Kirk Douglas & Frank Sinatra Pairings (1963 & 1966)

Kirk Douglas and Frank Sinatra, another two of Hollywood’s brightest stars from Hollywood’s “Golden Age” also have to be two of the angriest actors ever written about. Douglas admitted to his anger in his book: The Ragman’s Son, while much was made of Sinatra’s temper while he was alive and many years after his death. Despite or rather in spite of their tempers, they managed to be in two films together, though not necessarily sharing many if any scenes. They also managed to be fairly good friends. Enough so that Kirk would go to Sinatra’s house for spaghetti dinners and some light gambling poker games. (If the rich are gambling: how ‘light’ is ‘light’?)

This also extended to their marriages. Douglas claimed to have counseled Ava Gardner during one of her stormy arguments with Sinatra, never telling him about it. And Sinatra in turn was reported to have made homemade chicken soup and spaghetti dinners for Douglas’s second wife any time she was under the weather. Douglas amusingly claims in two of his books that he would ask Frank Sinatra for some meal occasionally and Sinatra would, in polite terms here, tell him to, “go pound sand!”

Regardless for the reasons behind their friendship, however brief or long it may have been (reports vary), two fine films came out of these two wonderful entertainers: The List Of Adrian Messenger (1963) and Cast A Giant Shadow (1966). The latter is a repeat post – sorry! The former is a much scrutinized and analyzed film that can be summed up best in this reviewer’s mind as: a good mystery caper. Below are the reviews for said films.   

The List Of Adrian Messenger (1963)

B&W – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Based On A Story By: Alec Coppel (uncredited) and Philip MacDonald (credited)
Screenplay By: Anthony Veiller
Exec. Prod.: Kirk Douglas (uncredited)
Dir.: John Huston
Starring: Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, George C. Scott, Dana Wynter, Clive Brook, Gladys Cooper, Herbert Marshall, Marcel Dalio, Bernard Archard, Tony Huston (as Walter Anthony Huston), Ronald Long (as Roland Long), Alan Caillou (uncredited), Tim Durant (uncredited), Bernard Fox (uncredited), Paul Frees (uncredited), John Huston (uncredited), Delphi Lawrence (uncredited), Jan Merlin (uncredited), Barbara Morrison (uncredited), Richard Peel (uncredited), Noel Purcell (uncredited), Anita Sharp–Bolster (uncredited) and Dave Willock (uncredited).  
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

A former intelligence officer is tasked by the heir to the Gleneyre estate to investigate the unusual deaths of a disparate group of eleven men on a list. Amusing little caper film is arguably one of the most scrutinized in Hollywood History, thanks in no small part to actor Jan Merlin’s claims (see trivia for details). While “who is under the makeup?” may be up for debate – shot to shot – the fact that this moves along at a good pace and has a decent storyline remains in tact. The cast and director, no matter how much or how little they are in the film, are appealing and in fine form.

Personal note: This reviewer is still impressed with the ending of this film, decades after seeing it at age 8.  

Trivia: In an article for Video Watchdog Magazine actor Jan Merlin claimed that he played the heavily made up parts in the film, mostly standing in for Kirk Douglas. He further claimed that Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster and Frank Sinatra, doubled by Dave Willock, were never actually in the film and that they only filmed the “reveals” at the end of the film. He claimed to have used his experiences from this film for the reportedly thinly veiled novel: Shooting Montezuma: A Hollywood Monster Story, which he wrote. Elizabeth Taylor was reportedly offered a disguised role as a scruffy sailor named “Chesty” but turned it down known how painful the makeup would be. This film was partially shot on John Huston’s own estate in Ireland.

This was the final film of Clive Brook. John Huston cameos as Lord Ashton in a short dialogue scene in the last hunt. Paul Frees looped most of Jacques Roux’s dialogue in the film like, “thanks” when he accepts a drink from George C. Scott, this is attributed to sound issues on the set. He also provided a word or sentence (source depending) for Herbert Marshall. Frees is best known as the man who dubbed Tony Curtis’ Josephine voice in: Some Like It Hot (1959), since Tony Curtis couldn’t get his voice that high. This was the 4th of 7 films Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster made together. And finally: This film was spoofed in: Get Smart (1965–1970), Season 5, Episode 18: The Mess Of Adrian Listenger (1970).

