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Reviews
The Dark Hour (1936)
Amusing and surprisingly different mystery.
If you enjoy old mystery movies and like your mystery with a little light humor, this film will please you. There are plenty of unusual characters and twists to the story that will keep you amused if not confused. The characters are well played and the story is quite intriguing. Unlike most of today's movies that rely on special effects, this film lets the story and characters set up the mood for the film, and by doing so sets up some unexpected situations such as two detectives trying to solve the mystery. One is an older fellow, the other younger. Instead of teaming together, they work independently for the most part and compare notes, each feeling the other out. There is the usual romantic interests as well, and all ingredients are made to blend pretty well. There is indeed a lot going on in this old film , as you will see.
Spooks Run Wild (1941)
Harmless humor and atmospheric settings make this a good family Halloween movie.
In my opinion, one of the better Bowery Boys movies. As with other of their films, the comedy is simple and transparent. The boys play the roles of "spooked" kids very well, and the role played by Bela Lugosi adds much to the storyline. The settings are eerie enough to make the movie a good Halloween movie for both adults and kids. While it isn't spectacular, it is good entertainment if not taken too seriously. If you like old haunted house movies, it's worth a look.
The Secret War of Harry Frigg (1968)
Lighthearted and funny wartime film starring Paul Newman and a fine supporting cast.
I was pleasantly surprised by this film and its similarities with television wartime sitcoms like "Hogan's Heroes" and "Mash". Paul Newman is funny and clever while playing a role that casts him as a underachieving army soldier who ends up being the only hope for several generals who were captured and held prisoners. The supporting cast does an admirable job as well. The film is rated "R" , for what reason I haven't a clue. The movie is tame by todays rating system and contains nothing harsh or unsuitable for younger family members. It is fun and entertaining as long as it is taken lightly.
The Cat and the Canary (1939)
Entertaining re-make of earlier silent film version.
I am surprised that this film has not been commercially released on video. This film gives us Bob Hope in his earlier film career in a funny but sincere role. This is the first of a couple of films starring both Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard in a mystery/comedy environment. Paulette Goddard is charming and the pair play off each other well. The moods created by the settings are terrific . The film succeeds in providing us with a mystery to solve while keeping us laughing. Solid entertainment if you like old mysteries or are a fan of Bob Hope.