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Reviews
Two Flags West (1950)
Origin great Sears, Montgomery Wards, and J C Penney Christmas Catalog Fort Sets
I had not seen this movie before and it was shown on StarzEncore West this evening. Jeff Chandler as a conflicted Fort commander inexplicably shoots the Indian Chiefs son starting a conflict between 1,200 to 1.500 Indians versus a fort of Union and Confederates who apparently were on the side of the Union as opposed to being prisoners. Joseph Cotton is the star for the Confederates who leads about 40 to 50 soldiers back to the fort.
I grew up in the mid-fifties and the fort pictures with both Union and Southern troops and a good number of Indians always was the nicest forts.
I could not figure out Linda Darnell's role as she really wants away from Jeff Chandler in this film. The Indians rip right through the main part of the fort and only stop when their demand for revenge for the Chief's son accepted.
I thought this was a very good movie and there are some hoaky parts with singing after 90% of the soldiers have been wiped out.
I was impressed with the great visuals of clouds in the background, the mountains and very desert looking scenery. Closeups with Linda Darnell and Joseph Cotton at the end give a glimpse of hope in the future.
I was impressed with the supporting cast too. Arthur Hunnicut who played Sergeant Pickens was impressive as a former Southern soldier, great addition. For those used to Rockford Files, Noah Beey Jr. has a minor role, although seen several times. Another future star was Dale Robertson who played Lem. In a few more years he became a western star on television. Cornel Wilde had a very good role in this movie and I did not realize that his career started in the late 1930s.
The movie spared no expense when it came to hundreds of soldiers and Indians on horseback. The horse stunts were pretty good. Getting shot by arrows not as slick as future technology would do, but it was acceptable for this movie.
Hightown (2020)
Drama with multiple storylines that will keep you watching
I am not familiar with the Cape, but I am familiar with many weird scenes and this could have been made in a half-dozen cities with or without fishing.
I was not surprised that there are lesbian fishery agents, cool with that really. I found this to be a show about redemption following repeated efforts for sobriety. As the show develops, I was really into the many story lines that develop. Without giving away too much, we see the difficult position of local state police to bust a known criminal who operates out of a prison, the fishery agent who has many issues with drinking and drug use but ultimately finds that people who are close to her are involved in crime. . I thought it was good to see a realistic look at helping people to go sober. There really is no way to keep someone in treatment if they want to leave. The person playing the doctor working with Jackie was very realistic.
As the series develops, I was drawn to the character Osito, who although a real killer, has to wrestle with what he does in life and if he wants to stay the enforcer for Frankie.
I liked the Stripper who really did a great job of showing the vulnerability of being a baby-mama not a bride. Great emotional role here as she has to get close and not get too close. I like the supporting cops including Detective Alan who really had a hard time working with Ray who was so into his own world, he didn't know if his partner had a kid and if so what it was.
Great ending setting up season two. Frankie leaving jail, Osito in the hospital, Ray on the outs, and I loved the part for the Uncle's two nieces leaving town on their own. I hope that they bring back Charmaine played by Imani Lewis, I think they have such a good ensemble cast that I would hope that Trooper Leslie Babcock who gets ignored by Ray, but really comes up with good detective work is part of the second season.
I think the grittiness of drug gangs is stark for some viewers, but anyone who reads about crime in our bigger cities knows that these groups are rough. I certainly appreciate any police and detectives that try to control this sordid but all to real aspect of modern society. Episodes had great endings to bring me back to watch the next one. Looking forward to Season 2.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Haunted Husband (1958)
Film noir to the max
This was one of the best Perry Mason episodes of the first three seasons. The case involved more of the defendant's girl friend and Perry Mason doing investigative work than either Della Street or Paul Drake although both of these fine actors had some interesting parts.
I think what turns this show is the great banter on display between Perry Mason and Lieutenant Tragg. It starts early in the episode when Perry is trying to keep his client, Claire Olger, from being overly talky with Tragg, continues when her girlfriend, Doris Stephanak has some not so friendly words to see when Tragg inserts himself and another detective into her apartment to arrest, Claire, and of course over the course of the episode there are other instances of almost spontaneous banter between Tragg and Perry Mason. The court room scene in which there is the inevitable "confession" helps to bring closure as the majority of the episode takes places prior to the the court room scenes. As others have said, Doris Stephanak as played by Karen Steele was an example of a great character actress. A rare double murder in season one.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Floating Stones (1963)
Where are the diamonds
I was just as surprised as other viewers as this episode was about stolen diamonds that lead to a murder, however, the diamonds were never recovered once Perry Mason just calls a witness who as usual makes a full confession. One of the few stories where even the happy 40 seconds at the end does not leave us with understanding how the case was solved since the items at the heart of the show are not recovered by the totally innocent defendant.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink (1957)
Intense action
This is a very good episode among other great episodes in Season 1. Perry took great interest in helping his friend with a fur coat and was fascinated with the pawn ticket. The cast was very good and as others have noted the film noir aspect was played out through-out the episode. Della was intentionally kept away from some of the action when Perry and Paul Drake went to the hotel. I was too young to watch Perry Mason when it was on television and never saw the re-runs either, however watching them in 2019 impresses me most with the quality of the character actors appearing in each episodes casts. This was no exception.
Fallet (2017)
Great satire of over the top policing
If you can believe our FBI had its hands on Orlando, Boston bombers, Parkland shooter and many others and let them walk, then how do other agencies around the globe do any better or worse? Great satire and an interesting story with a mixed force of English and Swedish police assigned to an off the beaten path murder. For those who enjoy crime stories this one is very fun to watch as there is unexpected chaos and humor. I hope they have a Season 2.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
Wonderful fantasy experience
We were very fortunate to see this on Netflix. I missed it on the BBC shows prodcast on Public Television. It has excellent acting, wonderful music by the BBC Orchestra, and the sets and backgrounds all evoke the early 1800's and a sense of magic. Really enjoyed all the actors with the character of The Gentleman and of corse Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange being foremost in their acting. Each hour held our attention from beginning to end. Need more shows like this one.
Travelers (2016)
Excellent Show and Needs Season 3
We have really enjoyed this series. With the time travel aspect included the characters react with unexpected wonder at what we may take for granted like eagles, donuts, and even bad school lunches. Love the character development of the primary team. The writer does a great job of integrating supporting characters and weaves in their stories too. Really enjoy Netflix method of just starting an episode and feel like every minute is worth watching.
Our only hope is that Series 3 and 4 will also be made.