Classic Movie Reviews (Classic Movie Reviews)

Listen as we fumble through our first episode!

Listen as we as we go "On The Town" in our second episode.

Enjoy the double-crossing in "Double Indemnity"!

Enjoy the double-crossing in part 2 of our review of "Double Indemnity"! Our review is almost as long as the movie itself. Next week... Young Frankenstein!

Bob and I have the most fun we've had yet recording our review of "Young Frankenstein". There are so many good scenes, we have a hard time choosing our favorites. Next episode we review the Blu-Ray release of "Creature From The Black Lagoon"! I even watched it in glorious 3D!

We venture deep into the uncharted waters of the Amazon river to find the Creature From The Black Lagoon. We have lots of fun picking it apart and talking about the origins of the monster, science fiction versus horror, and more! Next episode we review the World War II classic "Twelve O'clock High".

We join the fighting 918th Bomb Group as they struggle to find out what it means to give a "maximum effort" during America's first daylight precision bombing runs of World War II. Next episode we review "Grapes of Wrath" which does not star Ricardo Montalban. That's a different wrathful movie.

Bob and I get philosophical (and political) as we discuss the merits of John Ford's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." We talk for an hour and so we've decided to split this episode into two parts. This week we follow the Joad's to the border of California, right before their perilous desert night crossing. Next week, we'll find out what happens to them in California. Spoiler: it's not good.

We watch helplessly as Barbara Stanwick gets steamrolled for being a "Witness To Murder" Bob and I agree, it's not one of our favorites, but it does have it's moments. Next week we travel to the "South Pacific". Join us won't you?

It's a wild ride as we join the Navy and the Marines on Bali High in "South Pacific". Is it a love story? A war movie? A comedy? or maybe it's all just in our imaginations. We like it overall. Next time we head out west for "Blazing Saddles"!

We'll never think of eating beans around a camp fire the same way again! We hit the dusty trails to find out just why the saddles were blazing. And boy oh boy do we find out.

We are magically transported into inner-space on a Fantastic Voyage in this episode of Classic Movie Reviews. Is it a B movie? Is it an A movie? Maybe a B+ movie? No matter what letter you give it, the movie is a lot of fun and we enjoy the trip.

Prepare yourself for an epic review of "Gentleman's Agreement" released in 1947 by Twentieth Century Fox. This is Part 1 and covers the first half of the movie. Part 2 will be released next week. Also prepare yourself for a fairly opinionated review that dives deep into the themes of the movie. This is one of our very favorite movies of all time and I think we do it justice. Next week stay tuned for Part 2 of "Gentleman's Agreement" and in two weeks we watch "Brief Encounter" at the suggestion of a listener.

We wrap up our epic review of Gentleman's Agreement as events come to a dramatic climax. Bob and I just keep heaping praise on the film. And we dive into the themes and see how it all plays out for Phil, Kathy, Tommy, Grandma, Dave and the rest. Next week we're watching "Brief Encounter" released in 1945 by Pinewood Studios.

We travel back in time to an age of innocence, wait what? No, that must be a different movie. We do get to watch a touching love story unfold in the suburbs of London in the 1940's. There's only one problem. The lovers are already married! The drama, the awkward situations, the chatty train passengers! Not to mention the holier than though friend. There's a lot to like in "Brief Encounter" and it's easy to see why this movie is ranked among the top classic movies by the BFI. But do yourself a favor and read the IMDB reviews. Not everybody loves it. Bob and I do really like it though.

"It's Alive!" Yes, it is and it's out to get you Doctor Frankenstein. Bob and I have some fun walking through our favorite scenes and some of our not so favorite scenes. We discuss the influence this movie had on "Young Frankenstein" and it turns out that "Young Frankenstein" had a pretty big influence on us because we inadvertently call the lab assistance Igor throughout the entire review when in fact his name was Fritz. Oh well. Igor has a nice ring to it. Universal must have thought so too. The new Universal "Frankenstein" movie is due out in 2015 and the lab assistant, played by Daniel Radcliffe, is called Igor. So, don't let your children play with flowers by the lake unattended. You never know what may come lumbering out of the forest.

"To a new world of Gods and Monsters." - Dr. Pretorius "This isn't science, it's more like black magic." - Dr. Frankenstein That may be true Dr. Frankenstein but that doesn't stop you from trying to create a new race of man and woman to walk the face of the earth. Of course it doesn't end well for our poor creatures, not to mention the crazy Dr. Pretorius. The similarities between this movie and Young Frankenstein are overwhelming. And can you believe there may be a musical connection between Bride of Frankenstein and South Pacific? Yep! And our good friend the Preacher from Grapes of Wrath makes an oh so brief appearance as well. Sit back, pour yourself a glass of gin (it is my only weakness) and maybe light a cigar (it is my only weakness) and enjoy the zany horrific touching story that is "The Bride of Frankenstein".

"Chick... chick... CHICK!" Poor Wilbur, if only Chick would believe him. He really is being chased by Dracula and Frankenstein's monster. And what do they want from Wilbur? His brain of course! No, they aren't zombies. They don't want to eat it. They want it for it's intellectual capacity, or lack thereof. And why and how did the Wolfman get mixed up in this zany adventure? Lot's of fun is had as we follow the adventures of Bud and Lou in this classic horror comedy, voted one of the top 100 funniest movies of all time. Next episode we're lightening it up with "Singing in the Rain". So grab your umbrella and join us won't you?

Rated as one of the top movies of all time Singin' In The Rain has left a huge mark on film making that we are still feeling, seeing, hearing and enjoying today. From the classic "Singin' In The Rain" number to the goofy "Make Em Laugh", Singin' In The Rain is great fun from start to finish. So grab an umbrella as we go a Singin' In The Rain!

