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Reviews
Ben Casey: For the Ladybug, One Dozen Roses (1962)
Luck and the perception of its effects
Cliff Robertson plays a WWII and Korea Veteran and Decorated Fighter Pilot who has come under the care of Ben Casey and staff. Through a few coincidences he befriends and coaches a Navajo boy. The boy fears the number 4 and Cliff fears a 13th surgery which Dr. Casey finds necessary to solve his reoccurring spinal infections.
I remember this episode from its first air date in 1961 as it amazed by Mr. Robertson's acting skills. This was a few years before he portrayed JFK and rumor has it was selected for the part based on this Ben Casey episode.
Pay extra-close attention when Mr. Robertson and the boy roll-play flying a plane. If this moment does not tear you up, you have no reason to be a father or know what one should do.
The title refers to Mr. Robertson's affection for Dr. Maggie Graham played by the stunningly beautiful Bettye Ackerman - famous for guest staring in several Perry Mason episodes plus being married to Sam Jaffe (Dr. Zorba).
The plot is a bit weak in that the medical aspects - even for 10961 - are a bit out dated but necessary to bring change to the Navajo boy. .
Bonjour Anne (2016)
Chick Flick for Francophiles
What some of the reviewers ae missing is that this film can be viewed from several perspectives and yet be enjoyed by those differing views.
The easy view is as a Chick Flick.
The heroine (Dianne Lane) ultimately wins in the face of discovering that her husband (Alec Baldwin -playing in a manner so you will not like him, which I suppose is acting naturally) cares much more for almost anything more so than his wife. Ms. lane is showing her age and appears to be more of a suffering type here, but wants to win the day if allowed to.
The next view is as a lover of France.
You see, there is Paris and there is France and those of us who know the difference know that the France countryside is well worth the time spent enjoying it. The second time that you watch the film, look up the locations and follow along. Food and wine play a big role in this film and you will get an education of Rhone whites and Reds just by keeping score of the wines drunk.
Third is the story of change.
The hero (Arnaud Viard - whom I must admit I struggle trying to understand his speaking throughout the film) represents the French culture. Ms. Lane represents being a wife and mother, the California life and affluence as Hollywood has made for her - only slightly mentioned . The process of the film is that Arnaud is stuck firmly in his culture and Dianne slowly starts to move his direction.
Last, the film is about forgiveness and moving on as both stars share stories of loss.
So get a bottle of Chateau Neuf de Pape, a loaf of bread and some chocolate as you watch the movie move along. The ending is well worth your attention.