Change Your Image
utgard14
Reviews
Playmates (1941)
"Uncle Sam wants men like Barrymore."
Lackluster comedy pairing acquired taste bandleader Kay Kyser with on-his-last-legs legend John Barrymore. This is Barrymore's final film and, as such, is pretty sad. He's not well-looking although he puts forth an energetic effort to rise above this weak material. Also starring in this is Lupe Velez. Not a fan but many are. If you are one of those, I'm sure you'll enjoy her here. The absolute worst part of this film is the queen of headache-inducing comedy of the "SHOUTING YOUR LINES AUTOMATICALLY MAKES THEM FUNNY" variety, Patsy Kelly. Nails meet chalkboard. Take your Tylenol for this one, gang.
Swing Fever (1943)
"He looks too much like Kay Kyser."
Kay Kyser is an aspiring composer with the gift of an "evil eye" that allows him to put people in a trance. He gets mixed up with gruff boxing manager William Gargan and his girlfriend Marilyn Maxwell. A rare outing where Kyser plays a character that isn't himself. It might be the only one come to think of it. The evil eye scenes are silly fun. The musical numbers are good. The best parts of the movie are Kyser's interactions with his regular bandmates, who in this play a swing band that is reluctantly saddled with Kyser's more classical oriented composer. Harry James and Tommy Dorsey also have a funny cameo with the film's biggest laugh. Despite a solid cast offering support, this one is little more than a passable time-killer.
The Maze (1953)
Longer than needed and full of unlikable characters
I really wanted to like this one more than I do. It's watchable enough but not a classic by any means. Richard Carlson plays a guy who is called away suddenly to his ancestral estate. He stays there without explanation for his fiancée, who he tells to move on via letter. So she and her buttinsky aunt travel to the estate to find out what's going on. They're soon joined by more annoying people. That's part of the film's problems. These so-called protagonists are just plain annoying. I knew the guy was in danger or distress but I still wanted them all to just leave him alone. The fiancée and her aunt are like nails on a chalkboard. And don't get me started on the pompous doctor who wants to have someone committed to an asylum for locking a door in their own house.
The other problems with this are that the runtime is way too long for such a thin story, leading to repetitive scenes of Carlson telling people to leave. Then we have the film's big mystery reveal, which is not only laughable from an FX perspective but also from a story one. You'll be left wondering what the point of everything was when the problem, while unusual, is hardly unsolvable. And in the end it solves itself with a big wet fart of a climax. Avoid unless you're a huge Richard Carlson fan.
Intimate Interviews: Bela Lugosi (1931)
Made me smile
This interview with Bela Lugosi is a treat for fans. Classic film fans don't often have a lot of exposure to the stars of yesteryear like we do today where we arguably know too much about these people. Most of what we know about them comes from books and "journalism" decades after the fact. Almost all of that seems slanted towards the negative and is difficult to verify what's true and what's gossip. Anyway this isn't like that crap. It's light, pleasant, fun. Yeah this is not likely a real interview so much as a PR piece but it's still cool to see Bela in a normal environment as a person not just playing a character. He's still acting in a sense but it's nice to watch and listen to him. Plus some of the answers to the questions he's given are interesting and clearly not just studio-written answers one might expect. This is a must-see for Lugosi fans.
Around the World (1943)
"Shoot the power to him Auer!"
Fun wartime comedy with Kay Kyser and his band traveling the world entertaining the troops and engaging in hijinks. Great support from the always reliable Joan Davis. Mischa Auer is a standout as an exaggerated parody of himself. His sword fight scene is the film's highlight. The musical numbers are all solid. No classics but no duds either. For his part Kyser is fine. He was usually outshined by his costars and that's the case here too. The Marcy McGuire stuff is probably the weakest part of the movie. Look it's not a picture trying to reinvent comedic cinema. It's just a fun way to pass the time and what more do you really need than that?
Carolina Blues (1944)
Worth a look
Decent Kay Kyser vehicle with some fun performances. As is usually the case with Kyser films, he's not the most appealing part of the picture. Here we have a young Ann Miller with Victor Moore as her dad offering good support, an extremely talented group of black performers who put on a show-stealing number in the middle of the film, and the criminally underrated Jeff Donnell who is so full of personality in all her scenes I kept wishing she was the star. Also in the mix is Kyser's usual cast of characters - Ish Kabibble and the rest. They're ok. Several big positives for this one. What keeps it from being more highly rated is that the story is very old hat and it goes on about ten minutes too long. Still, worth a gander for fans of the period.