There are some great and memorable lines from the movie that changed motion picture making, The Jazz Singer broke ground with the dramatic use of music, singing and talking. It's also remembered for the use of "black face" in the closing musical numbers of the film. Al Jolson was known as the "World's Greatest Entertainer" at the time of the movie's release. We can catch glimpses of his charisma in the film. By all accounts, you'd have to have seen him in person to really understand why he carried that title. There's so much to digest in this movie. Bob and I cover the basis and of course get philosophical near the end. We can't help ourselves.

Just in time for Halloween here in the United States, we pick a perfect movie if you like to be creeped out, shocked and generally made to feel like you won't be able to sleep tonight.

"O-Lan, you are the earth." Those are the closing words to MGM's 1937 film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck's "The Good Earth". Bob and I land squarely in the middle of our rating scale on this one (spoiler alert). We like Luise Rainer, who won an Academy Award for her role as O-Lan, the cinematography is great and there are some great scenes (how did they film the locus scene?!?) in the movie. But is suffers from being too long and from some questionable directing and acting choices. Well, there you have it. We really like some parts, and we really question some other parts.

Will Dan Evans get Ben Wade to the 3:10 to Yuma in time? Will Dan redeem himself in his son's eyes? What other uses of cutlery will Ben Wade find along the way? All these questions and more are answered in "3:10 To Yuma". Bob and I compare the original movie released in 1957 to the new movie released 50 years later in 2007. Can you say "turn the drama dial to 11!" because that's what they did in the 2007 version and we think it works!

What do "the adventures of a blind, gambling masseur who also happens to be a master swordsman", the television show "Sons of Anarchy" and Star Wars all have in common? Tune in and find out as we connect some tenuous dots between a wide range of genres and time periods in our review of "Zatoichi: The Tale Of Zatoichi" the first of 26 movies and 100 television episodes produced between 1962 and 1989 that follow the life and exploits of Ichi, the wandering blind ronin or as Ichi says "yakuza". Next episode we had planned to watch "To Sir, With Love" but then realized that our podcast will come out the day before Christmas and so of course we have to watch a Christmas movie. Settle in, pour yourself something warm to drink and prepare for a "White Christmas". Enjoy!

“The sun is shining, the grass is green, The orange and palm trees sway. There's never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it's December the twenty-fourth, And I am longing to be up North” Nope, you’re not going to hear this original first verse to the iconic and hugely successful “White Christmas” song in the movie or in any of the popular versions of the song released since the 1940’s. But it says a lot about the state of mind of Irving Berlin. He was missing his family in New York City and that feeling comes through in the rest of the song and in the movie “White Christmas” released by Paramount Pictures in 1954. The movie was a big hit for the studio and helped launch the career of Rosemary Clooney. Of course, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen were already stars in their own right, but Vera Ellen only appeared in one movie after this one. Bob and I talk about all of this and more in our inaugural Christmas episode. So sit back, put another log on the fire, cozy up with a loved one and enjoy the sounds of “White Christmas”

A #1 pop hit song kicks off this tale of inner city kids and their inexperienced but masterful teacher and how they all end up deeply affecting each others lives. A powerful portrayal by the consummate Sidney Poitier, and a wonderful job of writing and directing by James Clavell bring combine to make a truly memorable movie. So travel back in time with us to the dock yards, back alleys and school rooms of London, 1967. Next episode we kick off a three movie marathon of John Huston and Humphrey Bogart movies, starting with the Maltese Falcon, then Treasure of the Sierra Madre and ending with Beat The Devil.

Roger Ebert gives it his highest rating, the American Film Institute voted it one of the best movies ever made and starring Humphrey Bogart who was voted the best actor of all time, The Maltese Falcon delivers the goods with incredible acting, directing, and cinematography. Bob and I delve into some of the questions left open at the end of the movie. I even throw out my personal theory on what really happened to The Maltese Falcon. Prepare yourself for the adventure as we walk the streets, corridors and rooms of San Francisco, 1941, in search of The Maltese Falcon.

Gold does strange things to a man’s soul as we find out in Warner Brothers / First National Picture’s adaptation of B Traven’s classic "The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre". Who is B Traven? Why can’t Dobbs see that he’s got gold fever? How much gold is enough gold? So many questions and so few answers in a truly great movie, one of Humphrey Bogart’s best and definitely one of John Huston’s best. It’s also one of the only (or the only) movie where a father and son both won an Oscar in the same year for the same movie. Bob and I like that part especially. It’s good to see a father and son have great success together. This is the second movie in our John Huston & Humphrey Bogart movie marathon.

Dobbs continues his descent into madness, Curtin narrowly escapes with his life and Howard finds a tropical paradise in the middle of the Mexican dessert. Really, what? Did Howard look right into the camera in that scene and nod to us as the audience. Yes, he did! But that’s not all, there’s so much to talk about in this movie that our review is nearly as long as the movie itself.

Released in 1953, this independent production didn't garner much in the way of accolades or revenue at the box office. In fact, it's been called a "lost classic". For one reason or another it's fallen into the public domain. You can watch it online via the Internet Archive. Described as a mix of film noir and comedy, the cast is solid, the director, well, it's John Huston and the script? Written in collaboration with Truman Capote. What could go wrong? Is it really a "lost classic" or has it been forgotten for good reasons?

It's Vienna, 1949, Holly Martins steps off a train and into a mystery, full of intrigue and backstabbing. Is it just another day at the office for Mr. Martins? No way, he's a clueless American writer of pulp westerns. He's completely out of his depth and that's the fun of the movie. It unravels before our eyes in glorious black and white with the incomparable zither score by Anton Karas. Directed by Carol Reed, with an all star cast of Joseph Cotten, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, and Valli, the movie is a true masterpiece of film-making. Not everyone agrees with this assessment, just read through some of the IMDB forum posts. That's alright, Bob and I certainly enjoyed it. And we hope you enjoy this episode of Classic Movie Reviews.

