Picgoer Reviews

Eagles Over London (1969)

Ghastly!!!

[1/10 · 19 March 2024]

Ghastly, ghastly, ghastly!!!

Is there more to say? Admittedly I didn't watch all of the film, I just couldn't it was so bad. Ok it is fiction, most films, even those that purport to be faithful to a real event are still works of fiction but this is so far fetched, so badly written and acted and the dubbing so bad ( not just the synchronisation but the parody supposed British accents) it's actually beyond laughable. There are so many errors! Clearly some money was spent on the film but clearly not on research. Some errors may be tiny (wrong reinforcement on windows, no one carrying gas masks, wrong equipment, RAF control rooms, saying fighter planes approaching the English Coast, they would just say coast, they knew where they were!) some are massive ( the whole premise ).

Don't waste a minute of your life watching this utter twaddle!

The Outer Limits: The Sixth Finger (1963) Season 1, Episode 5

Why?

[6/10 · 29 January 2024]

I concur with much written by other reviewers. As old fashioned entertainment it ticks all the boxes. As a U. K. reviewer however I can't fathom what the creators were thinking of when they set the episode 'somewhere in Britain'? Other than the principle actors, David McCullam, Jill Haworth and Edward Mulhare, Scottish, English and Irish respectively, (even their accents wavered) the accents were atrocious! What benefit to the story was setting it outside of the U. S.?

As has also been mentioned the supposedly British Police Officers, seemingly just on patrol (it's unlikely that a village would have more than one officer) would not have been armed with firearms. All they would have had to defend themselves were wooden truncheons! Today only a limited number of police in the U. K. carry firearms. Most have nothing more than a baton (the successor to the truncheon) and pepper spray, most don't carry tazers regularly either.

McCullam's performance was quite nuanced and he managed to convey much with just his eyes, when in full makeup. Mulhare's performance was as one would expect. I've not come across Howarth before but she seemed reasonably accomplished.

The story didn't do much for me but was of its time although I thought the special effects were good and not particularly over the top.

Worth seeing once.

Deadly Delusion (2017 TV Movie)

Pretty Awful

[4/10 · 22 January 2024]

I initially thought that this might be an interesting film and settled down with a cuppa on a winter afternoon, prepared to be reasonably entertained, however I was to be disappointed. It proved a very unconvincing film and the acting wasn't great. I also wondered why a photographer, so convinced her experiences were real never had a camera with her to take pictures to prove her experiences? A picture speaks a thousand words! The flags were flying as to who the 'baddies' were particularly the movie director! So there wasn't much that seemed surprising. Having said that it wasn't meant to be Shakespeare so it met its brief!

The Traitors (1962)

Good Little Film

[7/10 · 15 November 2023]

I love black and white films particularly crime dramas which essentially this is. The main draw for me is the realistic use of location and that the locations shown were linked ( bus routes were accurate for example) and not just arbitrary shots of places that are often miles apart.

The drama itself whilst not particularly suspenseful, did show what I suspect most surveillance of spy's and criminals is like, fairly humdrum and probably tedious much of the time. I thought the film had good pace in general and it's always fun spotting well known character actors and those just starting to become known. I was surprised to learn that James Maxwell was American as I thought his accent wasn't that good! I've always thought him to be British! Harold Goodwin injected some warmth and humour into the film whilst Zena Walker's character was, I think, unnecessary.

Overall I think it's a good film an worth a watch. Those who recognise the locations will enjoy spotting land marks they know, for others it's a snapshot of what working class London of the early 1960's was like. Most of the locations have now been gentrified and the houses within these gritty streets contain homes now worth up to a million or more!

Mr. Winkle Goes to War (1944)

Much Missed Genre..A Nice Film!

[7/10 · 25 July 2023]

Have just seen this film for the second time and because of the characters, particularly that of Edward G Robinson, it remains a watchable film. It's a shame that he was not able to play a wider range of characters, particularly more comedic ones as he brings not just a warmth to the character but a comedic turn. He also seems to enjoy the role! Technically it's not the best but it doesn't set out to be a realistic docudrama. There were flaws in the film, e g when Mr Winkle drives the bulldozer over the enemy machine gunning his comrades, the 'enemy' are clearly very badly made dummies. I did not see Robert Mitcham despite twice running through the scenes with soldiers in, I did notice that Edward G's dress uniform was a much better fit and quality than any of the others, I guess being the star had its perks!

