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Reviews
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950)
One Of Cagney's Best That Should Be Far More Well-Known
A ruthless convict violently escapes prison and immediately goes back to his old life of brutal, ingenious, destructive crime, leading to the ruining of all those he crosses paths with.
"Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" is an American Crime noir produced by James Cagney's brother (William), starring James Cagney, Barbara Payton, Luther Adler, and Ward Bond, with supporting performances by Steve Brodie, Rhys Williams, Helena Carter and Barton MacLane.
The film revolves around one vicious man and the destruction he inflicts on all those who associate with him. He has to win. He is smarter and tougher than anyone else, and he believes he deserves anything and everything he wants. Through multiple devious schemes, he slowly corrupts and ultimately betrays even those on his "team" in order to get what he wants. But does he get what he wants, or what he deserves?
"Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" has been unjustly labeled a "B Noir", implying that the production and final result is less then professional grade, but this extremely far from the truth. This film is sharp, brutal, and top-notch. The script is expertly written and delivered perfectly by some of the best character actors in the business. There are no wasted words or scenes, as everything drives to the point of the film : Once you put your pinkie toe into the cesspool of evil, you'll find in no time that you're up to your neck in filth. Evil destroys for the sake of destruction.
I rate "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" 10/10.
The Good Die Young (1954)
A British Noir Masterpiece, One of My Favorite Films
Four men in a car on the streets
of London about to undertake a wicked deed : three good men, one vicious, conniving man. But what persuaded the good to join the evil, and does evil ever seek to benefit its pawns?
This is the opening to the British crime/drama "The Good Die Young", starring Laurence Harvey, Richard Basehart, Stanley Baker, and John Ireland as the four men in question. Alongside them appear Margaret Leighton, Joan Collins, Rene Ray, and Gloria Grahame as their wives, respectively.
The film is seen in flashbacks following four paralleling storylines : a playboy, a desperate husband, a boxer, and an American GI. These men are brought together by a common need : money. Quick money. A hopeless situation with no realistic solution. But not so to one man, who thinks nothing of law and right.
"The Good Die Young" is a triumph of British cinema and a brutal, dark warning to those who stray from right and truth.
Each player in the story is perfectly cast and committed to their roles, each delivering a compelling, excellent performance.
The script is straight forward and full of meaning with no wasted words or unnecessary drivel.
The message is clear, and it is one that all should see.
I rate "The Good Die Young" 10/10.
The Wooden Horse (1950)
One of the Best POW Films You'll Ever See
Peter, John, and Phil, (played by Leo Genn, Anthony Steel, and David Tomlinson respectively) are POWs with a plan to escape : make a vaulting horse that can carry a man inside, and while the other chaps are busy jumping, have that man work on a tunnel and when done, cover up the hole and get carried back in the horse-all right under the German's noses. This approach takes far less time, but is much more dangerous, as even a small cave-in could instantly bring the 'goons' down on the heroes. After months of of digging, vaulting, and planning, the three men escape. But now comes the really tricky part : getting out of Germany to a neutral country. Peter and John travel together, with John doing all the talking because Peter can't speak German or French. Several times, it looks like they've had it, as German police inspect their hotel, a French contact seems to rather do them more harm than good, and a mysterious man follows them through the streets. So yes, they may have escaped from the POW camp, but can they escape from Germany?
The story is told in true British fashion : no-nonsense, crisp dialogue, and cutting-edge tension throughout the film. Not one moment in this film can be described as boring, and every scene flows. Some other reviewers have said that its 'shelf-life has expired', but for anyone who appreciates a good story, script, and acting over senseless compilations of scenes, scripts that are thrown together simply to make money, and more explosions and car chases than actual dialogue and acting, this movie is a gem. It really captures (pardon the pun) the spirit of a British POW : determined, calm in every situation, and bloody clever.
Leo Genn, as Peter, delivers an impeccable, sincere performance which he deserves much credit for. Genn was, in my opinion, one of Britian's best actors, and his talents are more than evident here. His line delivery would make any speech teacher jealous, and his movements and reactions are always followed through. He steals the show from the beginning and never lets go. An excellent performance from one of the greats.
Anthony Steel, as John, also gives a good performance. Younger than Genn's Peter, Steel is the one who comes up with the wooden horse idea, and is constantly pushing to get out. He's the young bull who says 'lets dash down!' while Peter is the old bull who says 'lets stroll down'. He and Genn have great chemistry, and their friendship seems quite genuine. Steel is believable, eager, and great to watch.
David Tomlinson, as Phil, though not given much screen time, still manages to put in a solid performance. He is funny and charming, just like later on in 'Mary Poppins'. Not the brightest chap in the camp, or the bravest, but he shows his teethe when needed. A delight to watch, and you can't help but love the guy.
