TCM - Movies - * (and other older movies).
Love the Old Movies!
I will review and rate the TCM movies based on how enjoyable they are to me.
I rated each movie based on my probability of watching in the future, the rating will be as:
5-Star: CLASSIC (can watch again & again)
4-Star: Favorite (watch once a year)
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
2-Star: Pass (one watch is enough)
1-Star: Dud (hard to watch once)
Cheers,
Victor J.
I will review and rate the TCM movies based on how enjoyable they are to me.
I rated each movie based on my probability of watching in the future, the rating will be as:
5-Star: CLASSIC (can watch again & again)
4-Star: Favorite (watch once a year)
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
2-Star: Pass (one watch is enough)
1-Star: Dud (hard to watch once)
Cheers,
Victor J.
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- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsAndy GriffithMyron McCormickNick AdamsWill Stockdale is a country bumpkin drafted into the Air Force and too dumb to realize he's driving everyone around him crazy, no one more than Sergeant King.Clean comedy from the beginning to the end. Will Stockdale (Andy Griffith) is in My Top 10 greatest movie characters. One of just a handful of movies that receives a "10 Rating" from me.
Have seen it approximately 20 times prior to December 2012.
Watched: 11/12/12; - DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsPaul NewmanGeorge KennedyStrother MartinA laid-back Southern man is sentenced to two years in a rural prison, but refuses to conform.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartJean ArthurClaude RainsA naive youth leader is appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. His idealistic plans promptly collide with corruption at home and subterfuge from his hero in Washington, but he tries to forge ahead despite attacks on his character.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartKatharine HepburnRobert MorleyIn WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenGloria SwansonErich von StroheimA screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsFred MacMurrayBarbara StanwyckEdward G. RobinsonA Los Angeles insurance representative lets an alluring housewife seduce him into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, an insurance investigator.
- DirectorDelbert MannStarsDick Van DykeBarbara FeldonJohn McGiverA butler and the staff of an eccentric aged philanthropist whose family wealth is exhausted engage in larceny and crimes to maintain her lifestyle and provide funds for her charitable activities.Several loyal and delightful characters. It progresses slowly but the final robbery scene makes the movie worth watching.
Watched: 12/23/12 - DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsMichael RennieRobert NewtonDebra PagetA parole violator in early 19th Century France is relentlessly pursued and persecuted by an obsessive policeman.
- DirectorIrving ReisStarsCary GrantMyrna LoyShirley TempleA high school girl falls for a playboy artist, with screwball results.
- DirectorH.C. PotterStarsCary GrantMyrna LoyMelvyn DouglasA man and his wife decide they can afford to have a house in the country built to their specifications. It's a lot more trouble than they think.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsCary GrantAnn SheridanMarion MarshallAfter marrying an American lieutenant with whom he was assigned to work in post-war Germany, a French captain attempts to find a way to accompany her back to the States under the terms of the War Bride Act.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantEva Marie SaintJames MasonA New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.
- DirectorRalph NelsonStarsCary GrantLeslie CaronTrevor HowardDuring World War II, a man persuaded to live on an isolated island and spot aircraft finds himself responsible for a teacher and several students, all female.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsBarbara StanwyckRalph GravesLowell ShermanAn upper-crust artist hires a 'party girl' as a model; romance follows.
- DirectorHenry KosterStarsCary GrantLoretta YoungDavid NivenA debonair angel comes to Earth to help an Episcopalian bishop and his wife in their quest to raise money for the new church.Great Christmas movie. Cary Grant is an angel that comes to a assist a bishop with his church and his family. The entire movie is entertaining but the good deeds and happiness at the beginning of the movie is good example of the Christmas spirit.
Watched: 12/23/12 - DirectorRobert Z. LeonardStarsJudy GarlandVan JohnsonS.Z. SakallIn turn-of-the century America, Andrew and Veronica are co-workers in a music shop who dislike one another during business hours but unwittingly carry on an anonymous romance through the mail.
- DirectorCharles Marquis WarrenStarsJoel McCreaBarbara StanwyckEarl HollimanWhen Apache chief Nanchez is captured by the cavalry, his white squaw and infant son are returned to civilization by Sergeant Hook, but Nanchez escapes custody and attempts to re-claim his son.
- DirectorRudolph MatéStarsGlenn FordBarbara StanwyckEdward G. RobinsonA bitter land dispute causes a Civil War veteran to take extreme action.
- DirectorNunnally JohnsonStarsGinger RogersVan HeflinGene TierneyA young writer insinuates herself into the life of a Broadway producer.
- DirectorH.C. PotterStarsLoretta YoungJoseph CottenEthel BarrymoreAfter leaving her family's farm to study nursing in the city, a young woman finds herself on an unexpected path towards politics.