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Cast A Giant Shadow (1966)

B&W / C – 146m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Book By: Ted Berkman
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Melville Shavelson
Co–Exec. Prod.s: Kirk Douglas and John Wayne (both uncredited)
Co–Prod.: Michael Wayne
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Senta Berger, Angie Dickinson, James Donald, Stathis Giallelis, Luther Adler, Topol, Ruth White, Gordon Jackson, Michael Hordern, Allan Cuthbertson, Jeremy Kemp, Sean Barrett, Frank Latimore, Frank Sinatra, Yul Brynner, Gary Merrill, Michael Douglas (uncredited), Rudolph Hess (archival footage), Geoffrey Palmer (uncredited), Franklin D. Roosevelt (archival footage), Jimmy Shaw (uncredited) and Joseph Stalin (archival footage).
Music By: Elmer Bernstein

In 1947, following the United Nations’ (U.N.’s) decision to split British Palestine into separate Jewish and Palestinian states, a former U.S. Army officer is recruited by the Jews to reorganize Haganah. Well done if just a tad overlong war drama. It should be noted that many dispute the historical accuracy of this film. However, this reviewer will not do so. Acting is strong and the script adds a few hints of humor: the recruiting of Douglas while he is shopping and Sinatra’s plane come to mind readily. (Seltzer? Really?) While this is not quite the epic that In Harm’s Way (1965) was, it is no less impressively mounted with yet another great cast. Worth a look on a rainy day, or in school towards the end of a school year.

Trivia: During filming John Wayne enraged Director Melville Shavelson with his views on the Watts Riots. Director Melville Shavelson and actor Kirk Douglas fought throughout this filming of this movie. At one point director Shavelson walked off set, leaving his assistant to take over for the day. This was Michael Douglas’ movie debut and Topol’s English film debut. The scene where Frank Sinatra’s spotter plane is attacked by an Arab fighter plane used a brief clip from: 633 Squadron (1964), showing a Nord 2002 (a French built Messerschmitt BF108).

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Christina Ricci Lizzie Borden Film & Show (2014 & 2015)

 Lizzie Borden Took An Axe (2014)

C – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 / 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Lizzie Borden Took An Ax
Writer: Stephen Kay
Dir.: Nick Gomez
Starring: Christina Ricci, Clea DuVall, Gregg Henry, Stephen McHattie, Shawn Doyle, Sarah Botsford, Jeremy Akerman, Brett Donahue, John Dunsworth and Andrew Gillies.

The true story of Lizzie Borden, a woman tried and acquitted in the 1892 murders of her father and stepmother. “Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she’d seen what she had done, she gave her father 41.” The premise is simple the acting is solid. The only thing out of place is punk rock – ish music playing in a film set in 1892. Still, this reviewer enjoyed the film that did it first: A Knight’s Tale (2001). So why complain too much with it here? Christina Ricci and the cast are capable but the presentation is average. This spawned the limited series: The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015), A.K.A.: Lizzie Borden: The Fall River Chronicles.

Rated: [TV–14]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles: The Complete Series (2015)

C – 337m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 / 1.78:1 – Widescreen
AKA: Lizzie Borden: The Fall River Chronicles
Exec. Prod.: Christina Ricci
Starring: Christina Ricci, Clea DuVall, Cole Hauser, Dylan Taylor, John Ralston, Jeff Wincott, Jonathan Banks, John Heard, Kenneth Welsh, Stephen McHattie, Bill Carr, Chris Lawrence.

