Reviews

Enjoyable movie, plenty of action and a bit horror added to it. This must have been a fun movie to make, actors on target and plenty of twists along the storyline to make it move forward. The atmosphere is colorful and interesting. For those of us that grew up with the tv-series it is fun to see this movie version. Even with horror elements it does not feel like a horror movie, more an action adventure. Low budget, yes, but does have merits enough to qualify it as a well executed entertaining movie.

I have been waiting to see this movie for many years and finally here it is. Thanks to the great effort in restoring this lost melodrama from the vault of the British cinema. On Secret service (aka Spy 77) is routinly directed by Arthur B. Woods. A remake of the German movie "Spione am Werk" (1933). Story in short: "Greta Nissen stars as an Italian noblewoman living a dangerous double life as a spy. A remake of the celebrated German thriller Spione am Werk. Co-starring noted German actor Karl Ludwig Diehl and American matinee idol Don Alvarado. The film takes place in Vienna, 1912. When an Austrian staff officer is implicated by association with a known Italian spy he goes on the run. Three years later - as the Great War gets into full swing - he returns and begs the Austrian Secret Service to allow him to clear his name from suspicion". Its a darkly told story, very little humor to soften up the heavy story. The movie moves a bit slowly. Wooden and seriously acted by many famous accomplished actors of its time. The glamorous Greta Nissen, normally not playing such heavy roles, should have been allowed to be a more playfull and bright character. She does parade off an amazing amount of beautiful gowns. But there are little sparks in the love scenes that could have lifted up the energy. The movie does have some moody scenes and great set designs. It is very interesting to see a British movie so dark, especially from this era, right after the pre-code, and when many other movie studioes focused on more bright and fun movies, with exceptions ofcourse. This movie does not have the feel of being an audience pleaser. There is not enough tension to make it a good thriller. Summed up "On secret service" is an very interesting watch. Fascinating to see a movie made during the 1930's that seems a bit lost and old fashion, in an era where movies were developing quikly towards a more modern look. The director chose a more heavy and dark approach in his effort to make this movie. It works against it, unfortunatly. But enjoy the movie, see some great actors, good combat scenes in the air, made in an era with plenty of tension going on in the European community.

Great fun to finally watch this film starring David Manners, Greta Nissen, Camilla Horn and a talented cast of British actors. The story of the old exiled Prince to return home as a King with a young bride as his wife is not the most original of stories. A country is in turmoil and declares that they want to restore monarchy. The story is treated with humor and snappy dialogue. Great set designs and stylish fashions makes this movie a great pleasure to watch. It has a definite Hollywood look. This British quota film should have entertained cinema goers on both side of the Atlantic. Now it has a new possibility, thanks to the restoration of forgotten film gems from British Network. Its a short adventure of fun and romance, the destiny of the characters involved in the story is perhaps a bit predictable. Director Robert Milton gives us some interesting camera work and lush atmosphere of glamour in some scenes. If not a great classic you wont get bored. The musical score fun and light, band era type from the mid 1930's. Hollywood actors Greta Nissen and David Manners is at ease and control in romantic interludes, especially at sea on the deck of the ship where they are lit in a special effect of atmosphere. Perhaps too lame as a latter pre-code movie, made in England after all. Ending is a bit melodramatic, typical of its era. Conclusion: Enjoyable comedy with a great cast of actors. There are still minor film classics in waiting for restoration.

I have always been interested in the Vampira character portrayed by Maila Nurmi. She created an iconic image as the ghoulish vampire woman surrounded by a web of mystery. During the 1980's, when I first saw her image, I became a fan. The fact that she was an Scandinavian like myself fueled the interest. Unfortunately there was never enough facts or information about Maila Nurmi to make me know enough of her career and life as a misfit in the Hollywood system. This documentary film is an excellent telling of her life and the creation of Vampira. An objective telling of how her short lived fame during the mid 1950's brought both happiness and tragedy into her life. Vampira was a character that grew out of an era in change, where teens became rebels and rock'n roll was the new beat. An underground culture that grew to the surface and changed a generation of young people. Like Bettie Page, Vampira became strong iconic figure with a look nobody could forget. The camera caught images that never aged and continues until today to attract peoples attention. "Vampira and Me" is like an unholy grail must see for anyone who love the character Vampira and the woman behind her creation. A story told with love and compassion from her number 1 fan and also supported by all the people who loved her image and kept her underground fame alive. It is especially interesting to see unseen and rare footage of Vampira that proves she also was a great comedienne. Also fun to the see images of her early days as a pin-up model. This documentary has much heart and at times you can not help feeling sad, her career and life deserved much better. But once you adventure into the road towards Hollywood in search for fame there is no telling of the outcome, everything is at risk, especially your life. Maila Nurmi was a woman with talent and intelligence, a survivor. This documentary tells her strange tale of the unexpected, almost like it was meant to be. See it, you will love it!