My Favorite Spy (1942)
Possibly Kyser's Best
I haven't always been the biggest fan of Kay Kyser's films. However I must admit I've never seen one that I thought was genuinely bad. My biggest complaints are usually directed at the corny humor that feels more suited for radio where he made his name. That's not much of an issue here. This film might be overshadowed by the more well-known "My Favorite Spy" starring Bob Hope and Hedy Lamarr but I actually think this one is funnier. Kyser does fine here but the real scene stealers are Jane Wyman, Ellen Drew, and a great supporting cast of reliable hands like William Demarest and Una O'Connor. If you've tried a Kay Kyser movie before and weren't impressed, give this one a look. It's pretty good.
The Mysterious Mr. Valentine (1946)
Nothing special
Sometimes compelling, often confusing private eye flick from Republic. What is or isn't noir is debated a lot by classic film fans. You can see some of that in the reviews here. It's a bit like the horror vs thriller debate I guess. I don't see that it matters all that much. There's nothing in this that screams film noir to me but I could say the same for a lot of crime pictures that are widely accepted as staples of the genre. This is a so-so B movie from a "lesser" studio that could surprise you from time to time with real gems. This is not one of those times. If you're like me and you sometimes feel like you've seen everything from the 40s, give it a shot. It won't likely become a favorite but maybe you'll enjoy it for what it is.
One Night in the Tropics (1940)
Gotta start somewhere
Abbott and Costello's first film is a bit of a chore to watch. It's not their fault as the duo are minor players in this. The real stars are Robert Cummings and Zeppo Marx twin Allan Jones. Their romantic adventures with Nancy Kelly and Peggy Moran make up most of the film's runtime. I'm not incapable of enjoying a good romcom but this is strictly dullsville. The bits we do get with Bud and Lou, as well as a nice supporting cast that includes William Frawley and Mary Boland, are the parts that kept my interest most. The songs are ok, too. It's nothing to write home about but if you are an Abbott and Costello fan I'm sure you'll want to check it off your watchlist.
San Antonio Rose (1941)
Eve Arden is great
Despite the title and movie poster, this isn't a western but a musical comedy. Heavy on the music. Nothing wrong with the quality of the songs but the quantity might test your patience. The better parts of the film are Eve Arden's constant wisecracks and the dimwitted duo played by Shemp Howard and Lon Chaney, Jr. No great shakes but watchable.
The Spider Woman Strikes Back (1946)
Not great but watchable time killer
It's hard to hate anything with Gale Sondergaard in it. This subpar Universal thriller is light on thrills or chills. It's not much fun either. It does move quickly, however. As I realized the film was reaching its climax I was surprised as I thought it had only been on maybe half an hour. Outside of Sondergaard and (visually, at least) Rondo Hatton, the cast is pretty forgettable. The script is riddled with holes, too. When the villain reveals their big master plan I guarantee you'll say "Wait, what? Really? But what about..." It's that kind of movie. Still, it's watchable enough. Fans of Universal's horror classics from this period will enjoy it more than most.
Movie Madness (1982)
"Margarine is a ruthless industry."
So I see this movie mentioned as an all-time stinker and come here to discover I gave it a 2 rating. I had no recollection of this film. So I watch it and as I do so the memories start rushing back. The fascinating thing is - I liked the movie! I have no idea why I gave it such a low rating or even when I saw it. I must have not been in the mood for it that day. Anyway, here's my review.
The movie is in three segments. The first spoofs those movies from the '70s where couples split up to "grow" and bang other people. Siskel & Ebert loved those types of films. It's a funny start to the film but not for all tastes I suppose. I like Peter Riegert in most things. This is no exception. This segment also features great turns from Teresa Ganzel and a very young Diane Lane, as well as funny stuff from the child actors playing Riegert's kids.
The second segment stars Ann Dusenberry as a stripper who seeks revenge on the butter industry. I won't spoil why but it's hilarious. This segment has lots of quotable funny lines. I will say it goes one joke twist too many and ends with a bit of a phfft. Still, it's a good one.
