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Reviews
Nine Good Teeth (2002)
Do Not make women like her anymore; WELL almost.
Just view this wonderful Documentary whenever you can. Does Not make any differences if your Italian any ethnic background has/had women MATRIARCHS LIKE Nana.My Paternal Grand Mother was this women's Clone. Being Sicilian we usually do NOT refer her as Nana. If she was alive today she would be 137. Grandpa came here thrice before he moved the Family (Son, My Dad Pietro, Daughter My aunt Maria, and Gram Guiseppina.Grand Dad was a highly skilled Mattone (Mason Brick Layer, Cement Plaster),Built many sidewalks in YE OLDE NEW YORK with my dad. Grandma was Boss a Home. She was tall while grand Dad was only 5'1" a power house. Dug wells and cellars from existing homes with DYNAMITE.
Grand Ma when we mixed cement would watch & shout Orders Aqua,piu sabbia, piu cemento (more water, sand, cement).. Naturally great cook always made Sicilian Pizza,(Sfincione with potato's & onions under filled crust) Holiday Mornings. While MOM would be making complete Christmas/Easter Dinner. Grand knew two cooks No Good in Kitchen. Unusual for Mother-in-law to state Daughter was best Cook both families.Regard to Great Lady in "Nine Teeth" whom is alive today Excellent way her grand Son Portrayed her story.
Viva Villa! (1934)
Beery Unbelievable and won the Oscar First Tie.
Why did they NOT follow utilizing Gilbert Roland as Villa. Many motion pictures used English & American actors to Portray Germans, Chinese, Mexican & Italians; this has to be one of biggest mistakes; especially with Gilbert Roland whom is a Better Actor than Beery and is Mexican.. Every Movie/T.V. Gilbert was in even in minor roles He stole the Movie. His actions are Unique and done without hesitation.. His Many actions, (Not unlike G.Raft flipping a coin), are very memorable and are his alone. He always incorporated into his acting Kissing his Mothers' ring he sometime wore as Necklace.. The inscription is MEMORABLE; Last words dying Mom said to Him...The movie itself filming appeared numerous stock footage. Joseph Schildkraut, German Born another good actor portrayed General Pascal with conceivable accent, whom Took Over and then murdered Madero (Fictional), Fay Wray had small part and was Good. Ironically better role although was expanded later in her King Kong Venture. Her Character's husband Don Phillpe portrayed by Donald Cook whom has a striking resemblance to Great Character actor Victory Jory whom later delivered the coup de grace. I preferred the subsequent picture whereby Gilbert Roland portrayed another general whom aided Villa in the revolution also staring Rory Calhoun, and Shelley Winters.. Now last NOT lease the Wonderful scene stealing Leo Carrillo, later renown as Pancho, Cisco Kids companion, which ran number of years and Carrillo started them at age seventy. Not only True Mexican he and his Paternal family are Mexican Aristocrats and owned Land Grants which is substantially California today. His Father was Police Chief and Mayor of Los Angeles..Unfortunately this film did Not make box office receipts beyond its' budget and these were days prior to Video sales and foreign distribution. Even though much fiction and have viewed it several times including this morning on TCM. You will enjoy.
The Rifleman: Sins of the Father (1960)
Should be two part program
I previously reviewed 'The Prodigal' Which was the episode following this one. The scheduling on TV titled this one The Prodigal instead of "Sins of the Father".. While I previous stated this is typical Rifleman fare it is a Very Good Story.. Moon spent time in prison for his sins and was released. Old west reputation intact had a Target on his back. Three brothers discovered that and one tried his luck and although Moon hesitated in gun play his fear his son would be hurt over rode his instincts and he drew his gun and killed one brother and he was wounded himself.. Not wanting to return to prison he grabbed his young son and escaped with the other two brothers in Pursuit. Finding shelter On Lucas McCain's ranch, Lucas tenders his wound until doc can be summoned. Days later Moon tells Lucas whom he is and Lucas helps him with Marshal.. I will Finish without divulging the ending. Quickly consummated..
