Great early Superman episode, but the most interesting item I discovered (never noticing it before after all of these years) was near the very end of the program. Look for the newsstand and notice that over the right shoulder of the newsstand dealer (which would be on the left top portion of your screen) the newsstand is loaded with DC Comics! The most prominent comic that I can definitely identify is BATMAN #66 (Aug-Sep). I am sure that there are quite a few others as well, but this issue was the most obvious to me (always having been one of my favorite Batman covers). You can clearly identify the cover with Batman & Robin dodging a huge toppling "Joker-faced" Totem Pole! So Cool!!! Any other covers will take time to peruse while freeze-framing this sequence. Just for fun and trivia!
Reviews
13 Reviews
The Aquanauts
(1960–1961)
The Aquanauts (a.k.a. Malibu Run)
25 February 2005
"The Aquanauts" (the preferable title) was a refreshing underwater TV by Ivan Tors ('God' of underwater filming productions) from the early 60's starring Keith Larsen and Jeremy Slate (Ron Ely - TV's 1960's Tarzan was Larsen's replacement in the later season) as a buddy diver/salvage team. I do not know why the series changed names in mid-stream (pun intended), but I do prefer the original title - I suppose that Malibu was used (being a more 'cool' and familiar name to attract the boating/surfing viewing audience). IMDb lists the series as filmed in Black & White, however I could almost swear that I remember this program being broadcast in Color. Can anyone out there supply any further information? Not much data is available on this series, but the "TV-TOME" website offers an interesting list of 'Guest Stars' in their episode guide pages (check it out). I was always a big Jeremy Slate fan and it was nice to see him playing the 'good guy' for a change. There were very few 'underwater' series (most of the best (enjoyable) TV series ever produced were from the 60's and into the early 70's. If you love 'tropical' and/or 'underwater/sea' themes I would highly recommend the following TV series (if any of them can ever be found anywhere):Sea Hunt, The Aquanauts, Adventures In Paradise, Wackiest Ship in the Army, Hawaii Five-O, Hawaiian Eye, Surfside Six...just to name but a select few. There were some other unusually themed series which were quite unique and fun as well: Whirlybirds, Route 66, Ripcord, The Everglades, Riverboat...and more. Have fun viewing and write your video companies to let them know what you would like to see on DVD! Sit back, dunk a great 'fun-derwater' adventure program (or series) into your DVD player, spit into your dive mask, slap a board to your wetsuit, gas-up your woody (no, not the 'woody' in your trousers...it's a beach cruiser!) and head on down the PCH! Aloha, Dudes!
Seven Ways from Sundown
(1960)
It will be "Seven Ways From Sunday" ~ before UNIVERSAL ever releases a DVD!!
11 February 2005
I will not take up space by reviewing what other Viewer's comments have already unanimously echoed -- this is a greatly overlooked and EXCELLENT Western 60's film (as are quite a few of AUDIE MURPHY's films). What I ask of UNIVERSAL DVD Productions is to .... PLEASE WAKE UP ... and to please release some of AUDIE MURPHY's films onto DVD! Did you know that almost NONE of his films have ever even been released onto VHS ... or ... DVD!! How absurd!! The ONLY times I have ever been able to even see these films were (recently) on TMC (a GREAT Channel!!) and several years ago on AMC (before they "sold out" to the Corporate conglomerates and SAVAGELY BUTCHERED their films with gross "commercialization" -- which is pretty SAD for a Company that boasted and prided itself in FILM RESTORATION and PRESERVATION!!). Here are a few of AUDIE's FINE Western titles which I offer to UNIVERSAL for consideration: SEVEN WAYS FROM SUNDOWN, HELL BENT FOR LEATHER, GUNS OF FORT PETTICOAT, COLUMN SOUTH, and RIDE CLEAR OF DIABLO. Thankfully, at least a few of his films ARE available on DVD ... and you should check them out or buy them -- you will NOT be disappointed: DUEL AT SILVER CREEK, NIGHT PASSAGE (with JAMES STEWART!), and NO NAME ON THE BULLET. These films can stand right up there and beside any of the other Classic Western Films!! Thanks for reading.
