j-m-mannerings Reviews

Paradise Lagoon (1957)

Good, entertaining yarn

[10/10 · 22 March 2007]

Non of the gadgets of a Bond movie and with the innocence of a bygone era, this story never fails to entertain me. The acting, within the constraints of the story, was, in the opinion of this amateur, very good.

The story gives hope for the future in that, in spite of upsets and disasters that disturb the orderly life of the time, there is a right and wrong way to correct matters. Politicians have been trying to persuade us for years that they have this insight. If only they had then maybe we would be better off. But that would be Utopia where diligence would be rewarded.

J.M. Barrie certainly rewards the hero's diligence in the tale but not until the uncomfortable story line has been unfolded. Kenneth Moore's Crichton was spot on with showing competent servility and the faults that this entails. The cast made a good entertaining yarn an excellent film.

Secret Army (1977–1979)

Repeat viewing sharpens my interest

[10/10 · 23 January 2007]

I never cease to be amazed at what young people did all those years ago. As a piece of entertainment, each time I see an episode, I see something I missed before. The cast, from my totally amateur standpoint, are very good. Though a bit of a baddie Steven Yardley's "Max" is very well played. Inspite of Max's role in the communist plot, I will always remember his orphan back ground referred to. Also this background was underlined in the Christmas episode where Max describes how the "kids" can smuggle an injured airman.

There is much more to think about in historical terms. I am still curious about the Belgian police uniforms used..........