padutchland-1 Reviews

Quest for the Bay (2002– )

Just some thoughts

[9/10 · 17 January 2021]

I just finished watching this film which was divided into five episodes. I've not written a review for quite a while, but felt compelled to add some thoughts. You can see in a couple other reviews what the film is about, so no need for me to repeat. I gave it a 9 rating because I watched it over several days, an episode at a time, and kept coming back for more. There have been quite a few shows that I've not bothered to come back even for the second episode. Can't speak for anyone else, but for me personally, several good things stood out, but with one complaint. The camera work was excellent. I could not have been easy to keep a camera steady with interesting shots while holding on to a pitching boat. The scenery along the river to a story in itself as to the dangers being faced traveling a treacherous and unforgiving river. A story was told of eight people who started as strangers, worked together as 1840 working York men in triumphs and failures, and persevered to the end. I was impressed with each and every member including the one woman who carried herself well and did her duty like the others. OK, my one complaint is the writing for the story teller. The narration was fine and well done. I just could not understand why he had to keep telling us of events coming up. It's like going to a movie theater and a guy behind you is telling his buddy what is coming up in the next scene. We'd rather watch and discover ourselves. Otherwise though, nice job done by all. I was surprised to see that this film was done almost 20 years ago and I'd never heard of it. Makes one wonder, what are those people doing today? How did the trip change their lives? Did the river trip cause them to do something different with their lives than they had planned? Bottom line, if you get a chance to watch this documentary, do so. It's great entertainment and gives you hope for humanity to work together in the greater good.

Manhunt (2019–2021)

True-life stories are often a difficult transition to film - this one made it

[9/10 · 14 March 2019]

This is just a quick review, or more apt a few quick comments, because others will provide plenty of story info. I gave a rating of 9 because I've watched many detective shows (along with others) and I sometimes use the fast forward on time wasting scenes. I never touched the fast forward on Manhunt. I was totally immersed and never lost interest in this gripping story. Seeing Martin Clunes in a very non Doc Martin part was most illuminating. Any actor who can nail performances from basically both ends of the spectrum, is a very good actor. So hats off to Mr. Clunes and well done, which also shines a light of appreciation on the dedication of real life DCI Colin Sutton. In addition to the starring parts I also like to look for supporting players who stick in the mind so tip of the hat to Katie Lyons, Stephen Wight and what a scary villain played by Celyn Jones (probably a teddy bear in real life). All in all a very well done muder movie, but alas, too bad it happened in real life.

Agatha Raisin (2014– )

Look for the similarities, not the differences

[9/10 · 4 February 2019]

No movie or TV show is like the book(s). Well, maybe Godfather 1. But I think this one follows the thoughtline of author MC Beaton close enough that we can recognize many similarities and storylines. As a long time MC Beaton mystery fan, I was a bit surprised by the screen Agatha played by Ashley Jensen. She is certainly not the picture I had of bear eyed Agatha in the books. So I think of her as a younger version. However, Jensen won me over through great acting, exhibiting no doubt that she had the same attibutes and failings of book Agatha. In fact, she nailed the part in her own way, not the same in looks but absolutely capturing the persona of the character. The supporting players were outstanding as well and they were easily recognized from the books. Unlike the women in and out of the stories, sprucing themselves up to make goo-goo eyes at the latest new man to the village, there is one with understated beauty that you might miss. The wife of the reverend, looking the part of clergy family, Sarah Bloxby as played by Lucy Liemann with straight hair and a plain look about her goes unappreciated. But when she smiles in closeups, her face lights up the screen. She is also able to handle very difficult scenes. The four men around Agatha (Wong, Silver, Fraith and Lacy) play their parts so very well, and close to the books. DCI Wilkes played by Jason Barnett keeps us laughing with comedy and Agatha's cleaning lady Katy Wix was missed in this last episode. Hopefully she will be coming back. "All in all", I say job well done by the whole crew and keep up the good work! I'm sure there will be some put off by any differences from the books. Try to separate the two and enjoy the show for the writing and acting that is so expertly presented.

