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hkatchay
Reviews
Guys and Dolls (1955)
A good filming, but the changes from Broadway not good
I have had the privilege of playing Nicely, Nicely on the stage. The joy for me, as it was my first musical, was that Nicely gets to open the show with the "Fugue for Tinhorn" joined by Benny Southstreet and Charlie the Horse - notice no Nathan Detroit in this number. Also Nicely shares the stage with only Benny on the duet, "Guys and Dolls" - again notice no Nathan Detroit.
When you sign a great singer as Sinatra to play Nathan he must have something to sing so in the film Nathan is in the Fugue and Guys and Dolls. Therefore I will not add this movie to my collection. Instead I will seek out theatrical productions for the stage version.
On the plus side Jean Simmons one of my favorites is wonderful, Marlon Brando very winning as Sky. Too bad the world of film did not see Stubby sing the songs he created on stage. Vivian Blaine - wonderful.
Well there you have it. My opinion! Enjoy!
Green Mansions (1959)
Beautiful film to look at with shots of the beauty of Guyana
Not a great artistic film and the depiction of the Amerindians who inhabit the interior of Guyana were not accurately reflected.
But in 1959 who was to know the difference.
The opening shot of the Guyana interior showing Keiteur Falls, not Angel Falls which is in Venezuela, was great for this native to see.
One shining moment on film.
Thanks to the script writer for having Audrey actually call the falls by the correct name of Keiteur.
The film was based on a real adventure experiences by the author and led him to view the beauty that was seen by sir Arther Connon Doyle and he began to formulate the words for his great work, The Lost World.
It is a beauty to behold and Audrey Hepburn fans will enjoy her radiance and acting skill as she navigates through a difficult script as well as the Jungle of Guyana.
Odette (1950)
Opened a whole new world for me
I first saw Odette when I first arrived in the United States at age 12. I was captivated by television and watched old movies and old television reruns after school. I was just developing a love for history and world war 2 history at school when I saw Odette for the first time. The story, authentic scenery and realistic performances completely drew me in. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat for it is extremely intense and Anne Neagle draws you completely into the dark world experienced by Odette Sampson. Trevor Howard is strong, convincing and underplays just enough to allow Miss Neagle to shine, while conveying the strength of his character. I highly recommend this film if and when it can be seen again. The historians in the world would love the chance to add this film to their collection. Waiting patiently for the video and DVD.
The Bottom of the Bottle (1956)
Excellent study of characters and strong messages of forgiveness
A wonderful body of work. Saw it many years ago on AMC, but has not been shown since. I continue to look with the hopes that any video company would discover this gem and make it available.
Great display of location shooting and the work of the entire cast represent them at their finest.
Van Johnson has never been better, and Joseph Cotten holds on admirably to generate the contrast between the brothers. Ruth Roman,a stalwart of the profession, should have a festival somewhere dedicated to her work. I would definitely attend. I highly recommend one and all to search for this film, and I am happy that there are others who feel the way I do about this body of work.
Finding John Christmas (2003)
Good warm feeling that kick into high gear when Noah meets Hank
A wonderful movie with a definite direction on where it wants to take the viewer. I loved the sub plots. The element of surprise that came with Noah's revelation to Hank was wonderful. Peter Falk's Max was the balance check that prevented any overflow of sugar. At times the character of Max was a bit much. Much of the character's dialogue was to deflect when the opposite character begins to figure things out, however, the technique began to get overbearing. It wasn't until the hand on the shoulder "it's good to see you again" to Hank that I felt that all of the information was revealed.
The movie deserves a good sequel so we can see what happens in Hank's life and of course Kathleen, Noah and the kid.