Fictionalized account of the actual events and people surrounding Lizzie Borden after her controversial acquittal of the double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892. Vivid characters help boost this above the original movie, Lizzie Borden Took An Axe (2014). The stories of the episodes are even more lively than that of the film and the body count is greater than two, which helps. Not for the squeamish but not the most violent thing to view either. Christina Ricci, as always in this reviewer’s opinion, is in good form and she commendably produced this project. This was a limited run series. 

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Home Sweet Hell (2015)

Home Sweet Hell (2015)

C – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dangerous Housewife, North Of Hell
Starring: Katherine Heigl, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe, Aiden Flowers, Jim Belushi, Jordana Brewster, Heath Freeman, A.J. Buckley, Kevin McKidd, Artie Baxter and Chi McBride.

Don Champagne, a “happily married man,” is forced into a killing spree when his wife finds out about his affair with one of his employees who is now blackmailing them. The film’s alternant title may prove to be the best indication of a review for the film: North Of Hell. The premise is good, the acting is swell, but the execution, pardon the pun, is generally flat in terms of the humor. A contender for Mystery Science Theater in the modern era. Drinking may help the audience with this one.

Trivia: Katherine Heigl’s real life husband provided all the songs for the soundtrack. 

Rated: [R] – Violence, Language, Strong Sexual Content & Some Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

C – 78m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen – Animated
Graphic Novel: Gotham By Gaslight: A Tale Of The Batman by Brian Augustyn, Michael Mignola and P. Craig Russell
Starring: Jennifer Carpenter, Bruce Greenwood, Grey DeLisle, Scott Patterson, John DiMaggio, Anthony Head and Yuri Lowenthal.

In an alternant Victorian Age Gotham, Batman begins his war on crime by investigating the murders done by Jack The Ripper. Strictly routine Jack The Ripper yarn gets a tad of a boost from the presence of the Batman characters. Robin is divided into three orphans, Cat Woman is a musical hall singing prostitute, as was Poison Ivy and Bruce Wayne / Batman plays Sherlock Holmes. Nothing more or less complicated by that. Some suspense is built and there is enough of the formula Ripper story to keep adults entertained. The end result visually however is a kid’s cartoon slapped with an [R] rating just for some violence, never mind the sexuality and language. Tame by most Ripper standards, for those who care.

Trivia: The three orphan boys’ names are: Dickie, Jason and Tim; the same three first names of the incarnations of Robin: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake.

Rated: [R] – Some Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Jessie Stone Films

Stone Cold (2005)

C – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Stone Cold
Jesse Stone: Stone Cold
Dir.: Robert Harmon
Novel By: Robert B. Parker
Starring: Tom Selleck, Jane Adams, Reg Rogers, Viola Davis, Alexis Dziena, Kohl Sudduth, Polly Shannon, Stephen McHattie, Shawn Roberts, Alex House, and Mimi Rogers.

A New England Police Chief investigates a series of murders and a rape of a teenage woman minor. This made for television movie is a slick but deliberately paced adaption of the best selling novel. It offers up some genuine laughs, some touching moments and a few surprises. After repeated viewings it is by the numbers of course. Swell acting and beautiful scenery help boost this to solid entertainment. There is a particularly funny subplot with Jesse Stone’s dog here.

Trivia: The fictional town of Paradise, Massachusetts, where the film / novel takes place, is supposedly a caricature of Marblehead, Massachusetts. And despite the aforementioned trivia, the film was shot in Ontario, Canada.

Rated: [R] – Violent Content, Some Sexuality, Nudity, & Brief Drug Use
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Night Passage (2006)

C – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Night Passage
Jesse Stone: Night Passage
Novel By: Robert B. Parker
Starring: Tom Selleck, Saul Rubinek, Viola Davis, Kohl Sudduth, Polly Shannon, Mike Starr, Stephen McHattie and Stephen Baldwin.

