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Hawaii Five-O: Over Fifty? Steal (1970)
Clever Costumes, Sinister Smirks
Other reviewers have provided great descriptions of this creative episode. So I'll just point out a favorite scene...
Disguised as a police officer, thief Filer is twice given an order by an unknowing Danny Williams to instruct a driver to move an illegally parked vehicle. Williams then watches with suspicion as this 'police officer' casually disobeys, walks to his own car, starts it, and drives off, snubbing Dano with a little finger wave as he passes by. And it's Dano's reaction that he'd been duped (with a "How do I explain this to Steve?" facial expression) that resulted in a futile car chase, and made a lightly-comical scene quite memorable.
A most-welcome, non-violent storyline, with a twist of levity. Well done.
Green Acres: Who's Lisa? (1967)
"You dropped a nail in one of my hotscakes."
And a dropped hammer onto Lisa's head produces another zany episode. The writers likely had fun developing the storyline for this one, including another Fred Ziffel zinger on wife Doris. But they may have missed an opportunity when, without explanation, one of Lisa's breakfast biscuits began floating in mid-air. Because she didn't know who she was, a sarcastic yet subtle response from Oliver could've been, "What's this? Am I now married to Samantha Stevens?"
The show's conclusion wrapped up yet another absurd visit to Green Acres. More, please.
Adventures of Superman: Crime Wave (1953)
"Fools, he tricked you!"
A gradual build-up of eliminating all crime bosses leads to one of the most exciting conclusions of any "Adventures of Superman" episode. Action-packed, from start to finish.
Adventures of Superman: Ghost Wolf (1953)
"Great Scott!"
This comment is less of a review and more of a 'highlight' observation.
For this viewer, many Superman episodes have one thing in common -- they offer at least one brief, stand-out scene. One example comes from "Superman's Wife," and Inspector Henderson's reaction when Superman proposed to the attractive police sergeant. Another example, Perry White's response when realizing he'd been duped, in the closing scene of "Great Caesar's Ghost."
And while this episode carried an intriguing storyline, it too has a brief, memorable scene: Clark Kent's reaction and response when noticing the railroad trestle had been sabotaged. George Reeves captured the moment well.
Adventures of Superman: The Secret of Superman (1952)
"A reporter watching my humble home? Why?"
Actor Peter Brocco was a perfect, snake-in-the-grass criminal in this episode. Supported by a great storyline that showcases the vulnerability of the Daily Planet characters, villains seek to learn of Superman's real identity. Always a treat to watch this one.
Adventures of Superman: The Big Forget (1958)
The Final Episode? Could've Been.
Had this episode been scheduled to air as the season's finale, the plotline promo may have read...
"In an exciting conclusion for this television season, Lois Lane, Perry White and Jimmy Olsen watch completely astonished as Clark Kent changes into Superman. Don't miss this one!"
And indeed, it turned out to be one of the season's best.
In the Sweet Pie and Pie (1941)
"Never have I been through such a lion fight!"
If you ever have an opportunity to introduce The Three Stooges to someone, consider watching this 2-reeler. Great writing and direction, some of the best supporting character actors (Symona Boniface's laugh is infectious), and without a doubt, the best Stooges pie fight.
Green Acres: The Beeping Rock (1970)
"Oliver, you're beeping."
This episode's most-creative, fun and timely topic (following recent Apollo missions in 1969) resulted in a plot that contained a few holes. Uh, craters? At the show's closing, my response was, "That's it? That's the end?" It's as if this was the 1st of a 2-part quasi-SciFi, cliff-hanging sitcom. There certainly was room to further develop the plot.
To start, character Dinky Watson's introduction and one-time-only program appearance as a bright boy-scientist resulted in more questions than answers. Where did he come from? And why wasn't there more of him?
Although the plot is perceived to be incomplete, it was still a lively episode, which included the supportive talents of veteran actors Frank Ferguson and Jerome Cowan.
Had there been a follow-up part 2, the creativity of the series writers would've likely embellished the per-usual ridiculousness of the moment. For example, producer name credits appearing in the show's opening could've stimulated more rock beeping. Also more Arnold rock talk. And they could've connected Dinky with NASA.
Unfortunately, in the end, something was missing with this one.
Adventures of Superman: The Phony Alibi (1957)
"What a sweet little racket we got here!"
