Although this was an unusual Rawhide episode that sort of ends like a tragic Gunsmoke episode, it has some interesting performances. And camera viewpoints. However, unlike Gunsmoke, the script is not that strong and there are no real plot twists or surprises other than how quickly the sick guys band together to defend Lottie at the end. What makes it unique is that you find out why this woman took the actions she took against the men in her life. Maybe she was unstable. She was definitely unlikable. And untrustworthy. But I couldn't help but feel sorry for her at end, as she was literally consumed by hate. Bravo to Lola Albright as the doomed, distressed, femme fatale. Her performance is strong and memorable.
Reviews
29 Reviews
Sheriff Battle
19 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
What's interesting about this episode is that Pat Conway, who plays Toque, is most known as playing Sheriff Clay Hollister in Tombstone Territory. So in essence, it's a battle of two actors whose most famous roles were playing Sheriffs. Or lawmen, since Matt was a US Marshall. I agree with other posts that there's not much warmth between Matt and Toque as friends, but that's likely because there's a misunderstanding about a past incident. Kitty tries to help by telling Toque where Matt is coming from. Matt doesn't want to kill his friend, and Toque doesn't really want to kill Matt. Still, a chance encounter at the end, however, disastrously impacts them both.
Linda Watkins is phenomenal
24 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
From the beginning my eyes couldn't help but notice the character of Mrs. Dorf, played by the wonderful character actress Linda Watkins. She witnesses a happy, newly-married couple, but her eyes show mostly sorrow and fear. She can barely step away from her abusive husband in the store to eye a pretty hat or to seek Doc's assistance. Watkins clearly had a great acting range, as evidenced by the number of episodes where she graced Gunsmoke with notable performances. In this role, you fear for her and her daughter, and I was sure the episode would not end well for either of them. However, as with many of a good Gunsmoke episode, the ending was unexpected, but oh so satisfying.
The Indian Marshall Was The Good Guy
18 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought I had seen all if the Rifleman episodes at least once, but never saw The Indian episode until today. While Michael Ansara gives the Indian Marshall character some dignity and courage, the issues with this episode is that both Lucas and Mark show their racist sides, from Mark's shock that the Indian is a US Marshall and that if Harvard was good enough for the Marshall, it's good enough for him, to Lucas' "Marshall-splaining" to the Marshall what all is lawful and that the Marshall should call in some needed support (e.g. Like Matt Dillon) to deal with the unruly townsfolk who can't handle the fact that they drank with an Indian Marshall and that he plans to take a white man into custody. In the end, Lucas sort of saves the day (sorry, Micah) by using reverse psychology on his neighbors, but this is not one of the series better episodes.
Survival of the Thickest
(2023– )
Better than expected
12 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As someone who leans strongly toward "old school" classic movies and shows from old Hollywood like those on Turner Classic Movies or MeTV, I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this show. As a baby boomer of the early 60's, I am generally not into modern sitcoms, hip-hop, stories that involve non-traditional relationships, foul language, or pot smoking. Despite all this, I found this show to be laugh out loud funny in parts. It didn't hurt that I got the romantic ending I wanted, either. If you want a mostly delightful distraction for an afternoon, suggest binge-watching since each episode is only about 30 minutes long.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
(1964)
Still Waiting?
16 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This isn't your typical movie musical. There are no show stopper numbers. Even if you consider this to be more like Opera, there are no arias. Only one song is truly memorable. The movie music in general is more jazz-like. Then there are the wonderfully colorful costumes and settings. So colorful I found myself looking to see how many scenes where the female costumes blended into the wallpaper in the background. All that said, the story is bittersweet. And expected, as while Genevieve promised to wait for Guy, she also told him she couldn't live without him. In the end, when she discovered that she hadn't perished, she settled for the man who was present, who was on the rebound himself from his own unrequited love. Was Madeleine better for Guy when he returned from service, as I'm not sure Genevieve could have been the rock he needed. Did Guy understand that when he saw Genevieve at the end? Or are the two forever entwined...wondering...waiting?
