Reviews
Diana: A Tribute to the People's Princess (1998)
Could become, in time, a specimen of high camp in a TV film.
Biographical film attempts at capturing vivid, beautiful, and charismatic people usually fail. What actress/actor could convey the qualities of a Marilyn Monroe, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Ava Gardner,or Jackie O? Here we have one of the worst examples of contemporary bio-films. Neither the actress in the title role nor the screen writer/director is professionally up to the job.If one were told that Mohammed El Fayed's public relations organization had commissioned this film it would be believable. Fayed senior is the only "hero" in this version of Diana's story. No guilt for the driver of the death car-- or anyone but the press--is implied here. Dodi's discarded fiance is also trashed along the way,(as Mohammed sees the possibilities of a Diana connection for his son). Low life in high places is all that is served up in Diana: the People's Princess.
Laura (1944)
The many versions of Laura.
Gene Tierney's wardrobe for this film must have made Bonnie Cashin's career at 20th Century Fox. There were numerous outfits in the most recent version shown on American Movie Classic recently which I have never seen before. It seems that when commercial cuts were required, it was the flashbacks of Tierney's wardrobe that were pruned. Too bad! A beautiful film tailored to the leading lady, of course.
Rome Adventure (1962)
View it as a travel picture only. .
Troy Donahue is an awkward "poser" in this film, with a range from a to b. Ignore the dialogue and repetitious musical themes, and it's OK. Did Max Steiner really write "Al Di La'? Sounds more like a San Remo Festival Favorite.