The Paradise (2012–2013)

Don't hesitate to watch this two season show

[31 October 2015]

This is not to summarize the show, that's been done by others. I've read some disparaging remarks about both the show and the actors. I almost did not watch this show on Netflix because of the comments. One poster said it had a horrible ending that made no sense, etc. Another poster has made very unkind comments about some of the actor's abilities. I did not want to take the time to get into two full seasons of a show that had mediocre acting and a poorly written ending. I watched the first episode anyway, then the second. They were very good but I still didn't want to take the plunge. Therefore, a couple of months went by before I watched another episode, then another and another until I said "oh what the heck!" It was pulling me back night after night until I came to the last episode quite expecting to be disappointed in the ending (due to posted comments). I can tell you honestly, and in my humble opinion, that I don't know what those other two posters were watching. The Paradise produced wonderful acting in all parts (remember, these folks are being directed) and there wasn't a thing wrong with the ending. Which brings me back to my summary line - "don't hesitate to watch this two season show!" I believe you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed it.

Lionelville: Destination Adventure (2009 Video)

This DVD Lionelville is only part 1 of the animated story

[6/10 · 27 January 2014]

I stumbled up a DVD Lionelville, new and sealed, at a flea market. I am writing a short notice here to warn anyone else who may discover the DVD somewhere. At the end of this animated movie it says "the adventure continues" and then "Lionelville Destination: Frontierville! coming soon...". That is the end of the DVD which takes the viewer only part-way through the story, probably halfway. This DVD was made in 2009 and a check on the Internet and at Lionel.com shows no further DVDs made for the story. Therefore, you are left hanging. Lionel.com shows the 2009 DVD but nothing further and when one clicks on the link it comes up no information, error. I'm taking that to mean that the follow-up DVD and end of the animated story was never finished. I could be wrong of course, but I see no mention of a second DVD. This DVD and animated story were nicely done with a good story line. It reminds you of Polar Express. There are evil bad guys is this so there are scary parts and not recommended for younger children. I wondered why Lionel would make a cartoon movie about trains, that is too scary for young children. It is about a couple of scientists who develop a surreal experience for people to feel that they are actually on an old time steam engine. A grandfather takes two grandkids, a girl and boy, on the ride. Their father and mother are part of the development team. Bad guys steal the engine with secret circuits and it sets off a reaction that sucks the parents and two of the bad guys into an alter universe of some kind made up of trains and towns, somewhat what it would be like to live in the towns on your platform. The grandfather takes care of the kids and eight years later they meet up with the head scientist and together they set out to get to Lionelville and find the parents while being chased by bad guys. They get away to Lionelville on a special engine and train made by the scientist. When they get there, they begin to look for the parents and the two bad guys are looking for them as well. That is where the part 1 DVD ends. The only thing I can think is that the first DVD didn't sell well, even though well made, and the costs do not allow for the making of a conclusion DVD to complete the story. Perhaps they have it as a project to be done in the future. Therefore, bottom line, if you come across this DVD, enjoy the animated story but know that the story does not conclude on the Lionelville DVD.

Short Grass (1950)

A good Western made better by top character actors.

[7/10 · 14 August 2012]

This movie is apparently very rare and out of print, as I do not see it available anywhere on the Internet. I was lucky to find it at a flea market in one of those cheaper looking yellow-sleeved Video Images Video Yesteryear VHS boxes. Generally, the movie is a Western about a tough, gun-handy cowboy named Steve Llewellyn (Rod Cameron) who wanders from Santa Fe into a New Mexico valley on the verge of big time cattle herd riches. The largest ranch is run by Hal Fenton (Morris Ankrum) and his hotheaded younger brother Randee. Fenton is determined to be the biggest all the way to the railroad spur and starts taking over smaller ranches by hook or crook. Llewellyn has violence in his past, which I do not believe is ever explained. Trying to mind his own business he ends up obtaining some hot lead from a Fenton ranch hand (Myron Healey). Then is found and nursed by female lead Cathy Downs playing Sharon Lynch living with her small rancher father Pete Lynch (Stanley Andrews). Cameron and Andrews end up going partners to buy the good range covered by SHORT GRASS that is no doubt how the movie obtained its title. To make a long story shorter, the middle of the movie has a good plot with Cameron linking up with some of the town folks led by none other than Johnny Mack Brown as the sheriff against the land grabbing Fenton. Not to give any more away, for fear of becoming a spoiler (although where the movie could be found I do not know), it is a back and forth struggle between (semi) good and evil. The movie was worth watching, still, I would have only rated it a six except for the outstanding shoot-em-up action at the end, which brought it up to at least a seven. OK, that is what the movie is about. I am now going to write a bit about the actors, which I think is important. This is strictly for those with an interest in actor's histories. This movie was made as good as it was by the character actors in it. The movie was loaded with character actors and I will name some further on. Rod Cameron in the lead was OK, but he has done better. Of the two leads, Cathy Downs was the winner hands down. In fact, she was an excellent actress in this and I wonder why she never became a big star. You may remember her as the lead in My Darling Clementine with Henry Fonda. Johnny Mack Brown was older here of course, but still doing a fairly good job. The real stars were the character actors. A good character actor carries many a movie and this one was chock-full of good character actors. Myron Healey had a shorter part but he was great as usual. You may not recognize the name but the face you would know. Morris Ankrum was the main bad guy and he was actually a university professor and lawyer before turning to movies. He often played the scientist in 1950's Sci-Fi's like Invaders From Mars and was the judge on the Perry Mason TV show. Raymond Walburn is another face easily recognized who played the doctor in this movie. Alan Hale, Jr. a character actor here, went on to become the Skipper on Gilligan's Island. Stanley Andrews became the Old Ranger himself on Death Valley Days. Then there was Jonathan Hale, Harry Woods (all time great bad guy), Tristram Coffin, Jeff York (Mike Fink on Disney's Davy Crockett), Lee Tung Foo, George J. Lewis (father of TVs Zorro and the man who led the Lone Ranger and other rangers into the big ambush) and others including a bit part by Kermit Maynard. Therefore, with all the character actors the movie is well worth seeing along with some very nice acting by Cathy Downs.

