This one was popular in 1931. The tribute to Knute Rockne was a nice touch. But today, it is just a standard football drama. J. Farrell MacDonald is excellent as the coach. For old-time movie buffs, it is an OK film to watch.
Reviews
28 Reviews
Werewolf of London
(1935)
The first sound werewolf movie
19 May 1999
Talk about a film that fans either hate or love. My opinion is that it was the first to tackle this kind of horror story and, as such, is fairly well done. Oland is excellent. Hull is OK in spots but reportedly hated this role and did not give his all. Production is very good. Hajos composed his finest score for this film. There are some long stretches of uninteresting dialogue and situations here, the fight between Hull and Matthews is sloppily handled, and the comedy relief is just not very funny. But the first attack, the sequence where Hull prays for help, and the finale (with some wonderful Hajos music playing in the background) all are memorable. So it is a mixed bag but worth a look for old-time horror fans.
Desperate Journey
(1942)
Action-packed Warner Bros hokum
17 May 1999
This is probably the silliest WW2 film made during the war. But if you dismiss that fact, you find yourself enjoying a well-made piece of Hollywood escapism. Everyone in the cast seems to enjoy themselves. Walsh's direction is good and Max Steiner provides a really exciting and stirring score. So who's quibbling?
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet
(1940)
Magnificent movie
16 May 1999
This film is generally forgotten because the only star in it that is remembered today is Edward G. Robinson. While he gives an outstanding performance, it is the entire cast who should receive accolades. Dieterle's direction, the photography, a truly excellent script and Steiner's music are all part of a near-perfect biography. Most highly recommended!
The Wizard of Oz
(1939)
The very best MGM musical
11 May 1999
What can one say about this film? Absolutely delightful! And how many times have YOU seen it? Even in these R-rated movie times, people will still look at this one and enjoy its many wonders. A lot of work went into it. It is an American movie treasure!
Bride of Frankenstein
(1935)
Universal's best horror from the 1930s
11 May 1999
One of my fondest memories as a boy was watching this film with my brothers and cousins on a rainy Saturday night on WOR. I think this movie deserves all the praise it has achieved over the years. Karloff was absolutely tremendous, Thesiger and Lanchester created the roles of their lives, and James Whale's direction was flawless. Franz Waxman created THE best Universal music score of the 1930s for this bonafide classic. So I guess I like this movie.
Jezebel
(1938)
Davis at her best
8 May 1999
OK. So the plot and dialogue are wobbly today. And it may not be politically correct. But watch this one for a magnificent performance from Bette Davis. Add one of Max Steiner's most effective scores and you have a winner from 1938.
Bride of Frankenstein
(1935)
The very best Frankenstein movie
26 April 1999
As a kid, I could not wait to see this film run on television. There was always something new to enjoy with each viewing. Recently had a chance to screen these Universal horror classics for some children (ages 5 to 9 years old). This was their favorite! Marvelous photography, exquisite performances (especially Karloff and Thesiger), and top-notch direction by the now very famous James Whale. Add to this one of the most revered musical scores ever committed to a film by the maestro Franz Waxman. It is truly a film classic!
The Walking Dead
(1936)
Karloff-Curtiz horror masterpiece
13 April 1999
One of the best horror films of the 30s. The only criticism lies in some of the acting by the secondary characters. Otherwise, superb direction, magnificent Hal Mohr photography, good script and story, and excellent music score by Bernhard Kaun (which was NOT listed in the credits by the way). Even if you are not a horror fan, it rates high as a rainy day diversion.
The Call of the Savage
(1935)
Serial silliness
9 April 1999
Really would like to recommend this one but forget it. The serial becomes boring after chapter 2 and stays that way until chapter 9. Short screams at anything! Beery is lousy! Dialogue is dumb! It DOES get better when they reach the lost kingdom of Mu however. John Davidson gives a sinister performance here but he comes way too late in the serial. Music is repetitious for the most part until chapter 10. The feature version "Savage Fury" is much better because it concentrates on final chapter footage. A misfire for Universal here.
The Greatest Story Ever Told
(1965)
Spectacular film
8 April 1999
One of the most beautifully photographed films ever made! It is a bit disarming to see "guest stars" pop up though. It was not needed at all. The cast here is most capable. Newman wrote a magnificent music score. A worthy film in many ways. Perhaps too harshly criticized by some. Should be seen at least once.
The Black Cat
(1934)
True Universal horror classic
8 April 1999
This film gets better with each viewing! Great acting by Karloff and Lugosi! Photography and direction are top-notch. Heinz Roemheld deserves praise for his musical score and adaptation. Wish they would restore this to the original script..what a treat that would be!
Flash Gordon
(1936)
Universal's greatest chapterplay
7 April 1999
One of the most famous of all movie serials! Still interesting today although it does have an "old movie" look to it. The second serial looks better but simply does not equal this one. Actors have a good time , especially Middleton and Lipson. Great editing by the Universal expert crew. The musical score was tracked in from Universal's "Destination Unknown", "The Invisible Man", "The Black Cat", and "Werewolf of London". And what great action music it was! If there was a choice for all-time best serial, this (arguably) should be #1.
Lost Continent
(1951)
Good B movie
3 April 1999
Saw this when I was a kid. It wasn't the monsters that interested me though. The musical score is tremendous. Why was such an elaborate work put in this film? Also a very good cast. All went on to TV series on their own. If you enjoy the 50s monster movies, here's a good choice for a late night.
Bombay Mail
(1934)
Really good mystery
2 April 1999
What a surprise this film was! Enjoyable throughout. All production work is very good. That musical score is excellent. Rarely shown because of its age and because "it's a Universal Picture". Deserves a revival on late night TV.
By Candlelight
(1933)
James Whale romantic comedy
2 April 1999
Charming film. Lukas is not quite suited to the role. Music is played too loud throughout although it is good music. Whale must have done this quick. Not a whole lot of Whale genius here. Still enjoyable for fans of the period.
Buck Rogers
(1939)
OK Universal space opera
1 April 1999
This one could have been better. Still interesting and good to look at. The re-recorded music is somewhat diluted because the orchestra was smaller than the one used in the original recordings. Warde is only fair as Killer Kane but Crabbe does a good job as Buck. Worth a look but it is no "Flash Gordon".
Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars
(1938)
The second of three
1 April 1999
This direct sequel to the now classic "Flash Gordon" is quite good. Polished look helps. Acting is better. But it does drag a bit once you get to Chapter 9. The tracked musical score is great. Charles Middleton made a great Ming the Merciless. All in all, fun film but not as good as the first serial. Many believe this one to be the best.
Son of Kong
(1933)
Oh well... you still remember it
1 April 1999
Sad to say, this sequel is way below the original. Last half is all action but you must wait a few reels. OK there is Steiner music and OB's special effects, but man what happened?? Before you know it, the film is over. And you feel disappointed. Little Kong is very charming and memorable. Tongue-in-cheek dialogue helps. What if they were given more time on this one? At least, it is worth viewing on a rainy day.
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