What classics did you see last week, Mar 27 to Apr 2?

War Of The Worlds / Bryon Haskin (1953). As the latter day poster says, “The Original Invasion!” Yeah, there had been minor, low-budget space alien invasion movies before. The previous year, for example, saw the release of two Republic Pictures 12-chapter cliffhanger serials (“Radar Men From The Moon” and “Zombies From The Stratosphere”), but WOTW was a big budget, Technicolor smash hit that is still seen and loved from then to 2022 and beyond.
    Producer George Pal (1908-1980, born György Pál Marczincsak) fled Europe for the United States with the rise of Nazism. He is considered by many to be the Father of modern sci-fi movies and is one of a very few to be considered an auteur producer, although he also directed (“The Time Machine”).
    Although set in 1950s California instead of Victorian England, it follows H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel pretty closely. Astro-physicist Dr. Clayton Forrester (MST3K fans, I am not kidding) played by Gene Barry in only his third feature film, is fishing with collogues in the California mountains when a mysterious meteor hits outside a small town. After a bit of stereotypical rustic nonsense (only one “community church,” a square dance at the town hall attended by the entire population), the Martians emerge from their ship and the movie barely slows down from there. Many conventions of unstoppable enemies – especially the Japanese giant monster genre (Honda’s “Gojira” appeared the next year and its American debut in re-edited form showed up in 1956) – including the arrival of the military. We see jeeps, troop transports, heavy artillery rushing to the scene, but all their firepower is unavailing. Religion and God’s providence is invoked several times towards the ending but the final narration explains the Martians’ defeat in scientific terms. Essential viewing.





The Quatermass Xperiment / Val Guest (1955). The first manned rocket into space (the kind of single stage rocket with the pointy top and tail fins) returns by crashing into a field near a farmhouse. Only one of the three astronauts is alive. The other two are missing. The head scientist of the project, Dr. Quatermass (Brian Donlevy) is determined to get to the bottom of things. The single surviving member of the rocket team is mostly comatose but his skin seem to be changing. Soon he is transforming into something else, something alien and dangerous.
    In 1955, the independent production studio Hammer Films was going through a rough patch. “The Quatermass Xperiment” which had been based on a popular TV program from 1953 was a box office smash for them. Also, it was the first Hammer film to be picked up by a major U.S. distributor. Since audience polls showed that they appreciated the “horror” aspects more than the science fiction, Hammer knew its way forward into the future. When I first saw the movie in days gone by in the U.S., it was called “The Creeping Unknown.” There was some controversy over bringing in the Hollywood actor Brian Donlevy to play Quatermass, but the paying customers didn’t seem to care.





This Island Earth / Joseph M. Newman and Jack Arnold (1955). Most, but not all, science-fiction movie of the mid-‘50s were not in color but Universal made this its first (I have another notable exception in this set of reviews). Leading physicist Dr. Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) is working on increasing atomic power for the government when he gets an offer he could refuse but makes him too curious to pass up. He is whisked away in an advance aircraft flown by remote from L.A. to Georgia and a collection of other scientists whose leader, with pure white hair and eyebrows, Exeter (Jeff Morrow) explains that their goal is world peace. Meacham has his doubts which are confirmed by two other resident scientist Doctors Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue) and Carlson (Russell Johnson). The viewer has already figured out that Exeter is a space alien and up to no good. Meacham and Adams eventually end up on Exeter’s dying planet.
    The movie was a hit becoming the year’s 74th highest grossing movie and I can see why. It is certainly too good to have been subject to the MST3K gang (which it was). However, to me, there was no real excitement or sense of suspense or forward movement. The story just sort of laid there.
    FUN FACT #1: Robert Nichols who played Meacham’s assistant in the movie’s first section was the son-in-law of British actor Alan Napier. Napier was Alfred the Butler in the 1960s Batman series. FUN FACT #2: FUN FACT: Orangey the Cat, who plays Neutron and who hisses and spits at the three scientists is the same acting cat who attacks The Incredible Shrinking Man when he is dollhouse size (see immediately below). Orangey has 16 movie credits, after the two already mentioned, most notably as the title character in “Rhubarb” (1951) and as Cat in “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” (1961). In all of these films multiple cats were used (“It is easier to teach one trick to multiple cats than to teach multiple tricks to one cat”), but Orangey got the sole credit each time. Orangey was the recipient of two PATSYs – the Oscars for animal performers awarded from 1951 to 1975.