Who Killed Gail Preston? (1938)

Call it a murder - musical?

[7/10 · 7 August 2012]

A good old fashioned murder then investigation by the police, at times bumbling, with musical and dance numbers thrown in for good measure. It's no secret due to the title that Gail Preston is murdered. She is a big time singer in a night club. She had called the police inspector prior to the show and asked him to talk to her at the club. During her number, shots ring out and she collapses to the floor, murdered before she can meet with the Inspector. Just then the Inspector walks in and like the good old capers, has police officers surround the building and makes all the patrons return to their tables. There are a number of people with motives as the police follow up the clues. Rita Hayworth as a mean spirited singer who calls the shots for the club. She was very good in this early role and only about 20 years old at the time. There are some good dance routines with music making this a bit of a musical in a way - a murder musical? Also there was comedy relief with some of the police as well. Not the greatest movie you ever saw, but not bad either if you remember it was an early crime movie.

Girls Can Play (1937)

Two girls get mixed up with gangsters and newspapermen

[7/10 · 3 August 2012]

In the first scenes I thought it was going to be just another silly boy meets girl type of vehicle. However, the plot becomes thicker and thicker and develops quite nicely. A newspaper man is sent out to get a story about one of the girls trying to get a job and meets Julie Bishop who he romances. He is more interested in getting the story on a shady character. Rita Hayworth was an up and comer of about 19 when this was released in 1937. She played her part with real maturity and ability. She had natural beauty even then and is seen wearing shorts as part of a girl's softball team. Not a big deal but thought I should mention it. Rita is an innocent girl but is involved with a gangster type pretending that he is a businessman. He is waiting with his cronies to make a lucrative deal which is a phony, then split. The two girls are on the same softball team and end up in danger from the gangsters. That's about all I can say without this being a spoiler. You've got the idea. By the way Guinn "Big Boy" Williams is in this as the police lieutenant. This movie was quite a bit better than I had expected and was well worth watching.

Degas and the Dancer (1998 TV Movie)

The acting was incredibly good!

[8/10 · 18 April 2011]

I watched a set of six video tapes in this Artists' Specials series, each about a different artist. This one was the best by far. The others were good but this one was great. I'm not going to recount the story, you can read that in the other reviews (none since 2000) and summary. I just wanted to post that this is a short movie well worth watching and you don't have to be interested in either art or dancing. Hat off to Thomas Jay Ryan as Degas and Alison Pill (all grown up now)- both displayed absolutely top notch acting ability. I saw Mr. Ryan in the Mary Cassatt tape first and thought he was a good actor, then this movie confirmed it. He needs to be in more films.