Whistling in the Dark
(1941)
MGM/WARNER DVD (??) ~ Might as well be "Whistling in the Wind!!"
4 January 2005
If WARNER/MGM had their way (of which they DO!)....we will NOT LIKELY ever see these 3 Classic RED SKELTON "Whistling" series comedies on DVD! RED SKELTON stars as Wally Benton, THE FOX ("OOOOOOO!"), a Radio star detective in WHISTLING IN THE DARK, WHISTLING IN DIXIE and WHISTLING IN BRROKLYN. I purchased the VHS copies of these great films quite a few years back (before DVD's) ~ they are definitely 'keepers'! Again, I pass on the film commentaries, because the IMDb reviewers are on target with these flix. What always concerns me is the PUSH needed for someone to read these reviews (from the Production offices of WARNER/MGM)...."HELLO!"....and realize that Classic film fans and consumers WANT (and DEMAND) these films be made available for DVD! And this goes for you other clowns at FOX, COLUMBIA, UNIVERSAL, or whatever corporate names you have absorbed (MCA, SONY, RCA, etc). Pay attention to your fans and show us the respect we deserve by producing MORE quality Classic films!!!!!!! As to quote STAN LEE, "Nuff Said!"
The Long, Long Trailer
(1954)
LON, LONG TRAILER ~ Hello, MGM....A LONG LONG wait for DVD!!!
1 January 2005
My intention is NOT to comment directly (as such) on this film, other than...it is HYSTERICAL and an absolute JOY to view! Wonderful production, scenery and in wonderful COLOR (we can really see LUCY's beautiful RED HAIR for the FIRST time!). The many other IMDb viewers comments will suffice, it is simply my intention to hope that SOMEONE from the MGM/WARNER productions office gets off their lazy, fat corporate A$$e$ and release this GEM of a film onto DVD!! There is so much new GARBAGE, PURE CRAP, FLOPS (which never made it to the cinema) and FILTH being released on a daily tidal wave of DVDs (from all major and minor film companies!) ~ why is it that the CLASSIC films seem to take FOREVER to appear on DVD?? I could name a THOUSAND or more CLASSIC DRAMA, COMEDY, HORROR, SCI-FI, ADVENTURE, MUSICAL and other genre films (and I'm not even talking 'B' Films!) which have yet to even be considered or mentioned for DVD. Well, that's my offering .... and that goes for ALL OF THE FILM STUDIOS!! *** READ THIS PAGE *** Film studios have Web-Pages, but nowhere is there an address where the true consumer and film fan can voice his/her suggestions. I have done so for YEARS, with NOT ONE reply, thank you, or acknowledgment of my appreciation. Guess that's "Show Biz!". Anyway, enjoy this film on VHS...it's never on TV either!
The War of the Worlds
(1953)
GREAT 50'S CLASSIC SCI-FI !!!
