BruceUllm Reviews

The Birds (1963)

Hedron's Performance Lacklustre

[6/10 · 10 May 2023]

This would have been a fine Hitchcockian piece, save for the rather crumby acting by Tippi Hedren. Her performance ran the gamut of emotions from A to almost B. She rather resembled a heavily made-up mannequin throughout the picture. When she did attempt emotion, it was laughable. Her character, Melanie, wasn't overly-bright, either. There was absolutely no reason for he to enter the attic of the house when she knew very well that there were most likely more birds clustered there. Perhaps Mr. Hitchcock meant for us to become somewhat annoyed with Melanie. If so, he certainly succeeded. It's ironic that Hedren is one of two cast members that has survived when just about everyone else turned in performances far superior. The fact that Hedren found work after this picture is a mystery.

We'll Take the High Road (1957)

Should have let Granny sit out there for a while

[5/10 · 8 September 2022]

The story was predictable and typical of the 50's. However, I would have let Granny sit out by her trees for a few hours until she wandered back inside before I told her that the bulldozers wouldn't be there for a couple of months.

The innocent optimism of the time and callous disregard for nature is very typical of the Eisenhower Era. So is the presence of only white faces. Another nice touch is the formal dress worn by just about everyone and the acceptance of the judgement of the highway department.

The speech at the end about the common good and the defense of the country (presumably against Communists or anyone who drove something not built in this country) was a nice touch.

All Is True (2018)

Need to get even more depressed?

[1/10 · 12 December 2020]

Watch this movie. To quote the lyrics from the song "But Not For Me": it gives more clouds of gray than any Russian play can guarantee. Not a single ray of sunshine in the whole thing. Avoid it.

Space Force (2020–2022)

Tried too hard

[1/10 · 30 May 2020]

Despite a great cast and humorous (chilling) POTUS references, this series just tried too hard to be funny. It wasn't. It is, however, a fine example of what happens when you don's have a good script or story. All the casting and pratfalls in the world won't save it.

Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003)

Substitute the word "Muslim" for "Jew"

[9/10 · 6 August 2016]

It's remarkable how timely this 14-yr-old movie is. If you just imagine Hitler inveighing against the "Muslims" instead of the "Jews", you have Donald Trump. Also a bit scary. I am also struck by how imprecise Hitler was about how he planned to "make Germany great again". We, of course, found out how he went about that. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

The accompanying documentary about the making of the TV miniseries is very enlightening as well. I recognized Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica before the narrator identified it. The angst that the network had over such material was certainly understandable. The last thing you want to do is make Adolph Hitler appear sympathetic!

Game Change (2012 TV Movie)

I was delighted when McCain chose Palin

[6 February 2013]

I knew right then that the Republicans would loose. All Palin had to do was open her mouth...and out came -- nothing. She had no qualifications and hadn't a clue how the world ran. Watching this movie brought back all that Palin stubborn idiocy and I found myself laughing at her. I really felt sorry for Steve (played by Woody Haroldson). His apology to McCain for suggesting Palin was rather touching. Fox News recently realized just how empty-headed Palin is and got rid of her.

Some of that delight -- to a lesser degree -- returned when Romney picked Paul Ryan as his running mate. Once again, I knew the Democrats had it in the bag.

A Countess from Hong Kong (1967)

Chaplin Tried to make a silent movie with sound

[4/10 · 15 August 2008]

It's a shame that such a genius went out with a whimper. However, I think that is the case with A Countess from Hong Kong. The staging and timing all would work with a silent movie, but not with a talkie. Particularly annoying was the "comical" use of the door buzzer. That gave the whole thing a 30's screwball comedy feeling. The players were trying to mimic how the Little Tramp would have reacted to the stimulus and it didn't work. The cameo by Chaplin as the old steward was interesting. We get a final view of him in good health and full Technicolor and sound.

Frankly, I had trouble staying awake through the whole thing. It hardly compares with Modern Times or my favorite, The Great Dictator.

A Majority of One (1961)

Thoroughly delightful picture

[9/10 · 16 July 2008]

Some have criticized this picture for not featuring genuine Japanese actors in the leading roles. Remember: this was shot in '61 and there weren't any big name Japanese actors in Hollywood then. Viewers should suspend disbelief and just enjoy the story. Guinness does a good job and brings dry humor to the portrayal. Russell's Jewish Mommele is a bit overdone and laid on with a trowel, but still not bad. The personal stories and exchanges between the two are very touching and I like the rebuke to the younger folks who haven't the life experience to make the judgements about race and religion.

The final scene is priceless and moving.

I give the picture a 9 instead of a 10 only because the Eddie character was a bit annoying.