Sugarfoot: The Wild Bunch (1959) Season 3, Episode 2

Sugarfoot takes a job as a school teacher and finds larger students can be trouble

[7/10 · 22 February 2011]

One of three shows I found on a video tape at a yard sale, this one is The Wild Bunch but has no similarity to the movie of the same title. Tom Sugarfoot Brewster (Will Hutchins) arrives in a new town to accept a job as legal assistant to the local lawyer. The lawyer's daughter (lovely Connie Stevens) makes eyes at Tom right away. With no job to be had he accepts the one-room schoolhouse teacher's job where for some reason, previous teachers don't stay long. First day on the job he finds out why when three boys as big as he, cause trouble, led by the largest (a young Troy Donahue). Sugarfoot goes out to Troy's ranch to talk to his father who turns out is damming up the water for the whole area which is driving people out of town. The trouble is mostly caused by Donahue's cousin (played by Ray Danton) who arrived a couple of years before and has been instigating trouble ever since. Plenty of fights and gun play. Well written and acted and much better than the usual TV western.

Sugarfoot: MacBrewster the Bold (1959) Season 3, Episode 3

Sugarfoot is visited by relatives from Scotland as he takes a Deputy Marshal job

[7/10 · 22 February 2011]

Found a video tape at a yard sale with 3 Sugarfoot shows on it. This one is McBrewster the Bold where Tom Brewster (Will Hutchins) takes a job as Deputy only to learn that he is also the Marshal. As he tries to lay down the law to the bad guys in the saloon, three of his relatives from Scotland arrive on the stagecoach. They are all decked out in full Scot outfits including the broad blade swords. The bad guys get the best of Tom but he is rescued by his relatives who tell him he has become the Laird back in Scotland. So the story is basically Tom and his three Scotsmen against the bag guys. The story is a little on the silly side but still a good one, just more of a light hearted type. Not yet mentioned in IMDb's cast is Ruta Lee who plays Ann Harrison. I recognized that beautiful face and big eyes right away and sure enough her name was in the credits. Tom thinks she is sweet on him but she also seems to have an eye for the leader of the three. Also recognizable as the bad guy was Myron Healey as Ben Cadigan. Seems he was always playing the bad guy. The three Scotsmen were all experienced character actors and along with the rest of the cast they made it a great show. One of the Scotsmen was Allan Caillou. I looked him up on IMDb and find that before fame as an actor, he worked for the British Intelligence during WWII and operated behind the lines in Tunisia and Libya as well as police work in other countries. One never knows the background of some actors, especially the ones of the Greatest Generation. A fun show to watch.

Sugarfoot: The Bullet and the Cross (1958) Season 1, Episode 19

Sugarfoot tries to help a man accused of killing his own fiancée

[7/10 · 22 February 2011]

Found a video at a yard sale with three Sugarfoot shows. This one is The Bullet and the Cross. If I told you what that title meant I would be giving away part of the ending, not allowed to do that. But Brewster (Sugarfoot played by Will Hutchins) becomes friends with a local man named Cliff Raven who is also studying the law (Charles Bronson). They are about to leave for a nearby town to watch a murder trial for their studies when the Sheriff shows up with his deputy to arrest Raven for the murder of his own girl friend. Figuring he will be hung as a half-breed, Raven takes off. Sugarfoot wants him to stand trial and clear himself. He tracks him to a mine where they both become trapped. Sorry, can't reveal the ending. But with the top acting talents of Hutchins and Bronson, along with good character actors and good writing, it is a western worth enjoying.

The Rebel: Miz Purdy (1961) Season 2, Episode 29

Johnny helps a woman fight marauders

[7/10 · 21 February 2011]

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "Miz Purdy" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma who comes upon the bodies of two men and a woman murdered ruthlessly on their farm. He rides for help and stops at the next farm where he is held prisoner by a rifle wielding lone woman who is afraid he is one of the marauders pillaging the area. The lady is played by the always lovely Patricia Breslin who you may remember from Peyton Place but I remember from People's Choice 1950s TV show opposite talented Jackie Cooper. Always a great actress. In watching Nick Adams in these shows I've been impressed with his talent as well. Anyway, Johnny finally gets her to accept him and just in time as the marauders arrive at her farm. Sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows.