A cast of what seems like thousands are on a race for a buried fortune, at least they think it exists, but they don't know exactly where to look, but they know that a giant "W" marks the spot. Why not an X? Don't ask, it's a W which is right next to X in the alphabet. And the whole movie makes about as much sense as that comment! It's a crazy, or dare we say, mad race to the finish. We give it a go and tell you what we think. We keep it real even though the American Film Institute ranks the film as one of the best American comedies. So jump in a car, a plane or a truck and hold on for dear life as we see just how mad this world can be in Stanley Kramer's classic(?) 1963 comedy/action/adventure movie.

We'll return next week with our review of Oklahoma! In the meantime, remember that the farmer and the cowman should be friends!

"There's a bright golden haze on the meadow. There's a bright golden haze on the meadow. The corn is as high as an elephant's eye. And it looks like it's climbing clear up to the sky. Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day!" Those lyrics kick off a magical journey into the heart of Oklahoma territory set in 1901 before the territory became a state. The tension and drama that existed between the cattlemen and the farmers plays out in spectacular musical fashion both on beautifully filmed location (in Arizona no less) and on sets built to look like an Oklahoma farmstead. Everything turns our alright except for Jud. He's kind of a bad dude, but Casey isn't a squeaky clean hero either. And wouldn't the whole thing be resolved peacefully if Laurey and Curly decided to go to the dance together in that first scene. Oh, but wait, then there wouldn't be a movie! Oh, the singing! The dancing! The ballerinas! Where did all these professional dancers/singers/ranchers/farmers come from! Don't ask too many questions just sit back and let the scenery and the music wash over you. "Oh what a beautiful morning!"

Twelve criminals are recruited to form a special unit tasked with taking out the German high command during World War II. Can Major Reisman get these murderers, psychopaths and general malcontents in shape in time to complete the mission? And why in the heck would they let Maggot be a part of this group? This group of dirty, stinky, rotten troops who for the most part are totally redeemed by the end of the film. Bob and I kick off the episode with a special mention for Nunnally Johnson one of the screenwriters for the movie, along with many many many other films including “The Grapes Of Wrath”. Nunnally Johnson did yeomans’ work for over 30 years in Hollywood and he doesn’t get nearly enough credit. So Bob and I give him some!

Molly Brown is truly unsinkable in the fast paced and fun MGM production of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” released in 1964. Debbie Reynolds sings and dances her way from rags to riches, from the mountains of Colorado to the finest establishments of Europe and back again. There’s a lot to enjoy in this movie. it’s a light hearted and funny movie. Bob and I go through the major scenes and talk about some of the themes of the film. What will happen to Molly next? Would Johnny really be okay with burning $300K? And where can we find a mountain like the one they do where the gold just falls right out onto the ground? Inquiring minds want to know! We keep it light and breezy, just like the movie.

Science, faith, truth, justice, ecology, violence, war are all themes in Planet of the Apes. Imagine that we’re on a distant planet ruled by an intelligent race of apes. Men and women are seen as animals. What would that culture think of a talking man? A man that claims he’s from a distant solar system? And what would happen to that man when he finds out the truth? We find out the truth in this classic sic-fi movie from Twentieth Century Fox, released in 1968, staring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, Linda Harrison to name just a few.

Deep in the Nevada desert lies a secret underground lab called Wildfire. Is the lab there to promote peace or to forward the agenda of war? What if we discovered a new and previously unthinkable type of life? What would we do with that knowledge? Would we share it for the betterment of all humankind? Or would we weaponize it for our own selfish gain? These are some of the questions raised by "The Andromeda Strain". The questions are raised but they are never fully answered. The answer is up to you. What would you do when faced with a deadly biological threat? And what the heck is up with those Presidential advisors?!? Geesh!

"We aren't dealing with ordinary machines. These are highly complicated pieces of equipment, almost as complicated as living organisms. In some cases they've been designed by other computers. We don't know exactly how they work." And so begins the downfall of the DELOS vacation resort, because the machines, they have a mind of their own and they intend to use they're new found sentience. Bob and I play a game of connect the dots between Westworld, The Terminator, Blade Runner and Austin Powers. Wait, what? Austin Powers! Yes! Austin Powers? Just wait for it, you'll understand. Released in 1973 by MGM, written and directed by Michael Crichton, and starting Yul Brynner, Richard Benjaman, James Brolin, Alan Oppenheimer, Dick Van Patten, and Linda Gaye Scott, "Westworld" is in many ways the forerunner to the modern "machines take over the world and wipeout all humankind" thriller. There are many original ideas contained in the film and some derivative ideas (see notes below). Overall we like it, but we have some issues with it as well.

The year of the City 2274, the remnants of human civilization survive in a domed city. They spend their days playing, partying, and having sex. That is until they turn 30. Then they must go to Carrousel where they will be reborn if they try hard enough. But some people don't believe in carrousel, or maybe they are afraid, so they make a run for Sanctuary. They are called Runners. And the people that are assigned to stop them, to terminate them, those people are called Sandmen. And all of this, the people, the city, everything, is controlled by one maniacal all powerful central computer. So what happens when a Sandman is tasked with finding Sanctuary. He is forced to become a Runner himself. And the future will never be the same again! Prepare yourself for a journey into the ultimate utopia or the ultimate hell, you decide, as we watch the future unfold in "Logan's Run". Produced by MGM, right before the great MGM purge, it stars Michael York, Richard Jordan, Jenny Agutter, Peter Ustinov, and let us not forget Roscoe Lee Browne as "Box" (so bad he's almost good), Logan's Run is a true mixed bag of a movie. Sometimes reaching the highest of highs in science fiction film making and other times sinking to the lowest of lows. So of course Bob and I go into a deep dive and spend almost an hour picking it apart! Enjoy!