The last segment is the weakest. It spoofs police procedurals with a rookie (Robby Benson) paired with a cranky old cop (Richard Widmark). Christopher Lloyd is also in it. I didn't find this segment too funny, outside of a great Henny Youngman cameo.
Overall it's a fun movie. I'm not saying it's a classic but it's a nice way to pass the time. Probably the best Lampoon movie after Animal House and the Vacation films.
The Hour Before the Dawn (1944)
"You don't think the Germans could win, do you, Daddy?"
WW2 film about a conscientious objector (Franchot Tone) and his girlfriend (Veronica Lake), an ineffectual German spy. Mostly talked about today, if at all, for Lake's bad performance and how this film hurt her career. Her accent is admittedly very poor. Still, I enjoy this one. The objector plot with Tone is interesting and Lake has some exciting scenes. Good support from Binnie Barnes, Henry Stephenson, and John Sutton. The worst part of the film is the little kid played by David Leland. He would make anyone join the enemy.
The Glenn Miller Story (1954)
'In the Mood' for a good movie
Easygoing biopic of the titular bandleader, played with charm by the great Jimmy Stewart and directed by his frequent collaborator Anthony Mann. This is unlike any of their other films together, mostly westerns. It's a biopic like they used to make them - uplifting, positive, entertaining. If made today it would almost certainly focus on whatever scandalous lies they could think up about the subject, often spread decades later. In this particular case it would likely be exclusively about his tragic death and the many conspiracy theories surrounding it.
Anyway this is thankfully not that kind of picture. Made in a different time, as they say. The music is exceptional, of course. The romantic story is perfect as well. Stewart and June Allyson had great chemistry. It's a leisurely paced film, perhaps too much so for some. But I enjoyed it.
Hit the Ice (1943)
"You couldn't whip cream with an outboard motor."
I enjoyed this one a lot. Several funny bits. Watching Lou try to ice skate makes me laugh every time. Love the skiing climax. The gangster stuff with Sheldon Leonard is pretty great, too. I'll add that Patric Knowles and Elyse Knox are likable side characters. Usually the least entertaining part of comedies like this are the romantic subplots with whatever B stars the studio is trying to push. But here they not only don't offend, they add to the picture. I actually cared about them. Anyway, it's not a top ten A&C flick maybe but it's a fun one. Lots of slapping. We don't have enough slapping in movies these days.
Keep 'Em Flying (1941)
"We need a union. A woman hater's union."
Fun Abbott and Costello movie with the boys following their friend (Dick Foran) into the Air Corps. Foran's character is hard to like and his romantic subplot with pretty Carol Bruce is a bit nauseating. Those are the negatives. The positives are Bud and Lou have several funny bits. Martha Raye is also fun in a dual role. This isn't one of their best but I find myself returning to it more often than some of their classics, so that says something. I love the old planes so that's probably part of it. Anyway give it a look. Abbott and Costello never disappoint.
The Awakening (1980)
You'll have trouble staying awake for this one
Dull adaptation of the other Bram Stoker story. He must have only written two since that's all anyone ever talks about. This version has some nice atmosphere but the pacing is slow and the whole thing feels dryer than a Golden Girl's cootch. Charlton Heston also plays a very unlikable protagonist. Despite being disappointed by it every time, I have revisited this movie a few times over the years hoping it'll click for me. It hasn't and I think I'm finally done trying.
The Villain (1979)
"I got all dressed up for nothin'."
I saw this as a teen at the height of my Arnold fandom and didn't like it. Seeing it now I find it pretty enjoyable. It's dumber than a box of rocks but it just brings a big smile to my face. The cartoon homages with the stunts, the clueless hero, the hammy villain, the busty (and lusty!) damsel in distress, and best of all the beautiful brings-tears-to-your-eyes political incorrectness sorely missing from today's world where everyone is an inch away from righteous indignation at all times. Paul Lynde would be canceled five times over today. The movie does lose some steam in the middle, but it's still a fun picture overall. Sensitive types should avoid the film. Pseudo-intellectuals as well.
