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Reviews
Red River (1948)
red river
I just watched "red river" on encore western channel. it is possibly for at least the 12th-15th time. I could get up tomorrow morning and watch it again. I consider it one of the best westerns ever. the cast is outstanding. I am not a huge john Wayne fan, but this western "the seekers" and "stagecoach" are 3 of the top westerns of all time. the performance of Montgomery Cliff through out the movie was pure poetry. certainly one of the most gifted and diverse actors of modern times. noah berry, Walter Brennan cannot be matched as sidekicks with character, that makes them characters. Howard hawk directed a masterpiece. Joanna dru was beautiful, but was not quite Claire Trevor caliber in "stagecoach" but very good at that. the whole cast was outstanding. this movie is a must for any film class, history of the early railroads and the struggle after the civil war. in the west. terrific movie . I am sure I will watch it again. I am 63 and probably saw for the first time 50 years ago.
The Intimate Stranger (1956)
finger of guilt.
a rainy day in the upper Midwest,and waiting to pick up my grandson from school. had me turning on TCM during it's summer under the stars to see who was being featured today. Constance Cummings I was unfamiliar with, however in the previous movie along with Cummings Ralph Bellamy and Irene Dunne stared. I began watching " finger of guilt. having grown up watching 20,000 leagues under the sea with Richard basehart? ( I think that was the name of the series) I began to watch this film. I love location movies, in particular London in the mid 50's. what a terrific movie. basehart was outstanding and Mary Murphy was absolutely stunning. her beauty and the role she played was outstanding. the supporting actors were great. all recognizable , and such pro's. that made a low budget film so wonderful. really a great surprise for a rainy day. wonderful movie !
White Cargo (1942)
tondalayo
hedy Lamar has no peer when it comes to beauty. her role in this movie showed a beautiful face and a gorgeous figure. she holds her own with a great performance. this movie is chalk full of great actors that seem to be fulfilling a studio contract commitment. nevertheless, Walter pigeon, Henry o'O'Neil, frank Morgan, Richard Carlson,and a personal favorite of mine Reginald Owen. show they are old pro's. the chronological recollection by pigeons character seems fitting and a staple of pigeon throughout his career. hedy Lamar was a very good actress and I thought her role here was outstanding. her role in 'conspiritors' was her most outstanding role with another bevy of great actors. she was a icon when it came to beauty, Bergman, Loren, Margret, even Hayworth, teirney, Monroe. were not in her class. she was a good actress as well. probably not why she had so much success.
Red Dust (1932)
red dust
what a great movie. I just watched it on TCM. jean Harlow,and Clark gable were a stupendous combo. both of their character portrayals were right up their ally. both had a crusty edge to them. gene Raymond continued to be a actor I am impressed with every time I see him, in these older movies. he was also very good in a later movie Mr. &mrs. smith with Robert Montgomery,and Carole Lombard. he plays a great straight guy character,and very unassuming,almost naive. Mary Astor was great as the unfaithful wife, with more polish than the character Harlow played, but not as happy go lucky,and not street wise. Mary Astor was beautiful, and a great actor. she adapted well as the years advanced in Hollywood. her rolls were always perfect, with her advancement. she was a talented and very sophisticated lady in real life,and a accomplished author as well. her roll in Maltese falcon, and little women showed her diversity,as well as a movie that the title escapes me with Bette Davis, George Brent. I have enjoyed the tribute to Harlow.
Shane (1953)
great western
it certainly ranks in their with the great western's, not quit in the realm of "stagecoach", "red river" "high noon" but certainly one I watch when it is on again. I thought Emile Meyer was outstanding. I am a big fan of jean Arthur, but she just didn't fit in this role. van Heflin was one of the most underrated actors of all time. just one of those guys that wasn't quite bogey, Tracy, gable, grant Stewart, Brando? etc..etc.. but great . the kid in Shane was better,and older in "hud" but did a good job. I have never been disappointed in Elisha cook. "maltese falcon" he was great. Jack Palance is always a joy to watch,as the villain. many great character actors as well as Cook. Edgar Buchanan,Ellen Corby. one of the all time greats. Ladd was very good as well. he played a great rather introverted, under the radar until it counted gun slinger.