- DirectorCarol ReedStarsJames MasonRobert NewtonCyril CusackA wounded Irish nationalist leader attempts to evade police following a failed robbery in Belfast.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJack LemmonShirley MacLaineFred MacMurrayA Manhattan insurance clerk tries to rise in his company by letting its executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue.
- DirectorEdward DmytrykStarsRobert YoungRobert MitchumRobert RyanA man is murdered, apparently by one of a group of demobilized soldiers he met in a bar. But which one? And why?
- DirectorDon HartmanStarsRobert MitchumJanet LeighWendell CoreyA young widow is torn between a boring attorney and a romantic ne'er-do-well.
- DirectorRoy RowlandStarsRobert TaylorEleanor ParkerVictor McLaglenRobert Taylor and Eleanor Parker star as a Kentucky backwoodsman and the woman who will NOT let anything interfere with her plans to marry him in this humorous romantic adventure through the American Frontier of 1798.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsRobert DonatMadeleine CarrollLucie MannheimA man in London tries to help a counter-espionage agent, but when the agent is killed and the man stands accused, he must go on the run to save himself and stop a spy ring that is trying to steal top-secret information.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsFred MacMurrayEleanor ParkerRichard CarlsonA secretary is sent on a business trip to inform a radio personality he's just inherited two million dollars. She falls for him instantly, but he's on his way to get married.
- DirectorJohn FarrowStarsRay MillandMaureen O'SullivanCharles LaughtonA magazine tycoon commits a murder and pins it on an innocent man, who then tries to solve the murder himself.
- DirectorHoward BrethertonWilliam KeighleyStarsBarbara StanwyckPreston FosterLyle TalbotAttractive Nan, member of a bank-robbery gang, goes to prison thanks to evangelist Dave Slade...who loves her.
- DirectorMark SandrichStarsFred AstaireGinger RogersEdward Everett HortonAn American dancer comes to Britain and falls for a model whom he initially annoyed, but she mistakes him for his goofy producer.I don't appreciate musicals very much, but this movie has a interesting and fun story plot of mistaken identity.
8/12/17
Victor J. - DirectorPreston SturgesStarsBarbara StanwyckHenry FondaCharles CoburnA trio of classy card sharks targets a socially awkward brewery heir, until one of them falls in love with him.
- DirectorLeigh JasonStarsBarbara StanwyckHenry FondaSam LeveneAfter the murdered body discovered by beautiful, vivacious socialite Melsa Manton disappears, police and press label her a prankster until she proves them wrong.I felt like this movie was a little slow. But it does have an awesome casts.
8/12/17. - DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsBarbara StanwyckVan HeflinLizabeth ScottA man is reunited with his childhood friend and her husband who believes he knows the truth about the death of her rich aunt years earlier.
- DirectorGerd OswaldStarsBarbara StanwyckSterling HaydenRaymond BurrKathy leaves the newspaper business to marry homicide detective Bill but is frustrated by his lack of ambition and the banality of life in the suburbs. Her drive to advance Bill's career soon takes her down a dangerous path.
- DirectorAlfred E. GreenStarsBarbara StanwyckGeorge BrentDonald CookA young woman, sexually exploited all her life, decides to turn the tables and exploit the hapless men at a big city bank by gleefully seducing her way to the top.Barbara Stanwyck is my favorite actress, and this is one of my favorite Stanwyck movie. I think the reason that I enjoy this movie so much is that when it aired sexual exploitation was taboo at the time. I also feel that it is awesome that she turned the table on the men that took advantage of women before their were any sexual harassment laws to help protect them. Stanwyck never looked better, beautiful an sexier than she does in this movie.
6/10/17
Victor J. - DirectorAlexander HallStarsRosalind RussellBrian AherneJanet BlairTwo sisters move from Ohio to New York with hopes of stardom.I love stories of people being displaced (from the city goes to the country, etc.) and in this case ladies from small town Ohio moves to New York City.
The acting is great, the story line is great, but for some reason it fell a little flat for me. Still worth the watch.
8/18/17
Victor J. - DirectorJohn SturgesStarsBarbara StanwyckBarry SullivanRalph MeekerA family vacationing on the coast of Mexico have to cope with multiple threats to their safety.This movie is intense with Barbara Stanwyck racing against time and a killer fugitive to save her husband before the rising tide drowns him.
7/11/17
Victor J. - DirectorFrank CapraStarsBarbara StanwyckDavid MannersSam HardyAfter an unappreciated minister dies, his daughter loses her faith in God, prompting her to open a phony temple with a con man. Can the love of a blind aviator restore her faith and happiness?In the opening scene Barbara Stanwyck addresses the church and informs them that her father has died. She said that after leading the church for over 20 years he couldn't even afford a decent burial. She give a fantastic speech were she calls out the congregation as hypocrites and more.