"Red Wagon" is an interesting film to finally see. A great new transfer on DVD in the UK and thanks to the people at Network and StudioCanal we have a rare possibility to see a film that has merits worth a look. This British quota film made for the British and American market have a good mix of actors with both a long history in Hollywood and newcomers from the British film industry. Director Paul Stern makes an effort, mixed result. Most films set in the old circus has the same story line: jealousy, murder, love, suspense in the animal cage and under the tent roof, competition between circus owners, small glimpses from the side- show as comic relief...and so on. The beginning of the film is perhaps a bit too fast, makes you feel the characters appears from nowhere, it does not establish the characters with a good foundation, but it picks up later. Both Greta Nissen and Raquel Torres are exotic and befitting for the life of the Circus. Charles Bickford plays the brute, the Circus owner in love,with the wrong woman. Jimmy Hanley makes a good start in a film that has a good story, if not that original, but it is entertaining and fun to watch. "Red Wagon" looks like it was made on a big Budget and made success with cinema-goers in Europe, mostly thanks to the acting merits of the cast. Good to finally see the talents of Greta Nissen as an actress most famous for being replaced by Jean Harlow in Howard Hughs "Hells Angels" (1930). In many of her roles she played a cold gold-digger, but here a warm and intelligent woman, nice to see a wider range of her acting talents. There are still many hidden gems from the British film industry and watching this film I have hopes to see more to come.

When I read the other review of this program, I think to myself, how terrible sad that some people write reviews based on being narrow minded. This TV program is great fun for anyone who appreciates the many comedy films produced in Great Britain during the late 1950's through the 1970's. Here you meet many of the sex symbols that graced the silver screen from the greatly loved Carry On films and Hammer Film Studioes Horror films. Many of these films are considered classics and loved by millions of people all over the world. It is wonderful to see these glamorous actresses that once played both minor and leading roles.Many remembered because they were beautiful, talented and knew how to have fun with the comic talents they were set against. I think many fans of these films have wondered what happen to names like Valiere Leon, Julie Ege, Ingrid Pitt, Madeline Smith and many others. Here they are, with a sense of humor, looking back on their career with insight and fun. Tony Livesei does a great job as a presenter and brought us back to an era when the sex comedies of British Cinema had their popularity. There was a few times I wished he allowed more time for his interviews, especially with Julie Ege. Her film career was definitely so much more then UP POMPEII. Also missed Martine Beswick who would have added much style to the program, what a lady.Anyone who regards this era of film comedies will have fun,once more seeing again many of the actors and actresses that made these films memorable. A treasure for sure,ENJOY :-))

This film deserves credit for its high camp value. It is a film very typical of the early 1980's desires to mix glamor, comedy and camp. This film has a definite sexploitation angle. The beautiful Martine Beswick delivers a playful tongue in cheek performance as the happy hooker who travels to Hollywood to get her memoirs filmed. I can not imagine Ms. Beswick toke this film serious and decided upon to play it for laughs. She got style and carries off some of the sex scenes without loosing her dignity. If you value high camp this film is worth seeing. You will not be disappointed. There are many silly one liners, hard to believe dialog, glamorous starlets and men chasing them for sex. The film moves quickly and never dwells too much on the same scene. I give this film a vote of 8 simply because it has all the ingredients of a campy b film classic. And if you like these kind of guilty pleasures you will not be disappointed.