19 May 2004
Rather than repeat the MANY [and mostly] positive reviews in regards to this timeless classic SCI-FI film, I'd like to SUGGEST A PROPOSAL to anyone out there in the FILM INDUSTRY [who CARES and bothers to read our amateur fan reviews]. Granted, even this 1953 film was a 'remake', and it has had a long history of related ventures: H.G. WELLS original published novel (1898), the "Mercury Theater Of The Air' broadcast by ORSON WELLES (1938), George Pal's (1953) film version, the Classics Illustrated comic book version (1955), JEFF WAYNE's excellent Musical Production (1981), the 'official' TV SERIES (1988-1990), MARS ATTACKS (1996), an excellent comic book fantasy adaptation 'SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE WORLDS' (DC Comics 2000) exquisitely set in the year 1938 (written by ROY THOMAS / with beautiful art by MICHAEL LARK!), INDEPENDENCE DAY (2000), and now there are even rumors of a new STEVEN SPIELBERG production (2006). I believe that if this film is to be re-done, it should be as it never has been before - yet as initially as conceived.... set properly in the year it was created ... 1898!! We've all seen the modernist/nuclear versions many times over, yet nothing imagined could ever be more appealing or stunning to the eyes than visions of 'actual' Tripods, Horse-drawn carriages, steamships, locomotives, gothic buildings, farmlands & townships ... THAT'S THE WAY THIS FILM SHOULD BE DONE ... with meticulous care ~ and taken from the BOOK!! It has NEVER been seen this way and it DESERVES ... NO, it DEMANDS to be DONE AS SUCH! That's my opinion and it's all I have to say. HOLLYWOOD ... don't screw this one up!! THANK YOU!
Ride the Wild Surf
(1964)
DUDE ~ Where's the Beach!?
19 April 2004
RIDE THE WILD SURF remains as one of my very favorite 'surf/beach' genre films (notable others: BLUE CRUSH, BIG WEDNESDAY, the GIDGET series, the Avalon/Funnicello BEACH movies, ALOHA SUMMER, Bruce Brown's ENDLESS SUMMER films ~ and hey ... you could even include Nickelodeon TV's popular ROCKET POWER animated series into this mix!). Although several of the fore-mentioned are documentary-style films, they are nonetheless true 'surf' Classics which are a MUST to own/see and should NOT be ignored. RIDE THE WILD SURF was well-stocked with talented actors (see the Credits) and although these actors never truly dared the 'heavies' at Waimea Bay ... only the laughable (yet fun) stationary studio boards with backdrop waves) ... there are quite a few great stock footage scenes of enjoyable, real surfing! The plot was surprisingly more of an adult oriented drama than a juvenile film, therefore adding a bit more realism to the (albeit thin) storyline. The production values were fine and the soundtrack was stoked with some great JAN & DEAN tunes!! True to 60's standards, there is no GORE, NUDITY, PROFANITY-LACED-DIALOGUE, or EXTREME VIOLENCE - so it can be enjoyed by the entire family. I really cannot find fault with this film and highly recommend it for your film library! Now, if only COLUMBIA PICTURES would get off it's corporate ass and release this little gem onto DVD (that's a big HINT)! Until such time, you will have to suffice by renting a VHS copy from your local Blockbuster - the film has almost never been seen on TV (very possibly once - many years ago on AMC-TV). Until then try some of the films listed above and you WON'T be disappointed! 'Til then ... SURF ON, KAHUNA!
Attack of the Crab Monsters
(1957)
A Case of 'The CRABS'!!
8 April 2004
Having read many of the previous User comments, I'm glad that I am not alone in having enjoyed this interesting little film. FIRST and foremost to remember ... ROGER CORMAN! That's ALL you need to know! MR. CORMAN was the KING of Drive-In "B" Films during the 1950's and absolutely no KUBRICK, CAMERON, or SPIELBERG could compare with his success or impact in film history. His films were FUN, HARMLESS and MEMORABLE! They weren't Box Office bonanzas, blockbusters or star-laden, but he simply gave you the most BANG for your BUCK (which was probably sometimes his budget!) in entertainment. Not one of his films was a standout, true CLASSIC of Cinema Art, but by gum... I'll bet you can remember EVERY damned ONE of his many films, who starred in each one, and each thinly disguised storyline. "ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS" was a wonderful bit of schlock theater and I enjoyed every innocent minute of it (read the other reviews for details). His great Monster Movie Posters lined the hallways of many a cinema, and not one of them told the truth, but the truth was ... they were fun to watch! Remember - if you can't see the STRINGS on the Flying Saucers, or the ZIPPER on the CREATURES back ... it ain't worth the time.
