FILM DIARY FOR AUGUST 2021

 All films are first watches unless marked with *.

1. THE GUNFIGHTER (1950)

Part Western and part psychological study starring Gregory Peck in a brilliant, nuanced performance. Featuring Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell, Karl Malden, Jean Parker, Richard Jaeckel, Skip Homeier.

2. THE PEOPLE VS. DR. KILDARE (1941)

3. DR. KILDARE'S WEDDING DAY (1941)

4. DR. KILDARE'S VICTORY (1942) 

The last three of nine films in this series. Lew Ayers as the amiable Kildare, Laraine Day as Nurse Mary Lamont, his love interest, and Lionel Barrymore as the cantankerous Dr. Gillespie. An enjoyable series of films, although Dr. Gillespie's blustering can be a bit much.

5. ABSOLUTE POWER (1997)

Exciting story concerning political intrigue and corruption. Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Featuring an incredible cast: Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Laura Linney, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Davis, E.G. Marshall.

6. THE CREATION OF THE HUMANOIDS (1962)*

In a futuristic world where humans and androids are at odds, Don Megowan learns a very disturbing truth about himself. This is a poorly photographed and terribly uninvolving low budget sci-fi that might have been worthwhile with a more imaginative director at the helm. Similar in concept to BLADE RUNNER. I have to admit I like the cheesy sets and costumes. Very Trekish.

7. INVADERS FROM MARS (1953)*

A very brave kid (Jimmy Hunt) leads the fight against Martians trying to take over his small town, one adult at a time. Great fun and always a pleasure to re-watch. And the lead monster is a trip! Featuring Arthur Franz and Helena Carter.

8. GROOVE (2000)*

All about a rave that's being held in an old abandoned warehouse in San Francisco, following the planners and the attendees. I don't know anything about raves, but I do know good dance music when I hear it. Fun little movie. Sort of a modern day version of a Warner Brothers musical from the 1930's, but without Ruby Keeler.

9. KINGS OF THE ROAD (1976)

One of the films in Wim Wenders' Road Trilogy, featuring Rudiger Vogler and Hanns Zischler as two unlikely companions on an odyssey across Germany. 

10. THAT FUNNY FEELING (1965)*

Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin team up for a romantic comedy that features practically no comedy and very little romance. Still, it's an enjoyable bit of colorful 1960's fluff that works if you happen to like Miss Dee. (I do.)

11. THAT THING YOU DO (1996)*

Tom Hanks wrote, directed and stars in this thoroughly enjoyable film about a small town rock and roll band that makes the big time as 'one hit wonders' in the early 1960's. In fact, their group is named The Wonders. Perfectly captures the look and feel of the time. And there's some good music, too. Featuring Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Jonathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Charlize Theron and Giovanni Ribisi.

12. KING KONG (1933)*

I hadn't seen this movie in decades, and it was as exciting as I remembered it. A true classic. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot. Directed by Merian C. Cooper.

13. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN HOLLYWOOD (1945)

14. ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS (1940)

15. HOLD THAT GHOST (1941)*

Sometimes you just need a little A & C to brighten up your life. I most likely saw all three of these films on TV years ago, but the only one I remember is HOLD THAT GHOST, notable as the American film debut of Evelyn Ankers. ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS was the duo's first film, and they did their famous Who's On First? routine.

16. MAYBE I'LL COME HOME IN THE SPRING (1971)

This made-for-television movie was intended to cash in on the ascendant  youth oriented culture that was preaching its values in prime time. Sally Field runs away from her unhappy middle class home and becomes a hippie. Disillusioned, she returns home to try and reconcile with her parents and younger sister. Jackie Cooper and Eleanor Parker are the incredibly uptight parents, and Lane Bradbury is the sister, who turns out to be even more messed up than Sally. David Carradine is the hippie boyfriend who tries to convince Sally to ditch the folks and go off with him. Very watchable drama that reflects the era in which it was made. However, it has 'agenda' written all over it with its uncompromisingly ugly depiction of the parents.