She eventually regains her faith and rededicates her life to the lord.
8/20/17
Victor J. - DirectorAnatole LitvakStarsSophia LorenAnthony PerkinsGig YoungLisa Macklin, an Italian woman, has a fight with her American husband Robert in a Paris night club. He leaves the next day for a business trip and Lisa says she does not want to see him again. She is with newspaperman Alan Stewart that evening when she learns Robert's plane has crashed with no survivors. Waking from sedation after the funeral, Lisa finds Robert in their flat, injured but alive. He was thrown clear of the crash by a lucky twist of fate. He now plans to collect the $120,000 insurance he took out at the airport. Once Lisa collects the money and turns it over to him, she will finally be rid of him. She attempts to get advice from Stewart, but he has been replaced by David Barnes. Lisa's life becomes a tortuous ordeal, at work, at home, faced with a fugitive husband and a growing love for David, who suspects everything. Finally her nightmare concludes when she finally gets the check and meets Robert. As they drive to the Belgian border, he reveals he never intended giving her up to Barnes or anyone else. If she dares go, he will tell the police all and she will be arrested--as accessory to fraud. Lisa realizes she must take the desperate step to freedom. Once taken, there is no turning back.Suspense begins from the beginning with Italian wife Lisa Macklin (Sophia Loren) on the verge of splitting with her American husband Robert Macklin (Anthony Perkins). Prior to boarding a plane Lisa tells Robert she will not be here when he gets back. Before boarding Robert purchases an insurance policy for $120,000. The plane crashes and the papers report that there were no survivors.
The suspense really heats up when after the funeral Robert appears back at their apartment injured but very much alive. He brings Lisa into a scheme to keep his death a secret so that they can collect the money. Lisa is reluctant but Robert promises to allow for their separation and a share of the money if she would assist with the plane. Lisa is very torn and emotional as she labors through the process. The movie keeps you guessing what the outcome will be, and Lisa eventually realizes that she must end her trauma.
Sophia Loren is lovely and her facial expressions expressed her fear and emotional she experiences. Anthony Perkins is exceptional in being the creepy loner type. David Barnes and Tommy Norden provide great supporting roles as well.
IMDB Rating: 6.4 (716) --- My Rating: 7
Review submitted: 10/22/2017 --- Victor J - DirectorDouglas SirkStarsBarbara StanwyckRichard CarlsonLyle BettgerIn 1910, a wayward mother re-visits the family she deserted.Those of you that have read some of my reviews know that I am a Barbara Stanwyck fan, and I really enjoyed her in this movie. It is a interesting twist that a mother/wife can abandon her family for 10 years and then basically pick up from when she left, but I just chalk it up to love, I guess. They are some fun/interesting characters in this movie.
8/14/17
Victor J. - DirectorCurtis BernhardtStarsBarbara StanwyckGeorge BrentWarner AndersonA recent widow meets an army major while skiing and despite pressures from friends and family becomes romantically involved with him.This is a great movie were Jessica Drumman's husband dies leaving her with two teenage sons and her mother who believes she should remain faithful to her dead husband. While on a skiing trip she meets Major Scott Landis (George Brent) who is a charming and respectful suitor to Jessica.
Barbara Stanwyck at her best. Stanwyck shows so many emotional ranging from grief, sadness, disappointment, courage and when she knows that Major Landis is going to come to a party her excitement is remarkable.
Stanwyck said that this was her favorite movie for her to act in.
Great love story and also showed a woman breaking some barriers and independence.
MUST WATCH in my opinion.
8/4/17
Victor J. - DirectorNunnally JohnsonStarsGregory PeckJennifer JonesFredric MarchAn ex-soldier faces ethical questions as he tries to earn enough to support his wife and children well.A good movie where a man returning to his wife from WWII in Europe has to live with the aftermath of war. Years later he is informed that he had fathered a child and he has to inform his wife.
It is a good movie, and their are several likable characters that help make this a movie that hits on several emotions. On the downside the movie does drags slowly at times.
8/25/17
Victor J. - DirectorJack ClaytonStarsLaurence HarveySimone SignoretHeather SearsAn ambitious young accountant plots to wed a wealthy factory owner's daughter despite falling in love with a married older woman.
- DirectorDelmer DavesStarsRichard EganDorothy McGuireSandra DeeA self-made businessman rekindles a romance with a former flame while their two teenage children begin a romance of their own with drastic consequences for both couples.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsGary CooperWalter BrennanDoris DavenportJudge Roy Bean, a self-appointed hanging judge in Vinegarroon, Texas, befriends saddle tramp Cole Harden, who opposes Bean's policy against homesteaders.
- DirectorMitchell LeisenStarsJean ArthurEdward ArnoldRay MillandWhen a wealthy banker throws his wife's expensive fur coat off a roof and it lands on the head of a stenographer, everyone assumes she is his mistress and has access to his millions.
