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Hot Rods to Hell (1966)
Duel but with a Corvette
I saw this film as a teenager in the early 70's, and only recently saw it pop up on the grid on TCM. I did recall parts of it, but had to watch it again. Right from the get-go, the movie starts off with cheesy acting and scenes. The dad holding Christmas boxes just right as he talks on the phone. Who does that? It's the definition of "corny". The movie is watchable if you like watching bad acting. It reminds me of "Mystery Science Theater", in that they show a really bad movie, but you still have to watch it and see if it gets worse. I gave this a 3 star as, seriously, you can't give it anything higher. Dana Andrews at his best.
Columbo: Any Old Port in a Storm (1973)
Columbo learns about winemaking
I have seen this episode many times, and consider it a Columbo classic. After watching it once again, it occurred to me there's something not quite right with it, something basic, which I will come to in a minute.
The plot revolves around the careful planning after a impulsive murder of the brother of the murderer - who is a award winning wine maker.
Two problems I had with this episode, though over all it is worth watching. First is the acting of Donald Pleasence. He was great in "The Great Escape", and in the Bond film, "You Only Live Twice", but when he has to show anger or rage, as in "Halloween", or this Columbo episode - well, it just doesn't work. It comes off as bad acting.
The biggest oddity, one that I never picked up on until watching it again, is the location. Outside the window of the office where the murder takes places looks like your typical Napa winery. Rolling hills, rows of vines on the hillsides.
But wait, Columbo is a Los Angeles detective. Why is he investigating a murder in the wine country? There are no wineries of this type anywhere near LA.
Overall, it is one of those episodes you don't mind watching again, provided there are a few years between.