The Incredible Shrinking Man / Jack Arnold (1957). An incredible movie that has been growing bigger over the decades. Scott Carey (Grant Williams) is a happily married insurance man who gets caught in a “mist” on a boat at sea and slowly begins to lose height although retaining his bodily proportions. His wife Louise (Randy Stuart) is supportive even after he becomes verbally abusive as his shrinking continues. More than half of the film takes place after Carey has become dollhouse size and trapped in the basement where he was chased by the family cat (played by Orangy). There he must find food, water, and shelter plus protect himself from a, to him, giant spider. The ending (also incredible) didn’t test well with the first audiences. The studio, Universal, wanted a new ending where Carey is cured and regains his height. Director Jack Arnold, although a contract director and company man, put his foot down hard so the greatness of the final scene is still there to amaze us. Tech credits are excellent. There are some shots where the matte outline is too visible, an odd mistake when all else has been given such careful attention. Also with April Kent as a little person that 3-foot tall Carey wants a relationship with.
    FUN FACT: April Kent was the daughter of actress June Havoc and niece to ecdysiast Gypsy Rose Lee.





Akira / Katsuhiro Ôtomo (1988). Influential Japanese anime sometimes given credit for popularizing the genre in the West. The setting is the future after WWIII. Pre-war Tokyo was mostly destroyed and another city, Neo-Tokyo, was built up near it. The new generation growing up in Neo-Tokyo is mostly interested in hedonism or dangerous thrills. Two biker gangs get into a high speed battle causing a serious accident that injures Tetsuo, the smallest and most inexperienced of the gang. A helicopter full of soldiers and guns shows up to whisk Tetsuo away. The gang leader, Kaneda, wants to get to the bottom of just what happened. At a secret lab, Tetsuo has his brain affected given him hallucinations giving way to enormous powers. By the end, you (like me) may not have grasped all the subtleties of what had just happened, but there is plenty of visual stimulation to keep you interested as more and more of neo-Tokyo falls to destruction.





Children Of Men / Alfonso Cuarón (2006). The year is 2027. It has been 18 years since the last baby was born in 2009. The human race is sterile. The latest news is that the youngest person on Earth, Baby Diego, has been stabbed to death in Buenos Aires. Shortly after hearing this news Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is almost killed when a terrorist bomb explodes near him. The world is descending into chaos as the end of the species is near. Of the countries of Europe only the U.K. has a (somewhat) stable government and society resulting in thousands of refugees who face crackdown that sends them all to prison camps. Faron is contacted by ex-lover Julian (Julianne Moore) with whom they had a child years ago. She now is the leader of one of the terrorists organizations. She gets in touch with Theo for his help in a plan that may save humanity. Alfonso Cuarón masterfully directs, using several stunning long takes of a minute or more especially late in the film when Theo is trying to avoid a war scene and protect the most important person in the world. From a novel by P.D. James who is otherwise famous for a series of British police procedurals. Also with Michael Caine, excellent as always, as Theo’s old friend, an aging hippy still peddling ganga. Chiwetel Ejiofor, underrated English actor, is Julian’s second in command. A must see.

I did not know that. Thanks.

It (2017).



Bandslam (2009).