Saloon Bar (1940)

Jolly Good Fun!

[9/10 · 10 October 2022]

Supporting the rest of the reviews, this is a lovely little film, really worth watching (I've seen it twice). Indeed the story doesn't really matter, it is the pleasure of watching a tight knit cast who all seemed to be enjoying their work! Gordon Harker was brilliant as was Mervyn Johns, slightly out of the type of character he became better known for later in his career. There were no well known 'stars' just an ensemble of good character actors given a chance to shine.

The film, although released in 1940 is clearly set before the war as apart from anything else, all lights in the pubs were blazing away and there was no mention of the war and no sign of the blitz which started in September 1940.

A little light relief then and now!

The Last Frontier (1955)

Curates Egg

[7/10 · 9 August 2022]

Parts of the film are good. Robert Preston is more understated than usual ( strange given the character) and the majority of the supporting actors played their parts well. The young Ann Bancroft wasn't really given much of a part. How her character could fall for Victor Matures's character is beyond comprehension!

Actually it might have been better to have dispensed with Victor Mature and concentrated on Guy Madison and Robert Peston's professional 'relationship'.

The ending is dreadful! Robert Preston just disappeared in a swirl of dust and suddenly Victor Mature was a Sergeant and no one minded the relationship between him and the 'Late' Colonel's (we didn't see him die or get buried!) wife!

Victor Mature ( who sounds as if he was a fairly affable chap) is well know to have disparaged his own acting and I wouldn't want to disagree with him in this case.

Stagecoach West: Blind Man's Bluff (1961) Season 1, Episode 32

Average

[5/10 · 9 August 2022]

This series is not an unpleasant way to waste half an hour and a good medium to spot reasonably well known faces making guest appearances and those before or after their hey day.

In this episode it's not clear why Whit Bissell decided to practice a Scottish accent as it adds nothing to the story. He referred to his ancestors as 'Scotch' which no person from Scotland or of Scottish ancestry would do. Scotch is the drink! It's equally strange that Lloyd Kino would try a poor 'Cockney' accent, to what purpose?

Other than that it had a nice mix of stories, a bit more on rabies might have been interesting.

A Touch of Frost: Hidden Truth (2003) Season 10, Episode 1

One I Worked Out Early On

[5/10 · 23 July 2022]

Not a favourite episode as too many silly plot gaps. However still watchable for the main actors and the relationships between them.

The chances of guessing the 'surprise baddie' is quite high if you recognise the guest actors. If you are familiar with a favourite British series with a fire basis and recall the song "Sub has got no eyebrows" you will guess who it is. ( You will have to be a real aficionado and probably British!)

500 MPH Storm (2013)

Warning..Don't Waste Your Life Watching This. (I've done it for you!)

[1/10 · 22 July 2022]

Absolutely terrible. Everyone involved should feel embarrassed 🙈.

It is so awful it wasn't even funny! At one stage a dog had a cameo appearance, it at least acted naturally!

I couldn't fathom why the characters spent a lot of time stopping and staring at or walking towards the events which were clearly supposed to be cataclysmic!

Well, that's it "nuff said".

Woman of Dolwyn (1949)

Thoughtful

[9/10 · 20 July 2022]

An unexpectedly strong performance from most of the cast in this delightful, thoughtful film.

Edith Evans gave a low key, believable performance, far removed from the over the top, grandstanding appearances she became known for later on.

It was interesting to see and hear the very young Richard Burton, speaking and singing in his native tongue. It is easy to see how he rapidly rose in the firmament of acting stars but also sad to know that his wonderful voice would be ruined by his lifestyle.

Emlyn Williams brilliantly portrayed a small rural village and it inhabitants, which could have been found all over the U. K. where most of the inhabitants often had little control over their lives, (as it was and is elsewhere in the world). In the era the film was set, 'Progress' was king and the little people were ignored. A number of villages were flooded in order to create reservoirs for major and expanding towns. Many reservoirs have been constructed all over the U. K. in more recent times, some flooding villages and towns. The experience of the villagers in the film is mirrored still, in other countries e.g.Egypt and the Aswan Dam and more recently China and the Three Gorges Dam.