Winner of 6 Oscar Awards, this William Wyler and MGM production perfectly captures the wartime era of London and surrounding suburbs during the start of the German air raids. Greer Garson, Walter Pigeon, Teresa Wright, Dame May Whitty, Henry Travers and Richard Ney all give outstanding performances. Henry Wilcoxon gives a speech for the ages, which he also helped write. There’s just so much to cover, so many good scenes, great acting, great script writing, set design, cinematography and on and on. Bob and I can’t and don’t stop praising this film. We hope you agree that Mrs. Miniver is a perfect 10 out of 10. Enjoy!

Bob and I watch and review “The Virgin Spring”. A movie released to critical success in the US, but was panned by critics in Europe at the time. The film was banned in some parts of the US for the depiction of a young virgin, Karin, being raped and murdered. But that is only one aspect of the film. In some respects, the story is a very simple tale of innocence and revenge. On another level, or maybe several other levels, the film is a critique of religion and the clash between the old gods and the new Christian god, it’s also a tale of the tensions that exist between family members, and the price that one must pay for carrying out acts of violence whether they be meaningless or whether they are seemingly to avenge the senseless death of another innocent person. The quote above is from a scene in the movie where one character is foreshadowing the death and after-life of another character. It demonstrates the powerful writing in the film. The story is derived from a 13th century ballad. Ulla Isaksson adapted the ballad for film. She also gives an amazing commentary to the film on the Criterion Collection DVD. Directed by Ingmar Bergman, Starring Max von Sydow, Birgitta Valberg, Gunnel Lindblom and Birgitta Pettersson, “The Virgin Spring” won the Oscar in 1961 for Best Foreign Language Film. It continues to have a powerful impact to this day.

Bob and I were unable to record a podcast this week. My grandmother passed away last weekend and so in honor of her passing we are going to review "All About Eve" next week. Bette Davis was her favorite actress and this was one of her favorite movies. We hope you have a good weekend and if you're in the United States, have a nice Memorial Day on Monday. Until next week...

In honor of my grandmother Betty, Bob and I review her favorite movie "All About Eve." Starring Bette Davis, also my grandmother's favorite actress. "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!"

“The Professionals” was expertly written and directed by Richard Brooks and stars Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan, Woody Strode, Jack Palance, Claudia Cardinale and Ralph Bellamy, released in 1966 by Columbia Pictures. It’s a great ride full of beautiful scenery, sharp dialog, excellent explosions and some great twists in the plot. So saddle up and prepare to cross the desert into Mexico with “The Professionals”

Released in I958, Vertigo is a tour-de-force in film making directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. It's a story of betrayal and murder. It's also a borderline ghost story. I like to imagine that with a few minor changes this could be one heck of a great ghost story. Ultimately it's a tragic tale of deceit and love. betrayal and the search for redemption in the most Shakespearian of traditions. Bob and I really enjoyed it and we hope you enjoy this episode of Classic Movie Reviews.

In the “Seven Samurai” released in 1954 by Toho and director by Akira Kurosawa, we follow the exploits of an unfortunate peasant village in feudal Japan as they recruit seven samurai to help them defend themselves against marauding ronin. In “The Magnificent Seven” released in 1960 by MGM/UA and directed by John Sturges, we follow the exploits of an unfortunate peasant village in rural Mexico as they recruit seven gun fighters to help them defend themselves against marauding bandits. And that’s just the beginning of the similarities between these two movies. Many people consider the “Seven Samurai” one of the best films ever produced. “The Magnificent Seven” is also held in very high regard. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Is one a better film than the other? Bob and I discuss these topics as we review these two films in this week’s episode.

Strange celestial events, the wholesale slaughter of predators to ants in the Arizona desert and unusual crop circles are just the beginning of a series of highly unusual events that lead Dr. Davenport and Dr. Lesko to setup a scientific observation station on the outskirts of an abandoned housing development. What exactly is going on? And is Kendra Eldridge really the mother to a new race? So many fantastic scenes and ideas in this little known but well respected, film released in 1974 by Paramount Pictures. Starring Nigel Davenport, Michael Murphy and Lynne Frederick, it’s the only film directed by acclaimed artist and designer Saul Bass. Bob and I wish he had directed further films. We really liked it!

High Noon is a film that has been analyzed to death in every way conceivable. It tells a straight-forward story of a man who stands up against overwhelming odds to keep his sense of duty intact and to “do the right thing.” It stars Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado and Grace Kelly in her first major film role. Fred Zinnemann directed the film. It won four Academy Awards with “Best Actor” going to Gary Cooper. Do yourself a favor and watch “High Noon” just don’t do any internet research before hand. You’ll lose an hour or more reading about the movie which will not add to the enjoyment of the film (in my experience.)

Grab your camera and your scooter as we tour the beautiful sites of Rome with Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, and Eddie Albert. In a movie that feels like it’s out of a fairy tale, Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann escapes the overbearing life as a public figure to spend the day as a common person. Gregory Peck finds out her secret and lots of fun and interesting (and weird/creepy) hijinks ensue. Directed by the incomparable William Wyler this Paramount production won Academy Awards for Best Actress performance; the screenplay and costume design. So sit back, grab an espresso and enjoy “Roman Holiday”!

The warm breezes, the crashing waves, the lovely women at “the club” and let’s not forget the never ending PK duty, scrubbing floors, pulling weeds, running laps, running up mountains. You know, the good old days on Oahu before the United States entered into World War II. In an all star production of the James Jones novel of the same name we experience the turmoil that filled the lives of a group of soldiers and civilians living on and near the Schofield Barracks in the weeks leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In what has to be one of the best all time performances in any movie, Montgomery Clift plays “Prewitt”, a young determined solider with a chip on his shoulder. Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed and Frank Sinatra round out the cast in another film directed by Frank Zinnemann. We’ve reviewed two other films directed by Frank Zinnemann, High Noon an Oklahoma. Both excellent films. So sit back and prepare for a journey From Here To Eternity. Next podcast we enter the August Is For Animation month with a list of short animated films that you can find in a playlist we’ve created on YouTube.

