard.

Tagline:  A-HAUNTING WE WILL GO! Your blues won’t stand a ghost of a chance…as they top “Buck Privates” and “In the Navy.”!

The Plot…

Chuck (Abbott) and Ferdinand (Costello) dream of someday owning their own nightclub.  Recently they were fired from their jobs as waiters in a high class hot spot.  Now the boys are gas station attendants.

While servicing a car, the police recognize the auto’s owner, gangster Moose Mattson.  Moose takes off with Chuck and Ferdinand in the car.  A high speed shootout takes place.  Moose is mortally wounded.

Chuck and Ferdinand are surprised to learn that Moose’s will leaves them all of Moose’s possessions.  The will specified that whoever was with Moose when he dies gets everything.   Chuck and Ferdinand are now the owners of the Forrester’s Club, a big old spooky rundown tavern.  The place was a hotspot during prohibition.  It is full of secret rooms and hidden passages.

Chuck, Ferdinand and three others find themselves alone at the creepy joint on a dark, stormy night.  Things take a turn for the worse when some of Moose’s gangster friends show up looking for Moose’s hidden loot.  These mugs are more than willing to kill to get what they want.

Let the fun times roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hold That Ghost went into production with the working title Oh, Charlie.   Filming was well underway before the release of Abbott and Costello’s Buck Privates.  When Buck Privates became a huge hit, the pressure was on.  The studio decided to rush into production another service comedy, In The Navy featuring Abbott and Costello.  When that film was a hit, the studio decided to rework Oh, Charlie into Hold That Ghost.  A new opening and closing featuring The Andrews Sisters was added since they appeared in both Buck Privates and In The Navy.  Additional scenes were created and some were reshot.  The changes paid off since Hold That Ghost was a hit.

Hold That Ghost (1941) rates 4 of 5 stars.