As an aside Actor Dick Wilson (Ricardo Guigleiamo) Known best as Mr Wilson in over 500 Commercials for Charmin Tissue makes a small role playing a Western Drunk; which was his specialty in many movies & early television.
The Rifleman: The Prodigal (1960)
NOT episode viewed on T.V. Summary inaccurate.
WHILE THIS is Typical Rifleman drama Lucas here goes above & Beyond.. An Outlaw with a Poster warrant on him comes to Northfork to redeem himself with his son whom does not know dads past. The father is a Gunslinger with a reputation and three brothers discover this and try to Make their own reputation as a Better shot.. Father has to shoot one brother and he gets wounded as well. Both escape and in hiding discover Lucas ranch and need help for his wounds. Lucas does as Best until he can see doctor.. During recovery Lucas finds out Billy's tale of woe and NATURALLY helps him straighten out his Life and hence the title his son NOW accepts dad 'Prodigal son returns'.. I gave complete story except ending because the program and summary of this episode are Not factual. Discovered Later (Not a PART TWO);however another story on Rifleman "Sins of the Father" Actually ALMOST exact story Different and More precise This one I rate a TEN.
The Sea Wolf (1941)
Little Caesar is Captain Wolf
I have read all of Jack London's Book's. I understand why Screenwriters change certain scenes; and just as CLARK GABLE in "Call of the Wild" was perfection so was Edward G.Robinson is "Sea Wolf".. Even as unimpressive in Physical size (5'4"), depicting an TYRANT whose Crew are AFRAID; E.G.R. Commanded as if on a Stage. He alone made this motion picture stand out. The entire cast are actors whom honed their craft on stage. Barry Fitzgerald for once playing against his typecast angel, priest, Uncle roles as in "How Green was My Valley" and "The Quiet Man".. Here he is sinister,stool pigeon,creepy and he plays it to the Hilt.In an impromptu altercation with George (Garfield) character he strikes first and subsequently stabs George; whereupon Capt Wolf states to Dr Louie Prescott (Gene Lockhart) well do the transfusion already, Cookie already did the hard part. As an aside E.G.R., J.G. & Howard Da Silva are all Russian Jewish Ethnicity E.G.R. actual immigrant. Da Silva was Blacklisted by HUAC which although exonerated hurt his Career, and he had TREMENDOUS stage presence owing to his commanding voice. Alexander Knox as the writer in essence portrayed two roles both antagonist to Wolfe. Now Knox is the consummate Actor especially in biblical roles. He could read a phone book over the radio and be convincing in his role. Ida Lupino was under utilized here. A Great actress, director whom could play easy girls, sophisticated ladies, here she played both did not have much screen time to convey her worth. Another 'actor' was the ongoing FOG. Making this a great FILM NOIR. Direction was very good, as if these actors needed any. I am not a Garfield fan, although his emotion shined in this movie, in spite of his early wimpy performance in "Postman".
Knox quoting to Wolf you are despicable and Rather REIGN in Hell than Serve in Heaven.. The last scene which differentiates from novel as writer shot by Captain; shows Wolf as water pouring in from all sides going down with the ship and he appears to accept same as his 'Way of Life'..
Fiesta (1947)
A Long lost GEM South of the Border
This early Ricardo Montaban movie shows his early acting/ dramatic talents. We knew he could dance, and dance he did with one of the best Female Dancers every Cyd Charisse. So great Together they did four More dance films. Many of My favorite performers are in this movie; Fortunno Buonanova, Born In Spain a Great Opera Singer whom sang Baritone & Tenor Perfect as the Mexican Padrone former Great Matador whom had to quit early owing to injury.. Basic Plot of movie. Years Later wife Mary Astor, over rated actress,(I guess if you believe She is Mexican not too much stretch that Esther Williams is the Mexican Daughter/Twin of Ricardo's Character. Although they used makeup for Astor to enhance the 'Mexican' look, none is used for Esther & Both speak American, even some slang.A better actress would have been Rita Hayworth, although born in NYC was Mexican and can dance which would enhance the Matador Movements.This would be very unusual for Aristocratic Mexican Family even today.. The Padrone is head Master and everything he says,YOU Do.