The Noel Diary
(2022)
Slightly better than a Hallmark movie (except the ending)
29 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Not that I've seen that many Hallmark movies, but this one had potential, despite the lead characters having zero chemistry. Besides isolating Rachel outside in a car for extended periods of time, the main gripe I have with this movie is the unsatisfactory ending. I was expecting something along the lines of Jacob getting into a car accident and being tended to by Rachel's mom at the hospital, where mother and daughter finally meet and reconcile. And then Rachel realizing her love for Jacob. But instead we get a very clipped ending of Rachel on the street, smiling at Jacob. Did they run out of funds or something?
The Liberation of L.B. Jones
(1970)
Provocative
27 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'd never heard of this movie until recently, while watching Netflix's "Is That Black Enough for You?!?", which seemed to categorize this movie as a typical blaxploitation flick, showcasing one of Lola Folana's scenes parading around in her fluffy skivvies. And when I read who all was in this, and that it had been directed by William Wyler, I thought, how bad can it be? Disturbingly so, apparently. It's not a bad movie, but it's one where there's no one really to root for. The main area I found unreal was why the town wouldn't have known about Willie Joe Worth and Mrs. Jones, which makes everything that happened to try and keep the things quiet even more horrific. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, likely because the story rings true. Any claimed liberation Mr. Jones achieved was just sad and wasteful.
Beaver curses and Wally saves the day!
2 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was one of the episodes shown on a station's day-long tribute to Tony Dow. I think the Beaver called the boy who bullied him a dumb a** (although you can't hear him actually say the word). Frankly, I'm surprised this episode got aired at all, given the times. Yes, it would have been nice if the bully had been punished, but the point of the show was that Wally did a great job in handling his father's duties while he was on a business trip, Beaver confessed to his mom what happened, and he learned his lesson. And the show was very funny.
Anatomy of a Scandal
(2022)
Am I supposed to feel sorry for the Libertines?
20 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Because that's how I felt by the end, which was probably not the intent of the producers or the director. I think they were trying too hard to get us to hate these entitled, Oxford "blokes". What I couldn't figure out was if Michelle Dockery's character had the evidence needed to actually charge anyone with rape. It was essentially a "he-said, she-said" case. Then we find out why she pursued prosecution near the end of episode 4, and that's when most folks may say "huh"? It would have made more sense if Holly's (aka Kate's) rape came up at trial, but since the real Holly was the prosecutor who should have recused herself or risk losing her law license, no chance of that happening. And then there's the wife, who uses hubby's confession and trust in her, then immediately turns him and his BFF in to Holly and the police for a death that happened decades earlier that may have been a drug-related accident. None of these events were worthy of prosecution, unless you want to prosecute someone for being a reckless, thoughtless jerk. If viewers could only have speculated or solved the question of whether he did it or not, this would have been so much better. In the end, we see Holly's self-satisfied smirk, that she can finally prosecute her violator for a different "crime", and yet she still does not recuse herself. Looks like she's just as entitled as the rest of them.
Secrets and Lies
(2015–2016)
Had me on Pins and Needles
4 July 2022
I binge-watched Season 1 over the weekend and was suprised at how much I enjoyed it. If you like whodunnits, then please give this one a shot. Each episode had a cliffhanger, making me want to see what happened next. I agree the detective played by Juliette Lewis is beyond annoying, but it's still a good detective story...in the suburbs! I wouldn't want to live near any of these neighbors, that's for sure!
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
(2022)
It's about Nancy
26 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I must take issue with those who criticize this movie because if the roles were reversed, they would find it disturbing. First, the roles can never be reversed here, as a man can't be married for decades and father 2 children by having sex with his wife without ever having experienced an orgasm. This is about a lonely, judgmental woman who has never experienced the big O with her now deceased hubby, and is afraid she's missing out on life. Enter Leo Grande (not his real name), who does his absolute best to make Nancy (not her real name) comfortable. At a price. But she struggles. With her body, her past and lack of experience, and her feelings (or lack thereof) for her adult children. As usual Emma Thompson brings this woman to life. She reflects women who aren't confident or comfortable sexually, who fake orgasms for years, and is looking for more in life. Leo gives her what she needs by listening and through their conversations. I agree the film could have been shortened, but enjoyed the performances of both actors. However, the issue on whether nudity and sexual situations should be part of any mainstream film should always be up for discussion and debate.
The Bonfire of Destiny
(2019)
Binge Worthy
11 April 2022
I rarely binge watch any series, but this one had me hooked from the start. Intriguing plot with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. What makes it compelling is how connected the survivors are with other characters, and how that is slowly revealed.