Starting in the 1920’s and really picking up the pace in the 1940’s it was common to see several short animated films prior to the main feature. You’d also see a serial and a news reel before the show too. It was truly a golden age of animation. And the creativity was off the charts. Some of these cartoons are truly bizarre, even to a modern viewer. We wonder what those must of been like to see in an original release in the theater. Well, Bob can relate what it was like for him growing up in a small town in Montana. Prepare for a whirlwind tour of short animated classic films. Here’s a link to the YouTube playlist of shorts we’ve watched and discuss in this episode. And in a special extended after show, Bob describes his awesome tour of Warner Bros. studios.

Snow White shook the film industry to its core when it was released in 1937. We can’t under-estimate how huge this movie was when it first came out. It was as big as Star Wars, Indiana Jones or Jurassic Park. The film was dubbed “Disney’s Folly” due to it’s huge budget and the fact that it was a full length feature film, something that had never been attempted before. And Star Wars wasn’t the first film to capitalize on its success with a line of toys and related products. That honor goes to Snow White, a full 40 years earlier. The film was release was accompanied by an onslaught of related merchandizing. All in all an outstanding, we might even say disruptive, film. A film that continues to enchant and engage audiences of all ages up to the present day.

The IMDB summary for this movie is… “The Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his Yellow Submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music hating Blue Meanies.” If you had to summarize it into one sentence that’s not too far off the mark. But words really don’t do justice to the film. It has to be experienced firsthand. In fact the best way to watch “Yellow Submarine” is to go in with an open mind and let it wash over you. Don’t think too much about what you’re seeing because some of is just crazy and weird and strange and wonderful. So open your mind and your heart and remember “All You Need Is Love”! And to those folks that may not be fans of The Beatles, well, this movie may not be for you, but give it a go and maybe you’ll find some things to like anyway.

Is it an allegory for how humans treat each other and animals, is it an allegory for the cold war, or is it just a great sci-fi story? Maybe it’s all three at once. In any event, Fantastic Planet released in 1973 is a bit of a cult film but one that deserves a wider audience. It’s just as relevant today as it was in the early 70’s. And the visuals and music are top notch. Very different and strange in some parts, but that just adds to the alien feeling of the film.

Metropolis was released in Europe in 1927. It was then drastically cut for the US release and the original version was lost for over 80 years. Then unexpectedly in 2008 a nearly complete 16mm print was discovered in Buenos Aires. That version was intercut with the original US print and digitally restored. In the meantime two other “restorations” were completed, one in 1984 by music titan Giorgio Morodor. He colorized scenes and used music from well known 80’s musicians with the film. A digital restoration was completed in 2001 but it lacked the complete footage of the 2010 version that resulted from the find in Buenos Aires. You can watch both the 1984 and 2010 versions on Netflix streaming. Bob and I discuss the differences between the two and arrive at the conclusion that the 2010 version is the definitive and superior version. No shock there. You can learn all about the history of the film at the www.metropolis1927.com website. Enjoy!

Prepare yourself for an epic adventure in the tradition of “The Arabian Nights”. Douglas Fairbanks, Snitz Edwards, Charles Belcher, Julanne Johnston, Sôjin Kamiyama and Anna May Wong star in this wonderful story written by Douglas Fairbanks and directed by Raoul Walsh. The story of a simple thief in Bagdad and his quest for meaning and redemption in the name of love for the city’s Princess. He must undergo mythic trials and conquer his fear and desires to deliver the city from the hands of the evil Mongol Prince. Full of majesty and magic, this film stands the test of time and appears to predate by a decade other movies in terms of scope and effects. A truly special film that everyone should take the time to watch. Seriously, it’s two and a half hours long so you may need an intermission somewhere in the middle!

City Lights was a silent film in the era of talkies. Charlie Chaplin believed that people would come to his movies despite the fact that "silent movies were dead" after The Jazz Singer was released. And he was right! It's a great movie. In fact, the closing scene may be one of the best ever filmed!

Is Nosferatu a monster or a tragic figure cursed to live forever until he falls in love and forgets his most dangerous weakness. In a landmark horror film Max Shreck creates an unforgettable image of terror as the undead nosfertu “Graf Orlok”. Directed by F.W. Murnau, the film has scenes that would be copied for decades to come.

In the remotest regions of the unexplored Arctic an unknown aircraft crash-lands in the ice. A group of scientists and military men are dispatched to find out what happened. And so begins an epic struggle for the fate of planet Earth. In the remotest regions of the unexplored Arctic an unknown aircraft crash-lands in the ice. A group of scientists and military men are dispatched to find out what happened. And so begins an epic struggle for the fate of planet Earth. We are treated to a great horror/sci-fi film in this 1951 adaptation of the John W. Campell Jr. novel. Featuring a fast paced, witty script by Charles Lederer and directed by Christian Nyby (and Howard Hawks uncredited) with expert acting by Margaret Sheridan, Kenneth Tobey, Robert Cornthwaite, James Arness and others, this film offers great atmosphere, a few memorable jump scares and a monster to rival any monster to ever appear in film. “Watch the skies. Keep watching the skies!”

Directed by one of our favorite directors, Robert Wise, “The Haunting” is an excellent haunted house story. Starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson and Russ Tamblyn, it’s equal parts spooky atmosphere and jump-out-of-your-seat scares. Bob remembers seeing it in the theater and I can only imagine how much popcorn would have been spilled, especially in that scene at the top of the rickety spiral staircase! October Is For Horror month continues with “The Haunting”

Strange events surround the Thorn’s adopted son Damien. Is he the spawn of hell, or is something else going on? Either way, it’s a heck of a scary ride!

