Reviews

The episode itself was was worthy of an 8 but the new character Lucy Knight played by Kellie Martin brought the watchability factor to an all time low. The number of actresses that could have played Lucy Knight far exceeds the number of episodes the Kellie Martin appeared in. This is not meant to be a bash Kellie Martin review but from her first appearance on the show she never looked or portrayed the role of a med student, all I could see was an incompetent candy striper. Being a T. V. series I was glad to see her go no matter what method was used. ( a gruesome murder was not necessary but it was effective for viewer shock value).

I just watched this movie for the first and last time. Read the review from Larry Hunt dated 10-25-16 and you'll get accuressy which doesn't exist in this piece of celluloid garbage. I completely agree with his statements so I will only add my thoughts of what may have helped. First of all get rid of Ethan Hawke and replace him with Johnny Depp. Chet Baker had the looks of the Beatnik crowd but also the persona ofJames Dean . Unfortunately his good looks were destroyed by his addictions and he deteriorated to looking all too similar to Charles Manson. Stick with the truth and give some background starting with why and how Chet Baker got into music, fame, then drugs and then take it to his unfortunate demise. This film is worse than the all too fictious "Lady Sings the Blues" of which Billie Holliday is mentioned in this cinematic slop and regarded to as a victim, ( What a Crock), but at least Diana Ross could really sing and wasn't hard on the eyes. Ethan Hawke comes off as a self centered irresponsible parasite that thinks everyone owes him something. If you want to know about Chet Baker you won't find it in this lousy depiction. Everyone involved in the making of this flick should be ashamed.

Little Doris struggled so hard to reach stardom that she was already 26 years old before she starred in her first motion picture handed to her because of her early big band fame. Attractive? Yes. Glamorous and Beautiful? No. A make up and hairstylist can perform wonders. Wash her face and she would have been Phil Silvers love interest. The real reason Doris was a top box office draw? Wives picked out the movies that the family would see. Doris Day was a safe pick. Anybody ever see a Doris Day pinup? She plays the same silly character in this waste of time,energy and money that she played in at least 30 other films. Except for the 2 years extra she was alive and claims she didn't know it. ( Yeah, right.) To her credit she was good to animals. Like the newspapers in her kennels, this movie stunk.

I don't want to be mean but Barbara Eden, Tab Hunter and numerous others were already in their 30's when this picture was made. This would have been a great Frankie and Annette film keeping Shelley Fabares and those who fit the right age category.

Also, the hair dye jobs are pitiful. Shelley's hair looks like you could reach over and break it off and just what color is Barbara Edens locks?

Some musical numbers would have brightened the storyline. Annette could have performed Pineapple Princess during the Luau and the male ego tension could have been minimized drastically. Bring in the Beach blanket gang and make the big issue that Annette and Shelley want to learn to surf against Frankie and the guys being totally against it it. Otherwise, nice 60's Hawaiian scenery with good surfing footage.

I'm saddened by the negative user reviews posted about this tv reunion. I agree it wasn't the offbeat humor from the original series but it was still nice to see so many of the cast members together again. Also, I just can't believe Eddie Albert would trash this movie on a talk show or to anyone. I met him in the late 1980's and everyone or thing he spoke about was with an honest, pleasant, upbeat demeanor. In fact I've never read or heard any negative remarks about anyone in the cast. Enjoy it for what it is and not for what others think it should have been.

Being a Thelma Todd fan I had to watch this movie. Well, that's an hour and fifteen minutes I'll never get back. Many have accused Roland West, the director, of killing Thelma Todd. The only thing we have proof of is that he could kill a movie. It was horribly injured from the beginning yet took 75 minutes to finally die. Not to make light of Miss Todd's mysterious death that it is still unsolved regardless of some self appointed experts who claim they have solved the case, Corsair proves that Roland West couldn't pull off directing the simplest of films much less orchestrate a major crime and get away with it. Direction?, he'd need a compass. Make-up? Thelma at best looks like a hooker and Chester Morris is just a cheap wig and a frock away from being a drag queen. Thelma knew her strengths and as she proved in most any other project, she was star quality. Behind the scenes she was involved with Roland West when this movie was made but that ended and when they collaborated on Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Cafe, there was no proof that they had rekindled a romance. Fortunately this movie didn't destroy the next 4 years of her career. Unfortunately she was a star that never got to shine to her mult-talented potential. I rated this a 1 because there was only 1 redeeming factor. Thelma Todd. May she rest in peace.

I've always been a fan of the A. I. P. Movies even the bad ones but this hits the skids.