In Harm's Way (1965)

DVD Bonus Items are very good

[9/10 · 3 December 2007]

The "Making of" featurette is very good. I.e., it's scripted and tight -- not a series of cast and crew talking heads in an orgy of mutual admiration. One nit I do pick with the featurette is the very opening: We see Mr. Preminger arriving a new '65 Olds convertible. This is supposed to be an inside look at the preparation for and filming of the movie. An epic like this took most of 1964 to shoot, no doubt. A '65 Olds didn't exist yet. I also seriously doubt Mr. Preminger drove an Oldsmobile! I see him in something foreign. My guess is that this after-the-fact recreation used a handy studio car and it's topless because setting the camera f-stop is far easier with an open car.

The three trailers are a lot of fun. Preminger borrows heavily from Hitchcock in his approach: he inserts himself into action scenes and is dressed in a suite and tie. I almost expected all the action to cease, the characters freeze and Preminger to say, "Good, Eeeevening..."

Fracture (2007)

Hopkins' Performance Dwarfs Gosling

[7/10 · 4 September 2007]

The movie was too long and sluggish in its pacing, but the most glaring element of it for me was how much finer an actor Anthony Hopkins is versus Ryan Gosling. The latter has some very annoying personal ticks in his acting style. Perhaps, he thinks this makes him seem real. It makes him look kind of stupid. How did this dope get through law school, let alone get a job with the LA DA's office? And nevermind his being courted by that high-powered law firm! That was completely unrealistic for a character like his with a annoyingly detached view of just about everything. When he did flare, it was seemingly out of character.

Hopkins, meanwhile, sleepwalked through the part and outshone everyone. I guess the point of seeing the picture is to watch just how a fine veteran thespian can clean the floor with a comparative amateur opposite him. That was the real murder in this plot.

Keeping Mum (2005)

Guinness and Sellers would have been quite at home here

[10/10 · 4 September 2007]

This picture is in the league of Ealing Studios at their finest. We benefit from modern technology now, though, and no scratchy British soundtrack (It seems electronics were not their forte, witness Lucas Electrics, The Prince of Darkness).

But I digress...this film is just wonderful: full of plot and scintillating dialogue...and NO whiz-bang special effects! Proof, once again, that stories about people are so much more interesting that stories about machines.

The audience is given so much credit for intelligence, too. I appreciate that. E.g., when Mrs. Goodfellow contemplates the insistent engineers who say the pond must be drained, she smiles and says, "I'll put on a pot." You can fill in the rest. Lovely, dry British humor.

I will admit my prejudice: I will watch just about anything with Maggie Smith. As usual, she tore up the scenery with her droll, dry delivery ("Oh...is it Halloween?"). The gore was kept to a minimum and "tasteful". One must suspend disbelief at the conclusion of the film: you KNOW that pond won't be left untouched forever!

The Fugitive: Moon Child (1965) Season 2, Episode 22

This Episode was written in my honor

[10/10 · 30 August 2007]

My late father, Daniel B. Ullman, wrote the story and screenplay of this episode. At the time, I was 13 years old and "did not play well with the other kids." My birth sign is "Moon Child" (AKA: Cancer). The child depicted in this show doesn't fit in with the other kids, either. He is sensitive, introverted and intelligent. I will claim the first two and be grateful for any favorable comparison to the third.

My late parents were souls of patience with me and my ways then and I owe my lack of a criminal record to that. This Fugitive episode was my Dad's way of honoring me and making a case for many other kids like myself who could make it in life with the proper care and nurturing. My dad's caring attitude toward his children is reflected in many of his works, including a "Bonanza" episode entitled "The Unwritten Commandment" (Honor Thy Son).

Although it's difficult for me to be objective about this episode, I hope others may gain something from watching it.

Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years (1977 TV Movie)

Very Affecting View of History

[10/10 · 29 August 2007]

I am a fan of this period of US history, so I should state that at the outset. This was, for me, a very touching and intimate view of the closest thing the US ever had to a royal family. The period elements were wonderful and I even enjoyed the faux Andrews Sisters at one of the White House parties.

Perhaps the reason why this elegant work got to me is that this was a portrait of a time when this country lost its youth -- literally and figuratively. I remember my father, who was in the Army Signal Corps during WWII, telling me that the only thing he wanted back from "those days" was his youth. We who view it as history tend to romanticize the times and events. It must have been hell for those who lived it, though.

The treatment of the funeral train and procession was particularly poignant for me. I heard from my parents how sad that time was.