An interplanetary starship arrives on a possible rescue mission to Altair 4 only to be rebuffed by a disembodied voice broadcasting from a 20 square mile area. Commander Adams played by Leslie Nielsen convinces the man, Doctor Morbius played by Walter Pidgeon, that they must land, despite the Doctor’s dire warnings. What unfolds next is a truly epic science fiction story. Directed by Fred McLeod Wilcox and starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen, Warren Stevens and Robby the Robot this is a classic film that both of us give our highest rating too. Enjoy!

Filmed simultaneously and released in 1931 the English language and Spanish language versions of “Dracula” are very similar in many ways but very different in other important ways. The English language version stars none other than Bela Legosi in the lead role. The Spanish language version stars Carlos Villarías in the lead role. Bob and I both prefer Bela Legosi’s portrayal, but we differ on which version is the better film. If you get a chance to watch both you definitely should. They are both excellent films and certainly have set the stage for later horror films, all the way to the present day.

So opens "The Hitch-hiker" a film directed by our director of the month Ida Lupino. Ida Lupino was a very talented actress, writer, producer, studio owner, and director. Starring Edmond O'Brien, Frank Lovejoy, and William Talman it tells the story of a killer on the run and two men that have the unfortunate luck to cross paths on the way to a fishing trip in Mexico. A tight tense film that foreshadows later films like "The Hitcher". We'll talk more about Ida Lupino next week as we watch "On Dangerous Ground" a film that she both starred in and co-directed, though the latter role was uncredited at the time.

Ida Lupino helmed the director’s chair for three days while primary director Nicholas Ray was ill. Ida Lupino is our “Director Of The Month” and she also turns in an excellent performance as a nearly blind woman trying her best to protect her younger brother. Robert Ryan plays Jim Wilson, a city detective at the end of his rope. Jim Wilson’s Captain, played by Ed Begley, sends Jim to a small town in the mountains to help solve a murder and as a way to keep Jim out of trouble that he’s in for beating up suspects in the city. Through the course of the investigation, Mary and Jim fall in love and find redemption in their lives. As does the young victim’s father played by Ward Bond. All of the lead cast is excellent and the music by Bernard Herrmann perfectly compliments the amazing cinematography by George E. Diskant. We highly recommend this movie!

It doesn’t happen often but every once in a while Bob and I have a very different take on a movie. And it’s a fun discussion when that does happen, which is the case with “Not Wanted” released in 1949, directed primarily by Ida Lupino and starring Sally Forest, Keefe Brasselle, and Leo Penn. It tells the story of a young women who falls in love with an intense moody piano player. She ends up pregnant with his child. He skips town and she’s left to her own devices. Another young man named Steve Ryan falls in love with Sally’s character, but she’s too ashamed and full of guilt as a result of her pregnancy and can’t find a way to let him into her heart. Is this a dated story of morays from the 1949 or is it a tale of the social pressures that women suffer under even to this very day? “Not Wanted” tells the story of a young women who falls in love with an intense moody piano player. She ends up pregnant with his child. He skips town and she’s left to her own devices. Another young man named Steve Ryan falls in love with Sally’s character, but she’s too ashamed and full of guilt as a result of her pregnancy and can’t find a way to let him into her heart.

“They Drive By Night” tells the story of two brothers and two women. It’s a story about truck drivers, the men who hire them, the men who work for them, and the women that love them. It’s a story about loss, gain, love and hate. It’s so many different stories and themes that it’s difficult to pin the film down, but it all hangs together thanks to the excellent directing by Raoul Walsh, the screenwriting of Jerry Wald and Richard Macaulay and of course the outstanding acting of George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, Humphrey Bogart, Alan Hale and many more. The entire cast is top notch. As the one sheet poster declares “NO PICTURE IN 1940 WILL HAVE BIGGER THRILLS”.

If you picked any scene in Goodbye Charlie you would likely think that is a well acted, written and directed movie and you would be right. But something gets lost along the way to putting all the pieces together into a whole film. Is it the editing? Maybe too many subplots? Maybe too complex of an interweaving storyline? There’s a delicate balance to strike in making a movie and sometimes even the top talent just misses the mark.

“Meet Me In St. Louis” tells the story of the Smith family as they experience the changes in the city leading up the 1904 World’s Fair. There are trials and tribulations but through it all the family sticks together. Starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport and many others and directed by our “Director of the Month” Vincente Minnelli it a true classic full of wonderful music and memorable scenes.

We wrap up Vincente Minnelli month with one of his best “Father Of The Bride.” It’s a wonderful story of a father as he experiences the ups and downs of his daughter’s engagement and wedding. A heart warming story with some great comedic scenes powered by the stars of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor. I personally prefer the later Steve Martin version but I think Bob may prefer this one. We have a good discussion and also figure out what we’ll be watching in January and February. Happy New Year!

Red River released in 1948 by MGM tells the story of Thomas Dunson and his adopted son Matt Garth as they pull off an epic cattle drive from Texas to Kansas. It’s a story told on a grand scale but the best moments come from the personal interactions between the main characters, Thomas Dunson played by the incomparable John Wayne, Matt Garth played by the mesmerizing Montgomery Clift, Nadine Groot (love that name) played by the always entertaining Walter Brennan and the stunning Tess Milay played by the equally stunning Joanne Dru. The entire movie builds up to a climatic finale between Tess, Matt and Thomas. The music written by Dimitri Tiomkin pushes the film along with a perfect score for the wide open spaces of Texas and Kansas. And Howard Hawks directs the characters and action with a master's touch. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Gene Miller and Karen Kavner have written for television for over two decades. They sit down with Bob to discuss their debut novel Unraveled: A Novel. Gene and Karen talk about writing for television and the process of writing their novel together. It's a fascinating interview and a fantastic book (if you don't believe me check out the Amazon reviews).

