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tonybolger
Reviews
What's the Matter with Helen? (1971)
Fine, eerie black comedy with a superb Reynolds turn.
A vastly underrated black comedy, the finest in a series of grand guignol movies to follow 'Baby Jane'. Reynolds and Winters are mothers of young convicted murderers (a nod to 'Compulsion') who run away to hide in Hollywood. They run a school for would-be movie tots, a bunch of hilariously untalented kids attended by awful stage moms. Debbie, in her blonde wig ('I'm a Harlow, you're more a Marion Davies' she tells Winters) leads the tots at their concert and wins a rich dad, Weaver. She also does a deliciously funny tango and, over all, gives an outstanding performance, unlike anything she'd done before. The atmosphere is a fine mix of comic and eerie. It looks wonderful with great period detail (30's). Lots of lovely swipes at Hollywood and the terrifying movie tot. Micheal MacLiammoir has a ball as the drama coach: 'Hamilton Starr', he purrs, 'two r's but prophetic nonetheless'. See it and love it.
Mary, Mary (1963)
Highly underrated, intelligent and very witty comedy.
Yes, it is obviously based on a play. Director Leroy has made no attempt to open it up, but this adds to it's effectiveness. It concentrates on the characters and the very witty dialogue. It's greatest strength lies in the outstanding performance by Debbie Reynolds in the title role. It is unlike anything she had done before and combines intelligence, wit and an amazing vocal technique. She tosses off great one-liners with relish and proves an admirable partner for co-star Barry Nelson. He had been in the original Broadway cast, and brings his own brand of understated comic playing to the role. Michael Rennie has a lovely time, sending himself, (and Hollywood), up. Wit is sadly in short supply in today's comedy movies so it is a pleasure to see this beauty again. The play's author Jean Kerr, was reportedly very happy with with this adaptation. Thanks to Miss Reynolds and company, so should you. That is, if you like the adult, witty approach to comedy!