Aujouret Reviews

Stagecoach (1966)

Wonderful cast

[8/10 · 3 December 2005]

This remake is a treasure due to the fabulous cast. Very interesting performances by Bing Crosby as the drunken doctor, Oscar winner Red Buttons as the Whiskey drummer, Slim Pickens as the stagecoach driver, Bob Cummings as the bank clerk with a secret and Keenan Wynn is frighteningly evil. The lovely Ann-Margret in an early role as the beautiful dance hall girl Dallas. Alex Cord is sexy and mysterious as Ringo. This is my favorite Stagecoach. Norman Rockwell does the paintings and appears in a cameo. Theme song by Wayne Newton. This film is also gorgeous with excellent scenery. I found these characters stayed in my memory for many years. Enjoy.

River of No Return (1954)

A favorite

[13 July 2003]

I've loved this one since I was a kid. Super pairing of Monroe and Mitchum. The worst part of this film is the despicable way the Indians were portrayed. I just cringe watching these bits. Typical old Hollywood. This is a beautiful film to watch- filmed in Northern Canada- gorgeous scenery. And of course, Marilyn is too. What a loss she is indeed. There is something haunting about this old western. I think it's the errie music. The title song is sung by both Tennesse Ernie Ford and Marilyn. I've always loved any chance to see Tommy Rettig and he is wonderful in this one.

Brideshead Revisited (1981)

Excellent Series

[20 June 2003]

This mini series is wonderful. Fascinating, sad and haunting. I have just purchased the remastered version on DVDs and it is even more beautiful to watch. Wonderful on location photography in Yorkshire, Oxford, Malta and Venice. Excellent cast with wonderful performances by Jeremy Irons, Nickolas Grace, Phoebe Cates, Claire Bloom, Lord Olivier, Jeremy Sinden and Anthony Andrews. Lovely music too. Evelyn Waugh believed that "not more than six Americans will understand it." The sad waste and decay of the old powerful aristocracy is brilliant and not at all difficult to understand. Don't miss this series- it will stay with you always.

The Crawling Eye (1958)

Loved this one

[6/10 · 25 May 2003]

I saw this film, The Crawling Eye, on TV as a kid back in the very early 60s. Scared me to death. They keep the goodies from you until almost the end. Creepy. Kind of gross. I remember the mountain climbers at the very beginning of the flick: Why did you let go of the rope? Didn't you see him? His head was gone!! Don't miss this one- it's fun.

Camelot (1967)

Richard Harris WAS King Arthur

[30 April 2003]

Richard Harris was the best King Arthur ever. Harris is wonderful in this role. His Arthur was strong, intelligent, silly, courageous, loving, devoted to his bride and his responsibility as King. His Arthur was also heartbroken, sad, confused, but in the end, his courage won out, just the way we imagine the real King Arthur to have been. The lovely and hugely talented Vanessa Redgrave compliments Harris' Arthur as the tragic Geneviere. A very fine musical and well worth seeing again and again. Camelot is truly a wonderful showcase for the late and very missed Richard Harris.

Sayonara (1957)

Beautiful film.

[30 April 2003]

Sayonara is one of my special favorites. I love rediscovering this beautiful film. Personally I disliked the book; I found it cowardly. Brando is apparently responsible for the courageous ending of the film and I bless him for it. I find he was extraordinarily brave way back in 1957 when Sayonara was made. Strong, wonderful cast are a delight; James Garner, Patricia Owens and the two Oscar winners, Buttons and Umeki support Brando and Miiko Taki. The soundtrack is also lovely.

The Hero (1970)

Richard Harris at his best

[10/10 · 16 November 2002]

If you have enjoyed Richard Harris' work over his long career, this film is definitely worth seeing. Richard was a born rebel and this film is a natural vehicle for him. Filmed in Israel amid a stark landscape, it is firstly unusual looking. The story is of a 12 year old soccer fan who is obsessed with Eitan, the legendary football star of Isreal. He runs away from to find his hero. Arriving at Bloomfield stadium , he sees Eitan practicing with the team, unaware that the Football club have fallen through on their promise to Eitan. The boy and Eitan strike up a friendship because of their shared love of the game. They go on a journey together and Nimrod gets a real life view of his hero, who nearly sells out for money to throw the big game and be set up financially for the rest of his life. In the end, the hero has pride and honor but sadly looses the game , the boy and his sensible girlfriend, the late lovely Romy Schneider. But as we see in the final frame of the film, Eitan will go on living his own life anyway. Which is really the story about the actor himself. Richard Harris made his own rules in life and followed his own course. Unfortunately this is Harris' only directing effort. The film was not critically praised nor did it do well at the box office. This film has only been released on VHS as of this writing and is difficult to find. Try "IOffer" and eBay. I love it, but then I do admit to bias as I am a big fan of Richards' and I dearly miss him.