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Reviews
Top Card (1989)
A fun show!
One of the best game shows on TV, especially in how contestants were treated on and off camera. I appeared on the first Season in the 5th Show and as a "returning" contestant the 3rd Season and enjoyed every moment-even though I lost both times! Jim Caldwell was a true professional and very considerate of every contestant, and Blake Pickett one of the sweetest people you would ever meet! When I appeared on the 3rd season-I found Dan Miller to be as genuine as he appeared on TV and as nice! TV lost one of the "good guys" when he passed away. TNN showed network TV you could produce a good game show with contestants that didn't act like morons!
Great Performances: Chess in Concert (2009)
Great version of an underrated musical!
This is a great version of an underrated musical-a must see! Performed as a period piece without too much window-dressing, "Chess" truly depicts the ugly underseam of a so-called "Cold War" battle over a game. Adam Pascal as the Ugly American, a surprisingly effective Josh Groban as Sergei and Idina Menzel as Florence give a clear and expressive performances as a triangle of love, ego and heartache. Pascal's Freddie acts like a spoiled brat when faced with a superior player, Sergei, and he turns his assistant and love, Florence into a handy scapegoat when he loses control. Trying to smooth things over, she soon falls for Sergei and helps him defect after he becomes champion. Complicated by the machinations of the media and Russian handlers, and the arrival of Sergei's wife, the love story between Sergei and Florence dissolves as deals are made and broken and made again. The music is outstanding and memorable, depicting the torn hearts of all the protagonists. There is a twist that is a departure from the original productions, revealing that not all is fair in love and chess! I heartily recommend this and hope a soundtrack will soon be released.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Telltale Talk Show Host (1993)
Very Entertaining Perry Mason entry.
Unlike those who take these way too seriously, Raymond Burr actually has fun with the cast of characters in this entertaining who-done-it! The poignancy of this movie is that it is one of his last appearances... but it is the only one I can say I enjoyed. Mariette Hartley's character of Dr. Karlan is one of pathos and strength, never stooping to the level of her fellow radio hosts, and thus an easy victim to be framed. The schoolboy naughtiness of Fritz and Fred, well played by real life weatherman/comedian Fritz Coleman and Emmy-award winning sportscaster Fred Roggin quickly disappears when confronted by the master lawyer. Joined by real-life Watergate criminal G.Gordon Liddy, master of talk Montel Williams, Cristina Ferrere, and a very believable Regis Philbin, this next to last appearance by Burr doesn't slack off in the courtroom drama or interpersonal play between Della and Perry.
I saw it last night,and it still plays well!
The High and the Mighty (1954)
The best of the All Star Cast movies-very moving and intense!
The High And The Mighty might be the first of the modern era "all star cast" movies. Aside from the amazing "Grand Hotel", this movie takes small and large actors and gives them a riveting canvas to record their performances on. John Wayne gives a performance that doesn't echo his usual tough guy performance, but one of pathos and meaning. One thing that is never talked about is the sweetness of his face in unexpected situations. Also, the chemistry of Claire Trevor (whose acting with Wayne in "Stagecoach" is another tour de force) with the others in the cast is unforgettable.
This is one movie you can't stop watching.. from credits to intermission to the closing.....a sure don't miss!
Elizabeth of Ladymead (1948)
A wonderful film....tour De force for Anna Naegle
This is a wonderful film...the four "Elizabeth's" through the years illustrate the changing role of the women of Ladymead as they try to make their way in the world. Having first seen this as during a showcase for the Equis Film collection, it really depicts the post-war British cinema well.
This is a tour De force for Anna Naegle...she changes her mannerisms and attitudes realistically. Contrary to another review, it is believable she would feel the influence of the previous "Elizabeth" and crash into what she thought was a door. When she remembers her experiences, Ms. Naegle appropriately relates what she learned. Great acting and story!
The Night Before Christmas (1968)
Lovely cartoon about a father's love and the creation of a classic!
I saw this when I was in high school, and it has stuck with me for years, a lovely cartoon about a father's love and the creation of a classic! I know this isn't the most accurate of "orignation" stories, but the depth of emotions that the actors give, if only with their voices, especially the amazing Olan Soule, make this a memorable story.
The animation is a little stiff, but it tells the story with great sweetness and love, and the music gives it a great flow. I believe it's only 30 minutes, but as I said, this show stays with you!
I hope someday this will be available on DVD or even VHS; as I haven't seen it on TV in years and I would like to share it with my nieces and nephews!