Jesse Stone relocates from Los Angeles, California to Paradise, Massachusetts and finds himself in the midst of a couple of mysteries, one involving a former cop. Although this is the second Jesse Stone film made, it is the prequel to the first one, Stone Cold (2005). As such, it may make more sense to view this one first. That said, this is a rather sorry entry in the series after such a fine start with Stone Cold. The characters from the first film are more developed given their backstory here but little else comes of it. Pacing is once again an issue, this time more so. Tom Selleck, Stephen Baldwin, Viola Davis and Mike Starr are a treat as always though. A subplot with Jesse Stone’s dog that was funny in the first film is rather sad here. Despite this reviewer’s rather low opinion of this prequel, it should be noted that this reviewer sees the value of its inclusion in the television Jesse Stone cannon.

Trivia: Mike Starr’s brother Beau Starr previously appeared in the television adaption of Thin Air (2000), another Robert B. Parker novel that coexists with Jesse Stone.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Death In Paradise (2006)

C – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise
Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise
Novel: Death In Paradise by Robert B. Parker
Starring: Tom Selleck, Viola Davis, Kohl Sudduh, Orla Brady, Gary Basaraba, John Deihl, Mae Whitman, Edward Edwards, Stephen McHattie and William Devane.

The body of a 14 year old girl is found in a lake, a man beats his wife and someone is a tad to close to his biographer who has something to do with, “helping,” underage kids. These are just a few loose ends of a far spread mystery that Jesse Stone must tie together. Well–done, third made–for–television film in the Jesse Stone franchise boasts of fine acting, excellent pacing and nice scenery. There are even a few slightly startling images here too.

Trivia: The novel actually takes place before Stone Cold, but a scene of Jesse visiting the grave of Polly Shannon’s character was added to change it to after for this made for television movie.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Sea Change (2007)

C – 88m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Sea Change
Jesse Stone: Sea Change
Novel: Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sean Young, Mika Boorem, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, Viola Davis, William DeVane

Jesse Stone’s relationship with his ex–wife takes a turn for the worse so he decides to investigate a murder to keep from relapsing into alcoholism. His life is further complicated when he is put at odds with the town council over a rape investigation. The fourth made–for–television film in the Jesse Stone franchise is nothing special but still not bad. The cast is in fine form but the movie is strictly formula.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jesse Stone: Thin Ice (2009)

C – 88m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Thin Ice
Characters By: Robert B. Parker
Dir.: Robert Harmon
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Leslie Hope, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler and William Devane.

During an unauthorized stakeout in Boston, Massachusetts Jesse Stone and Captain Healy are shot. Meanwhile a mother of a missing son, who has been declared dead, in Paradise, Massachusetts receives a letter that leads her to Stone. She hopes it will reopen the case in spite of her son being declared dead. The fifth made–for–television installment in the Jesse Stone series is the first film not to be adapted from a novel by Robert B. Parker, but rather it uses his characters. The film is engaging and keeps a good pace. Performances are for the most part good, but hardly worth mentioning given how well everything else works.  

Trivia: This film was shot in 2007 but did not air until 2009.
Available on DVD & Digital Copy  

Jesse Stone: No Remorse (2010)

C – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: No Remorse
Characters By: Robert B. Parker
Co–Screenwriter: Tom Selleck
Dir.: Mark Harmon
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, Mae Whitman and William Devane.

Suspended Police Chief Jesse Stone begins moonlighting for his friend Commander Healy by investigating murders in Boston, Massachusetts. Meanwhile Rose and Suitcase are working on a series of murders in Paradise, Massachusetts. Jesse Stone gives his all to the cases while trying to swear off booze and women but when the trail leads to a mob boss, Jesse may be in deep trouble. The sixth made – for – television Jesse Stone franchise entry is again, not from a novel by Robert B. Parker, though it does use his characters. The film is formula but has a good pace and good performances. One trivia note: The watch Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone wears in this film is the same one he wore in Magnum P.I. Seasons 4 – 8.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost (2011)

C – 91m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost
Characters By: Robert B. Parker
Co–Screenwriter: Tom Selleck
Dir.: Dick Lowry
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Gloria Reuben, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler and William Devane.