The Brides of Dracula
(1960)
One of HAMMER's best DRACULA films!!
6 April 2004
Rather than repeat many of the other reviewers comments in regards to this film, my intentions are to simply bolster that "BRIDES OF DRACULA" is possibly one of HAMMER's finest Horror films - AND - probably their BEST 'DRACULA' film ever!! I am a devout CHRISTOPHER LEE fan, however this is the only Hammer Dracula film in which he did NOT appear. I am not certain of the reasons, but I believe it was his decision and that he did not wish to reprise the Dracula role again (although, several years later he finally decided to return and had become (by far) the best actor to have ever played that character!). The resident vampire in this film is played by DAVID PEEL and he turned a wonderful performance as the 'Count' - however, one can only imagine the presence that CHRISTOPHER LEE would have added! The action, pacing and cinematography (vivid colors!) in this film are by far superior to that of the other 'sister' Dracula films by Hammer, and one can only savor the fantastic finale 'showdown' inside the windmill between the Count and Van Helsing! It is truly a masterpiece and not to be forgotten! PETER CUSHING returns as Van Helsing and gives a rousing performance (possibly one of his best!). As for the 'LADIES' - Oh, Hammer ... where do you find these beauties!? It is too bad that UNIVERSAL PICTURES did NOT include this film in their forthcoming "DRACULA: THE LEGACY COLLECTION" DVD Box Set (available: APRIL 27, 2004), but perhaps they are planning to prepare a HAMMER COLLECTION set (hey, UNIVERSAL - take the HINT!!). BUY this film anyway, in whatever format you can. It is a CLASSIC! Well, just don't sit there - DO IT ........ NOW!!!
The Werewolf
(1956)
Cult 50's Grade-B Thriller!
4 April 2004
I heartily agree with the previous reviewers comments as to the film's similarities as to a "Western Drama". It has the wonderful feel of a 'Northwestern Mountie' location! I find this film to be quite ABOVE the Grade-B classification and it actually has quite a bit going for it! The shooting locations are real (hardly any soundstaging) and the snow-laced mountain locale adds a wonderfully chilly edge to the storyline. There are no recognizeable major actors (except for the great "B" character actor 'HARRY LAUTER' - who finally receives a more extensive role), but the acting is quite adequate and the story surprisingly rather well-paced. The Werewolf make-up is quite similar to the version seen in "The Werewolf of London" and I was quite pleased with the beast's appearance. It is quite frustrating that Columbia Picture has NEVER released this little gem on ANY format (no VHS, LASERDISC or DVD) and I (like the previous reviewer) taped a wonderful copy form TV's AMC 'Monsterfest' a few years back. It also sits in my vast collectible library and is one of my favorites! ***** COLUMBIA PICTURES needs to 'get off it's ASS and get on the ball with their wonderful 50's SCI-FI/HORROR features and roll into the 21st Century, because NONE of these Cult favorites have EVER been on LASERDISC or DVD: DIARY OF A MADMAN, EARTH VS THE SPIDER, AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN, 12 TO THE MOON, THE WEREWOLF, NIGHT THE WORLD EXPLODED, I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF, A STUDY IN TERROR (Sherlock Holmes), TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN, DAY THE WORLD ENDED, IT CONQUERED THE WORLD, THE GAMMA PEOPLE, INVASION OF THE SAUCER MEN, SHE-CREATURE, THE GIANT CLAW and (Okay, I really want this one) .... RIDE THE WILD SURF!
