jackbuckley

As a fan of the TV series "Tales of Wells Fargo", I nevertheless knew nothing about the plot or origins of this film in advance. I sensed, while watching, that it may've aired on the series as more than one episode. This was done with several other series in the 60's--"The Virginian", "Flipper", "Daniel Boone", and, I believe, even "Lassie". I was puzzled, though, in that the movie's in color, whereas the series wasn't--unless, perhaps, its later season(s) were made in color, as was "Laramie", "Bonanza", and a little later "The Virginian", all broadcast on NBC, when most shows, on all 3 networks, still were in black-and-white. I don't know enough about the history behind "Fargo" to know how many episodes were filmed in color. I also was puzzled as to Hardie's relationship to his employer Wells Fargo. He didn't seem to be an active agent, working on a current case, as in the series. I've since learned that, apparently, the nature of the series changed in its last or later seasons. Hardie became ranch-based, supposedly semi-retired, taking on Fargo assignments only occasionally. I've never seen the later episodes, so I was unaware of such a change. Aside from seeing Mr. Robertson in color, the film betrays its TV origins with choppy editing and commercial-break-oriented, block-style-driven fadeouts. Generally a low-key western, that, despite some tough-guy violence, seems kind of geared to kids. Probably played originally at drive-ins, likely on a double bill. Doubt it appeared in mainstream downtown theaters, unless on a double or triple bill of kids' fare, maybe along with some cartoons, which theaters used to do on Saturdays or during the summer. Plot uninvolving for an adult, not much to sink one's teeth into. An inordinate amount of time is spent on watching running horses and a black renegade stallion that a young girl's trying to capture to please and impress Hardie, on whom she has a crush. Some of this horse footage, especially the black stallion, looks like footage that later was used for an episode of "The Virginian", possibly even the train and Gloribee depot(later re-fashioned to read Medicine Bow, Wyoming) Both "Canyon" and "Virginian" were Universal products. There's a fairly good climax where Hardie's placed in real jeopardy, and Patricia Owens is easy on the eyes as the snobbish writer from back east but otherwise not much to recommend it, aside from the color aspect.

I just finished watching "Dracula" for the first time from start to finish. Over the years, I've seen only the first few minutes plus the original trailer, that's all. I've become a huge fan of Mr. Lugosi in recent years, reading biographies, watching interviews on You Tube, listening to radio shows on which he appeared, etc. When I saw that "Dracula" was going to be aired on Retroplex one night recently, I made a point of recording it, and, as mentioned, just finished watching it this Sunday morning. It was a great treat to finally see Mr. Lugosi in his most famous role as the Count, especially after only reading about it in biographies, film histories, seeing brief retrospective clips, etc. I was very impressed with the film's atmospheric gloominess and sense of impending dread, right from the outset. The Count's castle, too, is a masterpiece of Gothic-horror design. Mr. Lugosi was instantly compelling, chilling, and intriguing as the owner-occupant. One really can't take one's eyes off of him from his first appearance. I have no criticisms of the film, except for the minor ones stated by others, i.e., generally slow pace, a kind of theatrical staginess, some static, talky scenes, but none bothered me personally. I realized immediately that the lack of a background musical track and slow pace created a fantastic sense of time, place, atmosphere, and suspense. I cared about everything Mr. Lugosi as the Count said and did. He's mesmerizing as well as sympathetic. He brought total credibility to the daily, real-life existence of a vampire, far more compelling than any of the other, "normal" humans featured in the story. Unlike some other reviewers, I found Dwight Frye's portrayal of Renfield almost comical, way too over the top. It seemed such an exagerration of the stereotyped mental patient, though I know he was controlled by the Count. Seen today, the portrayal seems somewhat distasteful, though, as mentioned, I understood it in the context of the plot. Over time, while watching, I actually came to appreciate his performance a liitle more. The main ladies involved gave the impression of Hollywood starlets, not exactly convincing representatives of the Victoria-era. Dr. Seward and Prof. Van Helsing were quite realistic and believable, however. I wish primarily that Mr. Lugosi had been given far more screen time than he was, as the scenes in which he appears are enthralling. Especially liked how he turned himself into bats and wolves without special effects visually showing this. Very imaginative camerawork! "Dracula" proves that everything doesn't have to be seen to be believed! One final comment I'll make in passing. I mentioned Dwight Frye. In the early scenes, when he first arrives, meets, and follows the Count into the castle's interior-- he reminded me a little of the young Bob Hope, perhaps in one of his haunted house pictures like "The Ghost Breakers". With the soundless background, I kept expecting to hear Renfield say Hope-like lines such as, "Who lived here before you--Phyllis Diller"? "These cobwebs are so thick even the Hubble telescope couldn't see though them". "Who's your interior decorator--Edgar Allen Poe"? Or--"This place would scare Vincent Price"! But this is just me, since I'm a huge Bob Hope fan. I quickly got out of this mode, though, and thoroughly enjoyed "Dracula" from start to finish, with nothing but affection and kudos to Mr. Lugosi and his timeless triumph!

Saw this for the first time on TCM airing for St. Patrick's Day. As a huge fan of Ireland, the Irish, and Irish history, I was desirous of catching this. It's engrossing and fascinating but only up to a point. There are many repetitive images that make the plotless film rather boring. I was tempted to cut it off fairly early on, but the unusual location and dramatic coastal scenery kept me watching. The sparse dialogue is unintelligible but unnecessary to the visuals anyway. There's something about the black and white photography, too, that gives the film a kind of other-worldly quality that captivates. As mentioned, though, the imagery is repetitive, e.g., how many times does one need to see the crashing waves, spectacular as they are? The shark-hunting and killing sequence reminded me of Hemingway's "The Old Man & the Sea"(written decades later) and Melville's "Moby Dick". One admires the islanders' teamwork but even this portion goes on too long. "Man of Arran" probably could've been half as long and possibly more effective as a straightforward travel documentary. Though I'm glad I watched, it takes patience to sit through. Most people today wouldn't. Others, like me, appreciate it for the time capsule it represents of a no-doubt vanished way of life.