In summary, this is a marvelous film of a true story. All involved clearly put their heart into this production. The acting is superb, the script excellent, and the art of suspense is mastered to a "T". It will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and you'll also have a few good laughs in the process. They don't make them like this anymore, which is a real shame. "The Wooden Horse" will be a favorite of mine for the rest of my life.
Hatter's Castle (1942)
Brilliant piece of British drama
James Brodie (played by the incredible Robert Newton) is the only hatter in a Scotland town, as well as a tyrant to all around him. His family fears him, his peers despise him, and he frankly doesn't care about anyone but himself. Things start to go downhill fast though, when his mistress asks him to get her 'step-brother' Denis (boyfriend) a job. Soon, Dennis worms his way into Brodie's family, and being the force behind a rival hat company moving into the shop next to Brodie's store. As Brodie tries to keep up with the mortgage on his house and shop, daughter Mary becomes pregnant and is thrown out, Mrs. Brodie dies of cancer, and son Angus commits suicide after being caught trying to cheat on his exams. With nothing left, and no repentance whatsoever, Brodie sets his house aflame and dies a mad man. It seems though that perhaps Mary has a happy ending, as she and the town doctor walk out of her father's funeral together.
Robert Newton, a true master of his craft, delivers in my opinion his best performance of his career. I thought he was evil as Bill Sykes in 'Oliver Twist', but boy, I had seen nothing of his talent. He demands attention, and you can't tear your eyes away from him as he looms over all the other characters in the film. Every single word he says in his deep Scottish accent, you believe. He worked with his eyes a great deal in all his movies, and this one is no exception. He is absolutely incredible to watch, and his mastery of the part is more than evident.
James Mason, the town's young doctor, doesn't have much of a role, but he's still great to watch. Practically the opposite of Newton's character, he is somewhat shy but extremely kind. He is the one who discovers Mrs. Brodie has cancer, and sneaks into the house regularly to treat her, while also falling in love with Mary in the process. The picture of an English gentleman, Mason does very well in his part.
Deborah Kerr, Mary, plays her part extremely well. She is trapped under her father's thumb, and though she sometimes tries to stand up to him, she lives in fear. She is gentle and shy, and instantly smitten with James Mason's character. Your heart really goes out to the poor girl, as she gets the bad end of the stick every time. A good performance on her part.
Emlyn Williams, Denis, delivers a performance that he should get much more credit for. He is a worm and you despise him from the very beginning. Cunning and always using others for his betterment, you finally get to pump your fist in the air and yell 'yes!' when Brodie punches him around. Williams held his own against Newton in this film, and I'd say that's quite a feet. Excellent, albeit a despised performance.
In summary, this film will grab you by the throat and shake you around for 1 hour and 42 minutes, and I promise you, you will never forget it. As arguably one of Newton's best performances, this piece will be a film I will continue to watch throughout my life.
Obsession (1949)
Fantastic piece of British drama!
Dr. Clive Riordan (Robert Newton) has put up with the very long list of his wife Storm's (Sally Gray) various affairs. He determines that he will kill the next man who Storm sets her sights on. So when she and an American named Bill Kronin (Phil Brown) meet at a cocktail party and strike up a quick relationship, Dr. Clive sets his plan into action.
Robert Newton absolutely shines in his portrayal of a man who has just been given 'the last straw'. The complete opposite of the rolling-eyed, mumbling pirate for which he is best remembered for, he desplays perfect eloquence and diction, along with a stage presence that cannot be ignored. Always calm, polite, and ever one step ahead of all those around him. Robert Newton is an absolute joy to watch, and you can't help rooting for him to have a happy ending.
Sally Gray delivers a very sincere and believable performance as someone who is used to getting her own way, always trying to prove she is just as smart as her husband. I found her to be very well casted, as she was able to hold her own alongside Robert Newton.
Phil Brown also deserves praise for his work. Definitely a tough role to pull off, he manages to joke and remain calm in the face of death. Some other reviewers say he was 'too stiff upper-lipped' about it, but such was the way in which gentlemen of that era conducted themselves. Very well acted.
Naunton Wayne, as Superintendent Finsbury of Scotland Yard, is absolutely delightful. True British wit and cunning at its best. Quite a few whicked one-liners, dry calmness, and a smarter-than-you-think-he-is personality along with great chemistry between him and Robert Newton in the few scenes they share, cements him as a force to be reckoned with. A perfect portrayal of the infamous Scotland Yard Superintendent character.
All in all, this masterpiece kept me in suspense the entire time. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, and the superbly-written script and strong performances made me want to watch it over again immediately afterwards so as to enjoy getting pulled in again. One of Robert Newton's best works, extremely under-rated by a generation that does not appreciate a movie unless it has explosions, and a true joy to watch, this movie will remain a favorite of mine for the rest of my life.