Jesse Stone is forced into retirement only to investigate the suspicious death of a young friend. Meanwhile the Police of Paradise, Massachusetts contend with a S.O.B. of a new Police Chief. The seventh made–for–television Jesse Stone franchise entry is again not from a novel by Robert B. Parker but does use his characters. This one has fine pacing, good acting and a good script. The down side is that it is by the numbers. For some that may bring comfort though. Also: How much guilt tripping over the dog can viewer stand?

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jesse Stone: Benefit Of The Doubt (2012)

C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Benefit Of The Doubt
Characters By: Robert B. Parker
Co–Screenwriter: Tom Selleck
Dir.: Robert Harmon
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Gloria Reuben, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, Robert Carradine and William Devane.

After the Sheriff who replaced Jesse Stone is killed in an explosion in the cop car, Jesse Stone comes out of involuntary retirement to investigate the murder; only to find out he must solve the murder himself because all the other officers left the department. The eighth made–for–television Jesse Stone franchise entry is not from a novel by Robert B. Parker but uses his characters. This is a suspenseful and engaging, by the numbers entry, with a fantastic pace and good acting. On a trivia note: a small portion of the Boston, Massachusetts set film, The Last Hurrah (1958) plays on a television screen. This supposedly signaled to the audience that this might have been the final Jesse Stone outing.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jesse Stone: Lost In Paradise (2015)

C – 86m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone: Lost In Paradise
Characters By: Robert B. Parker
Co–Screenwriter: Tom Selleck
Dir.: Robert Harmon
Starring: Tom Selleck, Kohl Sudduth, Gloria Reuben, Leslie Hope, William Sadler and William Devane.

Jesse hunts a serial killer in Boston, Massachusetts and worries over a wayward teen in Paradise, Massachusetts. The ninth made – for – television Jesse Stone franchise entry is once again not from a novel by Robert B. Parker, but does uses his characters. By the numbers entry is still enjoyable. Gone are most of the characters from the series but what remains is a pretty good cold case mystery.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

John Cassavetes 1980’s

Gloria (1979 / 1980 / 1981)

C. – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: One Summer Night
Writer – Dir.: John Cassavetes
Starring: Gena Rowlands, Buck Henry, Julie Carmen, Tom Noonan, Ray Baker, John Finnegan and Lawrence Tierney.

After the death of his father, a young boy is taken on the lam through New York City by a woman who is in possession of a book that the mob wants. While the film is hardly Cassavetes’ best work, it is still interesting to watch. Rowlands and the cast are in fine form. It is worth watching because of them, if for no other reason. Remade in 1999 by Sidney Lumet with Sharon Stone, Cathy Moriarty, George C. Scott, Mike Starr and Bobby Cannavale. 

Rated: [PG]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Love Streams (1984)

C. – 141m. / 122m. (VHS)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
Dir.: John Cassavetes. Writers: Terry Allen & John Cassavetes
Starring: Gena Rowlands, John Cassavetes, Diahnne Abbott, Seymour Cassel, Margaret Abbott and John Finnegan.

Two estranged siblings who are wounded and emotionally connected reunite. This was originally a failed stage production. Cassavetes kept the original writer, Terry Allen, so busy with rewrites that he quit after a certain point. Cassavetes then mounted a stage production of it. After Cassavetes outlived his, “six months to live,” diagnosis, he mounted this film version of the play he had put on. Rather than a play that ran all day, it became this shortened version. A masterfully done film that should be viewed at it’s 141 minute full running length rather than the 122 minute heavily edited VHS copy in the USA. For those who love seeing Cassavetes’ work, this will not disappoint. Do note however that it is not a fast moving film and therefore takes a while to develop the characters and plot. Once it gets going though, it is strong and rich in performances and cinematography. Sadly the final Masterful film made by Cassavetes. He only made one more film after this as a director before his death at age 59 on February 3, 1989. 

