I have always been impressed with this film not only for its beautiful black and white photography, but also for the "grim and gritty" look of the sets. One thing which has always bothered me is that while others have commented on the historical inaccuracies, the biggest blooper of them all is the date on the tombstone of the brother killed at the beginning of the film -1882. The Gunfight at the OK Corral took place in October 1881. Someone was asleep in the property department at Fox. J. Duffy
Reviews
9 Reviews
Blue Skies
(1946)
A Major Disappointment
8 April 2003
I had wanted to see this film for years. Despite the talent involved: Astaire; Crosby; Berlin and the best production values that money could buy, I found it to be very disappointing. Part of the problem is, I believe, the lackluster performance of Joan Caulfield who becomes annoying with her vacillating romance between Astaire and Crosby. One wonders why one, much less two, guys would fall for her. Billy DeWolfe and Olga San Juan are very good in supporting roles and,of course, the Irving Berlin score is great, but somehow it all fails to jell.
I believe that this film shows the different "style" of the studios. Had this been made at M-G-M, if probably would have been great, at Paramount it falls flat. "Lady in the Dark" was another Paramount opus which had a similar fault.
I believe that this film shows the different "style" of the studios. Had this been made at M-G-M, if probably would have been great, at Paramount it falls flat. "Lady in the Dark" was another Paramount opus which had a similar fault.
Bedelia
(1946)
Well done mystery concerning a shady lady!
26 February 2003
I first saw this film late at night in 1965. Very well done and both Lockwood and Anne Crawford (a sadly overlooked actress) are in their prime. After viewing this film, I came across the book written by Vera Caspary and was surprised to find that in the book the story was set in Connecticut during the Christmas tide of 1913; rather than England in 1946. At that time, many films had a late Victorian/early Edwardian setting and it was of interest to me that the period was updated to modern (1946) days. One key point of the period setting was the fact that after a snowstorm the characters were isolated and news was slower to reach people in 1913. One wonders what this film would have been like had the period setting been left intact.
On a trivia note, this film was one of the few independent productions made at Ealing Studios without the "Ealing Team" being involved.
On a trivia note, this film was one of the few independent productions made at Ealing Studios without the "Ealing Team" being involved.
Sin of Esther Waters
(1948)
Handsomely mounted Victorian drama
19 February 2003
I waited up until 2:00 am to see this film back in 1964. Very well done and I was surprised with all the attention paid to "Upstairs;Downstairs" that this film has not made it to video.
The period detail is outstanding and Dirk Borgarde gives a very good performance as does Kathleen Ryan. I have read that Dirk's younger brother played his "son" in this film. By all means, if you have a chance to view this, do so.
The period detail is outstanding and Dirk Borgarde gives a very good performance as does Kathleen Ryan. I have read that Dirk's younger brother played his "son" in this film. By all means, if you have a chance to view this, do so.
Moss Rose
(1947)
Well played Victorian murder mystery
20 April 2002
Gabrille Margaret Long, writing under the names of Majorie Bowen and Joseph Shearing wrote many fascinating novels based upon actual murder cases using her own interpretations as to what actually happened and who was really guilty. This novel and film "Moss Rose" is based upon an 1873 murder of a prostitute named Buswell, which was never solved. Other Shearing novels turned into films around this time are "Blanche Fury" and "Mark of Cain ("Airing in a Closed Carriage" based upon the Maybrick case).
Shearings novels are very hard to adapt and the film "Moss Rose" differs very much from the novel. So much so, that outgside of the basic idea it is almost a complete revision of the novel. Nevertheless, this film is very well produced with the sets and costumes capturing the late Victorian ambiance and a outstanding performance from England's Peggy Cummins. She captures the spunky cockney persona of "Belle Adair", while showing the vulnerability of a young woman alone in the world and making her way during an era of very closely defined social classes. Even when she is blackmailing a aristocratic family, she is still likable.
All in all, very well done and well worth watching.
Shearings novels are very hard to adapt and the film "Moss Rose" differs very much from the novel. So much so, that outgside of the basic idea it is almost a complete revision of the novel. Nevertheless, this film is very well produced with the sets and costumes capturing the late Victorian ambiance and a outstanding performance from England's Peggy Cummins. She captures the spunky cockney persona of "Belle Adair", while showing the vulnerability of a young woman alone in the world and making her way during an era of very closely defined social classes. Even when she is blackmailing a aristocratic family, she is still likable.
All in all, very well done and well worth watching.
Wonderful tale of Americana as seen through the eyes of a small-town barber 100 years ago
19 April 2002
It will be fifty years ago this summer (1952) that I first saw this film. I was eight years old at the time and have never forgotten it. The bittersweet tale of one man's life told through the history of a small town in mid-west America at the turn of the 20th century. Both David Wayne and Jean Peters handled their roles with conviction avoiding any sticky sweet sentimentality. All to soon we lose Miss Peters and Wayne carries the film to a somewhat happy ending. I would love to see this superb film once again.
Uncle Willie's Bicycle Shop
(1953)
Well produced Edwardian family comedy
17 April 2002
Very well produced with nice three strip Technicolor scenes. Edwardian costumes and settings contribute to overall period look and feel of film. This was also a film which was a springboard for the neglected Dianne Foster who came to America under contract to Columbia soon after completing this film
An Inspector Calls
(1954)
Fascinating study of people facing consequences of their actions
17 April 2002
I first saw this film when I was ll years old and have never forgotten it. If I had my way, it would be required viewing in every school in the U.S.. The period atmosphere is superb and the acting first rate. A well shaded performance by Jane Wenham who plays the pivotal role. The haunting theme music, I have tried unsuccessfully to obtain.
Simon and Laura
(1955)
One of my favorites
16 April 2002
I first saw this film on January 1, 1957 at Boston's Exeter Street Theatre,in those days the "temple" of British Cinema. Subsequently went to see it every Friday afternoon for a month even taking friends to see it. A very funny and witty film. Also, a very good historical look at early TV in Britain in the fifties.
Kay Kendall and Peter Finch great but look for an excellent performance from Muriel Pavlow-a wonderful actress who was much more than one of Mr. Rank's "English Roses". She is still acting and going strong.
Have only seen this film on television in the Boston area twice during the 1960s. I have been told that since it makes fun of television, there is some sensitivity to broadcasting it. Would anyone know if it is available on tape or DVD? THANKS!
Kay Kendall and Peter Finch great but look for an excellent performance from Muriel Pavlow-a wonderful actress who was much more than one of Mr. Rank's "English Roses". She is still acting and going strong.
Have only seen this film on television in the Boston area twice during the 1960s. I have been told that since it makes fun of television, there is some sensitivity to broadcasting it. Would anyone know if it is available on tape or DVD? THANKS!
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