- DirectorJohn FarrowStarsBarbara StanwyckRay MillandBarry FitzgeraldEpic account of how California became a state, featuring a wagon train, the Gold Rush, a wicked saloon queen, and an evil profiteer.The movie starts with Jonathan Trumbo (Ray Milland) leading a wagon train to California. Along the way Lily Bishop (Barbara Stanwyck) joins the wagon train. Trumbo and Lily are combative from the beginning but as the movie progresses they fall in love but are unable to be together. Milland is one of my favorite TMC actors but this isn't the best role for him. Stanwyck (my favorite actress) was stunning as usual playing a street wise, gold digger that always thinks of herself first. Overall it is worth a watch.
8/20/17
Victor J. - DirectorJean NegulescoStarsFred AstaireLeslie CaronTerry MooreA wealthy American has a chance encounter with a joyful young French woman, and anonymously pays for her education. She writes letters to her mysterious benefactor, nicknaming him from the description given by some of her fellow orphans.The story line is charming and interesting with millionaire Jervis Pendleton (Fred Astaire) discovering Julie Andre (Leslie Caron), an 18 year old French girl who is an orphan. Jervis wants to sponsor Julie as a student in the United States. Julie wants to meet Daddy Long Legs (Astaire) but four years past before she discovers whom has sponsored her. Eventually they are united and fall in love. Most of the dance scenes are entertaining.
It was hard for me to overlook that a 55 year old man was involved with a teenager, a little creepy.
7/22/17
Victor J. - DirectorJacques TourneurStarsVictor MatureLizabeth ScottLucille BallPete Wilson is on top. He is the highest paid professional football player in the league. He has seen other players come and go, but he was MVP last year and the future looks rosy. His wife, Liza, is there for the fame, the money, the good times and does not like those who are washed up. His friend Tim, just retired and accepted a job as head coach at State. But Pete discovers that he has a condition that may end his career and all that he knows is football.This movie does a good job of representing football and professional sports cruel side, it is just business. A football hero see his career and his personal life fall apart after he is diagnosed with a bad heart.
I love football but have elected to stop watching due to the players disrespecting our flag and our country so instead I enjoy watching football movies on Sundays.
IMDB Rating:
USER: 6.5 (492 votes)
My Rating: 7
10/1/17
Victor J. - United States Navy Retired, 2009 - DirectorHenry KosterStarsJennifer JonesRobert StackKipp HamiltonAfter her admission to the hospital, town-famous stern teacher Miss Dove nostalgically reminisces about her youth and about the pupils she taught over the years.Loved this movie because it does a wonderful job of expressing the impact that teachers can have on their students. I think every teacher should watch this movie on a regular basis help them understand how valuable they really are.
A MUST WATCH.
IMDB Rating: USER: 7.1 (675 votes)
My Rating: 8
8/15/17
Victor J. - DirectorJules DassinStarsConrad VeidtAnn AyarsFrank ReicherA story of German-born identical twins (both played by Conrad Veidt), one a loyal American, and the other, a Nazi official.
- DirectorCurtis BernhardtStarsBette DavisGlenn FordDane ClarkWhen a woman's twin sister is drowned, she assumes her identity in order to be close to the man she feels her sister took from her years before.
- DirectorRudolph MatéStarsJane WymanVan JohnsonPeggie CastleWartime romance about a lonely man and woman who meet one rainy afternoon in New York.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsCarole LombardFredric MarchCharles WinningerAn eccentric woman learns she is not dying of radium poisoning as earlier assumed, but when she meets a reporter looking for a story, she feigns sickness again for her own profit.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsJudy HollidayJack LemmonPeter LawfordWhen a young woman with dreams of fame rents a billboard to advertise herself, her life changes overnight.Gladys Glover (Judy Holiday) is absolutely delightful that it is impossible not to fall in love with her. She is an out of work model who rents a billboard to display her name on it. It leads to interesting interactions with and soul searching for Gladys. Pete Sheppard (Jack Lemon) play a flawless role as a photographer that falls for Gladys while competing with rich playboy Evan Adams III (Peter Lawford). While this movie is good entertainment it is also in my opinion one of the greatest romance movies ever.
Judy Holiday usually plays the dumb blond role while in real life she had an I.Q. of 172. Sadly Judy also died of cancer at age 44, so enjoy the few movies that she appeared in. This is Jack Lemons first leading role and helped launch him to superstar status.
IMDB Rating:
USER: 7.3 (2,599 votes)
My Rating: 10 (what can I say it has Judy Holiday in it).
9/28/17
Victor J. - DirectorGerald ThomasStarsSidney JamesHattie JacquesKenneth ConnorA taxi company is threatened when an all-female firm sets itself up in business and starts to steal their customers.
