val-54 Reviews

The Trap (1966)

What a great story !

[9/10 · 13 January 2001]

I remembered this film from my youth - I only saw it once in the cinema, and when A & E carried it on their movie line-up a couple of years ago it brought back all those feelings that I had for this particular film. What a story. I love the characters, especially Oliver Reed - who really fills almost every frame with his menacing presence. It was refreshing to watch a film that was made before encroaching "political correctness", and it dealt with some terrific social and personal issues all with the glorious backdrop of British Columbian wilderness.

The Holly and the Ivy (1952)

Good realistic holiday movie

[18 September 2000]

Another older film which is, unfortunately ,unavailable in video or DVD. This is a refreshing holiday movie in that it shys away from the blatant sweetness of most holiday pictures.It deals well with a family in post-war Britain that has survived the ordeal with several scars. Sir Ralph Richardson is excellent as a clergyman and a father trying to deal with uprisings and emotion within his family, caught between the "old" and the progressive. The english cast is as usual excellent - watch for a youthful Denholm Eliot. Too bad the film isn't shown often, especially for a needed change of pace from the usual Christmas line-up that happens every year.

The Heart of the Matter (1953)

an excellent film and good remake of Greene's novel

[9/10 · 26 July 2000]

A fairly good remake of the Graham Greene novel. Though the ending is different from the novel, the tragic theme is prevalent throughout the film. Trevor Howard brings out Scobie's inner torment credibly - as the principled police officer scared of the misery around him. The colonial aspects of the time period are handled well, you can almost feel the heat and humidity and the occasional fevers that rack the body. This combined with good acting, flesh out the Greene novel faithfully. A terrific movie about the machinations of the human conscience, and what it can lead to.

Room at the Top (1958)

a heartwrenching movie

[7 February 2000]

This is an excellent film. The human traits of ambition and greed are played out wonderfully by the well selected cast. Harvey is his usual dour self and the industrial settings of urban England add to the melancholy mood of the film. He is so good as the misguided protagonist that you end up supporting his machinations. For me it seemed to reflect the constant battle between the classes, and the value of merit and truth in life.

Rolling Man (1972 TV Movie)

typical 1970's television fare, funny and optimistic

[27 January 2000]

By chance I was able to see this movie on TV, while on vacation.At first I was interested in watching the 1970's TV movie icon Dennis Weaver in action. But this unassuming film took me by surprise. Yes, it seemed corny at first, but the sad plot and Weavers' acting was infectious. He is a master at playing the shafted straight shooter. Coupled with the country soundtrack and the dismal scenery you really felt for Lonnie and his plight, as he ran from one disaster to another searching for his two sons. A solid simple movie with a sound moral thread running through it.

Murder on Monday (1952)

A delightful British mystery.

[2 November 1999]

This truly enjoyable film portrays the frustrations of a mild mannered clerk embroiled in a mystery that has occurred outside of his memory. Most entertaining is Ralph Richardson, perfectly cast a the staid, banker living a life of ritualistic routine that has been turned upside down. He has that natural gift of absolute clear speech - even in the most dramatic moments and is a pleasure to watch. His reparte with the investigating inspector is most engaging. To bad this movie is unavailable on video.

Sunday Premiere: Tumbledown (1988) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

A gripping study of the aftermath of war and battle.

[9 September 1999]

This is a movie not often shown or seen. It is a gripping study of the aftermath of war and battle. Filmed in a realistic fashion, with dream-like flashback sequences, it keeps the viewer deeply enmeshed in the struggles of the principal hero. It is an adept adaptation of a particular battle fought in the Falkland Islands, 1982. If you are looking for immense battle scenes or action, it will not be found here. Instead brace yourself for a realistic portrayal of the ravages of war, the apathy of governments and personal strength and heroism.