If you concede that Professor Pepperwinkle's latest invention - a mechanism that uses telephone lines to transport humans across the country - is believable, the plot is great fun. And to the delight of the crooked friends of a happy-go-lucky bad guy by the name of Clippy Jones (played by William Challee), there's a 'phony alibi' advantage to this discovery. While the police are baffled by the crimes that follow, wouldn't you know that the curiosity of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson lead them into criminal space. Admittedly, the writers took a few liberties in the production. But once everyone understands what the professor has created, justice eventually reigns. And the professor wraps up the story with a light-hearted punchline.
Season 5 was loaded with hits and misses. This one's a hit.
Adventures of Superman: The Unlucky Number (1956)
"The guy that invented the bulletproof vest just saved my life."
Lois Lane and Clark Kent encounter a benevolent jelly bean contest. The fun begins when Clark becomes suspicious of "a confidence man" named Slippery Elm who may be connected to the contest. And with a name like that, how can Clark's suspicions be wrong? (Slippery Elm -- Alex Trebek with glasses?)
A good plot overall that includes a deceptive character claiming to be Superman, as well as a flying superhero lesson from the Man of Steel.
The Addams Family: My Fair Cousin Itt (1965)
Don't Read Other Reviews
To truly enjoy this episode, don't read the other reviews. In fact, all that I will tell you is that Cousin Itt goes through a transformation. One of the series best.
Green Acres: The Ex-Secretary (1971)
Last One Out Of Hooterville, Close The Barn Door
To any Green Acres fan, the saddest part about the last two episodes is watching the closing credits and realizing that none of the original supporting characters were involved, only actors who had no affiliation, and no ownership, to the program's original storyline.
Pilot or not, it was a disappointing way to close out the series.
No Census, No Feeling (1940)
"Where were you born?" ... "Lake Winnipasaukee"
"No Census, No Feeling" is one of the Stooges better shorts. It's filled with great gags, one-liners, many slaps & pokes, and a cast of great supporting characters. Other reviews have summarized some of this episode's wild antics.
The greatest laugh of this episode, however, was very subtle and likely unscripted. During the bridge game, as Fifi (the maid) handed out silver goblets of gourmet punch, Moe attempted to make eye contact with her and then lowered his head to take a gander at her rear end as she walked away. Love it!
Watch this short. And then watch it again. It's that good.
The Sun Also Rises (1957)
A Story About Sex And Drinking. And No Sex.
I deliberately read Hemingway's novel before watching this movie. In fact, I enjoyed "The Sun Also Rises" 2-3 times because of its character intensity and passion. I rate the book 8/10.
When it came time to watch the movie, I eagerly awaited Lady Brett Ashley's appearance. After all, Hemingway described her as irresistible, an attractive woman wanted by men, both young and old. And what a disappointment it was to see actress Ava Gardner cast in such a pivotal role. Discounting the fact that she was 35 years of age in real life, I've never considered Ava Gardner to be a beauty. She was a fine actress, but not drop dead gorgeous. And that's what this movie desperately needed - a vixen, a sex goddess or, dare I say, a bombshell.
Unfortunately, my two-star review of this film revolves solely on the lead female character. Though easy to be critical decades later, however, other actresses at the time (mid 1950s) would've better filled the role of 'attractive' Lady Brett Ashley. To name a few, in 1957, Grace Kelly was 27 years old, Brigette Bardot was 22, and Kim Novak was 24 years of age. And all three were young and vivacious, each with a variety of acting career credentials. Pick any one of those and this movie, with the 'older' men actors, would've been much more memorable.
For sexual attraction in this movie - even if it's oh-so-subtle - a beautiful woman is needed as a main character.
By the way, in honor of the many characters enjoying a beverage of choice throughout the story, like my review and I'm buying the next round.
Batman: Hi Diddle Riddle (1966)
"It's the batphone, sir."
I was 10 years old in 1966 when I saw the initial ABC-TV promo for Batman's debut, with the batmobile's departure from the batcave. Even before the first episode aired, I was hooked! And I don't mind admitting that The Riddler (thanks to Frank Gorshin's acting) scared the heck out of me.
Unfortunately, we only had a black and white TV. I had to call the elderly couple across the street when I wanted to watch Batman "In Color."
