verite-2

Dodo, the Kid from Outer Space, was a regular Saturday morning staple for me and my friends back in the late 60's. A brilliantly inventive program, Dodo's short-lived TV life here in the States is symptomatic of creativity being the sacrificial lamb of the marketing department. Had Dodo been exploited commercially as was The Archies, maybe it would have lasted. I heard last that Dodo had been on cable in Europe a few years ago. Anyone else out there remember Dodo? Would Cartoon Network have an interest in this missed classic? Can this Kid be saved for posterity?

Lucille Ball has always been a favorite actress/comedienne of mine, and so this vehicle, Yours, Mine and Ours, was a good showcase for her talents. One year later, Florence Henderson was to "reprise" the same role in the Brady Bunch TV series. This movie has it over the Bradys hands down. When all of the kids that belonged to Henry Fonda's character met Lucille Balls' character for the first time, they got her drunk. Would never happen on the Brady Bunch. And all those kids! I think it was either 19 or 20! Much more responsibility in this combined household. Don't forget shopping day, with the caravan of shopping carts, I'm surprised collateral didn't have to be put up for the groceries. The idea here is that the sheer enormity of this situation makes it so hilarious, along with all the petty jealousies and conflicts inherent in all families, creates a movie that viewers can relate to on several levels. You don't need to have 20 kids to appreciate the film. The Brady Bunch seemed too perfect. The Norths and the Beardsleys had to put some tough love and effort into this to make it work, and this is reflected in Yours, Mine, and Ours. See it just for the fun of it. Look for Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham of Happy Days) as the family doctor. Great fun!

The opening of You Only Live Twice shows the unflappable James Bond being used for target practise, ostensibly left for dead, given a naval burial at sea...is the movie over? Wrong! The deepest cover is afforded Bond via this ploy, to make You Only Live Twice a favourite of mine in the world of 007. The on-location scenery is eye candy par excellence for those fond of rural Japan and the peaceful fishing villages. Otherwise, be prepared to find yourself with James Bond in a variety of interesting and somewhat dangerous situations, including-dare I say it-marriage! If you like escapism, this movie is for you. It fits well into the Bondian formula, with its own little twists. For a real spine-tingling experience, listen intently to the theme song, as sung by Nancy Sinatra. Even 32 years later, I still get a chill in my spine hearing that haunting melody. Not to spark a debate here, but you will see why Sean Connery is the one and only James Bond when you see You Only Live Twice. Enjoy!