Gog
(1954)
NICELY DONE -- 1950's SCI-FI Flix
5 November 2003
GOG is quite an extraordinary, obscure film -- it has hardly ever been rerun on any channel, however I was lucky enough to catch it in its entirety [I'd edited it perfectly - without commercials] about 10 years ago on TNT [Turner network] ... in COLOR! I have hung onto this little GEM and view it occasionally and I must say that I still find this movie to be highly enjoyable! I cannot understand why TURNER/MGM/ WARNER has not EVER released this film in ANY format [never on VHS, DVD or LASERDISC] ... with all of the CRAP [old and new] that is being dredged up on a daily basis for video [DVD] releases, the mind boggles as to why so many classic [and decent "B" flix] SCI-FI & HORROR films have still yet to be released [ex: BURN WITCH BURN, DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS, KING KONG, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG, WORLD WITHOUT END, INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, TARANTULA, ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS, CONQUEROR WORM, THE POWER, ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, BRIDES OF DRACULA, GAMMA PEOPLE, LAND UNKNOWN, MONOLITH MONSTERS, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, DR CYCLOPS, MOLE PEOPLE, IT CONQUERED THE WORLD, UNINVITED, INNOCENTS, SON OF KONG, MARK OF THE VAMPIRE, EARTH VS THE SPIDER, DEVIL DOLL, BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE, INVISIBLE BOY, TOBOR, etc etc this long list goes on and on ...]! Anyway, GOG is right on the mark [and ahead of its time - 1956] with Cold War conspiracies, Nuclear testing, computer programming, Biblical references [GOG & MAGOG] and it is indeed a well-constructed film with an interesting espionage approach. ANDROMEDA STRAIN was obviously influenced by this film! The acting is downplayed to a rather scientific level, but is good and on par -- you will notice many veteran stock actors within the cast. Most of the previous User Comments in regards to this film are quite accurate and thoughful, and can be blended into a final strong and POSITIVE review. Indeed, SEE IT - ENJOY IT - pray for DVD!
World Without End
(1956)
Excellent "B-Film" 1956 SCI-FI
4 November 2003
There are many existing comments in regards to this particular film and most of them are quite similar and accurate, therefore there is not too much new substantial information left to be offered. I would just like to express and confirm that this is quite an excellent film for its time [1956]. Do not expect CGI quality graphics and effects -- this was a lower budgeted film, but it did indeed have some very nicely done SFX by its own standards. The wonderful screenplay, rather strong acting [HUGH MARLOWE, ROD TAYLOR, etc.], Color-Cinemascope production, and a fair amount of actual outside location shooting [no cheap soundstaging] combined to make this an absolutely wonderful film [still ranks as one of my favorite 50's Sc-Fi-Flix today!]. OK - for you meticulous purists, there is a large RUBBER SPIDER attack ... but it actually looks fairly decent. Try not to nit-pick, sit back and enjoy a really tight film. And, HEY -- it even has a well-constructed, moral, POSITIVE ending -- which is not sappy! ENJOY!!
Curucu, Beast of the Amazon
(1956)
50's JUNGLE/HORROR Flix
1 November 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I have not seen this film for quite some years, but remember -- the 1940-50's HORROR/SCI-FI films were mostly targeted for the juvenile audience and were intended as FUN and "Saturday Matinee" ESCAPISM. I actually have quite a fond rememberance of this film and it was not really a bad film at all. Produced by UNIVERSAL [in my opinion, one of the studio "leaders" of classic "B-Films" from that period [Adventure, Horror, Westerns] and starring the wonderful "1950'S scream-queen" BEVERLY GARLAND and strong, veteran B-stock actor JOHN BROMFIELD [the workable squre-chinned, buff hero]. WARNING - SPOILER: This film's "Monster" was the typical "red-herring" [only ever seen briefly throughout] and was not revealed until the finale. The beast was actually quite intriguing - attacking through the foliage with a large visible slashing claw, and offering an occasional glimpse of it's savage partially seen face [with strange feather-like features protruding from its head]. It was an elaborate hoax staged by an Amazonian local as a territorial offensive maneuver. Lots of great CINE-COLOR with lush, jungle scenery, a piranah attack, and the film plays more like a "DIME-MYSTERY PULP" adventure than a true actual HORROR film. Overall, I enjoyed it - pure, clean, non-offensive FUN!
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