Trivia: John Voight was originally slated to play Robert Harmon as he did in the play, but left the film due to scheduling conflicts and, “creative differences,” with John Cassavetes. This was the final film teaming of real life husband and wife John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands while Cassavetes was alive. A film he had written, She’s So Lovely (She’s De-Lovely (1997)) was made with Rowlands after Cassavetes’ death. And finally: Due to John Cassavetes’ poor health Peter Bogdanovich directed a few scenes.   

Rated: [PG–13]
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy through The Criterion Collection.

Big Trouble (1986)

C. – 93m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: John Cassavetes
Starring: Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Beverly D’Angelo, Charles Durning, Paul Dooley, Richard Libertini and John Finnegan.

Insurance agents plot with their client to kill her nutty husband. Semi–amusing comedy has much of the same talent from The In–Laws (1979) but lacks the spunk of that film until near the end of the picture. Largely however this is another remake of the Billy Wilder classic, Double Indemnity (1944). Double Indemnity was remade for the first time in 1973 under the same title, then there was this version in 1986, and it was remade again as Double Jeopardy (1999), with Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley Judd. Your mileage for this film may vary, depending on your acceptance of the characters as portrayed by the actors and Cassavetes work as a director.  

Trivia: When Universal sold the rights for a Double Indemnity (1944) remake to Columbia Pictures, they in turn got the rights to Back To The Future (1985). John Cassavetes replaced Andrew Bergman as director of this film. And this film turned out to be Cassavetes’ final picture before his death at age 59 on February 3, 1989.

Rated: [R]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.  

John Cassavetes 1950’s & 1960’s

Shadows (1959)

B&W – 87m. / 81m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Writer – Dir.: John Cassavetes. Pro.: Seymour Cassel.
Starring: John Cassavetes, Seymour Cassel, Bobby Darin and Gena Rowlands.

An improvised look at interracial relationships in Beat–Era (1950’s) New York City. Largely improvised and then written later by Cassavetes and his acting class students. While there is a loosely structured story in place, it is more performance driven. Commendable but contrived. Daring for its time but tame by today’s standards. Please be aware that the big named stars are not credited here. John Cassavete’s directorial debut.

Rated: [PG]
Part of The Criterion Collection. Available on Blu – ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Johnny Staccato: The Complete Series (1959 – 1960)

B&W – 804m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
One Dir.: John Cassavetes

Starring: John Cassavetes, Eduardo Ciannelli, John Williams, Shirley Knight, Elizabeth Montgomery, Gena Rowlands, Dean Stockwell, Geraldine Brooks, Cloris Leachman, Mary Tyler Moore, Paul Stewart, Nita Talbot, Martin Landau, Michael Landon, Elizabeth Patterson, Tom Reese, John Marley, Sig Ruman, Harry Tyler, Susan Oliver, June Foray and Steve Allen.

A private detective who likes to play Jazz Piano in his spare time solves murder mysteries, prevents bombs going off, etc. An intelligent show that had great music and acting… Sadly, Cassavetes burned out on the show and canned it after one season. Thankfully the episodes still survive!

Available on DVD.

Too Late Blues (1961)

B&W – 103m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Writer – Dir.: John Cassavetes
Starring: Bobby Darin, Stella Stevens, Seymour Cassel, John Cassavetes and Don Siegel.

A poisonous love affair between a self-righteous musician and a female singer starts and continues. Is it helping or hurting their careers? Troublesome film is far from a walk in the park emotionally but fine performances are given and that must be commended. A little more plot would have helped too. This may feel claustrophobic for some given the structure of two or three people in a scene at a time during the dramatic moments. Darin does his best impression of Cassavetes in the film.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Child Is Waiting (1963)

B&W – 104m
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: John Cassavetes. Pro.: Stanley Kramer
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland, Gena Rowlands, Steven Hill, Paul Stewart, Lawrence Tierney, John Marley, Bill Mumy, Elizabeth Wilson and John Cassavetes.

