csp46 Reviews

Wild West (1946)

This Is A "B" Western

[10/10 · 23 October 2014]

Ceteris paribus, what'cha see is what'cha get. My "10" rating is relative, believe me! "B" Western fans watch these movies for a whole 'nother reason, so no sense in giving a Kael revue to this thing. This movie is almost a PRC "Gone With the Wind" if you consider the production values compared to most PRC efforts filled with ghost towns or towns with 4 citizens and a budget of 60 bullets. At times you can easily tell the stock footage from PRC efforts. Haven't seen, to my knowledge, the other segments of this PRC trilogy but the main thing that caught my attention is how Eddie (or someone) allows Lash to dominate many of the scenes in which they both appear, whereas in most of the Eddie efforts he is pictured as Superman on a horse. Eddie is off warbling to the trees while Lash is takin' care of bid'nes. If you're a "B" fan, you'll like this'un.

The Desperadoes (1943)

A Beautiful Movie

[10/10 · 10 August 2014]

You won't see many movies as visually enjoyable as this 'un. Careful attention was given to weaving stunning color throughout the movie. The story is both enjoyable and believable and well acted. Cinematography is outstanding and may pass as a western "Film Noir" in some circles. Randolph Scott is at the top of his game physically and gives one of his finest performances. Glenn Ford is outstanding and seems to me to be a more dynamic player than I am accustomed to seeing in his movies. And Claire Trevor fans won't be disappointed either, although some of her costumes are a bit over the top! Wonderful production values and color worthy of an expressionist. Especially enjoyable is the beauty of Utah. Pay attention!

Flash Gordon (1936)

A Sell Out

[10/10 · 28 January 2014]

This thing is awful but so much fun. Anyone who grew up in the '50's remembers when this production was re-broadcast (and fer free!!!!) Dear old Dale is still a glowing beauty and is one reason all the guys loved this serial. Charles Middleton is his same wonderful self and shines as he does in any production in which he appears. Abandon logic, all who enter here as much of what is said and done defies the most basic common sense. Regardless, rejoining this group of saviors of the earth is a wonderful experience even if the reaction to Jean and Pricilla is somewhat muted because of the passage of time. One thing I've noticed is that IMDb is linking to fewer "free" videos, choosing instead to be paid off by Amazon et. al. if you prefer to watch the feature. Too bad!!! It can be found on other sites and one hopes that IMDb decides to satisfy viewers rather than the bean counters.

Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

Ed Wood Lives

[2/10 · 17 January 2013]

If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9". If you have a choice of watching this thing or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" Choose "Plan 9".

Canyon Passage (1946)

What A Fun Movie and Maybe a Little Spoiler

[9/10 · 23 October 2012]

From the first scenes of this movie, you get the idea that you are into something a lil' bit special. The colors are like viewing a classically beautiful painting and the production values are superb. Jack Cardiff could have been the cinematographer. Some want to get into all of the psychological aspects of the movie but this is a movie to be enjoyed for what it looks like and is. Logan Stuart as everyman of American West maybe, but other'n that, good ole "B" western entertainment with a lot'a class. Enjoy the beauty of Susan Hayward and Patricia Roc, and maybe figger out what Stogey Charmical's imitation of Mary Worth is doing in this flick, but this is a movie that just seems to wrap itself around you and take you on an interesting journey. Some have noted that the movie might have been better received had John Ford been the director but thankfully, he wasn't. I appreciated Dana Andrews ability even more after watching this movie and recommend it to you for a few viewings because I think with each, you'll find even greater enjoyment of it. You may even come to like "Ole Buttermilk Sky". Oh, and Stogey decides not to follow 'em in the end so pay attention as he waves good-bye to 'em as they ride off into the sunset! You're in for a treat!!

The Wild Westerners (1962)

There's 10 then there's 10!!!