17. KID 'IN' AFRICA (1933) 

One of Shirley Temple's Baby Burlesk short films, the first one I've ever seen. A curiosity, but nothing special.

18. SELMA (2014)

Historical drama of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Alabama to the state capitol in Montgomery that was organized by Dr. Martin Luther King. There are many wonderful moments in the film. But lead actor David Oyelowo didn't bring Dr. King to life for me. Also with Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo and Oprah Winfrey.

19. 61*  (2001)

Billy Crystal directed this enjoyable movie recounting the friendship between New York Yankees stars Mickey Mantle (Thomas Jane) and Roger Maris (Barry Pepper) as they both get closer to Babe Ruth's homerun record in 1961. You don't even have to love baseball to get into this story. Also with Anthony Michael Hall and Richard Masur.

20. RICH IN LOVE (1992)

I picked this up to continue my Ethan Hawke research. Concerns a very messed up family. The audience is supposed to have their hearts melted by the real humanity of the characters. That reaction didn't happen for me. Not very highly recommended. Starring Albert Finney, Jill Clayburgh, Kyle MacLachlan and Piper Laurie. Mr. Hawke has a supporting role as someone who isn't a member of the aforementioned messed up family but wants to marry into it. Bad idea.

21. TAPE (2001)

Outstanding indie film directed by Richard Linklater. Drug dealer/slacker/volunteer fireman (?) Ethan Hawke confronts old friend, Robert Sean Leonard about sexually assaulting his former girlfriend, Uma Thurman, when they were all in high school. Terrific performances by the three leads. Raw and believable.

22. JULIET, NAKED (2018)

Chris O'Dowd plays a longtime dedicated cult follower of enigmatic American rock musician Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke), much to the frustration of his girlfriend (Rose Byrne). But she ends up meeting and falling for her boyfriend's idol. Wonderful comedy that takes on the phenomenon of celebrity worship.

23. 10,000 saints (2015)

An OK film concerning two old hippies and their teenage son attempting to navigate their ways through the complexities of life in early 1980's New York City. Ethan Hawke, Julianne Nicholson and Emile Hirsch.

24. MAGGIE'S PLAN (2015)

The film asks us to fall in love with the titular character (Greta Gerwig), an exasperating, manipulative bubblehead who tries to control everyone around her. Maggie is intended to appear whimsical and sensitive, but she comes off as a self-obsessed, pseudo-feminist cliche. Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore get caught up in her plans. This is one I do NOT recommend.

25. JOE THE KING (1995)

Superior, heartbreaking indie film directed by Frank Whaley. Noah Fleiss plays Joe, a fifteen year old kid living in an abusive home, attempting to fight his way through life with no guidance and a warped sense of values. Val Kilmer is excellent as Joe's father. Ethan Hawke is the school counselor who wants to help, but ends up making things worse. One of the best films I've seen in years.

26. THE SLIME PEOPLE (1963)*

Cheaply made monster flick is nevertheless great fun. Ugly, slimy underground monsters have decided to come up for air and end up taking over Los Angeles. Robert Hutton, who also directed, and a small group of stalwart citizens make up the last line of defense to save humanity. In Black and White. Also with Les Tremayne and Susan Hart.

27. PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (2003)

The first film in the franchise is said to be the best. Since this is the only one I've seen, I can't swear to that assumption. This flick is colorful and full of action. Probably way too much action for my taste. I can't say I'm inspired to see the rest of the Pirate franchise. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley.

28. COVER GIRL (1944)

Delightful musical starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. The plot has to do with a nightclub entertainer (Miss Hayworth) who gets a chance at a career as a top model. But how can she leave her boss, Danny McGwire (Mr. Kelly), who also happens to be the man she loves? To find the answer, we must watch Miss Hayworth dance up a storm and lip synch to several Jerome Kern songs, all filmed in glorious color. Featuring Eve Arden, Lee Bowman and Otto Kruger.

