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Reviews
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: You Got to Have Luck (1956)
Tension aplenty but not believability.
I'm a fan AH presents and this episode features the excellent Cassavetes as the anti- hero who is great as the psychotic prison escapee, however it it has an enormous hole in the plotline. The woman he has kept prisoner in her own home is supposed to be deaf and is only able to lipread. Out of the blue she gets a phone call from her mother and is told what to say on the phone by Cassavetes. The police turn up shortly after and reveal to him that he gave himself away to them by replying to the phone call. The flaw in all this is why would the girls mother phone her if she knew she was deaf? Otherwise it's a watchable episode.
The Giant Claw (1957)
Enjoyably awful special effects - so bad it's good.
A giant alien bird is attacking earth, wrecking aircraft and trains and more. What effects there are cannot be described as "special" by any means. In fact they are so bad they are laughable, literally, and that's one of the things that make it so good. Another reason to like this film is the excellent Jeff Morrow, better known from the brilliant This Island Earth. If you love dodgy effects and actors playing rubbish with great conviction this film is for you.
Seven Thunders (1957)
One of the better films on WW2.
Despite some negative reviews of this film I actually think this is one of the more enjoyable war films . It features a rare sinister role for the always excellent James Robertson Justice who plays Dr Martout, a real life mass murderer and Doctor who was hanged for his crimes. It's probable that he never plied his trade in helping people escape the Nazi's in Marseille where the film is set as he spent most of the war in Paris. The film features good performances from Stephen Boyd, Tony Wright and Anna Gaylor as the love interest of Boyd. The film manages to be involving and exciting in parts and all in all I think it's well worth watching.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Flawlessly acted masterpiece.
I won't go into the story which has been extensively covered in other reviews. What I will say is that this film deserved every one of it's seven Oscars. It is unashamedly sentimental at times, but is perfectly acted by a superb cast. They don't make films as good as this anymore, and I think it should rank in the top ten of anyone's list of favourite films. Very highly recommended.
Woman in a Dressing Gown (1957)
Impressive on all counts.
I have only recently seen this film, and it's baffling how I missed seeing such a good film for so long. The story could be looked on as a humdrum kitchen sink drama, but it's so much more than that. It centres on a common situation in which a married man becomes disillusioned with his marriage and has an affair with a work colleague. The acting of the main players is totally believable, and flawlessly evokes the emotional complexities of their situation.
Special mention should be made of Yvonne Mitchell, who plays the the wronged wife. She gives one of the best performances I've ever seen by any actress. She deserved to be oscar nominated for this.
If you haven't seen this film then it's a MUST see. It's that good.
Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955)
Arguably the best romantic film ever made.
No matter how many times I watch this film I am always deeply moved. It has perfect casting with William Holden and Jennifer Jones. The theme song compliments the performances of Holden and Jones and makes this a wonderful film. If you're looking for an emotional experience, this film is hard to beat.
The Monsters (1962)
A scary childhood memory.
As with the previous reviewer, R C Smith, I was 8 years old when I saw this series in 1962. It left an impression on me at the time as being very chilling and realistic. It's rather sad that the series only lives in our memories as I would have liked to see it again. As R C Smith says, Dear BBC, please check your archives.