The retired inspector is about the only aspect I recall from the play, and I can understand MGM's reasoning in giving the whole enterprise a bit more glamour by revamping the character as a youngish man-about-town in the person of urbane Joesph Cotten, providing Boyer's paranoid Gregory with an imagined romantic rival. Had they not done so, all sorts of casting is imaginable: Cecil Kellaway; Sidney Greenstreet; Dudley Digges. Or ? ? ?  

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ONCE AND AGAIN (2002) “Aaron’s List of Dreams” 20TH ANNIVERSARY this week. Lily and Judy’s schizophrenic brother Aaron (Patrick Dempsey a few ABC guest shots before GREYS ANATOMY) is able to live independently from the sanitarium, but brings along an equally troubled girlfriend (Ally Sheedy). Aired March 25 2002. YouTube presentation of Recording of Lifetime Broadcast.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (1987) “Charlton Heston/ Wynton Marsalias“ 35TH ANNIVERSARY this week. Aired March 28 1987. Heston plays God to Phil Hartman’s Oral Roberts. In Church Chat, Hartman and Jan Hooks play Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye. Internet Archive presentation of Comedy Central Broadcast.

THE BULLETEERS (1942) 80TH ANNIVERSARY The fifth Fliescher Superman cartoon. Saw this on the Disney Channel in 1988. Warner DVD

THE CUTTING EDGE (1992) 30TH ANNIVERSARY Rom Com of two antagonistic skaters (D B Sweeney and Moira Kelly) working together to compete in the Olympics. First saw parts of this on VHS (on a Suncoast monitor) and then the whole thing on cable. MGM/UA Laserdisc

OSCARS’ GREATEST MOMENTS 1970-1991 (1992) 30TH ANNIVERSARY this year. Hosted by Karl Malden. Clip show of the Academy Awards ceremonies from 1970 to 1971, from the memorable to the controversial, be it fashion, musical numbers, and the speeches. First saw this in the summer of 1997. I always get misty eyed at the climax with Charles Chaplin appearing at the 1972 ceremony. For almost 24 years I have viewed this around every Oscar time, including this year’s Oscars, missing out on Will Smith clocking Chris Rock, a scene my Lenten practices will keep me from Internet watching until April 3. Sony VHS

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PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON (1992) “Learn How To Be Skinny from Usagi.” 30TH ANNIVERSARY Jediate tricks body-sensitive girls to his health spa, where he drains their life energy. Japanese with English Subtitles. ADV DVD

THE ALVIN SHOW (1962) “Eagle Music/ Crashcup Teaches Self-Defense” 60TH ANNIVERSARY The final episode. With exception to commercials, this was the last animation for the Chipmunks until A CHIPMUNKS CHRISTMAS (1981) and the last series with Ross Bagdasarian as David Seville and Alvin, Simon, and Theodore (he will continue voicing them in records until the late 1960s). This would also be the last series for Clyde Crashcup, although the character will make two more appearances (A Dream sequence in CHRISTMAS and an episode of CHIPMUNKS GO TO THE MOVIES, where he time transports the 80s animated Chipmunks to meet their 60s incarnation). This is the exit for his assistant Leonardo. Bootleg DVD of Nickelodeon broadcast.