29. AFFAIR IN TRINIDAD (1952)

See my review. Posted 8-24-21

30. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (1933)*

Wild and crazy pre-code comedy moves so fast that the plot doesn't really matter. It has something to do with a Chinese man inventing a "radioscope", an early form of television. Businessmen from around the world meet at the International House Hotel in Wu-hu, China to bid for the rights to the invention. Cast includes W.C. Fields, Bela Lugosi, Peggy Hopkins Joyce, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Franklin Pangborn, Sterling Holloway and Lona Andre. Also featuring musical performances by Cab Calloway ("Reefer Man"), Rudy Vallee, and, best of all, Baby Rose Marie ("My Bluebird's Singing The Blues") Fields is in top form. Lugosi is a trip in his least Dracula-esque performance.

31. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948)*

After reading Frank Dello Stritto's excellent book I SAW WHAT I SAW WHEN I SAW IT, a memoir of his growing up years and his discovery of old classic movies, I was inspired to reconnect with this wonderful horror/comedy, still the best of its kind. And the magic is still there. A & C are joined by Lon Chaney as The Wolfman, Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, and Glenn Strange as Frankenstein's Monster. I'll return to this movie again and again.

32. 

This DVD-R from The Video Beat contains two documentaries about rock music. First, there is an hour long CBS broadcast called INSIDE POP: THE ROCK REVOLUTION, hosted by Leonard Bernstein. I remember watching this when it debuted in 1969. Bernstein talks about the influence of such musicians as The Beatles, The Association, and even The Monkees. Fifteen year old Janis Ian lip synchs to her hit record "Society's Child". The second half hour features lively interviews with such luminaries as Frank Zappa, Roger McGuinn, Peter Noone and Graham Nash.

The second feature is the 1968 film ALL MY LOVING: A FILM OF POP MUSIC. Fascinating look at how pop music influences the world and vice versa. Includes musical performances by Pink Floyd and others, as well as several interviews. Also included are news clips showing the horror and carnage of war, some of which are quite difficult to watch. Strange and unsettling film, but worth seeing. Also included is a brief, lighthearted look at the fashion scene in the Swinging London of 1967, entitled: LOOK AT LIFE: IN GEAR.

33. WOODY ALLEN TV SPECIALS 1967-69*

Another double feature from The Video Beat, this disc has two comedy specials hosted by Woody Allen. The first is entitled WOODY ALLEN LOOKS AT 1967, with guests Liza Minnelli, Aretha Franklin, John Byner and William F. Buckley, Jr. Aretha  sings "Respect" and Chain of Fools" live. Liza sings "Feeling Groovy", and also joins Woody for some comedy sketches. The most hilarious sketch has Woody playing an aging child star named Baby Bobby Dimple. I remember seeing this show when it debuted on TV. The second feature is simply called THE WOODY ALLEN SPECIAL and played in 1969. Guests include Candice Bergen and The Fifth Dimension. But the most fascinating segment is a conversation between Woody and Reverend Billy Graham, a friendly exchange with good humor from both gentlemen.

34. THE CORPSE VANISHES (1942)*

35. INVISIBLE GHOST (1941)*

 

Once again inspired by Frank Dello Stritto's book I SAW WHAT I SAW WHEN I SAW IT, and by Tom Weaver's POVERTY ROW HORRORS, I happily revisited these two programmers starring Bela Lugosi, two of his Monogram Nine appearances. I fell in love with Lugosi's films as a kid and still enjoy watching them, low budgets and all.

36. BARBARA AND HER FURS (1967)*

This nine minute short film was originally included in an episode of the French TV variety show DIM DAM DOM, inspired by Sacher-Masoch's VENUS IN FURS. Directed by Adonis Kyrou. Beautiful Barbara Steele is shown in a dreamy world of sexy, contemporary clothes and lovely fur coats. A real obscure gem.

37. ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGANDY (2004)

One of the least funny "comedies" I've ever seen. Really a bad movie. Will Farrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carrell all waste their time. This one goes to Goodwill.