- DirectorFrank WoodruffStarsGene RaymondWendy BarrieHedda HopperLarry Smith is a young bacteriologist on his way from New York to San Francisco to work under an eminent scientist in China. He stops along the way at the North house to deliver a scroll appointing socialite Mrs. North an honorary trustee of the hospital in recognition of her charity work. His visit interrupts the wedding of Mrs. North's spoiled daughter Diane to the stuffy Walter Corbett, and Diane, seizing the opportunity to dodge her nuptials, stows away in Larry's trailer, wearing nothing but her slip. On the road, Larry discovers that he has acquired a passenger and refuses to believe Diane's story that she is the daughter of the prominent North family. To placate him, Diane concocts a phony name and story and decides to win his heart while he determines to rid himself of her as soon as possible. As they venture across the country, however, the two fall in love and are married. Meanwhile, Mrs. North's offer of a reward for the return of her missing daughter triggers a nationwide search, and when Larry learns that he has married publicity hungry heiress Diane North, he throws her out and boards an airplane to fly to his boat in San Francisco. Diane follows him aboard, and the couple are reconciled as they voyage to China. This romantic comedy from RKO Radio Pictures is directed by Frank Woodruff, starring Gene Raymond, Wendy Barrie, Hedda Hopper and Billy Gilbert, with a screenplay written by Jerome Cady and Bert Granet, based on the novel by Eleanor Brown.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsDana AndrewsJoan FontaineSidney BlackmerA novelist aided by his future father-in-law conspires to frame himself for the murder of a burlesque dancer as part of an effort to ban capital punishment.Interesting plot and the movie was overall pretty good. I do find it hard to believe that anyone would actually attempt this experiment.
IMDB Rating: 7.0 (3,455 votes)
Direct TV Rating: 3 Stars
My Rating: 7.0
7/29/17
Victor J. - DirectorHoward W. KochStarsMickey RooneyPatricia BreslinFay HoldenAndy Hardy, now a grown man with a wife and children, returns to his hometown on a business trip and finds himself getting mixed up in local politics.This is the last of the Hardy movies. Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) returns home as a lawyer who is attempting to build a factory in his hometown. While I have enjoyed some of the earlier Hardy movies when Rooney was in his youth, this one just never takes off.
IMDB Rating: 5.8 (285 votes)
Direct TV Rating: 3 Stars
My Rating: 5
6/1/17
Victor J. - DirectorDelmer DavesStarsDavid NivenJane WymanVictor MooreAn exhausted concert pianist learns he is the owner of an apartment building; after being advised to move there to rest, he becomes involved in the lives of his eccentric tenants.While I find Jane Wyman charming, I am not usually a fan of David Niven and that is true for this movie. The supporting cast is solid but the script is very disappointing.
IMDB Rating: 6.0 (279 votes)
Direct TV Rating: 2.5 Stars
My Rating: 4
8/2/17
Victor J. - DirectorLowell ShermanStarsEdna May OliverJill EsmondRoscoe AtesSociety matron Mrs. Crane (Edna May Oliver) is selected as a juror in the trial of ex-chorus girl Yvette Gordon (Jill Esmond), who's accused of murdering her rich elderly husband. In court, Mrs. Crane is your unorthodox, disruptive juror. During the first ballot, Mrs. Crane brings in the only "not-guilty" vote, in spite of Evelyn Snow's (Helene Millard) damning testimony. Mrs. Crane and the other jurors are sent back to the jury room. Mrs. Crane persuades the other juror to take a closer look at the case and re-enact the night of Mr. Gordon's (Leyland Hodgson) demise.While this movie was made 20 years before "12 Angry Men", it isn't near the masterpiece. Edna May Oliver is exceptional as usual and the cast is fairly solid. While this movie provides some laughs it almost makes a mockery of the jury system. Slap-stick type comedy aren't my favorites so I labored to the end.
IMDB Rating: 6.4 (175 votes) My Rating: 4
10/5/17 --- Review submitted
Victor J. - DirectorLloyd BaconStarsPat O'BrienGeorge BrentWayne MorrisNavy officers fall for Ann. She has her own plans. USS Pensacola is struck during a last dive drill, there is an attempt to rescue. The USS Dolphin (D-1) and her crew depart from Connecticut to San Diego via the Panama Canal. They come into troubles.What a delightful surprise this movie was. It had all of the stereotypes of the Navy and sailors, although most of them are true. This movie had lots of submarines, ships, port calls, bar fights, women, military friendships, practical jokes, friendly rivalries, military training, deaths, and daring rescues.
