DS3520 Reviews

Stranger Fruit (2017)

Prejudicial nonsense!

[10 August 2020]

Without a doubt, THE most blatantly partisan so-called "documentary" ever set to film! Jason Pollack's name should be shunned forever aa "documentary film maker! It is clear as clear can be that Michael Brown's "history" made quite clear that he was a career criminal in the making! He was hardly the "pure as the driven snow" individual he has been depicted by friends and family! Pollack's slanted film makes it appear that Officer Wilson was a predator who viciously killed this fine young Black man, who was innocently walking down the street, Lies, lies, and more lies, disproven by the facts! Facts, which Pollack's chooses to cavalierly dismiss as a "cover up," because the truth does not fit in with his agenda to depict Michael Brown as the "good guy!"

Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)

Evelyn Varden.......What a character !!

[10/10 · 30 July 2018]

A fine flick, and a very engrossing storyline! The cast was excellent, each of them giving superb characterizations, but one is a STAND OUT!! That is the marvelous character actress, Evelyn Varden. She gave it her all in so many of the films in which she appeared.......most notably "Pinky," "The Bad Seed," "Night of the Hunter," and most especially, "Phone Call From a Stranger." She could play it "soft" or "tough," but TOUGH suited her really well! Such a fine character actress, who added tremendously to films in which she appeared! What a pity that we could not have seen her in so many other films before she passed from the scene!

F.I.S.T. (1978)

A HIT!!

[10/10 · 17 May 2018]

Without a doubt, "F.IS.T." Is not merely Stallone's finest film performances, but one hell of a knockout performance! A thinly veiled account of the career of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, this film is engrossing from beginning to end. The entire cast give believable performances, but it is Stallone to whom acting honors must go! Even the makeup job on cast members is believable, as the characters age over the years from "Kovack's" (Stallone's character) early rise to the time he reaches the pinnacle of power as a controversial national labor leader. The story holds your interest, as he makes his way up the ladder, first as a reluctant union organizer to finally heading up the most powerful labor group in the country. "F.I.ST." Is a picture that is not to be missed. No movie lover can fail to appreciate a film that has all the elements of fine movie-making........compelling story and excellent performances

Stagecoach (1939)

Scene Stealer Berton Churchill

[22 April 2014]

"Stagecoach" is deservedly a classic of the Western genre, most prominently remembered today as the flick that launched John Wayne's career as a major motion picture star. The picture boasts a fine supporting cast, but undoubtedly among them, it is veteran character actor Berton Churchill's blustery and obnoxious portrayal of the crooked banker, "Gatewood," that stands out! Churchill was a familiar face in many pictures of the period, but is a name that is long forgotten by all but the most dedicated fans of films of Hollywood's "Golden Age." He certainly left behind a memorable performance in "Stagecoach."

Bedlam (1946)

The institution was a horror, but the film is a horror gem!

[10/10 · 30 October 2012]

Not perhaps a "horror" film in the vernacular of today, but undoubtedly a darkly suspenseful tale, highlighted by what is one of Boris Karloff's most menacing performances. As "Sims," the Apothecary General of "Bedlam," Karloff is delightfully sinister as he engages in a duel of wits with Anna Lee's character of "Nell Bowen," played out against the horrors of the 18th century lunatic asylum of St. Mary's of Bethlehem. The story is compelling, the background music perfectly blended to both the story and the time period in which the story takes place, and the literate script is a delight to the ear! The supporting players all add their talents to making the story consistently interesting, but it is surely Karloff and Lee to whom acting honors rightfully belong! "Bedlam" is definitely an underrated gem that must rank as one of VAL Lewton's BEST films. The story builds suspense right up to the end, with an unexpected twist that audiences will find deservedly satisfying.

Cry Terror! (1958)

Will Keep You On the Edge of Your Seat!!

[9/10 · 15 May 2012]

A genuine nail biter, from start to finish! This film is guaranteed to keep you in suspense from beginning to end! Led by Rod Steiger, who gives a riveting performance as the psycho-kidnapper, the rest of the cast performs most ably, lending considerable credulity to the storyline. Acting honors must go to the underrated Inger Stevens, whose career was tragically shortened by her untimely death. She lends just the right note of hysteria as the wife and mother whose family is being held, as she is made to follow the demands of the kidnap gang members in order to secure their safe release. The film also gives us some great shots of the NYC of the period, particularly the West Side Highway and other notable spots in the city.

Phantom of the Rue Morgue (1954)

This "Phantom" is a Scary Flick!!

[8/10 · 28 January 2012]

This version of "Phantom of the Rue Morgue" is far superior to the earlier Bela Lugosi version in virtually every respect! Firstly, the music score by David Buttolph adds a sinister spine tingling note that heightens the element of fright. The cast members, all of them, led by Karl Malden and the underestimated Claude Dauphin as the Inspector, move the plot along and ably hold the audience's attention as the story unfolds. The mood, the period, the locale of turn-of-the-century Paris are all re-created very well by Director Roy Del Ruth. The garish hues of Warner Color, too, heighten the imagery. Having first seen this flick more than half a century ago as a young boy, I was terrified then. Given some of what makes it to the screen these days, "Phantom" is, indeed, quite tame by comparison! Nonetheless, it is a very entertaining horror flick of the period

The Great Garrick (1937)

"The Great Garrick" Lays an Egg!

[1/10 · 27 January 2012]

"The Great Garrick" is truly one of the very worst of Warner Brothers' productions of the 1930s. The studio which, during this period, gave us such diverse classics as "Forty-Second Street," "Charge of the Light Brigade," "Public Enemy." and "I Was a Fugitive From a Chain Gang" among others, failed miserably with this utterly dreadful exercise in film making! Audience reaction must surely have ranged from weary to teeth gnashing! Something akin to fingernails scratching against a blackboard! This is difficult to believe when one considers that the cast is first-rate, led by Brian Aherne in the title role, ably paired with the always lovely Olivia DeHavilland. A stalwart group of character actors, including Edward Everett Horton, Lionel Atwill, and Melville Cooper provide support........but even THEIR presence cannot save this flick from its tedium and sheer silliness! Three cheers to Warner Brothers for the splendid entertaining flicks that studio has provided us with during the Golden Age.........but this God-awful turkey must rank up there with the equally inane "Boy Meets Girl" as among the very worst they had to offer the film-going public!