srushton Reviews

The Court Jester (1955)

No Closeups

[2/10 · 3 October 2003]

No closeups-- that's one problem. Closeups take time, so they're expensive, and clearly they spent all the money on costumes and Sylvia Fine's dopey songs.

The only reason to see this, if you're not a Danny Kaye fan, is the delightful minute or so of the Pellet with the Poison exchange. But that's about it. And you have to wait an awfully long time for it. Kaye had his fans, and this movie is solely for his fans and no one else. He's just not interesting. Silly, yes, but silly only goes so far.

This is a clumsy, one-note movie that doesn't deserve its reputation.

The Proud and Profane (1956)

Thelma Ritter!

[27 July 2003]

The scenery looks bedraggled in this movie because so many people chew it. It's an over-the-top melodrama, with William Holden being the most ridiculous. But never mind -- it has Thelma Ritter, who can save any movie. She's the best thing in this one.

If I Had a Million (1932)

Know where I can find it?

[11 May 2003]

I love this movie. I saw it once 26 years ago. Now I run a classic movie series in my community, and I'd love to find a 16mm print of the feature so I can show it. All I've been able to find is the W.C. Fields sequence, but I want the whole thing. Anyone have any ideas? Please e-mail me!

I remember finding the sequence of the prostitute receiving the money to be haunting and poignant: she goes to bed, sees she has TWO pillows on the bed, and gets rid of one. No way will she ever sleep with anyone she doesn't want to sleep with!