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APPOINTMENT WITH DESTINY (1972) “The Crucifixion of Jesus” 50TH ANNIVERSARY Narrated by John Huston, the episode covers the Passion like a newsreel with interviews from Pilate, Nicodemus, an Essene, a Greek Physician (played by Shmel Ornstein), a Zealot (played by Paul L Smith), Peter, and Judas (looking haunted over the looming threats, suggesting fear was his motive for Betrayal). Shot in Jerusalem, it mixes history (this is the first film to portray Jesus bearing only the arm beam of the cross instead of the whole thing) with tradition (the Last Supper is depicted like the DaVinci painting; the Execution plate is simply the INRI instead of IESUS NAZARETHEUS REX IUDAEORUM -“JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS”). I first saw this on Arts & Entertainment (showcased as DAVID L WOLPER PRESENTS) on Palm Sunday weekend in 1991. I remember my naive preteen self being shocked hearing Paul L Smith’s Zealot caIling Jesus a fraud, Jesus turning over the moneylender tables, etc. I caught a repeat in 1992 juggling viewing with THE LEGEND OF PRINCE VALIANT. I would not see it again for almost two decades (even though the History Channel played other AWD episodes in 1996; that Easter Saturday I was expecting the broadcast. Nope). One day in 2010, checking the Satellite guide on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, I caught a title: “The Crucifixion of Jesus”. Could it be? I saw the broadcast and my conclusion correct. Around Good Friday I recorded another broadcast (alongside a broadcast of an edited Episode 4 of JESUS OF NAZARETH). Since then it has been an annual Easter viewing (although sometimes I had to watch it earlier because I was heading to Florida for Easter). VHS Recording of Trinity Broadcasting Network Broadcast 2010.

RESCUING A CLASSIC (2021) Docu on the Restoration of THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (1962). Warner BluRay.

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THE SHADOW OF THE TOWER (1972) “The King Without a Face” 50TH ANNIVERSARY Written by Ian Thorne (wrote the Jane Seymour episode of SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII). The episode begins like the prologue of SIX WIVES, with the official meeting between Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon (with different actors). The throne is secure, but fate has a different thing in store for Henry VII as tragedy strikes his family several times. The episode ends as the widowed King looks at his reflection which dissolves into a death mask. Thus the conclusion of the serial, as well as the end of three years of BBC TV Serials on the Tudor Monarchs: SIX WIVES in 1970, ELIZABETH R in 1971, and this in 1972. BBC video DVD

COLD FEET (1997) “Pilot” 25TH ANNIVERSARY Romantic Comedy Drama about the meeting of two opposites Adam and Rachel (James Nesbitt and Helen Baxendale) and their couple friends. The series would follow a year later. My first experience of the series was the short-lived US remake. Then I saw the series on Bravo in 2001. PAL DVD.

BEN-HUR A TALE OF THE CHRIST (1925) VHS Recording of TNT Broadcast March 30 1992. The Month of 1992 was MGM Month for TNT, in view of their docu series MGM WHEN THE LION ROARS (“This Month…No One Plays MGM (Lion Roar sound effect) Like TNT”). As a climax to this marathon of Studio-based films, the network aired both their productions of BEN-HUR, heralding the two films as the Beginning and End of the MGM’s glory years (if I recall, this would be the Silent’s final broadcast on TNT). I had watched the majority of the silent film on its two Christmas Eve Broadcasts (1989-1990) so it was this broadcast where I saw the whole film, making it my first full introduction to Carl Davis’ score. I gotta admit the Jesus scenes (where Davis hits the organ) creeped me out for the first few viewings, limiting my watches to stopping at the Chariot Race. This would be my main source for Christmas Eve viewings for 20 years (1994). Even when my attendance to out-of-home Christmas Eve parties forced me to view the film on Disc, I would usually manage to see the uncut ending (a shot of Jesus’ crucified hand & a psalm title) through this source near midnight (to be truthful, while this Broadcast had scenes the Disc versions lack, it was also edited. A few scenes of Roman oppression before the Hurs’ introduction was cut). Promos include the upcoming Arnold Schwarzenegger directorial CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (including a featurette on the making), an “Our Favorite Movies” promo for HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, THE NIGHT OF THE GENERALS, the Dolly Parton vehicle STRAIGHT TALK and several McDonalds commercials with an Old West fashion (featuring THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WYATT EARP Hugh O Brian reprising his role ).
Here are two links of the BH promos.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=uuK-sLVTajU

The second is at 2:25
m.youtube.com/watch?v=DDvh69giPA0

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DARIA (1997) “Malled” 25TH ANNIVERSARY Bootleg DVD.