A happy married life for Marilyn Parker (Linda Watkins) turn sour when she finds out her husband (Alan Dinehart) is on his way to Europe on a three month business trip with his mistress Peggy Bums (Greta Nissen) on board. Mrs. Parker mother, played by Hedda Hopper, does her best to console her daughter and encourages her to get a divorce. But the wife wants answers to some of the questions that bothers her: how come her husband has an mistress? What caused him to go behind her back with so many lies? The mother comments that these are questions many wives would like answers to.

The Mistress is a true gold digger and wants money and things to keep her happy. Her girlfriends are equally so and happily leads a life of being kept by rich men in an underworld of partying and boozing. So Marilyn Parker decides to mingle among these women and rents the apartment and maid (Louise Beavers) of her husbands mistress. She changes her name and hides her real identity. Out to find some answers on her own she is forced to lower her moral standards among some eager searching women. The real scene stealer of this film is actually the maid played by Louise Beaver. She has some wise cracking ideas for how to keep a rich man coming back for more and eagerly encourage Marilyn Parker to go out there and find one. Against her intention she meets the bachelor millionaire Boyce Cameron, played by John Boles, and is captivated by his charm and style. But as a faithful wife she keeps her distance and rejects his advances. Upon return from his journey to Europe, with his mistress in tow, he tells his wife that business is bad and they are about to loose their fortune. Loyalty ridden Marilyn decides not to confront him with the mistress, but to help him out financially by selling some of her property. But before making an end to this story she decides to visit the mistress and make a final confrontation. She finds her husband there and heartbroken decides enough is enough and leaves her husband for good. On her way out of town she is pursued by the man who loves her, Boyce Cameron. Some how an happy ending.

"Good Sport" is an interesting pre-code film. There are plenty of scenes revealing bare shoulders and ladies in underwear. There are some excellent night club scenes with great jazz and blues music. Some of the films dialog is a bit dull. Making Marilyn Parker a somehow stiff and old fashion wife. Linda Watkins does well in her role and most of the cast members add style to a somehow ordinary film. It was an odd casting to see Linda Watkins as wife to Alan Dinehart, who early on seem to be less of an gentlemen (more like a brute) compared to the sophisticated style of his wife. Which makes the style of debonair Boyce Cameron the real man for Marilyn Parker.

The highlite in "Good Sport" is definitely Louise Beavers as the wisecracking maid. She has dialog and personality enough to carry her own film. Greta Nissen as the mistress only appears towards the end of the film, unfortunately. After such promising career start during the silent era she surprisingly ended up with second female roles as gold diggers and mistresses in many Fox Film of the early 30's. Linda Watkins had a long career in Hollywood and "Good Sport" is one of the few films where she appeared in the leading female role. "Good Sport" leaves no long lasting impressions, but a definite film to see for all Louise Beavers fans.

DARK SHADOWS is a definite "must" for any horror fans to view. I enjoyed every episode and looked forward to each one. The cast is filled with excellent performances, especially from Barbara Steele and Ben Cross. I never did see the old series, but can only say that according to my taste this was really enjoyable horror made with much style. It does not happen very often nowadays that there are given so much attention to style over gore. DARK SHADOWS has a definite "old fashion" look and some would perhaps think this outdated. I realized watching this TV-series that I was pulled into the story line and the characters as each actors pulled off the story with much believability. Vampires, demons, ghosts....they are all here....each driven by the love and passion that made them what they became. That I liked very much about this series. The set designs and customs are very detailed and atmospheric,excellent lighting. If you see all the episodes in one day, there will be definite repeats in sounds effects, dark shadows and thunder/lightning, but this is so typical of the horror genre. Too bad the series did not continue. In my view...and I have seen thousands of horror films, old and new, this is a definite 8 out of 10 stars in my book.

College student Peter Henderson (Geoffrey Hibbert) turns 18 and is now old enough to take over his deceased fathers business "John Henderson & Co.". Peter's parents died in an accident years ago and he is now to learn his trade by working in the London office. In order to gain respect from his co-workers he decides to learn all about the business by attending board meetings and regular office hours. This to great distress from some of his managers who have their own racket on the side for personal profit.