In the end, it's the good guys vs the bad guys. And the bad guys are truly wicked, to the point where I was on pins and needles, as wasn't sure who all would win in the end. This didn't need a 2nd season, as the 1st is as good as it gets.
In the end, it's the good guys vs the bad guys. And the bad guys are truly wicked, to the point where I was on pins and needles, as wasn't sure who all would win in the end. This didn't need a 2nd season, as the 1st is as good as it gets.
A Summer Place
(1959)
Arthur Kennedy - Best Drunk Ever
3 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
His role as the drunk father to Johnny was just as good as his role as abusive dad Lucas Cross in Peyton Place. There's a scene towards the end of the movie when the kids try to get his
consent to marry, and he gives this impassioned speech on why they shouldn't get married while drunk to the point where he struggles with calling himself an "inebriate". He should have received another Oscar nod for this role.
Bridgerton
(2020– )
It's all about the Spoon
20 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I admit I've come late to the Bridgerton party, but it's worth a look just to swoon at Rege-Jean Page and his chemistry with a spoon. Why some viewers are angry about this reimagining of "history" is beyond me. It's no Downton Abbey, but it's not trying to be. It is more a modernized blend of Pride and Prejudice and Hamilton, sans the hip hop. You have luscious costumes and contemporary music made classical interwoven throughout the series. You know the Duke and Daphne are made for each other, but it's interesting to see how they eventually get there. What's refreshing is that race is no real construct in how the upper crust in society relate to one other. There's a few mentions on how Bridgerton became a blended society, but otherwise it's not a factor of influence. And why should it be? Simply put, except for some in society who view the Duke as a rake, he is not treated or perceived as less than anyone because of his race. Rather, he's higher in society due to his rank, so women and their mothers clamor for his favor. This colorblindness may be why some find the series provocative. Or uncomfortable. A black man playing THE romantic lead is not what viewers are used to seeing. But it's worth a look, for this reason alone. And to watch the Duke's love for Daphne, and a very blessed spoon.
So Bad, It's Good
23 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Watching Mannix is like watching some strange time capsule. If I hadn't grown up in the 70s, I would think the clothes, decor, hairstyles, etc were all made up. Not to give too much of the plot away, suffice it to say a gang of goons mistake Peggy for another black woman played by Kim Hamilton, who is trying to escape from the goons. Kim's character is Get Christie Love! Sort of interesting, but unfortunately perhaps too much, so she's only present for half of the story. Or maybe she had plastic surgery so was present the whole time, but none of us recognized her the 2nd half of the show, which is devoted to Mannix trying to find kidnapped Peggy. Thinking she's dead, the police give Mannix Peggy's bullet-holed red coat that she had recently purchased, because there's no need to keep evidence of a murder, right? Based on Peggy's handwritten clue of her general vicinity on the lapel of her coat, Mannix almost immediately finds the house where she is holed up in what looks like a bomb shelter in the basement. Because the house housing Lonnie (which had to be for sale, so Mannix pretended to be a buyer), Lonnie had apparently ordered from the drugstore a lifetime supply of Peggy's favorite lipstick, so Mannix knew something was amiss. In any case, kidnapper Lonnie decided to store Peggy in this shelter rather than kill her. Besides a bathroom, lipstick, and a cup of tea, what more could Peggy need? He gives Peggy photos of her son, who he found by looking up Peggy in the phonebook. This "act of kindness" surprisingly didn't freak out Peggy. Ultimately, we discover that Lonnie has migraines, mental health, and mommy issues. Still, he somehow formed a plot with a skipper who never made it to Gilligan's Island, to take Peggy to another island outside of the USA. But first, there's a Quentin Tarantino-like gunfight in the living room. Lonnie's been shot, and as he gives his final speech to Peggy in the shelter room, he confuses her with his mother, and based on his speech, it seems he may have killed his mother. Peggy thinks she's a gonner when WHAM-it's Mannix to the rescue! Of the Peggy-centered episodes, this one's not so bad. I was never bored, despite the recycled plot.
Mildred Pierce
(1945)
Best Mother's Day Flick-EVER!
