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Reviews
The Ghoul (1975)
A must for fans of Peter Cushing
I must be one of the few people on earth that likes this film, for in general terms it has been dismissed by critics and fans alike. I guess therefore, it is down to me to explain the appeal of 'The Ghoul'. Well, first and foremost it has Peter Cushing, who makes the film, and gives one of his best ever performances. Filmed when he had recently lost his wife, this must have been a difficult time for him, but he nevertheless rises to the occasion and gives a most sensitive performance. There is one touching scene where you see him look at an actual photo of Helen whilst talking to Veronica Carlson. Apart from Veronica Carlson, the film also benefits from some fine performances from John Hurt and Gwen Watford. It's a film supposedly set in Cornwall with swirling mists from the moors, adding to the atmosphere of the house itself. The opening of the film is quite unique and conjures up an atmosphere right from the start, even if there is a certain amount of deception involved. Peter Cushing was one of my favourite actors and it is unfortunate to say the least, that this film has not been issued on DVD, supposedly because Tyburn Films have gone out of production and nobody else has the rights to issue anything from that catalogue. This means that the excellent interview with Peter Cushing called 'One Way Ticket to Hollywood' (only on video) also remains unissued. The two things together would make an admirable issue onto DVD. It would be a shame if these films were lost forever. Peter Cushing doesn't deserve this, nor do his fans! As for now, I make no apology for heaping some overdue praise on a film which has been unfairly ignored and deserves to be re-evaluated.
The Tell-Tale Heart (1960)
At last a good print of this film on DVD
This little film has been lurking on my shelves for several years now, but hasn't got played, simply because the quality of the DVD is atrocious. If I say it is on the 'Alpha' label, I am sure there will be those who will fully understand what I am getting at. The picture quality is streaked with lines and spots and makes for uncomfortable viewing. I feel therefore, that I will not be alone in being pleased that this film has now been accorded a respectful release on DVD by 'Pegasus Entertainment' The quality is vastly superior to the 'Alpha' and gives us a golden opportunity to at last, obtain a decent print of this film. As to the film itself, much of it's merits have been already touched upon by previous reviewers. Suffice to say that whilst this is not an earth shattering film it is nevertheless a neat little black and white thriller with some nice touches thrown in, plus good performances from Laurence Payne and Adrienne Corri.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
A much over-rated film!
I am sorry but I simply cannot join in the acclaim that this film has been accorded. It's by no means a bad film, but there are those who have pronounced it as the funniest film ever made, which I find quite ridiculous in the face of films like 'The Ladykillers' (Alec Guiness version of course). This film relies on it's comedy from one of the oldest gags in the book, namely two blokes dressing up as women. Granted they do a good job of it, but there is nothing original here. Marilyn Monroe is a pain, and Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis have had better starring roles. I have persevered over a period of time trying to like this film, but in the end I had to be true to myself so I passed my video on to someone else who would far better appreciate it.
Pal Joey (1957)
Sinatra more than holds on own!
The only good thing about this film is the performance of Frank Sinatra and in particular his memorable rendition of 'The Lady is a Tramp'. You can cut this out and throw the rest away! Kim Novak's performance is wooden and Rita Hayworth's is not much better. Moreover the rest of Rodgers and Hart's music is devalued by the fact that neither of the leading ladies are capable of singing, so their voices had to be dubbed by others. What a con' when real singers/actresses could have been recruited to fit the bill. As for the story line, it is of no consequence, and one is left feeling completely indifferent as to it's outcome. Without Sinatra, no stars!
Way Out West (1937)
An over-rated Film
I must be out of step on this one, as everyone seems to acclaim this as Laurel & Hardy's best film. OK it has it's amusing moments, but one is left with the feeling that it went on for too long and that if you squeeze an orange to excess, you are just left with the pips. The only memorable scene for me was the duo's performance in the saloon of 'The Trail of the Lonesome Pine'
Wasn't it Stan Laurel that said he preferred the short films they made? I think he was right, ('The Music Box' was certainly proof of that). The only exception to this rule perhaps was 'Blockheads', which was a funnier film than this.
So for Laurel & Hardy at their best I will be sticking to the shorts!
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
An uneven portmanteau of Horror
This was the first of several compendium Horror Films from 'Amicus' a close rival to 'Hammer' and it was one of the most uneven. The things that worked against it were the weakness of some of the stories, like for instance, the devouring plant, and the miscasting of Roy Castle and Alan Freeman, who were out of their depth in a horror film (whoever came up with that idea, are we hard up for actors or something??). The severed hand story with Christopher Lee was possibly the best in a film that bordered more on being silly than frightening. A pity, but it must have been considered as not that bad, because thankfully, it let to other compendiums from this studio, like 'Tales from the Crypt' and 'Asylum', both of which were superior to this film. In short, this one is for completists only!
Unearthly Stranger (1963)
A little Gem!
This is a film that is well worth watching, and is in danger of being forgotten. I suspect this is because for whatever reason, it has been completely overlooked by not being issued either on video or DVD. I know that there ARE copies to be had, but these are usually from questionable sources and are of inferior quality. The only time I have seen a decent copy is when it has been shown on TV. Certainly, if I was to compile a list of films that have been neglected and are overdue for release, this would way up there on top. Sci-fi films are not usually my bag, but this film holds your interest all the way, and has fine performances from all concerned.