Reviews
Night Watch (1973)
Superior thriller with a wholly effective surprise ending.
Based on a Lucille Fletcher play, this suspense-drama stars Elizabeth Taylor as a beautiful woman who is certain she has witnessed a murder, but has great difficulty convincing her husband and others. Sound like familiar material? Perhaps to a certain extent, but Taylor's brilliant performance, plus some genuine suspense, and a surprise ending that will knock you right out of your seat make this a superior thriller.
And Soon the Darkness (1970)
Well-acted, atmospheric British thriller.
Pamela Franklin and Michele Dotrice are British nurses on a cycling holiday in France. The two women have a disagreement and Franklin splits, while Dotrice stays behind. When Franklin returns a few minutes later to the spot where she left her friend, she discovers that the woman has mysteriously vanished. As if that weren't distressing enough, she learns from the local people that the site where her friend disappeared from is the same place where a lady tourist was found murdered a few years before. Moody, suspenseful British thriller with good performances, particularly by Franklin as the worried heroine.
Thriller: Screamer (1974)
Well done made for TV thriller.
En route to visit some friends in rural England, an American embassy worker suffers a vicious attack that leaves her unstable and desperate for revenge. When she learns that her attacker may still be on the loose, the young woman seeks her own brand of justice that could prove fatal to several innocent parties. This Brian Clemens-scripted made for television thriller has some genuine suspense and a convincing performance by Pamela Franklin as the disturbed heroine.
The Food of the Gods (1976)
So bad it's good!
Wasps, worms, chickens, and rats feed off of an icky, gooey substance that causes them to grow to gigantic proportions, then terrorize the occupants of a remote mountain cabin. This trashy adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells story isn't just any ordinary bad movie. It's a movie that starts off so bad that you are compelled to actually keep watching it to see how much worse it can possibly get, and you have one heck of a good time in the process. Surprisingly, the film does have some fine points. The special effects are really quite acceptable, considering the era and the film's limited budget. And, amazingly, some of the performers manage to retain their dignity. Pamela Franklin as a sassy lady scientist and Ida Lupino as a bible-spouting farmer's wife come off best. This movie was a remake of the 1965 release VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS, also filmed by Bert I. Gordon.
Satan's School for Girls (1973)
Moderately creepy tele-thriller.
A young woman enrolls in a Salem girls' school to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her sister's suicide and uncovers a fiendish plot involving the devil himself. Predating Dario Argento's "Suspiria" by several years, this made for television thriller benefits from a strong lead performance by Pamela Franklin and some genuinely creepy atmosphere. Remade again for television in 2000 with Kate Jackson, who played a student in the original, now playing the part of the headmistress.
The Legend of Hell House (1973)
The quintessential ghost story!
Eerie, well-crafted horror-thriller about four people who investigate a dark, brooding mansion that is said to be the "Mt. Everest of Haunted Houses". Solid direction by John Hough. Pamela Franklin as a sexually repressed psychic is a definite standout.
Secret Ceremony (1968)
Secret Ceremony: A First-Rate Psycho-Drama.
Joseph Losey's brilliant psychological drama follows the strange relationship between a prostitute(Elizabeth Taylor) and a waif-like girl(Mia Farrow) who resembles her deceased daughter. Taylor also bears an incredible likeness to Farrow's deceased mother, enabling the two women to create a world of their own where they can live as mother and daughter. Their secret world is disrupted, however, when Farrow's lecherous stepfather(Robert Mitchum) enters the scene. "Secret Ceremony" features expert performances from all, but it is Elizabeth Taylor who walks away with the honors, delivering a truly moving portrayal of an emotionally broken woman searching for some stability in her life. It's one of her most daring roles, and Miss Taylor handles it like the consummate actress that she is. The screenplay is by George Tabori, based on the prize-winning short story by Marco Denevi. (Universal later cut footage from the film and added extra scenes to make the picture acceptable for a television audience. Luckily, the video version is the original, uncut theatrical release).
Night of Dark Shadows (1971)
Interesting follow-up to HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS.