Young Henderson goes undercover in Londons poorer section, among the regular folks. At "Charlies", meeting place for the common worker and the less fortunate in life, he meets an assortment of people that he becomes attached to and admire. People with small tragedies in their lives. One is the father of glamorous and popular night club singer Sylvia Meadows (Greta Gynt). He only admire his daughter from afar as he is afraid she will be embarrassed by his status and appearance. Henderson & Co. owns the property where "Charlies" is located. The company plans to tear it down and make place for modern buildings. Hendersons business partners are shrewd and Peter is making plans to expose them.

Working undercover young Henderson learns important lessons in life and find love in Joyce Howard as Mary. The film has that typical "moralistic" touch. It is made during the early war years and gives the feeling how important it was for people to stand together, no matter which class of society you are from. There are important lessons to learn from the regular folks. "The Common Touch" has a happy ending for most involved and is entertaining and fast paced.

"The Common Touch" do have some great production values. The set design is wonderful and I assume they went on location to film some of the interiors from the Henderson mansion. The location for "Charlies" place is atmospheric and authentic. Makes you feel at home there as you would in the rich mansion.

The night club scenes are fantastic. Greta Gynt does a wonderful glamorous musical number. A Cuban number with drums and a huge organ, what a combination. It is a definite take off on Carmen Miranda(Gynt did a similar number in "It's that man again", 1943). Gynt and the chorus of dancers have inventive customs. Music is provided throughout the film by The London Symphony Orchestra,, Carroll Gibbons & his orchestra and Sandy McPherson. Unfortunately Greta Gynts songs are dubbed by someone else. Too bad as Gynt knew how to sing.

Director John Baxter did well with this film. Geoffrey Hibbert is likable and believable as Peter Henderson. Perhaps his character is a little too sure of himself, he always knows best and follows this inner voice saying: "never leave the common touch". Putting that aside I enjoyed the film. Was a bit surprised that the production values were so high.

The video I watched of this film was from The American version. It appears that one musical number was cut short. Probably as the film in it's original British release was 104 min. Oh, how I wish the British Film Institute would restore these lesser "gems" from The British film history. PS! As of December 2007 there is now a restored, original length, DVD version availaible for sale in England.

The British knew how to make them. Even with low production values this comedy does well thanks to great direction and skillful actors. "Boys will be girls" is a Joe Rock Production directed by Gilbert Pratt and based on a story by Evelyn Barrie.

Matronly great aunt Emily went off to Africa and left behind her wanna be snobbish family. Ten years later, upon her death, the greedy family members awaits the reading of the will. Ready to celebrate their fortunes the family gathers the evening before with a big party. A great assortment of characters, comic ones, are all expecting to get their share of the inheritance. Plenty of comic gags and facial expressions early on in the film gives us an indication that this is going to be a fast ride.

The lead characters are Leslie Fuller as William Henry Jenkins and his old relative Nellie Wallace as Bertha. Both actors does well with the comedy and Nellie Wallace is a great comedienne, too bad she did not do many films. Another favorite is short actor Georgie Harris as Roscoe, the character that brings on the girls and gets William Jenkins into trouble. During the reading of the will the main benefactor, Jenkins, has to refrain from drinking, smoking and swearing and lead a moral life. Any violations of these conditions and the inheritance will go to Bertha. As Jenkins wife is called away to take care of her sick mother, Jenkis is alone at home. Roscoe and his bevy of beauties arrives on the scene and the race is on. Bertha wants to know if Jenkins can keep his promises and hope to catch him breaking the rules. Typical comedy and fun to watch. Perhaps some of the comic routines are out dated by today standards.

"Boys will be girls" also have an early film appearance by Norwegian actress Greta Gynt, here appearing with her original name, Greta Woxholt. Ms. Gynts career in British films would expand over twenty years and make her a star.

"Boys will be girls" is a fine production and it is interesting to see some nice art deco sets as well. This films merits is also a great display of some of Britains finest actors. Some of them only appearing in Bristish films during the 1930's. The film should be restored and made available one DVD. Private collectors of old 16 mm film reels are sometimes the only way to see films like "Boys will be girls". Lets hope The British Film Institute will restore more of their 1930's film. There still is an audience for them.