The best part of this movie is Nancy Sinatra singing "Geronimo". The worst part is the exchange student played by Piccola Pupa, who was touted as being an exciting multi -talented entertainer at the time. Watching her perform some very lame song about "Stand up and Fight andListen to what I say" is painful. It's also insulting given that she's only 15 years old and homely as well. What experience is she drawing from? (Never mind). I also find it a little disturbing that while she's performing she's shaking her business in Nancy Sinatra 's face and every other captive victim in that room. The rest of the movie was a good reason why the Beach Movies had run their course. Even Frankie, Annette and the old gang couldn't save this one.

Even in black and white you could Lucy's eyes were red from the emotional turmoil she was going through with her marriage to Desi on the rocks. Desi's appearance was less obvious but you could easily tell from the last few episodes that he too was suffering. The worst part of this episode is Lucy blackmailing Ethel to steal from Fred ( with intention to return The money) but it wasn't even humorous. 2 maybe 3 of these 1 hour episodes were plausible and fun but sometimes the show doesn't have to go on.

The only episode harder to watch was the final one titled " Lucy meets the Mustache " The unbearable drama going on behind the scenes and a completely ridiculous plot made for a terrible episode but watching it, Lucy and Desi can't even fake liking each other much less being the Loving Ricardo's. They pulled the plug but not before the damage was done.

Ed Wood look out, somebody's trying to steal you're style. How monotone and boring does a cheap Sci-fi movie have to get before you pull the plug? Tommy Kirk explains why he made this movie (look him up on Wikipedia). They could have had the old cliche of the space ship blowing up when it takes off, but not even that. For a really good Man meets Aliens story watch Married with Children episode entitled Married with Aliens.

At least that has a point and it shows that Earth man and Space man can get along.

Batgirl, go back to the library. You might find the lenses for your glasses.

Painstaking detail went into making this movie and though it is filled with graphic violence it is still enjoyable and holds your attention. Unfortunately in the special features you get stuck with comments from James Ellroy, the author of the novel that the movie is based on. He is the epitome of filth. His language and demeanor are inexcusable. Look him up on Wikipedia for more detailed information. Though he may have written a few good books that didn't require his colorful vocabulary, he is slime.

I would love for him to read this, It's as complimentary as I can be. Aside from that, Enjoy the film.

Aside from the rest of the episode, Lou Grants way of handling an old flame that turns out to be nothing but a tramp by all respects is classic. The bachelor party portion contains some great one liners and with Sue Anne Nivens in the mix you can't help but have a good episode.

I agree with the numerous positive reviews already written about Joans "A" movie performance, something she gave to all her films. Unfortunately when you have a less than supporting cast there will be let downs. Rochelle Hudson is nothing more than an exasperated fish wife who angers at the slightest inconvenience. Edith Atwater is just a bull in society patrons clothing. Leif Erickson, George Kennedy and the Pepsi executive who plays the doctor are fine and believable. The worst of the cast is Diane Baker. She pouts, she frowns and knits her eyebrows, she whines one second and then delivers lines in a calm sensible manner. This is not acting the part of the character you find out she is, this is in every production I've ever seen her in. In the special feature Battle - Ax, the making of strait jacket she tries to come off as a savior who is brought in to play the part but gets scenes taken away, she was 3rd choice for the roll.

Had there been the money in the budget, it would have been great to have had Bernard Hermann do the music, Ernest Baller the lighting and Robert Aldrich direct or co direct.

Overall it is a good movie and that is thanks to Joan Crawford who has never been credited for her far less glamorous appearances where she is near sans make up as in this movie, 1947 Possessed and 1950 The Damned Don't Cry. With or without make up she was beautiful and a true star.

This movie may have faired a lot better minus Dan Dailey. He looks and comes off as Herman Munsters loser brother. What a hunk of cheese. I never understood how or why he was ever in movies or on tv. Bullwinkle had more talent and persona than Dan Dailey plus Bullwinkle wasn't a reputed cross dresser (look it up folks). Where was Donald O'Connor when they were casting the male lead? Where was Bullwinkle?

As for the movie, great color, Betty Grable is lovely as always, David Wayne s likeable character and Jane (Mrs. Knows Best ) Wyatt is ok in her role. Mitzi Gaynor looks like a Jr. High School student busting out at the top with thick ankles but no threat to any intelligent adult but in a short time she would outgrow that. The title, the storyline, the musicality and dancity dance dance dance makes one wonder what this movie is trying to be. Given the era of which it was made, you have to keep an open mind to the ridiculous plot. These people had no right to raising children, they had their first adopted child taken away while they were busy with their show . Then all of a sudden the adoption agency approves them for a brand new baby, they get the black market baby with so little concern and then Betty Grable turns out to be expecting. Talk about irresponsible parenting? This movie and It's message is disgusting. Did I mention Betty Grable is lovely as always? I knew I did but I wanted to end this review with something nice to say and that's it brother.

