Reviews

Jackie Gleason, his television shows and movies (i.e., The Toy) will always and forever be etched in my memory as family favorites. Starring at the beginning and up to sadly the end were great times for us at home. We always made sure to sit and watch, laugh in awe from the comedy to the stunts by guests. All of us always made sure to stay still when the presentation of Frank Fontaine (as Crazy Guggenheim) came on. Jackie would be behind the bar, Frank would would go through his skit, but always at the very end, coming from Jackie was the familiar, Hey Craz ! How about singing us a little song. For that even the dog had to be outside, Grandmother would come down from upstairs. Mr. Fontaine would sing some lovely melody that would really stick to you and your emotions. It was a favorite and wonderful time for us and something that was left in my parents, grandmother and brother's hearts ! For me, I'm the last of the family living (at age 66) and identify with a wonderful time whenever I hear talk of Jackie Gleason's name. He was a tremendous talent, actor (I even have early films that he was in with Humphrey Bogart) and especially comedy. His ability to keep you laughing without having written lines and everything from memory was something very few (if any) today can do. My favorite comedian ? Why of course, the GREAT Jackie Gleason.

I first saw this movie on WTBS (Turner Broadcasting System) back in the early infancy of Cable Television and WTBS. It has stuck with me all of these years. Fortunately my oldest son was able to get a copy of the movie recorded off of the television and I keep it well protected! With Gene Berry, John Saxon, Senta Berger and even the Engineer "Moustache" it was well acted.

This was a great crime drama based on the Istanbul Express (with John Saxon as the Security Officer for the Train, Cheval) but the story also carried onto other locations as the story progressed. I enjoyed it immensely (it has a great plot) from start to finish and as I stated, it stuck with me through the years. I don't know if it ever went to print, but I think that this would be well received by the viewing public and lovers of the Film NOIR after nearly 50 years from it's debut. Made in 1968 for television I think it should be revisited and given every consideration for print availability. They are always looking for these classics, this is one !! (If it did go to print, I would pay an exceptional price for a copy.)