The Rebel: The Last Drink (1961) Season 2, Episode 24

Johnny tries to talk his young cousin out of life as a gun slinger

[7/10 · 21 February 2011]

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "The Last Drink" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma tracks down his young cousin who is waiting at a cabin for a gun fighter to arrive. The kid is taking a job as a gun slinger. The man he is waiting for (Tom Drake)is a gun fighter who will show the kid the ropes. Johnny was sent by the boy's parents to bring him home. Johnny tries to talk him out of it, but the kid is set on what he thinks is a life of excitement and money. The gun slinger is an alcoholic and the gossip is that the bottle is slowing him down. His trail is being dogged by a would be gun slinger (Steve Marlo) trying to make a name for himself. You get the idea but sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows. Tom Drake was older in this one but I recognized his face and looked him up. He was the boy next door in Meet Me In Saint Louis whom Judy Garland sang about. Saw his face in a bunch of others as well. Steven Marlo perhaps not as well known but an actor with a long list of characters played in TV shows going back into the 1950s.

The Rebel: Shriek of Silence (1961) Season 2, Episode 27

Johnny kills a man in a gunfight then takes charge of his son

[21 February 2011]

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "Shriek of Silence" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma is trying to eat his meal in a saloon when a rebel hater forces him into a gun fight. Johnny then discovers the man had a teenage son played by Tommy Nolan (a fine actor with a familiar face). Yvette Vickers is in this story and tells Johnny that she used to watch the boy who does not talk or seem to hear since his mother's death. Johnny decides to take the boy to an orphanage in hopes someone can help him. The boy hates Johnny for killing his father and Johnny will have to win his trust. In the mean time, two outlaws who were partners of the boy's father, are looking for money he hid from them. They find Yvette does not know, so they decide to go after the boy thinking he must know where the money is and they will make him show them. Sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows.

The Rebel: The Found (1961) Season 2, Episode 38

Johnny finds an outlaw's wife in child labor in a remote cabin.

[7/10 · 21 February 2011]

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "The Found" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma is traveling through a mountain range and comes upon two men at a camp fire. He says hi and next thing he knows there are a half a dozen guns on him as a sheriff and posse come out of the trees. They are looking for an outlaw and once they determine that Johnny is not he, let him on his way. Johnny then comes upon a cabin with a woman screaming inside who turns out to be the wife of the outlaw and in child labor. With the posse and bounty hunters looking for the outlaw, the wife Sally tells Johnny where to find him. Johnny sets out to bring the outlaw back to the cabin. Sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows.

The Rebel: Decision at Sweetwater (1961) Season 2, Episode 32

Johnny Yuma runs into trouble riding the stagecoach

[7/10 · 21 February 2011]

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "Decision at Sweetwater" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma is a passenger on the stagecoach along with a rich mine owner, his wife and son and the painted lady run out of town. Story is somewhat similar to the movie Stagecoach that gave John Wayne his big start. Except it's not Indians on the warpath this time, it is a small band of outlaws out to get what is in the strongbox. They plan on meeting the stage at the Way Station. During the ride, the mine owner is rude to the painted lady played by Yvette Vickers (Playmate of month July 1959), while the wife and boy try to be friendly. Ms Vickers has more than beauty though, she was an excellent actress besides. Once at the station where the outlaws are waiting with guns ready....sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows.

Wagon Train: The Elizabeth McQueeny Story (1959) Season 3, Episode 5

Bette Davis joins the wagon train with a troupe of showgirls

[7/10 · 22 April 2010]

Wagon Master Seth Adams (Ward Bond) accepts a group of young ladies under the care of their "teacher" Bette Davis. She tells Seth that she is taking them west to start a girls' finishing school. They are actually entertainers or dancers and she is planning to start a first class saloon or entertainment palace. This fact isn't learned until they are well under way on the trip. Major Adams has to deal with the wives of the men on the wagon train, who want the attention grabbing young ladies sent away. Another actor, calling himself a Count and played by Robert Strauss (Stalag 17), is brought into camp by Indians saying he tried to steal from them including a woman. Bette Davis hires him to drive their wagon. One of the show girls falls in love with the son of one of the women of the wagon train. Just when Major Adams thinks things can't get more nasty, Spotten Fever hits the train. With so many sick and in danger of death, it is Bette Davis and her girls who pitch in and nurse the ill. Nothing more can be said without revealing the ending, however it can be said that Bette Davis was at her usual best.