My favorite part of this movie was the fun and powerful actors. Sock McGillis (Wayne Morris) stole the show for me as he progresses from an immature senior Petty Office First Class to becoming a professional and dedicated sailor that gets promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Throughout the movie Sock McGillis and Chief Petty Officer Butch Rogers (Pat O’Brien) are competing for the love of the wonderful Ann Sawyer (Doris Weston). The competition for the girl is dedicated, heartfelt and usually comical. Sock’s best friend is Lucky (Frank McHugh) who is an unpolished junior sailor who progresses to a valuable sailor while providing laughs along the way. This movie is so much fun even before I mention on of my favorite actors George Brent, who plays the always calm Lt. Commander Matthews.
While this movie was made 80 years ago it is amazing how so much of the challenges and routines illustrated in this movie are still relevant to today’s Navy. I am sure that one of the reasons that I enjoyed this more than the average IMDB viewer is because I spent over 20 years in the Navy. I really believe this is a must see for Old Salts such as myself.
IMDB Rating: 5.8 (118 votes) My Rating: 8
10/6/17 --- Review submitted
Victor J. --- USN RETIRED 2009 - DirectorNorman TaurogStarsVan JohnsonJune AllysonJackie 'Butch' JenkinsMcGrath publishes children's book, hires Martha as illustrator. Uncle Bump battles alcoholism, writer's block. He schemes to keep Martha, involving Danny. Romantic feelings arise between Uncle Bump and Martha amid personal challenges.My Rating: 7
- DirectorRichard WhorfStarsRobert WalkerJune AllysonHume CronynWhile waiting in New York City to ship out to Europe, a sailor stops by a serviceman's canteen and meets a USO hostess. They immediately fall for each other and get married that night. However, when the sailor is notified that he has been reclassified as 4-F (unfit for service) by the Navy and then discharged, he and his new wife realize that, having to set up house before they expected to, they actually know very little about each other. Complications ensue.My Rating: 8
- DirectorNorman TaurogStarsDeborah KerrRobert WalkerMark StevensAn English woman, inherits a Texas Ranch and heads to America. A gambler in debt pursues her, so does a bachelor on the hunt, who is traveling with his lawyer, to whom Kirbe is most attracted. Unfortunately, he thinks she's running a scam.My Rating: 5
- DirectorVictor FlemingStarsSpencer TracyFreddie BartholomewLionel BarrymoreA spoiled brat who falls overboard from a steamship in the 1920s gets picked up by a New England fishing boat, where he's made to earn his keep by joining the crew in their work.My Rating: 8
- DirectorEdward BerndsStarsHugh MarloweNancy GatesNelson LeighAstronauts returning from a voyage to Mars are caught in a time warp and are propelled into a post-Apocalyptic Earth populated by mutants.Sci-Fi, Adventure, Romance
IMDB Rating: 5.9 (1,396) --- My Rating: 7
10/8/2017 --- Victor J - DirectorLeslie GoodwinsStarsJoe PennerJune TravisRichard LaneEllory Bugs has offered a huge donation to his old alma mater, Taylor Tech, which is to be paid only if his son, Jimmie "Doodle" Bugs, becomes a football hero. But "Doodle" tips the scales at 143 pounds and is more interested in the band than the football team. Janice Martin, daughter of the college president, is the great thing in "Doodle's" life, but she despises him and has eyes only for Mickey Wells, the school football star. "Doodle" is consoled by Professor Minorous, of the Greek Mythology department who tells him that the gods will solve all of his problems, and starts right in to make communications with these worthies by means of countless and meaningless blackboard equations.This slap stick comedy is one of the worst movies I have ever seen, especially on TCM. But it did supply a few laughs and one of the funniest clean practical jokes I have ever seen. The joke involved a goofball taking a bucket at the request of his fellow football players to class, while attempting to catch up to the girl he is infatuated with some other guys on a bridge pours the water on the girl, she turns around and see the innocent guy with a bucket. I found this seen worth sitting through the rest of the movie.
IMDB Rating:
USER: 3.4 (45 votes)
My Rating: 3
10/1/17
Victor J. - DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsBurt LancasterRobert WalkerJoanne DruThe sons of a Colorado cattle baron, one biological and the other adopted, resent one another and fight for control of their father's cattle empire.A cattle baron has as son Lee Strobie (Robert Walker) and an adopted son Owen Daybright (Burt Lancaster). Lee who is married fathers his mistress's child, and the blame falls on Owen to save grace because Lee is married. Lee and Owen lead a cattle drive when Owen learns that Lee has double-crossed all of his family members. The final showdown is rather uneventful, which is surprising since it stars Burt Lancaster. Lancaster was solid, but not powerful as usual. When you have Burt Lancaster and Robert Walker in it I just expected more. The name Vengeance Valley is rather confusing because there wasn't any revenge, but instead it is about hostile sibling relations that eventually boil over. It is worth a watch but overall disappointing.