The majority of speaking parts were clearly played by actors who were fluent in Welsh, which was spoken extensively.

The film is understated, not flashy and reliant on big budget 'Disaster Movie' effects. It is about the people.

The Bridal Path (1959)

A Nice Film

[8/10 · 8 July 2022]

Bill Travers looked great in a kilt!

This is a nice, charming and very watchable little film. It's the sort of film to watch on a Sunday night to calm down before the rat race starts again on Monday.

Whilst the premise seems contrived, in fact it would not be unusual for island and other isolated communities to seek partners from elsewhere, it still happens!

The scenery is fabulous and the sun is shining! The ensemble cast, many well known faces, all add to the pleasure in watching this film.

It's not great drama but eminently watchable.

Lilli Marlene (1950)

Sadly not Great

[4/10 · 7 July 2022]

Unfortunately this isn't one of the best of British war films although it has some interesting elements, including early appearances of actors who would ultimately become stars at home and internationally. Stanley Baker shone brightly but briefly and Walter Gotell and Russell Hunter both would have long careers on both TV and film.

Established character actors Lesley Dwyer ( who always added to the films he was in), Ben Williams and John Blythe (a more recent addition to the register of good character actors) did their jobs. Richard (Stinker) Murdoch was already a star of stage, radio and early TV, prior to the war and essentially played himself. Hugh McDermott playing the male lead, already had years of experience in mostly 'bit' parts but wasn't at his best in this film.

The film was hampered by the poor sets and pretty poor script. A shame as the premise had some promise.

Hannibal (1959)

Oh Dear!

[3/10 · 6 July 2022]

Of Victor Matures films this must rank amongst the worst I have seen. Mature does his best with what he has been given.

Clearly money was spent by the film makers in terms of the look of the film but the use of dubbing for the rest of the actors makes the film more laughable than it was. The Italian actors may not have been the best but when the dubbed voices had no connection with the actions and most sounding as if they were refugees from a B western, the local actors had no chance.

Good for a giggle if you have nothing better to do.

Secret Army (1977–1979)

Closer to reality than most know

[9/10 · 15 June 2022]

Am rewatching this series after 45 years when it was a smash hit for the BBC. It followed the equally absorbing Colditz, which was also very popular.

It's easy to watch very old TV programmes through 21st century eyes and be critical of the staging but the story remains strong. The actors throughout were pretty good and the writing was pretty nuanced, the 'goodies' were not always good or trustworthy and the 'baddies' exhibited had rounder characters than is often expressed.

It's easy to forget, nearly 80 years after the end of the Second World War, the efforts made by ordinary people to resist actual and threatened invasion of their country and the sacrifices they made. Secret Army isn't glamorous, the actors are (with no disrespect) ordinary looking and as was the case, could have been the people next door. It is the story that is the centre of attention and the series remains very watchable for that reason.

Battle Stations (1956)

Vey Moving

[9/10 · 7 May 2022]

Being British I'm not familiar with the history of the ship that this film is based on, but have taken time to do a little research. Clearly many elements of the film are true to the life of USS Franklin and the men who sailed on her, even down to the orchestra.

The original film taken during the attack is very impactive and one cannot imagine the hell the men on board endured and knowing many were dying horribly.

I found the film to be actually quite understated unlike many gung ho war films and indeed it has the feel of a documentary. It was easy to become invested in the characters and to care about what would happen to them. It was obvious that aside from the professional actors the majority of those on screen were navy men, adding additional realism.

As an ensemble film it gives opportunity for some of the actors in smaller roles to have their moment of stardom and many lived up to it, a few going on to bigger careers e.g. Claude Akins.

The film is one of the few that I've seen Richard Boone in a sympathetic role. William Bendix is William Bendix but I am always happy to see him as he always adds to a film.

The only aspect of the film I didn't like was the voice over, I don't think it added anything and was distracting on occasions.

I would have liked to know what happened to the some of the characters e.g the USNavy flier and his side kick and what happened to the dog?

Hard to call it an enjoyable film knowing it was based on reality but it is very watchable.