[10/10 · 17 November 2011]

Another title for this mess could be "The Kindergarten Class Gets Drunk and Directs a Western". The major expense in this film was the laundry and cleaning bill. It is difficult to realize that someone seriously created this movie seriously. It is a laugh a minute, or even every 30 seconds. Ed Wood lives!!! PRC wouldn't have put this thing out! Supreme would have rejected it. Al (Fuzzy) St. John would refuse to act in this movie! Alabi Terhune (don't forget Elmer!) would run away screaming if asked to appear in this thing. That's why it is worth watching. "Plan 9 From Outer Space" is Oscar-worthy compared to this. This is a "I can't believe this s..." a minute movie. So, if Encore Westerns EVER brings it back, make it a MUST SEE on your list. You'll come away convinced that you're Anthony Mann or D. W. Griffith or some other great director. It is really fun to watch though as long as you possess the proper frame of mind!

Of Mice and Men (1992)

The Are Movies and then...................

[2/10 · 16 November 2011]

There are few movies that explore companionship, loneliness and the need to have "someone" in your life as well as does "Of Mice and Men". I enjoy John Malkovich in many roles and he has quite a talent BUT, there are some films that have already been made and made about as well as they're gonna be. Of Mice and Men" falls into that category. As does "Stagecoach", "King Kong" to name a few others. Lewis Milestones' "Of Mice and Men" and Lon Chaney's characterization of Lennie remains for me the definitive film translation of that literary work. Other great performances are executed by Bob Steele as Curley and especially Roman Bohnen as Candy. Both are Oscar-worthy efforts. Then again, this movie came out in 1939 so........ Should one care to see a film version of Steinbecks wonderful novella, stick with the original. You should not be disappointed nor should you want to look further to see if someone did it better. They didn't and won't.

Colorado Territory (1949)

A Fine Western

[3 November 2011]

While there may be a few cracks in this movie, overall it is a magnificent work. Some of it could have been shot by Ansel Adams. Few of the situations are forced and the script flows without some of the interruptions of irrationality noted in many westerns. The acting is universally excellent and production values are superb,something characteristic of Warner Bros. About the only complaint one may have about the cast is that Virginia Mayo's beauty is not as evident as it should be, for she is, in my opinion, one of the GREAT beauties to ever grace the screen. The twists and turns in this movie keep you in suspense. If you are a fan of the westerns, this one should allow you to exit the theater "justified".

Cherokee Strip (1940)

A REALLY fine old western.

[8/10 · 21 August 2011]

Knoxville's PBS station just ran this movie on its "Riders of the Silver Screen" series (8/2011)introducing me to Richard Dix for the first time. He's a wonderful actor and and I'm surprised he's not up there with Roy, Gene and Hoppy. His age, I suppose. Anyway, a long standing family feud in Texas between the Morrels (Dix) and Barrets (Jory) continues when the parties move north to OK Territory as the government is setting up another land heist from the Cherokee's. A well written standard script is superbly acted amidst quality production values. This movie is a wonderful showcase for the talent of Victor Jory, a superb, under-rated actor. The music, especially one refrain as Dix and Clyde are riding across the land to inspect Jory's herd to see if it contains some of their cattle, is worthy of a A-list epic. Though Dix is a little "long of tooth" his resolute, unblinking stance and likability makes it hardly noticeable and the absence of some idiot buffoon side-kick (Al "Fuzzy" St. John comes to mind)is most enjoyable. The supporting cast is top notch (sorry, Charlie King ain't here, this is one of the few he missed). Cinematography is excellent! This movie stands toe to toe with such classics as Virginia City, Dodge City, San Antonio, etc. and should be a pleasant surprise for those western aficionados expecting standard PRC like "B" movie fare.

Wild Rovers (1971)

Pretty good western.

[8/10 · 14 April 2011]

During the opening credits, the breakfast scene, watch for John Wayne and James Arness. Everything considered, this is a pretty good movie. Photography is first rate and the story interesting, if a bit strained at times and it takes a little different twist on bank robbery. Some folks face questions that don't usually have to be answered in life and some of the answers surprise even those who have to answer them. William Holden fans will not be disappointed and even Ryan Oneal gives a credible performance. Most old western fans, emphasis on "old", have endured a whole lot'a Fuzzy Q., Lash, Buster and Wild Bill in younger days so the bar isn't set too high in some cases. But for most of us a western is still a western! This'n ain't bad.