Wagon Train: The Colter Craven Story (1960) Season 4, Episode 9

A tormented doctor joins the wagon train

[8/10 · 22 April 2010]

Ward Bond as Wagon Train master Seth Adams finds a wagon on the prairie, with a broken wheel and axle. He accepts the two occupants into the wagon train, an alcoholic doctor and his wife. The doctor (Carleton Young) is tormented by memories of his inability to save lives during the slaughter of the Civil War. Consequently, he finds himself unable to perform surgeon duties and turns to the bottle. His long suffering wife (Anna Lee) stays by his side hoping for him to come back to his former self. During the trip, the doctor does a wonderful job setting the broken leg of a little boy on the wagon train. Crossing desert conditions, the wagon train stops by an outpost to get water. It is run by John Carradine and his two sons, one being Ken Curtis (acting curiously like his later part in Gunsmoke). Carradine in his wonderfully characteristic bad guy ability, wants the wagon train to pay very high amounts for barrels of water, but Ward Bond refuses and they make for the distant river without it. Carradine and sons hope to see them discard heavy items they can pick up to make them richer. The test comes for the doctor when a pregnant woman needs a cesarean operation. He is the only one that can do it but his hands just won't work due to his preoccupation with his Civil War failures. This is where it gets interesting as Seth Adams tells him the story of U.S. Grant (Paul Birch) and his drinking during the war and how he pulled himself together. There is a long flashback scene where many of the John Ford company appear. In fact, this episode was directed by John Ford. John Wayne appears in darkened background as General Sherman but you could tell it was him with that walk and voice. His name credit was Michael Morris a form of his real name. Also seen were Hank Worden (old Mose in The Searchers) and Jack Pennick (Sgt. Major in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon), and Willis Bouchey (Col Secord in The Horse Soldiers). That's the general idea, but I won't spoil the ending. Let's just say it was a wonderfully done episode of Wagon Train with many familiar faces.

Deadly Strangers (1975)

Answer to Guenot and opinion

[8/10 · 20 July 2009]

Guenot - I took that scene to mean that Hayley went into the station and killed the female attendant. If you remember the scene before, she saw the girl flirting with Simon Ward while she pumped the gasoline. Hayley had a weird look on her face, some kind of jealousy. There was no indication of rape that I saw, just that the girl was murdered. The murder wasn't shown purposely so that you wouldn't know who did it, but would suspect Simon (red herring). Therefore, I think we can safely conclude that Hayley did it, then climbed back into the car before Simon returned.

Simon Ward did a great job playing James Herriot in the All Creatures Great and Small movie. And good old Sterling Hayden still knew how to turn in a great performance near the end of his career. Of course, all of Hayley's male fans are very appreciative of her bare bottom bathtub scene. All in all, it was a very good film and I liked the Hitchcock feel that ran throughout it. Recommended to all suspense movie fans.

The Hardy Boys Unmasked (2006 Video)

Hardy Boys Tom and Tim 50 years later

[9/10 · 1 February 2008]

This was a short that is on the DVD set of the first Hardy Boys show on Disney's Mickey Mouse show. It was most enjoyable to watch and had the feel of friends sitting around talking about fond old times. Although the boys are 50 years older than the 1956 show, one can definitely recognize them. You can see the same engaged energy in Tommy Kirk's eyes as he remembers many things from those early Disney years. Tim still has that laid back personality as when he played Frank Hardy. Tommy remembers more details of those years than Tim. Both are obviously intelligent men. I think the difference was that Tommy somehow knew that those were going to be the good old days and he paid more attention and absorbed every minute. Tim pays Tom some nice compliments to his acting ability and both agreed that the other was a professional actor. There were many laughs and some good natured joking. All in all, a most enjoyable and informative piece.

Cinderella (1957 TV Movie)

DVD of this wonderful musical is available

[19 February 2007]

I bought the DVD and watched it right away. My reason is that I am a Julie Andrews fan and wanted to see her in one of her earliest film performances. This was filmed live on TV in 1957 - Julie was only about 22 years old, yet even then she possessed her special qualities. According to the extra interviews on the DVD, Cinderella had one rehearsal, then a dress rehearsal and then the live performance. It was a smash hit with the public. Apparently this video has been shown on PBS lately. The back of the DVD shows 2004 release from the estate of Oscar Hammerstein II and the family trust U/W Richard Rogers. I urge the purchase of the DVD, not only for the performance of Cinderella but the extra interviews and information available as special features. There is a short of Rogers and Hamerstein on the Ed Sullivan show. You can see the then and now of Kaye Ballard, Jon Cypher, Edie Adams and Julie Andrews (who is still a most beautiful, graceful and highly intelligent woman). Interestingly, the Prince was played by Jon Cypher who was also the police captain on Hill Street Blues, among other works. See Edie Adams twirling a baton (magic wand) as well as a majorette. The entire company's performance was flawless as far as the viewer is concerned. I'm sure there were little errors made that were known only by the performers, but none came across the screen. What you see and hear is a perfect production on all counts. Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, so there is no need to repeat it here. The storyline was kept in it's original time period, there was no puff person trying to modernize an already good story. If you like a good, quality musical you will like this one. If you like Julie Andrews, you will like Cinderella. Enjoy it if you get the opportunity.