The Quiet Man, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’hara tells the story of Sean Thornton, returning to Ireland after a tragic accident in the boxing ring. He proceeds to try and get his life together in his ancestral home, ultimately marrying the strong willed and intelligence Mary Kate Danaher, played by Maureen O’hara. The movie ends with a riotous fight scene that goes on for 10 minutes between Thornton and Squire 'Red' Will Danaher, the brother of Mary Kate. It’s a fun and beautiful movie. Bob and I highly recommend watching it, more than once!

Set in early 1970’s Seattle, McQ tells the story of a police detective out for justice (or revenge) for the killing of his partner. Little does he know that his partner was part of a crime ring. As events unfold we get to see some great old cars, clothes, inappropriate and sexists remarks, and of course Seattle as it looked 40 years ago. Being from Seattle, Bob and I are particularly impressed with knowing the filming locations for most of the shots. Directed by John Sturges and starring John Wayne, Eddie Albert, Diana Muldaur, and many others, it’s a well acted but at times heavy handed and slowly plotted film. There are some great scenes and some scenes that literally put me to sleep! If you’re into old 1970’s cars and fashions or you like the movies of John Sturges, John Wayne or the other actors then give it a watch. Otherwise, you might want to skip this one.

Classified as a “B” movie, The Narrow Margin rises above its “B” label and shines as a great example of film noir from the early 1950s. Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring the “gravel voiced, stoney faced & grizzled looking actor” Charles McGraw, Marie Windsor and Jacqueline White it tells the story of a woman planning to testify against the mob that must be protected against her assassins on the train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Remade in 1990 with Gene Hackman and Anne Archer. The original is generally accepted as a superior film. Well, Bob and I sure enjoyed it!

The lady certainly did vanish, but was it all in the mind of Iris Henderson played by Margaret Lockwood or is something sinister afoot? In what has been described as a “comedy thriller” Alfred Hitchcock directs Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, Dame May Whitty and a cast of very interesting supporting characters in the 2nd of our train themed movies. We mention a couple of other movies during the podcast. Apparently the characters of Caldecott and Charters went on to appear in other movies including “Night Train To Munich”. And was there really a red car in the chariot scene in Ben Hur (Spoilers: it’s a myth). And yes, Alfred Hitchcock did make a cameo appearance in this movie, albeit a very very brief one.

The Harvey Girls tells the story of a group of women that help to open a restaurant along the Santa Fe rail line in the late 1800’s.

Murder On The Orient Express is the big screen adaptation of the Agatha Christie’s novel of the same title, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring, well, a LOT of top names actors and actresses with stand out performances by Albert Finney, Marin Balsam, and Ingrid Bergman (to name just a few). It’s a murder mystery set on a train but that’s just the beginning. It’s a character study, a story of revenge and forgiveness, and it’s a story of the ripple effects caused by a tragic event in all of their pasts. We love it! Up next, yep, we’re going to watch it, the classic “Plan 9 From Outer Space”. Pretty sure this one will anchor are rating scale on the low end.

Plan 9 From Outer Space truly lives up to its reputation. Bad in almost every aspect it becomes comical to the point of almost being entertaining. Almost.

Directed by Roger Corman and starring Ray Milland, Diana Van der Vlis, Harold J. Stone and Don Rickles star in a tale of science gone wrong.

What do a contract killer, a bumbling night club owner, a corrupt chemical company CEO, and a magician/singer/patriot all have in common? Find out as we review “This Gun For Hire” starting Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd and directed by Frank Tuttle. Great directing, acting and cinematography all combine to elevate this noir thriller above the average film.

Please somebody help us! We’ve wandered into the cemetery at midnight and the ghouls are out cavorting in the radiant moonlight. They’ve tied us to a post and forced us to watch “Orgy of the Dead”.

Genevieve, oh Genevieve, why must you be so fickle. Breaking down every few miles. It’s only 60 miles from London to Brighton but in these turn of the 20th century cars it feels more like 600! Hijinks and pranks ensue along the way. Directed by Henry Cornelius, with some sweet mouth organ tunes provided by Larry Adler, starring Dinah Sheridan, John Greyson, Kay Kendall and Kenneth More. It’s part travel film, part slapstick comedy and part commentary on post World War II London. All in all a rollicking good time! Enjoy!

Bad Day At Black Rock is as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1955. Spencer Tracy stars as John McCreedy, on a mission to deliver a medal to the father of a man that saved his life in Italy in World War II. The people of Black Rock have secrets. They are not happy to see a stranger roll into town on the train, which hasn’t stopped in over 4 years, asking questions about a certain homesteading family. Directed by John Sturges, and starring a powerhouse all star cast, including Robert Ryan, Anne Francis, Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan and Ernest Borgnine, Bad Day At Black Rock delivers the goods and takes us back to the top of our rating scale. Enjoy!

We’re wrapping up 2016 with one of our favorite all time Christmas movies appropriately title “A Christmas Story”. 

The Clanton’s and the Earp’s have the final showdown at the O.K. corral. Based on real life events, the film covers the lives of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday leading up to the fateful gunfight. In fact the gunfight is really only a small part of the whole movie. It’s a film more about the relationship between the two main characters, the meaning of loyalty and friendship, and the lengths to which one will go to uphold one’s honor. John Sturgess directed and Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming, Jo Van Fleet and a very young Dennis Hopper starred in this 1957 retelling of the tale. And to top it off, the music was composed by the incomparable Dimitri Tiomkin.