The Man Who Came to Dinner (2000 TV Movie)

Good entertainment, but a bit forced

[7/10 · 2 August 2007]

I enjoyed the taped stage play setting and all of the characters were immediately familiar to me, having just viewed the 1942 version. I rarely miss anything that Nathan Lane does and thought him perfect casting as Sheridan Whiteside.

However...it all seemed a bit forced to me. Lane's delivery was good and his mugging very funny, but he was working all the time. It just didn't seem to come naturally. The "Banjo" character was just an impersonation of Durante and an average one at that. As with the '42 film, I feel this character was superfluous.

The overall impression for me was one of a very good amateur company doing their very best to put on a show. I never forgot it was a play, whereas in the '42 version, I got more involved in the story.

As for the inter-act comments from the host and hostess, I skipped those immediately (so grateful for DVD technology!). The newsreel footage and swing music were delightful between the acts, though.

711 Ocean Drive (1950)

Additional Filming Location: Musso Franks Grill

[7/10 · 30 July 2007]

Unless I have been taken in by some very good set design, there are several scenes filmed in the famed Musso-Frank's Grill on Hollywood Boulevard. It's been about 15 years since I was in there, but remember it very well: it's a time warp! Now that Chasen's is gone, Musso-Frank's remains one of the few fine old dining establishments in Los Angeles from the golden era of Hollywood. The place dates from 1919 and the decor is timeless. Sort of a 1930's feel to it. The bar is a special treat. You can imagine dialogue from a period movie spoken in such a setting.

I still remember the wonderful vodka martini (straight up, two olives) that I got there. One (or two) of those and you can almost forget the present, save for the prices, of course!

New York, New York (1977)

The opening scenes are the best

[8/10 · 26 July 2007]

Because we are treated to a wonderful re-creation of the Tommy Dorsey Band performing its signature "Song of India." Bill Tole "and the boys" were very big during the 70's and 80's as a latter day TD band.

Anyone who has seen this picture knows exactly what I mean: the "TD" band plays its abbreviated "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" theme..and then they do that unmistakable reprise to "India." Just as it's time for the trombone melody line, we get a great medium close shot of the muted trombone bell inches away from a WNEW RCA 44C microphone.

I submit that it gets no better than that.

The Man Who Came to Dinner (1941)

It's true: no one writes dialogue like this anymore

[8/10 · 26 July 2007]

To quote another great line of Bette Davis from another picture (All About Eve), "Fasten your seatbelt. It's going to be a bumpy ride." That sums up this frenetic and incredibly witty movie. The abundant name-dropping dates the picture, of course, and also dates me -- since I know who all those people were! I am not sure most youthful viewers today could follow this movie -- the period references aside. This picture represents the most intense and mentally challenging kind of "action picture": snappy dialogue. The current market favors what I call "Short Attention Span Theatre" with no more than a few lines of dialogue (usually shouted) interspersed among the CG and FX. This movie combines the fluff and fun of a 30's Screwball Comedy with the improved technology of the 40's. The DVD I watched was a gorgeous copy of crisp black and white, sharp focus and perfect sound.

If I could skip any element, it would have been Jimmy Durante's over the top performance. It was unnecessary.

Admitted I am flattering myself and others "of a certain age" who favor stories about people and not machines.

The Long, Long Trailer (1954)

Good Period Nostalgia

[7/10 · 23 July 2007]

I agree with others's comments here that the Tacy character was selfish and thoughtless. However, the give and take between Lucy and Desi at their height was still good. When Nicky discovered the hidden rocks in the trailer, it would have been great to have him say -- just once -- "Taaacy! You got some 'splain' to do!" The visuals were just great and, being a car nut, I liked the gorgeous new '53 Mercury Monterey convertible with all the extras. The quoted prices were a laugh as well, just like historical MSRP's of vehicles we car nuts would love to own today. More like laughing through our tears, really.

One never suspended disbelief and forgot that it was all just a movie. No one looks or sounds that good in a moving open car, for one thing.

Overall, I liked the road trip back in time and know I will never, ever pull a trailer!

The Hamburg Cell (2004 TV Movie)

Meandering and a Waste of Effort

[2/10 · 23 July 2007]

This picture was a waste of effort to produce and is a waste of effort to understand. The characters do not elicit any sympathy from me and represent nihilists and losers. If THEY can't have success, then NOBODY can. So, they join a so-called holy war and become terrorists. History is full of such fools who decide that all modernity is wrong simply because they can't or won't fit in.

If this picture accomplished anything, it deepened the American suspicion of all things and all people from the Middle East. One minor and somewhat amusing thing I noticed: our main character never could get a decent shave -- even on the Big Day.