To this day, the two-part cliffhanger that kicked off the series, complete with flashing red batphone and sky-directed batsignal, is my favorite.
Green Acres (1965)
"The Haney Place?"
An appreciation of rural life is all that's needed to fully understand the humor of Green Acres. Going one step further, the show's producers and writers obviously recognized how a couple of uprooted urbanites (Oliver and Lisa Douglas) could possibly enjoy life on a farm. And then they proceeded to exaggerate every possible situation to develop a hit comedy series. Reinforcing the program's farce was a simple-living cast of supporting characters who routinely believed absurdities as fact. Love it!
The series location, which was the most dreadful of farmhouses, was previously owned by a self-serving character named Mr. Haney, played by Pat Buttram. This proved to be an ideal setting as the new home of Oliver (Eddie Albert) and Lisa (Eva Gabor), now former New Yorkers. The driving force for the move, Oliver was bound and determined to transition from a big-city attorney to the role of a farmer. The rundown farm, occasionally referred to as "the Haney place," turned out to be beauty in Oliver's eyes. And in his eyes only. The reluctantly displaced Lisa, who was both ditzy and ritzy, had the common sense to know they were far removed from an accustomed swanky lifestyle.
About those other cast members, the good news is that the scriptwriters nailed the argumentative and combative relationship between Fred and Doris Ziffel, respectively played by Hank Patterson and Doris Pepper. Wish there was more of those two. Farmhand Eb Dawson (Tom Lester), the home-remodeling Monroe Brothers (Sid Melton and Mary Grace Canfield) and store-owner Sam Drucker (Frank Cady) also contributed to the fun. The only program downside were characters Mr. Haney and Hank Kimball (played by Alvy Moore) who were overused throughout the series. After being included in most episodes, it was plain to see that both had a predictable, one dimensional delivery, as well as a repetitive behavior pattern that easily wore thin.
My choice, however, for the show's "best supporting character" is Arnold The Pig. In nearly every episode he appeared, we learned a little more about him. With the exception of Oliver, every Green Acres cast member wholeheartedly understood Arnold's every action and 'spoken' grunts and oinks. Bestowed upon him by the series scriptwriters, there was no shortage of Arnold's human-like qualities. As a channel-switching TV viewer to an elementary school student, Arnold was also once considered heir to a $15 million fortune. Talk about absurd. Kudos to the producers who used every possible pig gag, including perfectly timed squeals whenever someone mentioned bacon, ham or pork. And for Arnold to literally blush (with a film-added red tint) when a pretty lady commented how cute he was - that was laugh-out-loud funny. More than 50 years after the series originally aired and Arnold's appearances still hold up.
A few other show highlights:
--Lisa, always beautiful in a colorful wardrobe, was graciously loved by all characters.
--Cross-promoting Green Acres with the TV shows Petticoat Junction and the Beverly Hillbillies was always fun.
--And occasional opening scenes where 'reading' the producer names was a clever and zany addition.
Well done. It was a great show ... may it forever live in reruns.
Green Acres: Economy Flight to Washington (1969)
Not Seen Anywhere Else...
This episode offers the same cast of characters (Oliver, Lisa, Eb, Mr. Kimball, Sam Drucker and Mr. Haney) with another goofy plot. We've seen this before.
However, one scene really makes this show worthwhile. Marking an unmatched moment in sitcom TV history, it's Arnold The Pig attempting to order a drink at a bar while sitting next to Foster Brooks. Nothing else needs to be said.
Adventures of Superman: The Town That Wasn't (1957)
"Olsen, you better let Kent drive."
In one of the better episodes from later in the series, vacationing Jimmy Olsen runs low on cash after receiving a speeding ticket. And after he returns to the Daily Planet a few days early, Perry White has yet another opportunity to teach him about the business -- reporters cannot use newspapers to write vengeful columns based on bad personal experiences.
A refreshing plot twist... The criminals in this case have cleverly found a new means to obtain cash. And the bad guys in this episode are not the usual suspects (i.e. character actors) like John Eldredge, Herb Vigran and Ben Welden. What a coincidence that "Young" Olsen's early-on police encounter is connected to criminal trouble, eventually placing him, Lois Lane, Clark Kent and Inspector Henderson behind bars. Not to worry, in the end, justice is sweet.