38. MORNING GLORY (2010)

I picked this movie up at the same time as the previous Will Farrell debacle. But this one I truly enjoyed. Rachel MacAdams is bursting with energy as a young woman desperately trying to succeed as the producer of a television morning program that has gone to ratings hell. Featuring Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson and Jeff Goldblum. Well written and believable. Good acting by all concerned. 

39. THE APE MAN (1943)*

Back to Monogram Pictures and Bela Lugosi portraying a mad scientist who manages to turn himself into a half man/half ape creature. Mayhem ensues, as always in a Monogram picture. Certainly not the most impressive entry on Mr. Lugosi's resume, but you have to admire the man for giving the role the very best that he had. Directed by William "One Shot" Beaudine and featuring Louise Curry, Wallace Ford and Minerva Urecal.

40. THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928)

Silent masterpiece directed by Theodor Dreyer. Starring Maria Falconetti as the titular heroine. This as my first time seeing this, and it didn't disappoint. I decided to turn off the soundtrack and watch the movie in total silence. Impressive and heartbreaking.

41. VOODOO MAN (1944)*

One of the wildest, most enjoyable of the Lugosi Monogram Nine. Featuring two other icons of 1940's horror films, John Carradine and George Zucco. Similar in plot to THE CORPSE VANISHES, Bela is a mad scientist who is trying to bring his beautiful wife back from zombiehood by kidnapping young women and trying to transfer their "essence" into the wife through weird Voodoo rites. Zucco is a gas station attendant who moonlights as a Voodoo priest, and Carradine plays totally against type as a mentally challenged assistant who plays the bongos during the rituals. Great fun from beginning to end. Don't try to take any of this seriously. No one else did. Well, except for Bela, of course. With Wanda McKay and Louise Currie. "One Shot" Beaudine strikes again!

42. HOUSE OF HORRORS (1946)*

Another Universal programmer that I remember from my lost youth, this movie played on the Svengoolie Show. Martin Kosleck plays an embittered, failed artist who finds a way to get revenge on the critics who have not supported his work. He saves a man (Rondo Hatton) from drowning. This man is suffering from a disease called acromegaly. The artist uses him to murder his enemies. Hatton became known as The Creeper in a few film appearances before his death, shortly before this film was released. His deformed features were exploited by Universal, adding a somewhat cringeworthy vibe to watching his film work. Still, this is a pretty well made film, directed by Jean Yarbrough. With Virginia Grey, Robert Lowery and Bill Goodwin.

43. A STRANGER IN MY ARMS (1959)

High-grade soap opera with all manner of twisted family relationships. Starring June Allyson, Jeff Chandler, Sandra Dee, Charles Coburn, Mary Astor, Conrad Nagel and Peter Graves. This was the last starring role for June Allyson, who then went on to host her own television show. Mary Astor gets the acting honors in this one, although Sandra Dee is also a delight to watch.

44. WRONG MOVE (1975)

45. ALICE IN THE CITIES (1974)

The remaining films in the Wim Wenders Road Trilogy box set from The Criterion Collection. In the first film, Rudiger Vogler stars as a writer who takes off on a road trip with a diverse grop of companions, including Hannah Schygulla, Hans Christian Blech and Nastassja Kinski. In the second film, which I like the most, Vogler finds himself involved with a little girl and her mother, as all three are trying to leave the US and go back home to West Germany. The mother ends up deciding not to leave, so Vogler and the little girl, Alice are stuck together while Vogler tries to find the child's grandmother. Sensitive, realistic dramas. Vogler is a tremendously likable actor. So glad I discovered these films!

46. 20,000 YEARS IN SING SING (1932)

See my review. Posted 08-29-21.

47. THE PHANTOM SPEAKS (1945)

One of the final films in the Monogram Pictures cycle of horror related films in the 1940's. /starring Richard Arlen, Stanley Ridges, Lynne Roberts and Tom Powers. Very similar plot to Universal's BLACK FRIDAY (1940). An executed criminal takes possession of a good hearted scientist in order to get revenge on his wife and several others. Reasonably entertaining.