1 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This may sound twisted, but I love to watch Mildred Pierce on Mother's Day. Rather than seeing a mom that's a perfect angel, you get this woman who is basically blind to the selfishness of her daughter, Veda. And Mildred's obsession with Veda is so complete that when her baby daughter dies, rather than mourn that daughter, she prays to God that nothing bad happen to Veda! How twisted is that? Then there are the men in Mildred's life. All I can say is she knows how to pick 'em! Her hubby cheats on her, and so did Monty. I won't go into all the sordid details. Just watch the movie. Ann Blyth may have peaked early in the role of Veda, but what a role! She is definitely Joan's equal in this movie. My only gripe was why, oh, why did they have Mildred's ex show up at the end? She didn't need him. Mildred should have walked away alone--wounded, but wiser.
Play Misty for Me
(1971)
It's all about Jessica
26 January 2022
While many viewers prefer "Fatal Attraction", I saw "Play Misty for Me" first, and Jessica Walter's performance made this movie. She's super scary. So much so that when I saw Fatal Attraction, it didn't scare me as much, as I knew it was essentially a remake. Glenn Close was good, but she wasn't scary good as Jessica's Evelyn to me. Watch it for Jessica's performance and to hear two great, classic songs--"Misty" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".
An Affair to Remember
(1957)
Sleepless in Seattle got it right
30 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There's a reason Sleepless in Seattle refers to An Affair to Remember rather than the original Love Affair. Same script, but Cary and Kerr had far better chemistry than Boyer and Dunne. Those expecting high comedy from Cary may be disappointed, but the way he played Nickie is the reason to watch. Cary had a way of playing vulnerability (see Penny Serenade, Notorious, and the Preacher's Wife) and in this he gives a heartbreaking performance, particularly at the end. He's angry, bitter, and in such pain as he thinks the reason Terry didn't show up at the top of the Empire State Building is because she no longer loves him. Watching him work through these emotions before he finally realizes the truth is heart wrenching. And in the end, you know his heart breaks for her, but at the same time you also know that he'll be there for her, no matter what. ❤
Poltergeist
(1982)
It's Paranormal People!
3 August 2021
I have no idea why some are trying to make "sense" of this paranormal ghost story, but for me watching Poltergeist was like that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when riding a roller coaster. Enjoy the ride, folks!
Guys and Dolls
(1955)
What's the pitch?
29 December 2020
What makes this musical a classic is the script. In fact, this may be one musical comedy where the script actually outshines the songs. And Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons have great chemistry, although it's surprising that none of their singing was dubbed, as was typical back in the day. They both hold their own song-wise, as does the rest of the cast. Frank Sinatra is also wonderful as Nathan Detroit and I don't think anyone other than Vivian Blaine should have played Adelaide. Even the supporting characters like Nicely Nicely, Big Jule, Uncle Arvide, and Lt. Brannigan shine. It's wonderfully sharp and funny.
Pocahontas
(I) (1995)
Stunningly beautiful!
6 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is stunningly romantic, which is very rare for an animated movie. I can watch that waterfall scene where John Smith first meets Pocahontas over and over again, it's so beautiful. While much of this film is wonderful visually, due to the adult content and a few violent scenes, it may be better suited for older kids and adults. Although some may not like this film because it isn't like other Disney movies that were more successful financially, or that it's historically inaccurate, to me it's just a simple love story. I think the filmmakers strived to bring about a sensitive story involving a Native American and a man from another world who fall in love with each other, in spite of their differing backgrounds. This was Disney's first interracial love story, which made over $300 million and won two Oscars, so it's hardly a failure. No, it's not historically accurate, but it doesn't need to be. If you like romantic movies, simply enjoy the beautiful animation, lovely tunes, and hopeful ending.
