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Reviews
Chloe, Love Is Calling You (1934)
There are more than gators in the swamp
I found this film to be surprisingly compelling. While the directing was a bit clunky, the storyline had just enough twists & turns to maintain interest, and the acting - at least of the main characters - was good. The frankness with which racial issues were handled was re-freshingly "un" PC, and unpredictable - i.e., the "good ole boy" cajun showing up at the voodoo sacrifice after stating he "knew nothing." This may have been Olive Borden's last movie. If so, she left on a high note. She is gorgeous. She showcases some fabulous outfits towards the of the movie, but it really doesn't matter. She would look great in a brown paper bag. The fact that she is a fine actress doesn't hurt either. This movie is not "Lawrence of Arabia" and never will be. Put it on a double bill with "White Zombie," and you won't be disappointed.
Dark Journey (1937)
Good spy drama set in WW1
There seems to be real chemistry between Conrad Veidt & Vivian Leigh in this movie, and that is what makes it so compelling. The cinematography is also rather sophisticated, and the music score is good. Fascinating portrayals of "society" nightlife of the era. The special effects are better than average, and the duel between the U-Boat and the Q-Ship is not something you see every day. Vivian Leigh is simply ravishingly beautiful in this picture, made two years before "Gone With The Wind." But as beautiful as she is, Veidt's performance stole the show for me, and left me wishing he had been in more talkies.
Waterloo (1970)
A battle you wish both sides could have won.
This movie is billed as "a spectacular that will never be equalled." And it hasn't been, at least not when considered on the whole. Even veterans of "Saving Private Ryan" will twist in their seats as they watch the French lancers ride down the British cavalry. But this movie is far from being just a re-enactment of the wholesale slaughter that was the Battle of Waterloo. The movie delves deeply, but efficiently, into the psychological profiles of Napoleon & Wellington. When a soldier injects God into the success of their proceedings, Napoleon responds, "God, . God has nothing to do with it." Wellington, for his part, expresses his genuine admiration at Napolean's military art, but yet maintains - in the face of his own wife's admission that she's a Bonapartist (!) - "he's not a gentleman." But it's not just the two main antagonists' personalities that are fleshed out, many minor vignettes are played out too - including a short but virtuoso performance by the late Orson Welles as king Louis XVIII. When Marshal Ney is detailed by the king to be the first to confront Napoleon, Ney responds that "I'll bring him back in an iron cage." Welles stares after Ney, saying to no one in particular, "An iron cage? Nobody asked for that." I could go on with many more such. But enough! As you can tell, I highly recommend this movie. A "Spectacular?" Yes. But so much more.
Downton Abbey (2019)
The heart and soul of a nation
While the main plot is driven by the announcement that the king and queen are coming to Downton, it is in all the subplots that the characters are developed. Hence, while it helps to have seen the series when it was on TV, it's not essential to being able to enjoy the movie. Ultimately, the people, the place, and music all combine to make "Downton Abbey" a "jolly good show!"
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
Stallone delivers again
The fairly straightforward plot has just enough twists and turns to keep you interested until Rambo does what we are waiting for - take on the bad guys! Add in solid acting, some beautiful cinematography, and a magnificent film score, and "Rambo: Last Blood" becomes an entertaining and worthy entry in the Rambo series.
The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
A diamond of a "B" picture
The manipulation of the set via the lighting and camera work is very imaginative and contribute mightily to inducing the viewer to suspend his or her disbelief. The acting of Ann Carter is superb, and she is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast, particularly the "old lady" part played by Dean.