The Black Tent (1956)

Location Good, Film not so Great

[5/10 · 3 May 2022]

There really isn't much positive to say about the film other than that it uses a lot of location shots and is colourful.

The main actors, most of whom had their moments of stardom at different times had difficulty making much of their parts, even Andre Morrell. Anton Differing and Frederick Jaeger were believable as both were German speakers and seemed to have a whale of a time without the constraints of acting in their second language, English.

The film is worth a watch but not one that I'd make an effort to see again.

The Silver Fleet (1943)

A Film of its Time

[9/10 · 3 May 2022]

As usual an understated British film made during the Second World War. At the time it was conceived and written it was still the height of the war, which unbeknownst to all, still had two more years to go.

It depicts the different ways people resisted the occupiers, often at great cost to themselves and others.

Ralph Richardson (in the RNVR at the time) gives a good performance as van Leyden a Dutch shipyard owner who others, including his wife, believe is a collaborator, all of which adds to the tension of the film.

The rest of the cast give good performances. Others have commentated on the one dimensional performances of the actors portraying Nazi's, either cold, calculating and remorseless or as evil buffoons.

Esmond Knight's portrayal of Nazi officer, van Schiffer has been signalled out for his somewhat comedic portrayal and by some for his facial features. Whilst the acting might be a little over the top, he would have taken direction as to how the character was portrayed. Also it must be appreciated that Esmond Knight (RN) had been gravely injured in 1941 whilst on active service on board HMS Prince of Wales, engaging with the Bismarck at the Battle of the Denmark Strait, (HMS Hood was lost with all but three hands) when he was blinded. He was totally blind at the time of filming and he bore the scars of his injuries. He would only gain some sight years later.

The denouement of the film is not particularly surprising but the build up is still tense.

We should remember not to see the film through the prism of the modern era. This was produced eighty years ago for an audience that had clear ideas about what Nazi's were like and how they expected them to be portrayed.

I have seen the film a couple of times and certainly recommend it others.

Enemy at the Door (1978–1980)

Atmospheric

[9/10 · 6 April 2022]

Atmospheric

I am rewatching this excellent atmospheric series on the Talking Pictures Channel.

Whilst the production values of the programme are not what we are used to, its understated approach and the dark tones used in filming all add to the sense of claustrophobia of being stuck on a small island in close proximity of your captors.

The acting is on the whole an excellent ensemble piece with special mention going to Alfred Burke (always good) as Major Richter, Bernard Horsefall as Dr Martell, and Simon Lack, Major Freidel. Simon Cadell was suitably sinister as Reinicke, a far cry from his later role in the very popular sit com Hi de Hi.

Whilst I understand there was some criticism from the Channel Islands at the time it was first broadcast (it had been filmed in Jersey instead of Guernsey), there is a realism in the programme and the technical advisor, Raymond Falla, was a member of the Controlling Committee in Guernsey during the occupation, so much of the detail must have been accurate.

It is a shame that the series didn't run to its natural conclusion as one becomes invested in the characters. It would have been good to find out what happened to them all!

Sent from my iPad.

Sons of the Sea (1939)

Lest we Forget

[8/10 · 31 March 2022]

I am re-watching this film as I write! Whilst this is not a great film and the acting is, with a few exceptions (Kay Walsh, Cecil Parker, Nigel Stock (age 19/20) pretty dire, it is worth watching for the outdoor shots of The Britannia Naval Collage (commonly known as Dartmouth Collage) Devon and of Dartmouth and its surrounds. The steam train still exists as a heritage line (Dartmouth Steam Railway) and in many ways Dartmouth has not changed.

The film was made in expectation of forth coming hostilities, just months before the outbreak of the Second World War. The young 'leading' actors, Simon Lack, Nigel Stock and Peter Shaw (later husband of Angela Lansbury) all joined up, returning to acting (with various degrees of success) after the war. Cecil Parker and Leslie Banks had both served in the First World War, both injured, Leslie Banks suffering the facial injuries which were obvious in all his films.

What I find really very sobering is that the external shots of the cadets at Dartmouth feature the cadets of the day, many of whom would have been commissioned straight into their ships shortly after filming. We see the faces of many young men who would not have survived the war.

Lest We Forget.