Jessica (1962) ***
Roman Holiday (1953) and Three Coins in a Fountain (1956) had set a high bar for Hollywood romances set in Italy. Since Jean Negulesco had directed the latter he was expected to sprinkle box office magic on this slight tale of young American midwife Jessica Brown Visconti (Angie Dickinson) adrift in a rustic village in … Continue reading “Jessica (1962) ***”
Vendetta for The Saint (1969) ***
This big-screen version of small-screen hero is as pleasant a diversion as you can get. Nostalgia pretty much gives it a free pass and in any case the action, which punctuates the drama at regular intervals, was always going to be budget-restricted. Despite being in almost constant danger the insouciance of gentleman thief Simon Templar … Continue reading “Vendetta for The Saint (1969) ***”
Rough Night in Jericho (1967) ****
Woefully under-rated western with three A-list stars at the top of their game in a taut drama with an explosive ending. Not surprising it was overlooked at the time with John Wayne duo El Dorado and The War Wagon, Paul Newman as Hombre and an onslaught of spaghetti westerns garnering more attention at the box … Continue reading “Rough Night in Jericho (1967) ****”
Sisters (1969) ****
Erotically-charged, symbolically-heavy French drama of siblings trying to re-establish the intense relationship they enjoyed as teenagers. After a nervous breakdown and on the point of divorce, blonde translator Diana (Nathalie Delon) seeks respite at the home of younger sister Martha (Susan Strasberg), a brunette happily married to the wealthy and indulgent Alex (Massimo Girotti). Initially, … Continue reading “Sisters (1969) ****”
Book Into Film – “The Devil Rides Out”/ “The Devil’s Bride” (1968)
Dennis Wheatley was a prolific bestseller producing three or four titles a year, famous for a historical series set around Napoleonic times, another at the start of the Second World War and a third featuring the “four modern musketeers” that spanned a couple of decades. In addition, he had gained notoriety for books about black … Continue reading “Book Into Film – “The Devil Rides Out”/ “The Devil’s Bride” (1968)”
The Devil Rides Out / The Devil’s Bride (1968) ****
Strong contender for Hammer’s film of the decade, a tight adaptation of Dennis Wheatley’s black magic classic with some brilliant set pieces as Nicholas de Richleau (Christopher Lee) battles to prevent his friend Simon (Patrick Mower) falling into the hands of satanist Mocata (Charles Gray). Initially constructed like a thriller with Simon rescued, then kidnapped, … Continue reading “The Devil Rides Out / The Devil’s Bride (1968) ****”
A Shameless Plug for My Books – Ideal Xmas Presents
With Xmas exactly a month away, now seems the right time to convince you that you should bombard your relatives/partners/friends with information about the books I have written so that as a movie lover you will receive a gift (or two) of a book about the movies. Some of my books cost just £6-£10 in … Continue reading “A Shameless Plug for My Books – Ideal Xmas Presents”
Ghostbusters Afterlife (2021) **** – Seen at the Cinema
This Geeks’R’Us (Junior Dept) reboot of a dying franchise is a blast. After the last leaden reinvention, this social-media infused spin brings redemption few brands can dream of. Most kid-centric films rely on a really cute kid. No need here. A brilliant screenplay does the job of bringing the kids to life, and you better … Continue reading “Ghostbusters Afterlife (2021) **** – Seen at the Cinema”
King Richard (2021) **** – Seen at the Cinema
Absorbing sports biopic mixing feel-good and a no-holds-barred approach to the titular subject with a terrific performance from Will Smith. Some commentators complained the film was too long but I was so caught up in it I was surprised when it suddenly came to an end. Beyond recognizing the achievements of the Williams sisters, I … Continue reading “King Richard (2021) **** – Seen at the Cinema”
Mayerling (1968) ****
Sumptuous historical romantic drama set in a fading European empire awash with political intrigue and incipient revolution. Archduke Rudolf (Omar Sharif), married heir to the throne and constantly at odds with rigid father Emperor Franz-Josef (James Mason), sympathizes so strongly with Hungarian dissidents that he threatens to tear apart the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, when he … Continue reading “Mayerling (1968) ****”
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The Magnificent 60s 