The Texans (1938)

Probably reflects the real post war Texas

[7/10 · 28 December 2006]

Some of today's viewers might be a bit put off by what they see as racism in the beginning. Just remember not to judge other times by the current time in which you dwell. Black Union soldiers did make themselves unwelcome in post Civil War South. Carpetbaggers did go to the South to take advantage. The South WAS desperately poor after the war and unfair taxes were levied. These are historical facts which do not take sides. The writer took the facts and the attitudes, of both sides, and wove them into this story. Randolph Scott as a former Confederate who wanted the country reunited instead of taken over by Mexico. He said that all Yankees were not like the ones pushing their way around Texas, as he had met them in the war. The Union officer felt the same about many former Confederates. The movie showed this as the beginning of understanding between former foes. The acting was good. Perhaps one of Scott's better performances. Mae Robson was great and reminded me of Beula Bondi. Robert Cummings (well before his TV successes) was the former Confederate officer who could not accept the loss of the war. Joan Bennett was beautiful as the center of the love triangle between Scott, Cummings and herself. Character actors brought the film along quite well as they often do - Walter Brennan, Raymond Hatton, Frances Ford, Robert Barrat, Harvey Stephens. And there was Richard Denning with a small speaking part before his Mr. North fame. There was a most believable fight scene in the streets between Union troops and former confederates. It was well directed. There was an action scene of wagons, horses and cattle running from brush fire set by Indians that was very well done considering this was before digital special effects. The movie moved along nicely from the very beginning with plenty of Western excitement. Be sure to catch this Western if you get the chance. Although it has some twists and turns, it is still a good old fashioned Western.

The Texas Rangers (1936)

Well made Western - well worth seeing

[8/10 · 28 December 2006]

This Western from back in 1936. It doesn't have the fancy special effects, nor color, nor big budget, etc. But it will stand up to just about any Western made today. In glorious black and white, it is one to see when you get the opportunity. Fred MacMurray is the star and does one of his best jobs of acting (seemed more relaxed), Jack Oakie (a great character actor with just the right touch of humor), Lloyd Nolan (who played the bad guy so well) and Jean Parker (the pretty girl who tames MacMurray). The story starts out with three friends who rob stage coaches until a posse catches up to them and they have to split up. MacMurray and Oakie become Texas Rangers with the idea of getting inside info for more hold ups. But experience with the Rangers and a smart girl turn the boys toward the side of the law. Problem is that LLoyd Nolan is still on the opposite side of the law and causing problems. Not to give anything away, but you can guess the ultimate showdown arrives. In between is plenty of action and exciting Indian attacks. Don't miss this one if you like Cowboys and Indians.

Swing Into Spring! (1959 TV Movie)

Swing music at its best TOP PERFORMERS

[9/10 · 23 December 2006]

This is a 1959 TV show titled "Swing Into Spring" and is a showcase for Benny Goodman and his orchestra plus top performers of the day...Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, The Hi-Los, a young Andre Previn at the piano, Jack Lesberg, Shelly Manne, Matt Mattox and a new discovery at the time, 20 year old Donna Musgrove. She could really belt out a song as she was accompanied by the Hi-Los for the show. Guess she didn't have anyone to help her in show biz or decided to take another path in life. But she had singing talent, good looks and personality. I sometimes wonder what became of people like her. Benny Goodman said she had won an audition at the Iowa State Teachers College. Plenty of dancers too. The whole show is very professionally done and quick moving. See Benny play the licorice stick and Lionel pound that xylophone like vibraphone. Peggy & Ella give stand-out singing performances with classic songs. I found this video at a local flea market and slipped it into the VCR and I was glad I did. If you have an ear for rap music or heavy metal, you probably won't like this. However, anyone who can appreciate good music and classic talent will love it.