jmp-36 Reviews

The Catlins (1982–1985)

Funny Soap Opera (but not meant to be)

[5/10 · 19 January 2010]

The Catlin's was the first soap not shot in LA or New York but Atlanta. It still may hold that record.

I loved the show because it was funny but not meant to be. I had the pleasure of watching them film an episode when I was working in Atlanta. I think they shot around the clock for two weeks each month to produce the show. I also got to know a few of the cast members who went on to better things. One of the cast members name on the show was Bo who was played by Larry Jordan. He was replaced by a New York actor right before the show was canceled. Larry was a very good actor and added a lot to the show.

The show wasn't given a real chance and was canceled after a year or two.

It was a gallant effort.

Jamey Gadsden, Al

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: The Monster's Web (1966) Season 2, Episode 23

Richard Basehart's Illness or was it?

[6/10 · 19 August 2009]

Richard Basehart only appeared briefly in the Voyage episode "The Monster's Webb" reportedly because of an illness back in 1966. There seems to be some controversy as to the real reason for his absence in this episode.

It is apparent that there is a double for many of his scenes. Unfortunately, this hurt the episode because the double's scenes were shot so badly. What could they do other than to re-shoot much of the footage with Basehart. The budget restraints, obviously, would forbid this.

It was reported that Mr. Basehart fell ill with an ulcer that put him in hospital. Whatever the illness it was serious enough to warrant the hiring of a double to finish out his scenes. He also missed the next two episodes only reappearing in the final show of season two.

In addition it was alleged that discussions were being held as to replacing Basehart in the series with actor Gary Merrill. Merrell appeared in the next episode as Admiral Parks.

It was no secret that many on the show, including Basehart, may not have been happy with the direction it was taking. The monster of the week scripts seemed to hurt the show. The long hours, hard work and stress appearing in a weekly show like Voyage can be hard on anyone.

Whatever the reason for his absence, whether an illness or other problem, it was obviously resolved.

Let me make it clear that Richard Basehart was a great actor and human being. I admired him very much and without him there may not have been a Voyage series.

If anyone has anything else they would like to add about this please do.

City Beneath the Sea (1971 TV Movie)

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Revisted

[4/10 · 25 August 2008]

These comments might be considered as a spoiler for those of you who might not know the behind the scenes information on this film so you may want to beware and not read any further.

Recycled actors, costumes, sets, miniatures and stock footage from Irwin Allen's TV show Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea make up some of "City Beneath the Sea." Case in point, stock footage of the Flying Sub was used extensively as well as repainted interiors of the subs interior were used. The title was used in a first year voyage episode(2nd episode).

You have to admire Irwin Allen though because he never threw anything away he just found ways to reuse things in order to save money.

He did have some heavy weights appear in the film such as Robert Wagner and Richard Basehart (Voyage's Admiral Nelson) Joesph Cotton as well as past cast members of his show "Time Tunnel".

This is a must see for Irwin Allen fans and I must say that I am one. Allen was one of the greatest producers of all time.

It is my understanding that it was also a pilot for a possible weekly series that did not sell.

If you can over look all the recycling and cut corners you may enjoy this film which takes place around the year 2050.

I did not particularly like the film but I must say that it was entertaining in some ways.

Jamey

The Terror (1963)

The Terror-The Real Story

[8/10 · 21 December 2007]

I saw the Terror as a child in the summer of 1963. I grew up in a small town and every Saturday frequented the neighborhood movie house. For this film I remember the theater had a coffin in the lobby next to the concession stand. Scary stuff for a 10 year old. The Raven, featuring Boris Karloff, had been released the previous year.

Years later, while taking production classes in college, I read about how The Terror was shot in 3 days by then boy wonder of B cinema Roger Corman. Could this be that such a scary film, with all its good and bad, been shot in only 3 days. Lets do the math.

There was a report that Sam Arkoff, head of AIP, visited the set right after The Raven had finished production. Sam wondered what Corman was up to. He seemed to know, whatever it was, he would certainly benefit from it later on. There were 3 days left on Karloff's contract from The Raven. The Raven had been brought in under budget and with 3 days left to spare. Corman, great master of the low budget film, had the answer. The Terror.

In reality all of Karloff's scenes were shot during the 3 days with a hastily written script. If your a film buff no need to rehash the story. It seems Corman came up with the rest of the money to finish the film 6 months later, rehired Nicholson and added some additional cast members. In reality, the actual film was not shot in 3 days but over a matter of months.

A film critic referred to the movie as, "The Terror....and it really was." I refer to it as a very enjoyable film that involved two of my favorite people, Boris Karloff and Roger Corman.

Jamey Moore