48. VAMPIRA: THE MOVIE (2006)

An interesting documentary about Maila Nurmi, the woman who became famous as the character Vampira, first seen as the hostess for a late night horror movie show on a Los Angeles TV station. Later, she reprised the role in the infamous PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (1959), directed by Edward D. Wood, Jr. Miss Nurmi was an extremely intelligent, fascinating woman, and always gave good interviews. She talks about her life and career, and many of the people she knew over the years, such as James Dean. Unfortunately, only a few clips from her days as a TV hostess survive, and a few are included here. Also featured are Forrest J. Ackerman, David Skal, Zacherley and Sid Haig. Cassandra Peterson, who is known for the character Elvira, also appears to discuss the lawsuit Miss Nurmi filed against her, accusing Miss Peterson of imitating the Vampira character. A fun watch. 

49. BOWERY AT MIDNIGHT (1942)*

Bela Lugosi is back at Monogram once again, this time playing a gangster who moonlights as a respectable college professor. His gangster lair is fronted by a mission/soup kitchen where he recruits men to help him accomplish various dastardly deeds. And there's even a secret room full of zombies. Sort of. With John Archer, Tom Neal, Wanda McKay and Vince Barnett. Lugosi gets a chance to do some really evil stuff in this one.

50. THE YOUNG LAND (1959)

Cool Western action with bad guy Dennis Hopper on trial for killing a Mexican. He swears it was self-defense. The local sheriff (Patrick Wayne) tries to keep order while the trial goes on, with the judge (Dan O'Herlihy) promising impartial justice to the local populace, a combination of Whites and Mexicans. Also featuring Yvonne Craig and Ken Curtis. Dennis Hopper is always worth watching.

51. THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1956)*

52. THE MAKING OF THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (2000)

I first saw this Hitchcock film around 30 years ago on the big screen, and hadn't seen it again until now. It's a very exciting story about an American couple in Morocco who mistakenly get involved with a political assassination plot which causes their young son to be kidnapped. Great action and some very good acting. Doris Day is surprisingly good in one of her rare dramatic roles. And James Stewart is always excellent. Miss Day sings Que Sera Sera. Loudly.

53. THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME (1976)

I was always a big Led Zeppelin fan, but never got around to seeing this conc ert film until now. I was surprised at how good the music was. Most of the concert films I've seen don't do justice to the artists because of sound equipment issues, distortions, etc. The music here is first rate. 

54. DRUNKEN ANGEL (1948)

Gritty, hard hitting film noir directed by Akira Kurosawa. In postwar Tokyo, an alcoholic doctor (Takashi Shimura) tries to help a small time hood (Toshiro Mifune) who is suffering from tuberculosis. The hood resists his help until he reaizes the doctor is truly his friend, while his yakuza gang leader is planning to replace him and cast him out of the organization. This was Kurosawa's first film Mifune. The two would collaborate on fifteen more films. Involving, well acted drama. Beautiful Black & White cinematography.

55. TONIGHT AND EVERY NIGHT (1945)

Colorful wartime musical from Columbia Pictures starring their reigning screen queen, Rita Hayworth. The story takes place in London during the Blitz. The owners of a popular theater try to stay open while the bombs fall around them. The serious human drama is interspersed with some very well performed musical numbers featuring Miss Hayworth at her dazzling best. (Check out the "You Excite Me" number!). With Lee Bowman and Janet Blair. The story was loosely based on an actual Soho theater that was determined to stay open throughout the Blitz.

56. DEJA VU (1985)

An OK little film I picked up at Dollar Tree. It deals with reincarnation and revenge. Jaclyn Smith and Nigel Terry are a reasonably happy married couple. Terry, a screenwriter, becomes obsessed with a long dead ballet dancer who has an uncanny resemblance to his wife. As he begins writing the screenplay, he finds himself drawn into a supernatural mystery. Also starring Claire Bloom and Shelly Winters. Miss Winters tries desperately not to go over the top as a mysterious Russian spiritualist, not an easy thing to do. The conclusion is somewhat predictable and unsatisfying.