Sorry, Wrong Number (1989)
What a stinker
Abysmal remake of the 1948 classic starring Barbara Stanwyck, itself an adaptation of a popular radio play starring Agnes Moorehead. This one was made for TV with Loni Anderson. What an embarrassment for all involved. The acting from Anderson is next level awful. I've seen her in enough roles to know that, while she was no Stanwyck or Moorehead, she could deliver her lines in a reasonably believable way. Here she's the absolute pits. To make matters worse the entire production feels cheap, even by TV standards. Veteran TV director Tony Wharmby's idea of building suspense is akin to nails on a chalkboard. Instead of anticipating what was going to happen next, I was begging for it all to be over. I really only checked this out because I love Hal Holbrook but even he couldn't save it. Terrible movie.
Who's That Girl (1987)
Fun movie that deserves another look
A reworking of a screwball comedy classic, Bringing Up Baby, with Madonna of all people shouldn't work. This one somehow does, thanks mostly to the two leads. Yes, Madonna is a limited actress and not every scene is perfect, but she does an admirable job bringing a fun and likable character to life. Most importantly it doesn't just feel like she's playing herself. The criminally underrated Griffin Dunne deserves a lot of praise, as well. He was my favorite part of the movie. I think he elevates the material and gets the best out of Madonna in their scenes together. I wish he had done more crazy comedies like this because he's very good at it.
It's not a flawless film and I certainly understand the complaints. The fair ones, at least, not the petty ones. But it's a very fun comedy with a quick pace and likable actors. What's Up Doc is still probably the best modern screwball comedy I've seen but this one is nothing to dismiss. Try to leave preconceptions about Madonna or the film's reputation at the door and give it a fair shot. I think you'll be happily surprised.
Delirious (1991)
Not entirely worthless, just not funny
The biggest problem with this movie is that it's a comedy with few laughs. I think I chuckled once or twice. The concept is good and John Candy is certainly likable, but I just didn't find much fun in the film as a whole. Maybe a stronger supporting cast and some actual humor would have helped. As it is it's a pretty forgettable experience.
Hanky Panky (1982)
Grating on the nerves from beginning to end
Headache-inducing "comedy" that just isn't for me. I'm a fan of the screwball comedies of yesteryear this is attempting to emulate, but I don't remember any of them being so off-putting. Gene Wilder tries way too hard, screaming his head off for most of the film. If it doesn't give you a headache, you're made of sterner stuff than me. As for Gilda Radner - I know she died young and that's tragic. That being said, I've never found her all that funny. Not her SNL work, not her stand-up, not her movies. At most I found her mildly amusing in The Woman In Red. Everything I've read about her is that she was well-liked and respected by everyone, and obviously many people do find her funny, so I'm not just dumping on her here. I just don't think she's funny and I don't think Wilder is funny in this movie either.
Arthur (1981)
A mixed bag but a fun one
Boy they wouldn't make this one today. Which, of course, means I like it. Now, I like it but I don't love it. That has little to do with the lead character being a "funny drunk." The main reason I don't love it is that the love story is pretty forced. I like Liza but the movie does little to make me believe in her character's romance with Arthur. It just happens. But besides that I enjoy Dudley Moore's performance a lot and John Gielgud is simply wonderful. Every scene these two have together makes the movie worth recommending. I just wish they had worked on the romantic plot a bit more, especially since they were going to ignore the alcoholic elephant in the room and do nothing about that.
California Suite (1978)
I liked it
Enjoyable Neil Simon dramedy. Four stories of guests at a luxury hotel. Think Grand Hotel or even Simon's earlier Plaza Suite. The stories vary in quality but none are bad. None are terrific either. Most people seem to like the Pryor/Cosby story the least but I think it was my favorite. The cast is all good. Maggie Smith winning an Oscar in real life playing an actress who fails to win an Oscar in this story is Hollywood at its fakest. The 1970s was a great period for films like this. If made today it would be too serious or too silly but this finds a good mix.
Airport '77 (1977)
The Poseidon Airport
Love the Airport films. This one's not quite as much fun as the first two but if you like '70s disaster flicks you should get a kick out of it. Airport '77 is more focused on the action than the soap opera elements. Solid cast of memorable oldsters, but most get little to do. It's Jack Lemmon's show the whole way. Even George Kennedy as my boy Patroni is underused. At least Christopher Lee has a nice part with one standout scene. Lee Grant is the worst as the nails-on-a-chalkboard wife of Lee. Similar to Dana Wynter's shrewish character in the first Airport film.