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mattie5
Reviews
Bill Kennedy at the Movies (1956)
Robert Osborne's predecessor in Detroit/Windsor
I too enjoyed my days home from school watching "Bill Kennedy at the Movies." Vernor's Ginger Ale would settle an unruly stomach, and Bill's cinematic choices would distract me from any aches and pains. Bill helped make many of those days so memorable and helped forge my lifelong love of old movies, classic movies, actually any black-and-white movies! My mother would not normally watch any other daytime TV, but if there was a good movie on either Rita Bell's show or Bill Kennedy's show, we watched it! Bill seemed to know so much about the movie being shown, the actors and actresses in the movie, and miscellaneous trivia and gossip. When Turner Classic Movies first arrived on the scene I immediately recalled many of Bill's showings and the hours of entertainment they produced. Robert Osborne--you had a most worthy predecessor! Thanks for the memories, Bill!
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
Cinematic perfection!
Listening to the music of Nino Rota, my thoughts return to the absolutely flawless Zefferelli production of "Romeo and Juliet." This movie is the sublime orchestration of acting, sets, costumes, cinematography and that exquisitely haunting music. This is the standard; subsequent versions need not be attempted.
When I first saw the movie in 1968 I was overwhelmed by it, particularly the guileless acting of the two leads, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting. Appreciation for the artistry of the movie has not been diminished by more recent viewings, but rather increased. Each viewing allows for serendipitous glimpses of the many exquisite details, all finely woven into a timeless classic.
Bravo!
The Americans (1961)
Loved the series; it made a wonderful impression upon me.
I agree with the other respondents that this series, brief as it was, presented a moving and personal portrayal of the Civil War. I have wondered often why it has not been reshown on TV. The brother-against-brother theme was so poignant, and has continued to affect my views of any war.
The two stars, Darryl Hickman and Dick Davalos, were perfect in their roles. I have always been impressed with the performances of Mr. Hickman, in particular, since his days as a child actor.