IMDB Rating: 6.0 (1,491) --- My Rating: 6
Review submitted: 10/22/2017 --- Victor J - DirectorWolf RillaStarsGeorge SandersBarbara ShelleyMartin StephensIn the English village of Midwich, the blonde-haired, glowing-eyed children of uncertain paternity prove to have frightening powers.IMDB Rating: 7.3 (11,843) --- My Rating: 7
10/22/2017 --- Victor J - DirectorMonte HellmanStarsJack NicholsonCameron MitchellMillie PerkinsThree cowboys, mistaken for members of an outlaw gang, are relentlessly pursued by a posse.IMDB Rating: 6.6 (2,348) --- My Rating: 7
10/22/2017 --- Victor J - DirectorLew LandersStarsJames DunnWhitney BourneJoan WoodburyMary, a sometimes employed Midwest transplant living in New York is forced to share an apartment with Jack, a starving artist-night watchman. Both having problems paying their rent, landlord comes up with idea to share one apartment on a shift basis.12/27/2017
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsErrol FlynnJames BrownWilliam PrinceA platoon of special ops are tasked to parachute into the remote Burmese jungle and destroy a strategic Japanese radar station, but getting out isn't as easy.1/6/2018 --- Victor J.
- DirectorGeorge B. SeitzStarsMaureen O'SullivanJoel McCreaLewis StoneJust after a jury finds Ann Grey guilty of murder, the car carrying her to prison crashes into another auto. Ann escapes and ends up in the vehicle of Tony Baxter, a lawyer who has eyes for her.This is a
Ann Graves (Maureen O'Sullivan) is a woman on the run that has been accused of murder who hitches a ride with hot shot lawyer (Tony Baxter). The movie has several interesting characters that makes the journey interesting and entertaining. Maureen O'Sullivan is fantastic and charming and Joel McCrea is a perfect pairing for her. This movie is only 1 hour 15 minutes and if you like classic movies it will be well spent.
Review submitted: 1/21/18
Victor J. - DirectorFrank TashlinStarsTom EwellSheree NorthRita MorenoIn this hilarious romp starring Tom Ewell, Sheree North and Rita Moreno, a middle-aged ex-serviceman who plans to re-enlist (Ewell) is shocked to learn that not only did he fail his medical exam, his wife (North) has enlisted - and is really making the grade in the Air Force. Unhappy to be a "house husband," he flies to Hawaii to be near her - and also to hatch a scheme to get her discharged.1/27/2018 --- Victor J.
- DirectorErnst LubitschStarsCharles BoyerJennifer JonesPeter LawfordA free-spirited parlor maid and a Czech refugee surprise an English village with their unconventional ways.1/26/2018 --- Victor J.
- DirectorWilliam C. McGannStarsJane BryanRonald ReaganAnthony AverillA dizzy young girl falls into crime but wins her lawyer's heart.1/28/2018 --- Victor J.
- DirectorSteve SekelyPaul HenreidStarsPaul HenreidJoan BennettEduard FranzPursued by the big-time gambler he robbed, John Muller assumes a new identity, with unfortunate results.
- DirectorGene SaksStarsWalter MatthauIngrid BergmanGoldie HawnA dentist pretends to be married to avoid commitment, but when he falls for his girlfriend and proposes, he must recruit his lovelorn nurse to pose as his wife.
- DirectorNathan JuranStarsAudie MurphySusan CabotPaul KellyA young gunslinger tries to help a rancher and his daughter save their land and cattle from an evil, wealthy land owner.
- DirectorByron HaskinStarsLizabeth ScottDon DeForeDan DuryeaThrough a fluke circumstance, a ruthless woman stumbles across a suitcase filled with $60,000, and is determined to hold onto it even if it means murder.
- DirectorDavid ButlerStarsThe Ritz BrothersHarry RitzTony MartinTony Martin goes to Kentucky to find talent to boost radio ratings. There it is learned that the Ritz brothers are really from New York and only pretending to be hillbillies to get on Martin's show.