The second film based on the phenomenally popular Gothic soap opera DARK SHADOWS, NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS is an effectively creepy ghost story. David Selby and Kate Jackson(in their film debut) play newlyweds who move into the Gothic Collinwood estate and are visited by a beautiful 18th-century witch(Lara Parker) who starts to control the mind and body of the groom. While extremely rich in Gothic atmosphere and very well-acted by the entire cast, NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS isn't the same success story as it's predecessor, HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS, but fans of the series should still find plenty to like. NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS has generally been snubbed by critics and audiences alike for the past thirty years, and many claim that the film just plain doesn't make any sense. That's because the heads of MGM ordered producer/director Dan Curtis to cut over forty minutes worth of footage! But DS enthusiasts will be very excited to know that footage cut from the film has been recovered, and NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS is currently under restoration. It could very well be that, at last, this unfairly unappreciated film will finally receive the recognition that it so richly deserves.
House of Dark Shadows (1970)
The best vampire flick of the '70's!
This is one of the best horror films of the '70's, and certainly the best vampire flick of that decade. Based on the highly successful supernatural soap opera DARK SHADOWS, this feature film version of the ever popular series recounts the resurrection of Barnabas Collins(Jonathan Frid), a 175-year-old vampire who passes himself off as a modern-day descendant of the Collins clan. While staying at the Gothic Collinwood estate, Barnabas becomes entranced by a beautiful governess(Kathryn Leigh Scott) who bears a striking resemblance to his long-lost love, Josette, and determines to make the young woman his new bride. Few films based on Tv shows work, but HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS is an exception to that rule and like the TV series on which it is based, HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS has developed into a cult classic over the years. Like its sequel, 1971's NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS, the film is currently under restoration. There are several sequences from both films missing. Hopefully, the generally unfavorable opinion of NIGHT will change once all of the missing footage has been recovered, and the film will then rank right up there along with its predecessor like it should.
The Ann Sothern Show (1958)
A tribute to one of the greatest stars of all time.
Today is a day of much sadness for me. I read in the newspaper early this morning that Ann Sothern, the beautiful and talented star of the classic TV shows "Private Secretary" and "The Ann Sothern Show", has died.
Ms. Sothern died of heart failure late Thursday at her home in Ketchum, Idaho. She was 92.
One of television's first and greatest comedians, Ms. Sothern also proved to be an equally gifted dramatic actress in such films as "Cry Havoc", "A Letter To Three Wives", and "Shadow on the Wall".
She received a much deserved Academy Award nomination for her delightful performance as the spirited New England friend and neighbor of Bette Davis and Lillian Gish in the acclaimed film "The Whales of August".
I will forever think of Ann Sothern as an exceptionally gifted actress who always delivered superb performances. She is a very beautiful and special woman who has brought so much happiness and enjoyment into my life. I will always love her and always be grateful to her.
Crazy Mama (1975)
A joy from start to finish!
This lively celebration of America in the 1950's is one of director Jonathan Demme's earliest and best films. After losing their beauty parlor to repossession men in Long Beach, California, grandmother Ann Sothern, mother Cloris Leachman, and daughter Linda Purl hit the road and turn to a life of crime, hoping to eventually make their way to family homestead in Arkansas. CRAZY MAMA recreates a convincing '50's atmosphere, offers some of that decade's greatest music, and features an excellent cast. The film's brightest moments are supplied by Ann Sothern, one of the finest actresses to ever grace the screen. Sothern's daughter is actress Tisha Sterling who plays her mother's character as a young woman in the opening scenes of the film.
La tua presenza nuda! (1972)
Mark Lester is the greatest child actor ever!
I first saw OLIVER! six years ago, and I knew that the angelic-looking young actor playing the title role had to be the greatest child actor ever, and I was absolutely right. I have never seen a more bright and talented young actor. Lester is truly amazing. Right after I saw the film, I started seeking out other Mark Lester titles. The first and best I came across is the 1971 chiller, NIGHT CHILD, in which Mark gives what may very well be the greatest performance ever given by a child actor. Lester plays Marcus, a disturbed young boy who may have murdered his mother, and he may have similar plans for his father's new wife. I won't say anything more about the plot, but I will say that Mark Lester's performance is magnificent. He proves that he is the most skilled and versatile actor ever. It's unfortunate that this film isn't more well-known, but Lester's strong performance makes it something really special. It isn't likely that you"ll find the film in your local video store, but if you ever get the opportunity to see it, don't miss out!
A Letter to Three Wives (1949)
One of the greatest films ever made!