There are numerous positive reviews already written about the movie and It's cast that I agree with whole heartedly.

My review is regarding the special feature commentary by Charles Busch and Bose (is that short for Bozo ?) Hadleigh. They do not get the 7 out of 10 rating, that is for the movie. I enjoy watching some movies with the commentary until it is destroyed by a drag queen who beyond his annoying voice has to keep throwing in Bette Davis imitations and the other one, the "author" bringing up the 15 books he has written and the 16 times he interviewed Bette Davis ( was it 16 interviews or 1 interview with 16 questions ?). Their input was not only hard on the ears but inaccurate in so many cases. It was a lousy commentary. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford may be gay icons but they are not owned by the LGBT community. Enough is enough. I apologize if I have offended anyone but you can best believe they wouldn't.

It was a typical comedy of It's era. Impossible situations came up and you didn't have to dissect or analyze them, you just sat back and enjoyed the film. It was a farce. So, for all you victims that have been emotionally damaged by the sexism, anti - feminism, and social injustice of this movie I suggest you don't watch any more Doris Day movies . Maybe there's a support group out there for you.

P. S. You better not watch I Love Lucy either , You'll end up condemning Ricky as a Cuban Control Freak.

This movie is like watching a two hour trainwreck. A poorly disguised Rock Hudson / Doris Day " romp? " that there is no chemistry, comedy or even the slightest of far fetched believability. Besides the lousy script, equally lousy direction and sheer silliness, this movie is so miscast that one wonders how it got the backing to be made.

Here are a few casting changes that might have helped ( at least me ).

Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood replaced by Rock Hudson and Suzanne Pleshette. Sorry Doris, you're a bit to old to play a 23 year old virgin or even be in the ballpark.

Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall replaced by Milton Berle and Ethel Merman. At least Ethel could have gone around beating the hell out of all the men with her purse or anything else she could grab hold of. ( If Ernest Borgnine had played her husband she wouldn't have had to act or look for her motivation ).

The rest of the cast was just filler and made no difference.

I can say something nice about the movie. Natalie Wood is as always beautiful.

Many years ago I saw a copy of this movie and I swear it was without the segueing story line that is now the available movie. What I saw originally was barely an hour long and it was about a single room furnished where Jayne Mansfield portrayed 3 different women who lived there and how each one was striving to overcome their loneliness without success. It was 3 vignettes done more as a stage set not unlike " Our Town " except for the Eileen character who had outdoor scenes as a street walker.

This version was a whole different scenario and if the added material had been better inserted then a lot of the questions of certain scenes not making sense would be answered. This movie proved that Jayne did have the ability to play it straight and deliver an excellent dramatic performance. Unfortunately the last scene is of her as an over the top hooker looking the Bimbo that she manufactured herself and relished in the publicity that it garnered. The Flo and Charlie story by itself was great. Flo was a combination of Thelma Ritter and Estelle Parsons where the Charlie character was Al Molinaro and Paul Douglas. Both delivered an excellent performance as their characters were believable and sympathetic but the insertion of their parts in this movie were obviously done to stretch the movie out due to Jayne's death. It's obvious that the "Pops" character was stretched out and originally was to have been a drunk superintendent of the building in the segment of Eileen but that was changed to have him become the nice super who looks out for his tenants and carry out the storyline making Jayne one person who stays at the complex but changes her personality. Again, due to Jayne's untimely death the movie was added to in an attempt to make a film that would have fluidity and a point.

Although I really liked the Flo and Charlie characters, Charlie during the "Mae" character is a completely different person as he talks about all the women he's had in his room until the addition of Flo where she knows of his celibate lifestyle and he admits he is a confirmed bachelor and doesn't date. None of Jayne's 3 vignettes were finished. The Johnie character who marries the scrawny little limey, Frankie, who looks like a reject from some British invasion band never reveals she is pregnant during that segment and the Frankie character appears to have no interest in her but is a bit too interested in his old friend Tony whom he repeats several times as being so good looking. 1966 was not a year of coming out but it sure looks like that's where this was heading. The Mae character comes to Charlie, a situation that is never developed, and divulges her dilemma which Charlie goes off about guys not taking their due responsibilities and that was it. He, Charlie tells Flo about his proposing to Mae but then with just a short phone call he calls it off and there is no reaction from Mae on film to make that situation at all comprehensive ."Pops" who along with the now married and pregnant Flo tell the young Maria/Mary the details of Eileen and how she ended up in her situation. The additional footage added to stretch the movie out caused it to become less than a B movie which is very sad because there was some damn good acting in it but it was like Orson Wells meets Ed Wood. As for Eileen, also sliced and spliced to try to get it synchronized to the rest of the mess this movie became. As I stated in the beginning of my review, I remember seeing this in a shorter version and I believe the Eileen character was shot and killed by the Billy character but this was changed again due to Jayne's death. In the scene where Billy lowers the gun and runs out, you never see Jayne in the frame/footage. When Pops knocks on her door to check on her, you only hear a voice reply that she's Ok.