Dr. Manning, a successful doctor, married to a rich woman, is called out in the middle of the night to take care of a patient. Dr. Manning never returns from his visit and soon after his wife receives a ransom letter requesting five thousand pounds. From then on Mrs. Manning (Greta Gynt) is taken on a roller coaster ride trying to catch up with the kidnappers to deliver the money. But each delivery is a failure and soon it seems like everybody is inn on the secret which only complicates the matter. Mr. Manning is soon found killed and the killer is at large. The only way to catch him is if Mrs. Manning becomes the bait. She has heard the killers voice several times over the telephone. The newspaper press almost ruins the case by reporting disclosed information that makes the killer a danger to be around.

Towards the end of the movie there is a cat and mouse chase between the police and the killer. Marked ransom money soon appear and that leads us to the killer. A suspect that is not involved in the film in any ways, so you will never guess who he/she is up to the last moment. The motive for the killing of Dr. Manning is valid enough.

An American detective, played by Ron Randell, is there to solve the mystery, he collaborates with The Scotland Yard. But this case could really manage without him. I assume the American actor, Ron Randell, was mostly there to lure the audience to attend the film once it was distributed in The US. Through out the film Randell is there to assure us that the mystery will soon be resolved, annoying at times.

"The Strange Case of Dr. Manning" aka "Morning Call" is fine to watch, but kind of "much to do about nothing". It is not a dull film, it is fast moving, has many inn and outdoor scenes, but there are too many characters involved. Director Arthur Crabtree does his best to pull off this story, but it never becomes a "film-noir" triumph, the script is too ordinary for that, unfortunately.

Lead actress, Greta Gynt, in one of her last films before she ended her twenty year old film career. She is very restrained in her role as Mrs. Manning, the script allows her only to worry. She is very much apart of the film and should have been focused on during the cat and mouse chase between police and murder. Instead Ms. Gynt walks on to the scene after the whole affair is over. A brilliant actress who knows well how to portray suspense should have been at hand. That is the big crime of this film :) The End !

This German Titanic of a film is a definite "must" see for anyone interested in the fascinating and tragic story. Almost unbelievable that Germany could produce such lavish and expensive film in the middle of the war. TITANIC is a well executed film with excellent acting skills from the actors involved. Director Herbert Selpin and Werner Klingler made an European classic with this film vehicle. Forced to include some unnecessary propaganda, which the film could do without, this does not overshadow the artistic merits of the film. The special effects are so so, but the filmmakers do make you believe you are on-board a sinking ship. Everybody on the screen pulled off a gripping and believable story in glorious black and white. See it if you have a chance, The European film version of The Titanic story, not to be missed.

First I must admit I wanted to see this film because of Norwegian Playboy model Lillian Muller. A hard to find film on both DVD and VHS, but worth searching for. With a cast list of several talented actors: Stephen Boyd, Barbara Valentin, Karin Dor, Horst Buchholz and the addition of Lillian Muller, this was an entertaining film.

"Frauenstation" is set in an paternity ward where we meet doctors and patients at job and in private. Main story focus is on Dr. Schuman (Buchholz) and Claudia (Lillian Muller). Claudia is married to the rich doctor and stays at home all day, pampered by husband, maid and a hysteric mother who travels between New York and Germany. Cladia has become a drug addict, bored with her life and not too happy in her marriage. In her doll collection she hides her drugs and birth control pills. Dr. Schuman wants his wife pregnant, but once he finds out the truth he confronts her and their nearly broken marriage. He is tired of Claudias drug abuse, party life and confronts her in a heated argument. Then he takes off and have sex with his favorite nurse. Claudia tries to commit suicide and is wheeled into the hospital as her husband is performing a cesarean birth in the operating room.

Well, "Frauenstation" has it all: teenage pregnancy, abortion, birth, worried women and doctor and nurses that cares. But somehow this film has a touch of exploitation in it. There are very explicit scenes that can be disturbing to watch. One woman is on the operating table giving a cesarean birth, all of a sudden this scene becomes a real life operation, water explodes and baby is pulled out. Same happens when another women actually has an gynecological examination/operation. It is not what you expect to see when watching a film like this. I guess the filmmakers wanted to make it more believable with these scenes, but I have to admit they were kind of hard to swallow. Mostly because you are not prepared to watch them.