This is at the very top of my list of favorite films. A LETTER TO THREE WIVES is a marvellous movie that provides endless enjoyment, no matter how many times you see it. Ann Sothern, Jeanne Crain, and Linda Darnell are three wives who are just about to set sail when they receive a letter from the town flirt saying that she has run off with one of their husbands. Since the letter neglects to mention which husband has been taken, the film shows in flashback form why each of the women's husbands may have possibly left town. It's a magnificent entertainment. The cast is brilliant, particularly Ann Sothern who sparkles in her best role ever. Ms. Sothern is best known as a musical/comedy star, but A LETTER TO THREE WIVES shows Sothern is an equally gifted dramatic actress. She's a real gem and gives the film many of its brightest moments.
The Flintstones (1994)
Great fun!
Making a live-action, feature film out of a cartoon show is definitely not an easy task, but the creators of this film pulled it off. THE FLINTSTONES is one of the most entertaining family films to come along in a good while. The great cast has a ball, particularly Elizabeth Taylor as Fred Flintstone's mother-in-law. Highly recommended!
The Creeping Flesh (1973)
A good old-fashioned horror movie.
This supremely scary movie stars horror greats Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as brothers competing for ancient skeleton that grows human flesh and comes to life when it comes in contact with water. The sadly underused Lorna Heilbron gives a brilliant performance as Cushing's daughter who goes mad when her father injects her with a serum created from the skeleton's blood. A real gem!
Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965)
A lost classic!
This engaging psycho-thriller truly is an overlooked treasure and probably the most underrated of all of the great Otto Preminger's films. I always thought that Carol Lynley was a very beautiful woman and a very strong presence in motion pictures, but until I saw BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING, I never realized what a magnificent actress Miss Lynley truly is. As the frantic single mom searching for her little girl who seems to have disappeared without a trace, Miss Lynley gives the performance of a lifetime, and Keir Dullea is also impressive as Lynley's concerned brother. Laurence Olivier, Martita Hunt, Noel Coward, and Finlay Currie are also in there doing their usual wonderful work. A must-see, especially for the mystery lover.
The Dunwich Horror (1970)
The best attempt to adapt Lovecraft.
Young warlock Wilbur Whately(Dean Stockwell) pays a visit to the Miskatonic University Library where he acquires a copy of The Necronomicon, a rare book of evil spells which will restore the Whately family to their rightful position as rulers of the universe. He also enlists the aid of a pretty blonde co-ed(Sandra Dee) who, unbeknownst to her, is going to be used as a human sacrifice. While made on a noticeably low-budget, THE DUNWICH HORROR creates a chillingly effective Gothic atmosphere, has plenty of genuine suspense, and features fine performances by Dee, Stockwell, and Ed Begley(in his final screen role) as Stockwell's chief Nemesis, Dr. Henry Armitadge. These qualities all help to make the film the most successful attempt to bring the great horror/sci-fi author H.P. Lovecraft to the screen.
Shadow on the Wall (1950)
One of Sothern's best dramatic vehicles.
Best known for starring in the classic sitcoms "Private Secretary" and "The Ann Sothern Show", Sothern delivers a dynamic dramatic performance in this suspenseful thriller. Ann plays a woman who discovers that her sister is having an affair with her husband-to-be. Sothern confronts the sister, accidentally kills her, then flees the scene, allowing her brother-in-law to take the rap. The plot thickens, however, when it is discovered that Sothern's traumatized young niece witnessed the dreadful event, and the child is starting to regain her memory. The supporting cast also impresses, but this is Ann's vehicle all the way, and, as usual, she is magnificent.
The Whales of August (1987)
A very beautiful and special film!
This charming and thoroughly enjoyable film features a magnificent cast headed by screen legends Bette Davis and Lillian Gish. Davis and Gish are two sisters as different as night and day sharing a cozy little house off the coast of Maine. Gish is the pleasant and considerate one, while Davis is the domineering older sister who may possibly be turning senile. Ann Sothern co-stars as their spirited friend and neighbor, Harry Carey is their rackety handyman, and Vincent Price is a gentlemanly Russian 'emigre' who takes a romantic interest in Gish.
Ann Sothern received a much deserved Academy Award nomination for her delightful performance. That's Sothern's daughter, Tisha Sterling, playing her mother's character as a young woman in the opening scene of the film.