John Carroll another one of my favorites, although born in Louisianna as Julian LaFaye could effect many accents, none were utilized here, again leaving authenticity back stage. Public likes to see acting and if you are non-ethnic however can act the role it makes for a better movie. I like Akim Tamiroff as Faithful Friend of Don Antonio and he does effect the accent. I believe a better Performer such as J.Carol Naish would enhance the role, as we all know his expertise in languages. AS Lon Chaney Sr was man of 1000 faces, Naish would be man of 1000 accents,(exaggerated). The Costumes are very well done. Sequences in bull ring are above average and obviously done by professional Matadors. A little spoiler alert; When they use Esther to perform in the ring as brother Mario; come on her Bosoms especially in the Short Matador jacket and high waisted belt only further enhanced them. Ricordo always had good Physique, but not Bosoms. Even the bull was excited..THe Piano scenes in wayside tavern by Ricardo are as accurate and obviously show he can perform with piano as well.
With all flaws this is a good movie, very entertaining. Imagine if the main actors had been utilized to their expert potential.
Pal Joey (1957)
Joey picked wrong P A L
This has to Frank's best musical and drama.
An early Kim Novak vehicle that failed to hit her mark.. She was
'A MOUSE'. Very dry, contrite, at times inaudible.
Frank played Joey perfectly to the tee..
Did not care for his friends only Joey, until Linda (Novak) came along. Even then he knew his closest ally was very interested in Linda.
Joey even borrowed money for a room and he knowingly went to same boarding house Linda resided. Joey always took the shortcut, especially if it enhanced his agenda..
Now enters Vera with the Vanishing Veils, Incomparable Rita Hayworth.
She is Female Joey and at forty Years Rita looks Great, and her acting was superb.. She one upsmanship Joey and he retaliates by stating he is moving to N.Y. A ploy that a con man would salivate.. Later they become a symphonic rhapsody and in reality are exactly the same personalty whom are so much alike they CLASH.
In my opinion Rita stole the movie, her role as male Joey belies her private life as she always had men in her life dictating and taking advantageous of her. (Commencing with her Father)..
This is a great movie I have seen it several times and much of the supporting cast has their moments as well.
Kim Novak in future movies really shined. Especially Vertigo whereby she had a virtual dual role and Bell Book & Candle both with James Stewart. In this picture she was excellent especially when acting the witch role. Even though Jack Lemmon stole the movie, Kim was outstanding..
As far as Pal Joey Kim was brought into studio system to be so called 'New Femme Fatale' replacing Rita.. It did not happen until many years later.
Maytime (1937)
MAYTIME Celebrates PAGLIACCI
This is an excellent film. Star Cast, Victorian Opulence, Splendid scenery etc etc etc.
Although not a big fan of the great profile John Barrymore One can see here what a performer he was. His minor dialogue, all performance visual as Silent Films, The expressions on his face told the tale. Possible spoiler you understand my reference to Pagliacci. Should have been done on stage.
Eddy was very good hi baritone.
The incomparable Jeanette MacDonald. Her voice mesmerizes us all. Beauty Clarity perfect diction.
Herman Bing in a comical role was silly; however this was 1937, hardly known..
I viewed this movie numerous times in the past and when Turner TCM shows all Eddy/Macdonald movies this is my ABSOLUTE Favorite.
I can only give ten stars worth much higher status. Unfortunately Ms. MacDonald died to young approximately 62. I am sure her husband Gene Raymond would concur.
If you have opportunity to view this film do not hesitate your enjoyment would be unparalleled.