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Reviews
Contract on Cherry Street (1977)
A mediocre detective movie
I worked for Columbia Pictures at the time and it was exciting to see Frank Sinatra starring in this TV made for movie. He made a visit to the Home Office and created quite a stir. I have to say when the movie premiered on television it fell short. It wasn't a bad storyline and actually was entertaining but Sinatra was too old for the part and given his age and short stature he wasn't believable as a tough guy detective. Even his much younger wife was not believable. He was past his prime as well as some of the other actors. It was almost like Barney Miller light. It did show a young and up and coming actor Michael Nori and a good performance by Steve Inwood. But overall the stellar cast of Martin Balsam, Henry Silver and Harry Guardian could not save this movie. The ending comes to one big thud you find yourself asking is this it?? Despite the disappointments it is still exciting to see Frank Sinatra at the age of 62 performing.
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
A Tale of 3 People Hollywood Style
I recently bought this movie after having seen it many, many years ago and it still holds up. Old movies will always be dated but a classic never gets tiring. I thought this movie was very well done with Vincent Minnelli's direction, excellent casting and beautiful movie score by David Raskin. Shot in black and white each story is told in just the right amount of time. I read that Clark Gable turned down the role. While he would have been good I think Kirk Douglas was outstanding. Walter Pidgeon always the voice of reason gives stability to the film. Barry Sullivan is terrific as well. Lana Turner was exceptionally good. Her breakdown scene was very well done as was Minnelli's clever way of maneuvering the car. Dick Powell a sympathetic character played to perfection. And Gloria Grahame - the shining star in this movie. Her character may have come across as over the top but she is the one character who leaves an impression after it's over. As short as her appearance was I think she deserved the Oscar. She was a wonderful actress who I'm glad got her recognition. Ending scene is very touching with all 3 characters coming to the phone with nary a word while the music score plays perfectly. The expression on their faces speaks volumes and leaves you with the question Will they or Won't they? Sad to see it end. It left me wanting the story to go on but it had the perfect ending. This movie deserved to be in the Best Picture category.