A psychiatrist brings in a new teacher at an asylum for the mentally retarded and she starts to form attachments. Meanwhile one kid in the asylum forms a bond with her and starts to come out of his shell. A masterfully done tale of humanity, also serves as a historical document in the development of how people with Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome were lumped in with the retarded and how they all were treated. Cassavetes wanted to focus more on the kids because he started to view them as interesting characters. Kramer kicked him out of the editing process and did a bit of re-shooting to bring the film to that balance that it is now. As much as Kramer shifted the focus of the film masterfully to the middle ground of how the adults at the asylum act with their charges, Cassavetes captured the children in an accepting light. A must watch film for anyone with Autism Level 1 / Asperger’s Syndrome and their parents; not to mention people in disability services, Vocational Rehab and anyone interested in mental health. Some of this may be hard to watch for some, but it is well worth it in the end.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Faces (1968)

B&W – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Dynosaurs
Writer – Dir.: John Cassavetes
Starring: John Marley, Gena Rowlands, Seymour Cassel and Anne Shirley. 

Be sure to check out the 18 minute alternate opening on the Criterion Collection DVD and / or Blu–ray.

Former husband and wife respectively enter into relationships with younger partners as they try to find romance in the new pairings. A broad story is masterfully handled by Cassavetes and the cast. A must watch for the performances!

Trivia: Steven Spielberg became friendly with Cassavetes and served as a production assistant for two weeks on this film. This was after Cassavetes allowed Spielberg to direct him for a day. Steve Buscemi has said that this is his favorite film. Woody Allen and Robert Altman said that this film inspired some of their films. The original cut of this film ran for around six hours. That cut no longer exists but the script for it is available in book form. There are several different versions of this film.

Rated: [R]
Part of The Criterion Collection.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume II

The Last Song (2010)

C. – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Miley Cyrus Project
Screenplay & Novelization By: Nicholas Sparks.
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth and Greg Kinnear.

An angry and rebellious city–girl teen girl is sent, with her brother, to spend the summer with her father. Their mutual love of music helps them reconnect. Along the way she finds happiness with a teen boy about her age. Relatable and realistic view of teen–hood played out with the usual sentimental touches by Sparks. The cast is in fine form as well. This is as near perfect as a Sparks film and novel can get!

Trivia: Written for the screen especially for Miley Cyrus by Nicholas Sparks. After the film was made he wrote the novelization of it. Reportedly Liam Hemsworth never played beach volleyball before making this film and even lied about having played it during his audition. Miley Cyrus worked with a dialect coach to lose her southern accent and she learned to play classical piano for the film. Greg Kinnear had to leave the production for a few days when his daughter Katie was born. Kinnear and Hemsworth attended workshops on making stain glass windows. This was the film that Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus started dating during. This also happens to be one of only two of Sparks’ films that are rated: [PG]. The other is A Walk To Remember (2002).

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Material, Some Violence, Sensuality & Mild Language.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Dear John (2010)

C. – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Channing Tatum, Richard Jenkins and Henry Thomas.

A soldier falls in love with a conservative college girl while at home on leave. Complications ensue. Another near perfect Sparks film that tackles Autism Level 1 as well! Everyone is I top form here. Some of it may be hard to take for some but if one sits through the entire film, it pays off well. The novel is equally good. Like the other Sparks film of that year, The Last Song (2010), this film features an angry protagonist. 

Trivia: This was the first of two Nicholas Sparks films to focus on people in the armed forces. The other was: The Lucky One (2012). This is also the first Sparks novel / film to deal with Autism Level 1 / Asperger’s Syndrome. Something that endears it to this reviewer. Reportedly the character played by Richard Jenkins was inspired by Sparks’ own son who has Asperger’s Syndrome / Autism Level 1. The title is a military term for a letter in which a girl breaks up with a soldier. Amanda Seyfried wrote the song her character sings to Tatum’s character, titled: “Little House.” It can be found, in its entirety, on the soundtrack to the film. On this film’s opening weekend in the United States, it shot to number one, knocking James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) off of its seven–week perch.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sensuality & Violence.

The Lucky One (2012)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner.