No Way Out is a movie that is as relevant today as it was in 1950. Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz delivers an outstanding film with an all star cast including Richard Widmark, Linda Darnell and Sidney Poitier in his first major motion picture appearance. This film is brutal in its honesty and in the depiction of the state of race relations. Set mainly in and around an urban hospital it tells the story of Ray Biddle a violently racist character, Edie Johnson, Ray’s ex-sister-in-law and Dr. Luther Brooks an up-and-coming young doctor as their lives crash together in the aftermath of an attempted robbery. Warning that this film pulls no punches with the use of racist language. I’ve muted certain words in the film clips to maintain our clean rating. Up next is the Carol Reed directed musical “Oliver!”

Oliver! won 5 Oscars in 1969 including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Music. Carol Reed was once described as being able to put a picture together liked a clock maker and it shows in Oliver! The direction is top notch, the acting is outstanding, the sets are huge and amazing and the music is Oscar worthy. And yet… there’s something about the story that just doesn’t click with me and Bob. Give it a listen and see if you agree. Either way, drop us a line in the comments on the website, in iTunes or on Facebook.

Directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Joan Crawford and Betty Davis “What ever happened to Baby Jane?” is a strange tale of twisted fate between two sisters. It’s a slow weird ride into madness ending with a trip for ice cream to the beach! No, seriously, really.

Directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Joan Crawford and Betty Davis “What ever happened to Baby Jane?” is a strange tale of twisted fate between two sisters. The slow strange ride comes to an end on the beach with ice cream and a dance number? Well, not really, but maybe, in Baby Jane's mind anyway. 

Considered a classic western, included in several top 100 films of all times lists, and often quoted and imitated, Shane brings it all, the acting, the direction, the script, the cinematography, and on and on. It really is a great film and Bob and I couldn't stop talking about it.

Considered a classic western, included in several top 100 films of all times lists, and often quoted and imitated, Shane brings it all, the acting, the direction, the script, the cinematography, and on and on. It really is a great film and Bob and I couldn't stop talking about it.

It's a creature feature double-feature. Two classics from the golden age of cinema science fiction. Aliens and giant ants in the desert threatening humanity with utter destruction. "It Came From Outer Space" and "Them!" are classics that bring back a lot of great memories for both of us. And Bob surprises me with his rating of Them!

Angela Lansbury, Basil Rathbone, Glynis Johns, and Mildred Natwick, among others, round out the cast. Danny Kaye for sure carries the day with his witty one liners, crazy rhyming scenes and especially his suave portrayal of Giacomo, when he’s hypnotized and under the influence of Griselda. You’re in for a treat with “The Court Jester”. There are also some great musical numbers, surprising choreography, and beautiful matte paintings, all skillfully written and directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama. And up next, it’s Ester Williams and Fernando Lamas in “Dangerous When Wet”

Ester Williams headlines this drama, comedy, cartoon about the exploits of the Higgins family as they train for the English Channel swim. It's the whole family picking up from rural Arkansas and heading the the south coast of England to train and prepare for this epic swim. And why you ask are they training for this incredibly challenging swim? Well, to buy a prize bull of course! Well, that's not the only reason as you'll find out as you learn more about the motivations and connections of this special and especially athletic family. Directed by Charles Walters it also stars the "fabulous" Fernando Lamas, Jack Carson, Charlotte Greenwood, Denise Darcel and my favorite William Demarest. So pull on your swim suit for a rollicking good time. And oh, I almost forgot, Tom and Jerry make an appearance as well!

There's a great one liner on the movie poster for "Where Eagles Dare". "One weekend Major Smith, Lieutenant Schaffer, and a beautiful blonde named Mary decided to win World War II" But really, they didn't say "a tall handsome blue eyed man named Schaffer." Ugh. Things haven't changed much in 50 years.  Anyway, the movie is an exciting roller coaster of action. And despite the trite description of Mary's character, played excellently by Mary Ure, she really kicks some ass in the movie along with the other female lead played by Ingrid Pitt. Prepare yourself though, this movie was made during an era when total running time wasn't much of a consideration in the editing room. Two hours and 38 minutes, sure! No problem! Let's put every excruciating detail into the action segments and draw out the narrative between those! Yes!  Oh and I happen on one of the greatest trivia bits we've found in a long time about the Director, Mr. Brian Hutton. Really, I think you'll like it. And Bob makes a funny reference to the movie "Amadeus" near the end.  We have a lot of fun talking about the movie as usual. We hope you enjoy! And Happy Holidays! Up next "Murder At The Gallop"

We're joined by a special guest this episode, Hailey, my daughter and Bob's grand-daughter! Hailey and I watched "Murder At The Gallop" on Christmas Eve together. A totally fun way to spend the evening! We can't get enough of the scene with the cat jumping out of the closet. I mean, check out the screen grab of that amazing cat! Anyway, this movie is a hoot. We all three really enjoyed Margaret Rutherford's take on the Miss Marple character. Hailey coined a phrase to describe Miss Marple "Detective, Social Justice Warrior, and Hot Mama!" Turns out Bob really does think she's a Hot Mama! And so does Hector Enderby played marvelously by Robert Morley. And wow, check out his eyebrows. Impressive! The movie is excellently directed by George Pollock who also was an Assistant Director on "Brief Encounter" which Bob and I reviewed in Episode 16. Up next.... well, we haven't decided yet. We have several suggestions and we'll probably chose one of those. So stay tuned! Happy New Year!

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger direct Deborah Kerr, Flora Robson, Kathleen Byron, Sabu, David Farrar, Jean Simmons and more in an epic tale filled with ghosts of the past, the power of nature and the futility of trying to fight either force. Filmed in glorious Technicolor, almost completely on a soundstage, the film triumphs as a master work of cinema. In what turns out to be almost a double episode, Bob and I lose ourselves in diving deep into the subtext of the film and marvel at the technical mastery of the film makers. Truly a 10 out of 10 in every way, "Black Narcissus, is now on our must watch list. So if you haven't seen it, go find a copy and watch it! Up next, Gregory Peck in "The Gunfighter"