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Reviews
The Winslow Boy (1999)
Hang in there, it gets better
If you are a lover of English period pieces, the cast and synopsis of this movie is enough to create an anticipation of a pleasurable viewing experience. You may then find the first half of the film disappointing. The story engages the viewer only weakly, and there is a vagueness about the way the action unfolds. The actors' performances seem to have been captured a rehearsal or two short of a good take, or may be suffering from weak direction. The script is also patchy and pedestrian, suggesting it is fairest to lay the blame at the feet of director/screenplay writer Mamet. Such sterling actors as Nigel Hawthorne and Gemma Jones struggle to make an impression, with only the spirited Rebecca Pidgeon making much of her part. This is until the appearance on the scene of Jeremy Northam as barrister Sir Robert Morton. Northam is powerful in his screen presence and unerring in his delivery down to the smallest touch. His acting range as demonstrated so far may not be huge, but for this reviewer he can do no wrong. The subtly expressed and low key sexual tension between his character and Rebecca Pidgeon's character gives the audience something to be interested in, in this stodgy film. The final few exchanges are classic. Where was the sure touch demonstrated in the last few minutes, for the rest of the film? It's worth it though.
Kiss Me Kate (1953)
Hard to top
Fantastic songs, wonderful dancing, great clowning and snappy dialogue make "Kiss me Kate" hard to top as one of the greatest movie musicals. Howard Keel is endearing and mellow-voiced as Fred/Petruchio and Kathryn Grayson alternately acerbic and tuneful as Lilli/Katherine. Ann Miller and her trio of male suitors dance with vigor and style. Yet among all this great talent, the greatest fun is provided by Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore as the courteous thugs sent to rough up Fred for supposedly defaulting on a gambling IOU. Their stumbling stage antics are hilarious, and the comic number "Brush up your Shakespeare" accompanied by apparently impromptu hoofing has to rate with Fred Astaire's and Judy Garland's "We're a couple of swells" as among the most memorable comic song performances on film. Cole Porter was at the top of his musical form with "Kiss me Kate", and it is hard to imagine how either the leads or support actors could be improved upon. Technically the film is at times a bit creaky by today's standards, and some of the staging is a bit puzzling unless you are aware that it was meant for "3D" viewing, but otherwise, top marks.
High Society (1956)
Smooth and classy entertainment
"High Society" is a polished piece of Hollywood entertainment featuring some great talents. Bing Crosby coasts in his affable style and is well cast as the easy-going C. Dexter Haven. Frank Sinatra is a good foil both in vocal and acting style as he brings slightly more bite to his part. However Grace Kelly is the cynosure of all eyes (and all male attention) in the film, as she was never more beautiful. The comic songs "Who wants to be a millionaire" and "Well did you evah" are great fun and the highlights of the film. All the songs are pleasant, although perhaps uneven in quality compared for example with Cole Porter's "Kiss me Kate" of several years before. One of the pleasures of the film, particularly with repeat viewing on DVD, is checking out the luxurious indoor and outdoor settings and lovely costumes. Even with slightly faded colour, it's all very classy. An enjoyable way to spend 111 minutes a good one to add to your collection.