The Sound and the Fury
(1959)
So bad it's good
1 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't read the book, but there are so many things inherently wrong with the story that by the end you'll probably be thinking, what the heck was that? First and foremost, incest is bad. Jason and Quentin may not be blood related, but he's still her step uncle, for goodness sakes! Then you have the blood uncle lusting after his sister Caddy, who is played by an actress who is channeling Blanche DuBois. I read somewhere that the parts of a Jason and Caddy were offered to Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh. If so I can see why they turned this movie down. Lurid and a bit slow, it's only saving grace is watching the exchanges between Jason, played by Yul Brynner, and Quentin, played by Joanne Woodward. Despite both being miscast, they play their roles convincingly. Of the two, I think Joanne overacted a bit, trying to balance the bratty Quentin with the woman she was trying to become. Maybe Natalie Wood or Hope Lange would have been better, age-wise. As for Yul, he plays a version of his typical character-large, in charge, and sexy as hell. The kiss between them is worth viewing alone, followed by his vow to lock her up at night. Wow. The other characters surrounding are okay, but Ethel Waters is the moral matriarch of the household. Without her and Jason, the Compton's would have ceased to exist long ago. Which may not have been a bad thing.
The Right to Romance
(1933)
Calling all doctors!
11 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
While this pre-code film feels a bit long, it's rather short, so it's worth viewing, if only to see Dr. Peggy finally open her eyes to her real love "Heppie" played by Nils Asther. Strangely it's Nils' performance that breaks your heart. He tries to tell Peggy how he's loved her for years and she thinks he's joking, immediately leaves him to go on an overdue vacation, and falls for a playboy played by Robert Young, who would eventually become the famous tv Dr. Welby. The more I watched, the more I kept asking "why", when Dr. Heppie is such a looker? And clearly loves her? Even Peggy admits he's a looker as they travel together on her wedding day. Except Heppie, as Peggy's "uncle", is to give the woman he's loved for years away to some cad she's known all of a few days. Nils Asther makes you feel Heppie's pain. Mr. Asther seems to have been a character actor trapped in a matinee idol's body, so beautiful some called him the male Garbo. Perhaps he and Robert Young should have switched roles, as Nils was also good at playing bad boys like he did in the pre-code Letty Lynton with Joan Crawford. In any event, things come to a head, but I won't give away the ending. As a bit of trivia, note the actor who also played a doctor in The Blob is in this movie, too.
General Yen's a Gem!
2 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Because I didn't pay attention to this movie at first, I didn't realize until the end that I had missed something special. While some may argue this film is outdated and politically incorrect (primarily because Yen is played by a non-Asian), all I can say is please try to get past that, as this one is truly a gem. Considering the time when this was made, one could argue this film is more "woke" than the movies of today. There are so many layers ripe for discussion: racial and cultural prejudices, seduction, Stockholm Syndrome (before the term existed), and American vs Chinese values. Frankly, I'm surprised the film got made at all. The missionaries do seem to be prejudiced against the Chinese whom they claim they want to help--there is definitely a sort of "us vs them and we're superior" type of attitude, with the missionaries doing their best to convert some Chinese to Christanity and American values. Although Capra was shooting for an Oscar, no nods were received. Still, Stanwyck is wonderful as the naive missionary who, over the course of a week, transitions from her core beliefs and New England upbringing to someone even she struggles to recognize. Mah-Li (played by the perfectly cast Toshia Mori) does her best to destroy General Yen and his empire. But it's the performance of Nils Asther as General Yen that is the standout in this movie. Even though he's not of Asian descent, he brings a certain dignity and vulnerability to the role. And sexiness, which may have been why the movie bombed at the box office. Some women may have been able to swoon at the movies over some bad boys, but not this Asian bad boy. The sexual chemistry between Yen and Megan is palpable. Neither character expected to fall for the other, but that's what happens, although neither Yen or Megan admit to their feelings. Unfortunately audiences back in 1933 were not quite ready to root for this star-crossed couple. Also interesting is that the American characters of Megan and Jones seem to be the ones that loved Yen best and were loyal to him in the end, but they still had prejudices against "Chinamen", which is clear from Megan's dream sequence when she views Yen as a caricature Chinaman who tries to have his way with her, but accepts Americanized Yen as her rescuer/lover; and Jones trying to stop Megan from going to Yen's room at night to confront him about his decision to get rid of Mah-Li, because even though Yen is educated and has nice manners, he's still a "Chinaman". Jones also tried to stop Yen from pursuing Megan, reminding him that after all, she is a white woman, and Yen dismisses that rationale, as he has no prejudices against her color. And this is a movie from 1933! I truly enjoyed watching Yen "convert" Megan. In the end he made the ultimate sacrifice and decided to free her from the torment of loving him. This film was way ahead of its time, and is a great love story. Pay attention to the handkerchiefs!
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