After serving three tours of duty in Iraq a Marine travels to Louisiana to find a woman he believes was his good–luck charm. There is no question about it, Sparks has a formula to his work but this is yet another film that turned out well from yet another compelling book by Sparks. The pacing is a bit show but the story unfolds in due course.

Trivia: The house where Beth lives in this film, is the same house where Tucker lives in The Best Of Me (2014).

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sexuality & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Safe Haven (2013)

C. – 115m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.

A woman with a mysterious past shows up in a small town and takes up with a widower and it raises questions about her past. What happens next? The town is totally unprepared for. Hold on to your seat. An unexpectedly delicious romantic thriller plays like a modern B – Movie of the 1940’s and 1950’s but rises above it. Cast is in top form and so was Sparks with this novel! Another near–perfect Sparks outing. 

Trivia: Notable as the first Nicholas Sparks film to have an actual antagonist.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material Involving Threatening Behavior, And Violence & Sexuality.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Murder On The Orient Express (1974 & 2017)

Murder On The Orient Express (1974)

C. – 128m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Sidney Lumet.

Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Martin Balsam, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean–Pierre Cassel, Sean Connery, John Gielud, Wendy Hiller, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark and Michael York.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurred on the train that he is traveling on. As with most film or television adaptions of Agatha Christie’s works, the film is better than the book in this reviewer’s opinion. A great cast with stalwart performances and richly decorated sets make this a must. Slight complaint though: The pacing could have been quickened a bit.    

Trivia: Agatha Christie, 84 years old at the time, attended the premier. It was the only film that was adapted from her works that she liked, though she was note pleased with Hercule’s moustache. Sadly it was her last public appearance. She died 14 months later on January 12, 1976. Ingrid Bergman won an Oscar for her performance in this film. The basis for the win was from a nearly five minute long interrogation she had from Hercule (Finney). Director Sidney Lumet thought that if he signed the biggest star first, the rest would follow. At the time it was Sean Connery. Lumet and Connery previously teamed on three films: The Hill (1965), The Anderson Tapes (1971) and The Office (1973). Sean Connery was in two films that feature murders on The Orient Express: From Russia With Love (1963) and this one. Richard Widmark agreed to do the film just so he could meet the other actors. As in Psycho (1960), Anthony Perkins plays a man who lost his mother and has issues with trying to have a relationship with women. And finally: The final scene required multiple takes to get all the close-ups of the actors, since the set only made it possible for one camera to be set up in the space. 

Rated: [PG]

Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

C. – 114m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Dir.: Sir Kenneth Branagh. Book By: Agatha Christie.
Starring: Sir Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dame Judi Dench.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder on the train he is traveling on. While the cast is just as good as the original’s cast, this adaption of the Agatha Christie novel suffers quite a bit. The makeup isn’t believable, the hair colors on Branagh and Pfeiffer lack continuity, and why is no one breathing clouds of steam while they breath in a cold setting? This showed a lot of promise in the trailers but ultimately comes up muddled. If one considers this a chance to watch a game cast in an expensive play and can look past the aforementioned issues, and then some, one may stand a chance of liking this film. Even the C.G.I. is obvious! It is never dull, but not something recommended in place of the original. 

Trivia: This was Sir Kenneth Branagh’s second film to be shot on 65mm film. The first was Hamlet (1996). While this was shot on 65mm film, it played in theaters on 70mm film and it was the forth film since 2010 to do so. The Master (2012), The Hateful Eight (2015) and Dunkirk (2017) were the others. That is Michelle Pfeiffer singing “Never Forget” over the end credits. The song was written by Patrick Doyle and Kenneth Branagh. Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron were originally in line for Pfeiffer’s role but ultimately Pfeiffer got it. And finally: Both Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench were in films about the Jack The Ripper murders. Dench was Sally in the Sherlock Holmes VS Jack The Ripper film: A Study In Terror (1965), while Depp was in From Hell (2001).

Rated: [PG–13] – Violence & Thematic Elements.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.