- DirectorS. Sylvan SimonStarsMaureen O'SullivanLew AyresRuth HusseyIn their last semester at Harvard, Sam Thatcher and his roommate, who is nicknamed "The Lippencott", have grand ideas of seeing the remote corners of the world, having booked passage on a freighter from New York to Siberia, setting sail immediately after they graduate. They plan to live and observe the economic life there for two years before they settle down. They've had such plans since they were freshmen, not wanting to be tied down to the American rat race immediately following graduation. Sam, however, has not mentioned any of these plans to his girlfriend, Alex Benson, also a student in her final semester at the New England College for Women. Alex wants Sam to attend the college's spring dance with her to be able to show him off to the other girls, the dance being a rite of passage to a serious commitment. Sam doesn't want to lead Alex on by attending but also doesn't want to miss one last opportunity to see her. His plan to graduate and attend the dance hits a snag when the cruise is moved up by two weeks, now at the end of the weekend of the dance. Lipp, who has a mole in a mutual friend named Hat who goes to the college every weekend to visit with his girl, Frances, a friend of Alex's, doesn't trust Sam, whom he feels may leave him in the lurch by not going on the trip to Siberia. Knowing that Sam, against his word, will be going to the college to see Alex anyway, Lipp decides to ambush him at the college to make sure he says his goodbyes and heads to New York for their departure. The weekend thus becomes a race between Alex's friends, who, without Alex's knowledge, do whatever they can to ensure Sam doesn't want to make that ship, and Lipp who knows there's something afoot behind all those feminine curls. Added to the fray is the fact that the dance is being attended by boys from all the Ivy League schools, who have a friendly or not so friendly rivalry with Harvard.
- DirectorBurt KennedyStarsRobert RyanJohn DehnerTorin ThatcherWhen 6000 Sioux flee to Canada, they are permitted to stay. But a Montana rancher and his cowboys, in search of stolen horses, kill all inhabitants of a Sioux village and claim they only wanted to free a white squaw who had been kidnapped.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsBarbara StanwyckJames MasonVan HeflinA vain businessman puts a strain on happy marriage to a rich, beautiful socialite by allowing himself to be seduced by a former girlfriend.The movie has some interesting twists and turns but it just never peaks. Barbara Stanwyck (my favorite actress) is great as usual. With a strong cast: Eva Gardner, James Mason, Van Heflin, and former First Lady Nancy Reagan. I just think this movie could/should have been better.
Watch again?: One watch is enough for me.
Watched: 10/2/2018 -- Victor J. - DirectorDelmer DavesStarsBette DavisJohn GarfieldThe Andrews SistersTwo soldiers on leave spend three nights at a club offering free of charge food, dancing, and entertainment for servicemen on their way overseas. Club founders Bette Davis and John Garfield give talks on the history of the place.TCM Channel
3-Star: Good (watch once a year)
Watched: 6/15/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorRussell RouseStarsGlenn FordJeanne CrainBroderick CrawfordIn the western frontier town of Cross Creek, storekeeper George Temple is a polite and soft spoken man with a secret past. When 3 bank robbers on the lam stop in town to change horses, George's past comes back to haunt him.TCM Channel
4-Star: Favorite (watch once a year)
Watched: 7/14/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorEdward DmytrykStarsRichard WidmarkHenry FondaAnthony QuinnA famous gunman becomes the marshal of Warlock to end a gang's rampages, but is met with some opposition by a former gang member turned deputy sheriff who wants to follow only legal methods.TCM Channel
4-Star: Favorite (watch once a year)
Watched: 7/15/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorGeorge ShermanStarsGuy MadisonValerie FrenchLorne GreeneA lawman becomes a Deputy in a town where he suspects the friend he had to kill in self defense, was framed for murder.TCM Channel
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
Watched: 7/15/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneThomas MitchellIan HunterA merchant ship's crew tries to survive the loneliness of the sea and the coming of war.TCM Channel
4-Star: Favorite (watch once a year)
Watched: 7/15/19 --- Victor J. - DirectorIrving PichelStarsJohn ArcherWarner AndersonTom Powers"Destination Moon", tells the tale of when Doctor Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer approach Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon.TCM Channel
2-Star: Pass (one watch is enough)
Watched: 7/17/19 --- Victor J. - DirectorJoseph LoseyStarsDirk BogardeStanley BakerJacqueline SassardAt Oxford, Austrian student Anna von Graz (Jacqueline Sassard) is dating fellow student William (Michael York), whom she plans to marry, but she ends up involved with two unhappily married Oxford professors instead.TCM Channel
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
Watched: 7/21/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorJack SherStarsAudie MurphyJoanne DruGilbert RolandIn Wyoming, mountain trapper Yancey goes to the nearest town to trade his pelts but gets into trouble when he tries to save runaway dance-hall girl Rosalie from her shameful job.TCM Channel
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
Watched: 7/21/19 -- Victor J. - DirectorGarson KaninStarsIrene DunneCary GrantRandolph ScottMissing for seven years and presumed dead, a woman returns home on the day of her husband's second marriage.TCM Channel
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
Watched: 12/27/2020 -- Victor J. - DirectorMaurice ElveyStarsBonar ColleanoDiana DeckerDavid TomlinsonAn American soldier stationed in England is ready to go on his honeymoon with his new wife when his ex-wife, a gorgeous blonde, shows up and insists that they're still married. His two buddies try to help him out of his predicament, but his troubles are only just starting.Channel: TUBI
3-Star: Good (watch every couple years)
Watched: 4/3/2022 --- Victor J.