The Fabulous Dorseys (1947)

Terrible Acting, but the music is worth it

[7/10 · 17 July 2007]

The condition of the print that was transferred to DVD was just awful. This was no bootleg, either. It's the commercially available disc. That is a pity. Worse is the ham-handed acting and Irish accents think enough to cut with a dull knife. Even Barry Fitzgerald never laid it on that thick.

However... for me, it as all worth it to see Helen O'Connell sing "Green Eyes." Oh yes! So, I hold with many of the others' views: watch this for the music and skip the rest.

It would be a help if the print could be restored to a decent condition and a disc transfer made from that. However, the overall quality of the movie and, sadly, the lack of general interest in good music of the Swing Era, probably doesn't justify the expense.

Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's (1997)

Great Sentimental Material

[9/10 · 3 July 2007]

My late father was in "the business" and I had some exposure to the Hollywood crowd in the 60's. I was never lucky enough to dine at Chasen's, but wish I had been. This eatery, along with Scandia, The Brown Derby and Cyrano's have all closed now, victims of neglect. The current clientèle are too health conscious to ever want the truly delicious fare and wonderfully elegant ambiance of a Chasen's. The closest thing we still have to such a place is Musso Frank's on Hollywood Blvd. I have eaten there and am very glad it's still around. You can enter that place and suspend disbelief: it becomes the 1940's and Boogie or Grant or "Stanny" (Barbara Stanwyk) might come walking in at any moment....or so I began to believe after savoring a truly fine vodka martini at the bar.

So this documentary did bring back a feeling to me and a longing for those times, my now deceased parents and a sense of loss of a Hollywood that had some real class.

Kansas Pacific (1953)

The "Lone Ranger" as a bad guy!

[8/10 · 25 June 2007]

I can't recall Clayton Moore as anyone but the "brave masked man," but here he is as a bad guy with no mask. I'd say that counts as irony.

Also: who ever heard of a main character named "Mr. Bruce" in the Westerns. I think I know the source of the name, as my dad wrote the script. The same goes for the daughter, Barbara. If they had a daughter, my folks planned to name her Barbara. Three years later, they did and my sister's name is Barbara.

The memorable quotes struck a chord with me, especially when Mr. Bruce says that no one pushes him around -- except his daughter and his wife. Such dry humor was a hallmark of my father and I miss it and, of course, him.

The Line of Beauty (2006)

Plot? Point?

[2/10 · 8 June 2007]

Perhaps I couldn't find the DVD menu selection for PLOT: ON OFF. Clearly, the default is OFF. When the end credits began to roll, I couldn't believe that was it. Like our poor, but beautiful protagonist, I felt used, dirty, cheap....

The characters were drawn in very broad strokes and the writer's disdain for wealthy Thatcherites was all to apparent. I consider myself a "Roosevelt Democrat", but would appreciate a bit more subtlety.

Of course, the problem could be with me. I see that many others seem to find some meaning or message in this picture. Alas, not I.

The only thing that kept me from giving this a "1" was the nice scenery, human and plant.

Captains Courageous (1996 TV Movie)

Excellent period piece -- until they reach land

[9/10 · 8 June 2007]

We are clearly informed at the outset that the year is 1934. That works fine -- until we reach the quaint New England village, strewn with 1939 and newer cars. Our protagonist's limousine, for the record, is a 1939 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five. Nice car....five years from then! There were plenty of '40 and '41 GM makes lying around the church parking lot, too.

I take pains to mention this because it's such an easy thing to prevent and it harms the emotional climax of the picture because you are constantly reminded that it's just a movie with chronological errors.

Absent the anachronisms, an excellent picture.

The Gumball Rally (1976)

Fun, escapist viewing

[8/10 · 6 September 2005]

I think we've all wanted to defy the law and drive like crazy for the thrill of it. Usually, our adult minds consider the serious legal, personal and professional consequences of going nuts on the road, though. But, what if... That is, what if you had plenty of money in the bank and no one seemed to mind if you didn't show up for work or accepted your explanation that you'd be away "somewhere" for a week or so. Lest we forget all of the expensive ground support for you along the way. The Ferrari pit crew and mechanized, ramp-quipped tractor trailer come to mind. Nor would it hurt to have bumbling cops all along the way who never seem to think to call ahead to the next states. After all, this is not the first "Gumball Rally".

However, if you suspend disbelief and just roll with it, "Gumball Rally" is great fun and pretty funny. Watching those hot cars and hearing some great engines flat out is satisfying, too.

I just got my new DVD of the movie and the print and sound are excellent.

So, put your modern viewpoint aside, forget about fuel costs, insurance premiums and potential felony reckless driving citations...and just enjoy!