No stuntmen were used in this movie? Who in their right mind would risk their lives and health to make this celluloid sewage? Where did they get the money to make it? This 90 minute disaster speaks for itself but leaves so many questions unanswered.

Here's the latest buzz on this honey of a movie. Get a can of RAID and give the sunglasses back to the Jackie O collection. Lez be honest. It's a flop. In fact several pairs of flops.

The believability of the '60's Beach Movies was always questionable but kept clean with just a hint of sophisticated content. Back to the Beach is an excellent parody of the old American International movies bringing back stars who made these movies great fun. You're treated to the original Frankie and Annette who were the first to poke fun at the old beach movies they made, but in real life put their families first and never became subjects of sordid tabloid trash ( attempts were made by the tabloids to no avail ). If you weren't around at that time and didn't see the original beach party movies then you will most likely miss the humor and less than possible situations with the usual "all's good" endings that entertained millions from 1963 on. I'm proud to say I own the dvd's to the originals and this movie, and on a lazy or rainy day they're great for binge watching . Sadly we lost Annette to the ravages of Multiple Sclerosis in 2013. She was a great lady and an excellent role model throughout her life. If you feel the need to trash this movie, please keep it to yourself. For those who would like to honor Annette, look up the Annette Funicello Research Fund For Neurological Diseases and give generously. The website has many of Annettes personal property items available that all proceeds benefit the research to find a cure for M. S. and help those suffering from the disease. This is not a paid for or solicited P. S. A., this is from the heart.

Toss in a Zombie and a couple bucks towards the budget and Ed Wood would have been proud to direct this masterpiece of $#!+. I have write at least 150 character's to submit my review. Ok, Where were the Police?

When the comedy team of Zasu Pitts and Thelma Todd changed so did billing and character development. Patsy Kelly was not to be a copy of Zasu and Thelma was given the opportunity to be a little more gullible. Unfortunately, Thelma Todd's life was no bed of roses. She had an emergency appendectomy due to an abusive husband, was hostessing her "Sidewalk Cafe", making these comedy shorts and trying to appease everyone. She was dead for sometime before this ever aired and her death was suspicious though there are some egotistical self acclaimed experts out there that have "SOLVED" the mystery and I hope they read this, but she gave it her all considering scripts, directors and cast that she had to deal with and Patsy Kelly was not the problem. Her personal life became a trainwreck upon her relationship with Roland West and then her marriage to Pat Di Cicco. This episode is almost morbid to watch as she seemed to be on her way up not out. Suicide? No. Accidental Death? No. Covered up? That's how it was done then. A sad ending to a kind generous young lady with a potentially brilliant career ahead of her. Also remember, this was filmed in 1935 on a cheap budget. What can you expect? High Definition?, Steven Spielberg? Give Thelma and Patsy a break.

I can see why Joan Crawford bought out the remainder of her contract from MGM.

I too wonder if anybody can explain or make sense of the entire plot. If Jack Benny and Carole Lombard hadn't made the 1942 release "To be or not to be" this could have been turned into a screwball comedy with very little effort.

A must see for Joan Crawford fans to appreciate and understand why she walked away from MGM.

I purchased the dvd collection and though the few episodes that ever aired were almost painful to watch, the episodes that we never saw on TV were getting better. It takes time and chemistry to make a hit. Recasting ( lose Larry Anderson), reorganizing and defining a better Lucy character ala Mame meets Donna Reed could have turned this into a possible phenomenon. Look back at the first few I Love Lucy episodes (which were no prizes, except for "The Diet") and compare them to the 80's and you can see they were still trying to hit their mark. Difference is, that was 1951 and what else was available?

Given the right material, guest stars and general format, Life with Lucy could have been a great success.

I feel bad and sad for her that she had her popularity and talent cast aside by the 1980's viewing public (via Nielson ratings) so quickly. It was their loss and caused a greater loss for those of us that grew up being entertained by her ahead of the times and unbelievable humor. But most of all I feel terrible that this experience really broke her heart and spirit.

I love you Lucy.

Watching Anne Baxters performance I am convinced that Marilyn Monroe was attempting to copy Miss Baxter for her 2 early and poorly acted dramatic roles of Don't Bother to Knock and Niagara. Next to Marilyn, Anne Baxter deserved an Oscar.

Not a great film but not the worst. A little far fetched, a little cheesy and very predictable. A touch of violent maniacal life threatening situations would have been welcomed but take it for what it is.