Cleopatra (1963)
Elizabeth Taylor is Queen of the Movies!
Elizabeth Taylor will always have a place in my heart. And not just because she's the most beautiful woman in the world, which, of course, she most certainly is, but also because she is truly the greatest actress to ever grace the screen. This wonderful film focuses on Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, with Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of the Movies, playing the role to the hilt. Taylor's co-star is an equally gifted performer, Mr. Richard Burton, who plays the role of Marc Antony. This was the film where Taylor and Burton first met. They fell in love while making this film, and married shortly after the movie's release.
With a running time of four hours, CLEOPATRA is indeed an epic film. It is also one of the best epics I have ever seen. Thanks to Elizabeth Taylor's breathtaking beauty and powerful performance, CLEOPATRA held my interest from start to finish. It's a marvellous picture that I thoroughly enjoy, no matter how many times I see it.
Crazy Mama (1975)
A joy from start to finish!
This lively celebration of America in the 1950's is one of director Jonathan Demme's earliest and best films. After losing their beauty parlor to repossession men in Long Beach, California, grandmother Ann Sothern, mother Cloris Leachman, and daughter Linda Purl hit the road and turn to a life of crime, hoping to eventually make their way to family homestead in Arkansas. CRAZY MAMA recreates a convincing '50's atmosphere, offers some of that decade's greatest music, and features an excellent cast. The film's brightest moments are supplied by Ann Sothern, one of the finest actresses to ever grace the screen. Sothern's daughter is actress Tisha Sterling who plays her mother's character as a young woman in the opening scenes of the film.
Identikit (1974)
Taylor is terrific!
Elizabeth Taylor gives a stunning performance as a disturbed spinster who is looking for a man, but not for the reasons you may think. It's a bizarre movie, but also a very good one thanks to Taylor's excellent portrayal of a troubled woman about to go over the edge. Based on a novel by Muriel Spark.
These Old Broads (2001)
A real gem!
This is definitely the best made-for-TV movie that I have ever seen! Four of Hollywood's greatest stars, Shirley MacLaine, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, and Elizabeth Taylor team up for this absolutely hilarious comedy. MacLaine, Reynolds, and Collins play three former movie stars who appeared together in a '60's musical entitled "Boy Crazy", and team up once again for a reunion special. They're all terrific, but it's Elizabeth Taylor's delightful performance as an eccentric Hollywood agent that is sure to stay with you long after the movie is over.
I hope they make a sequel! It would be such a great joy to see these four equally gifted ladies together again.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Elizabeth Taylor is electrifying!
Although I believe everyone in this film gives a stunning performance, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is Elizabeth Taylor's film all the way. As the loud, hard-drinking Martha, Taylor gives the performance of a lifetime. Miss Taylor has always been at the top of my list of favorite stars, but with this film Elizabeth proves that she has much more than star power. She IS an actress! Taylor's work in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is some of the finest acting by a major star ever captured on film. In fact, I would say that Miss Taylor's performance is the best ever given by an actress in a motion picture.
Elizabeth Taylor has often been called The Most Beautiful Woman In The World, as well as the most glamorous, and I agree completely. But Miss Taylor has always had much more to rely on than her stunning good looks. She is also one of the most gifted actresses to ever grace the Hollywood screen. Oh yes, she definitely has the beauty and glamour, but she also has the talent to match.
Taylor won her second Academy Award for WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, as well as the New York Film Critics, National Board Of Review, and British Film Academy Best Actress Awards.
I would like to personally wish Miss Elizabeth Taylor a very healthy and HAPPY BIRTHDAY today. Elizabeth, you truly are THE GREATEST STAR OF ALL TIME! Chad Edwards
BUtterfield 8 (1960)
Taylor deserved the Academy Award!
There have been many unkind rumors hinting that the only reason Miss Taylor won the Academy Award for this film was that she was in bad health at the time. That is utter nonsense! As the classy-looking call girl who falls in love with a client(Laurence Harvey) and wants to go straight, Taylor gives a performance that complements her stunning beauty. She fully deserved that Oscar and should have won all the other major acting awards that year. The Legendary Liz won another Best Actress Academy Award in 1966 for the film WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? in which she gave what I consider to be the greatest performance ever given by an actress in a motion picture.