URUSEI YATSURA (1982) “Urusei Yatsura All-Star Bash/ Grade School Excursion: Run for it!” 40TH ANNIVERSARY An hour long special: The first part is a recap episode (which, since this was among the first episodes watched, a good introduction for me when I first bought the VHS). The second is a full episodes spoofing Ninjas (long before popular Ninja Anime like NINJA SCROLL and NARUTO). Japanese with English Subtitles. Video also includes two animated commercials featuring the characters preaching the dangers of putting streamers or flying kites near electric wires. AnimeEgo VHS.

THE WONDERFUL CAREER OF GEORGE PAL (2021) Warner BluRay.

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HOMEFRONT (1992) “If You Want It Done Right…” 30TH ANNIVERSARY The strike headed by Charlie intensifies. Before the Sloans can send armed forces, Gina and her “baby” (her daughter is somewhere safe) goes to the factory and forces her father-in-law to relent to the Union’s demands. VHS Recording of TV Land Broadcast Spring 2000.

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PAYDAY (1922) 100TH ANNIVERSARY Chaplin’s penultimate short, and the last one with the Tramp costume. Here he plays the henpecked husband to a matron wife (Edna Purviance has a brief role as an object of wistfulness for Charlie). Old Keystone acquaintance Mack Swain also appears. first saw this short alongside THE GOLD RUSH (1942 version) in October 1989. KeyVideo VHS.

STAR WARS EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE (1977) Nuff said. Very young I remembered (or misremembered) bits and pieces. I think I knew more from EMPIRE and JEDI by the mid 80s then I knew the original. It wasn’t until Winter 1987 when we bought the VHS that I got my first cognitive beginning-middle-end of the film (I remember seeing the “Episode IV” and wondered if I got the right film). So I’ve seen the film many times since then, although a good 12 years were of the Special “Greedo-shoots-first/Jabba appears/Biggs reunion pre-Battle” Edition (which I saw opening night in 1997). Then I got the original cut and that has been my main source. The last time I viewed the whole film was on its 40th anniversary in 2017. CBS FoxVideo Laserdisc.

BORUTO NEXT GENERATION (2019) “A Village Without Sasuke” English Dubbed. Viz Media DVD.

Saw Parts Of:
BEN-HUR (1959) VHS Recording of TNT Broadcast March 29, 1992. The Passion climax. This was part of the aforementioned “BEN-HUR Double Feature” on TNT. My family rarely used recording timers whenever VCRs were concerned. The 1959 version was aired first, followed by the silent version at 12:10 am, way past my bedtime on a school night. But I was promised it would be taped. Whoever in my family was responsible for recording the silent started at the last 27 minutes of the 1959 film broadcast. This was a cropped, pan & scan print (whenever TNT broadcast the film, only the Chariot Race was letterboxed). One scene involved Judah and his leprous family meeting a blind beggar. Judah gives an alm to the poor man. When the blind man overhears the cry of “Lepers!” near his position, he puts two and two together and dumps the coin. In the Pan & Scan version, the blind beggar’s reaction gets cropped out, with the sound of the coin drop offscreen. Although I see the full widescreen version in December, I would begin my viewing of the silent BH with this 1959 part recording on Christmas Eve before going to Mass.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (1962) Warner BluRay.

GREED (1924) VHS Recording of TNT Broadcast March 30 1992. Following TNT’s BEN-HUR Double Feature was the Erich Von Stroheim film (not really an MGM film since it was already shot before the Merger); also included a brief intro featurette by Kevin Brownlow. this recording ended with McTeague treating Trina.

DRAGON BALL SUPER (2017) Episodes 93 & 94 Japanese with English Subtitles. Funimation DVD.

Earliest film seen this month: NOSFERATU (1922)
Latest film seen this month: THE WONDERFUL CAREER OF GEORGE PAL (2021)

"Woman in White" with Eleanor Parker and Sidney Greenstreet and "The Young Girls of Rochefort" with Gene Kelly and Catherine Deneuve