Stephen Boyd plays Dr. Oberhoff who lives with his teenage daughter. Looking at Boyds performance it is a far cry from his hay days in Hollywood in films like "Ben Hur" and "Billy Rose's Jumbo". Boyd seems to sleep through this film as a restrained doctor with problems of his own.

Both Boyd and Muller is dubbed. Lillian Muller does a surprisingly good performance with such a complex character, considering she did not have much acting experience. Muller also had another lead in German "Rosemaries Tocher". Her American films gave her very little to do. "Frauenstation" is worth a look, not great. Based on a novel by Marie Louise Fischer.

There are few times I've seen films where I actually think that the actors saved the show. This low budget action/romance uses the exterior of Venice to its fullest. Richard Greene and Valentina Cortesa makes a romantic couple even if some scenes are a bit superficial. There is something old fashion about this film, sort of outdated for its time. It seems like the film should have had a cast of thousands. Some scenes seem empty, especially where there are guards chasing after Green or horses riding across empty fields. Scenes like these do not become dangerous enough to keep you in suspension. The film lacks the energy and enthusiasm a good script gives. It makes you wonder whey this film was actually made. But the acting is good and Binnie Barns and Greta Gynt (Gynt said yes to the role in order to get her out of her contract with Universal International) makes the best of the characters they play. If you are a fan of any of the cast members it will be a worthwhile film to see.

SHADOW OF THE EAGLE is a film with potential, but lack of production values and a script that has originality makes it an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately !

Tod Slaughter makes this film great fun to watch. If you ever want to see a Slaughter film out of curiousity of whom this forgotten horror actor is, well...this is one to see. SEXTON BLAKE AND THE HODDED TERROR is made on a low budget, but pulls off with both class and suspense. The actors takes their assignment serious and a variety of scenes makes it fast paced and exciting. The leading lady is Greta Gynt who also played against Bela Lugosi in DARK EYES OF LONDON. This time she is menaced by Slaughter and entrapped in his house of horrors where there is plenty to enjoy for horror fans. Perhaps the film uses too much time to establish the story, but once it gets going there are plenty to enjoy. Some people compare simularities between Bela Lugosi and Tod Slaughter. If there are any, it must be in their enthusiasm and "over the top" performance in low budget horror films. But in many ways that saves the show. Have fun with this "gem" from British cinema and lets hope it will be available restored on dvd asap.

When I first saw this film I felt a sense of absurdity. It is a film that has close ties to both FREAKS (1932) and CHAINED FOR LIFE (1951). Same theme... what happens to the circus freak when he tries to live a normal life ? He is unwillingly taken advantage of. This time its the midget/actor Paul Dale that breaths life into a story where he is exploitet by some crooks that takes advantage of his size. The film does not take place in the entertainment business this time, but small town USA. We follow the day to day life of a midget that grows from child to adult. Many of the episodes in his life are very sad and depressing. But he is able to move forward and fights for his independence away from home. ITS A SMALL WORLD has a happy ending and love is found when he meets a woman his own size. Absurd ending takes place in a trailer where his new found love all of a sudden starts singing like she suddenly was in the middle of a musical. This film has to be seen to be believed. A film often ignored by lovers of exploitation films. Its worth watching, even if very slow at times, but like CHAINED FOR LIFE you might wonder if the producers of this film thought they would make money on this. I wonder if they did ?

This was really an exciting film to watch. Great performance by Lionel Atwill as a lawyer defending his son accused for murdering a shrewd gold digger played by the wonderful Greta Nissen. Trying to con innocent men from falling for her charms backfires and results in a murder that has several twist before resolved. The film has both atmosphere and drama. It moves quickly from court room to the scene of the crime. The actors portrays the characters with personality and talent. It is interesting to watch Greta Nissen in a role that makes her look and act like Jean Harlow. It was Jean Harlow that replaced Nissen when Howard Hughs decided to re-shoot HELLS ANGELS (1930) and make it into a sound film. But Greta Nissen proves in this film that she was a star to be reckoned with. Enjoy this gem and lets hope that Fox will restore "Silent Witness" to its glory and release it on video/DVD... We are allowed to hope !

