davilbr Reviews

Bonanza: Gabrielle (1961) Season 3, Episode 14

Excellent episode

[11 May 2008]

This is one of the most moving and touching episodes of "Bonanza." Of course, it was always a quality program and this production shows why it was so much more than just another Western.

Some may call it predictable, but it still tugs at the heartstrings and the ending is most satisfying.

Eleven year old Gabrielle is an orphan blind girl who has no family except for her embittered grandfather, living like a hermit in the mountains after spending time in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Atter initially rejecting her, his heart softens and he comes to the Ponderosa to claim his granddaughter and even spends time with the Cartwrights on Christmas Eve.

The Ducksters (1950)

Hilarious!

[10/10 · 24 December 2006]

This ranks as one of the funniest Looney Tunes cartoons ever and I'v seen just about everyone in my lifetime. It was puzzled by the comments of one of the reviewers saying it lacked imagination. I was quite an imaginative spoof of the old radio show and later game show (hosted by Bob Barker)known as "Truth or Consequences." The similar parallel has ridiculous questions being asked for which there can be no answer. The difference with sadistic host Daffy is that the contestant (hapless Porky) is brutually tortured (in rather innovative ways)with everything from boulders, safes and hammers to the use of dynamite, buzzsaws and even a gorilla. This is hilarious stuff and a must see for Looney Tunes fans.

Scrooge and Marley (2001 TV Movie)

Well-done & much needed

[10/10 · 25 April 2006]

This was a very well-done movie and certainly much needed for our time. Dean Jones was first rate as the Christmas-hating old miser, who wants to eliminate all references and symbols of the true meaning of Christmas. The story of Scrooge is one I've loved since I was a boy and as a born-again Christian myself (not seething), this adaptation takes on special significance.

It's certainly difficult today to counter political correctness in the entertainment industry since even using the word "Christmas" can land you in trouble. The vehemently anti-Christian comments of the first reviewer are a good example of how our culture has deteriorated to the point where the true meaning of Christmas is ridiculed and the followers of Christ are maligned.

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

Funnier than America's current sitcoms

[12 July 2005]

My wife and I discovered "Keeping up appearances" several years ago on PBS and we've been hooked ever since. As many times as we watch it, we never tire of Hyacinth's relentless efforts to climb the social latter within the backdrop of her less-than-classy family. KUA is certainly funnier than any sitcom produced in America today. The humor is an excellent mixture of traditional brit, old-fashioned slapstick and numerous sight gags and with facial expressions that are often more telling than dialogue. Patricia Routledge is the greatest comedic actress since Lucille Ball and couldn't possibly be more realistic in this hilarious role. She and her supporting cast lend such an element of realism to the show, one is almost tempted to look outside to see if they may be lurking next door! kudos and cheers to the Brits for this classic.

Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Worthy sequel

[19 August 2004]

"Son of Frankenstein" is certainly a worthy sequel to the previous Frankenstein installment, "The Bride of Frankenstein." In addition to Boris Karloff's final appearance as the Monster, we are treated to one of Bela Lugosi's greatest performances as the mysterious, broken-necked Ygor. Also outstanding was Lionel Atwill as the police inspector who is suspicious of young Barron Frankenstein, played by Basil Rathbone. The atmosphere of the movie, particularly at the beginning, is extremely well-done and helps keep the "creepy" effect constant from beginning to end. Rathbone gives a fine but not overwhelming performance, but the appeal of this movie is multi-faceted. I highly recommended it to all fans of the horror genre.