Directly translated from Danish this film is titled: LITTLE LISE LIGHT ON TOES. The comic team of Madsen and Schenstrøm brought laughter to millions of fans all over the world during the silent era. They were Scandinavias answer to Laurel and Hardy. In this film they team up to help the ballerina Lise (Greta Nissen) who is to make her debut on the professional stage. But Lise has no money for a fancy costume so our comic team sets out to rescue the situation. There is ofcourse a happy ending but before we reach a conclusion the comic team tries everything from selling their skeleton to science, trying to collect an reward when rescuing an old lady from robbery, working as life savers at a seaside resort...and many simular situation. Not a great lover of silent comedies I must admit I was taken by this wonderful comedy. Mostly as Madsen and Schenstrøm never takes their comic situations too far. They both have an hilarious body language and are both dressed in costumes too small for their size. LILLE LISE LET PAA TAA is fast moving and full of comic relief and original situations. Film moves from one scene to another in new sets that are enriched by the theater, parks, seaside, apartments, ballet, ships etc. It actually comes across as a very expensive film for its time era. Its also interesting to watch Greta Nissen as a ballerina before she went to The US and became a star at Paramount Pictures. The film was restored in the early 1970's and voices was added to create dialogue...actually a smart idea that worked for this film and made me laugh many times. So why not bring back the old silent classics of Valentino, Theda Bara and many more so a new audience could pay attention to the personalities of the silent era. It might be worth a try !

Minor classic ! "Take My life" is one of the better films of its era in British film making. A Rank Film that catched the attention of Hollywood and brought its leading actress Greta Gynt to the film capitol of the world. The merits of "Take My Life" is in its fast paced and skillfully directed hands of Ronald Neame. The feeling of suspense is carefully distributed throughout the film via a dramatic developement that never leavs you unexcited or bored. The actors are controlled and focused. One can tell that the actors enjoyed the challenge of a script that required high acting skills to pull off. And The Rank Studioes gathered their best talents to make the film a minor classic of British film-noire style. "Take my Life" was widly distributed all over the world and is remembered as Greta Gynts best liked film, both by her and her fans. So take a risk with this film if you want to spend an evening (or day) of cinemagic style and suspense. You wont walk off dissapointed if you are lover of vintage films

FAZIL is a slow paced film about an Arab prince falling in love with a French blonde bombshell. The culture difference between modern Paris and the old culture of the primitive hot desert makes marriage life difficult for the characters played by Charles Farrell and Norwegian blonde Greta Nissen. FAZIL was distributed as the sound era was breaking its silence and the film seems a bit old fashion for its time. But Fazil has some beautiful close ups of its stars and the music throughout is moody. Worth seeing for Howard Hawks direction and a glimpse of Nissens beauty. Apparently Hawks had problems convincing Farrell and Nissen to make their love scenes more steamy. So he toke them both aside and told them separately to get busy. The advice paid off. Next project for Greta Nissen was as leading lady in Howard Hughs HELLS ANGELS which first was filmed as a silent. He decided to re-shoot the dialog with sound but Nissens heavy Norwegian accent did not fit the role as an English Lady. She was replaced by newcomer Jean Harlow. FAZIL was thought lost, but has surfaced and become in demand at various film festivals.

Sonja Henie is a Hollywood legend. Her films for 20th Century Fox certainly made the money roll inn. Sonja Henie had, after her film career was over, a successful career touring with her ice shows. With HELLO London she planned a new film series that were to follow her around the world, like a travelogue. It starts with Sonja Henie, on a world tour with her ice show, arriving in London with her traveling companions. She is asked to stay over one more night in order to attend a benefit performance. Herself, on her way to Paris, begs her touring manager to agree to this. The story line is very thin, but we do get to see Sonja Henie perform in some spectacular ice show numbers. It is one of those films where people seem to smile all the time, it becomes tiresome after awhile. Sonja Henie herself paid for this film to be produced, thinking it would start a new film career. Unfortunately the contents were out dated and the film received a very limited release in England and Norway. A best forgotten film for the general public, but of great interest for her skating fans around the world.

This film is a definite cult-classic and a follow up to Tod Brownings FREAKS. Perhaps a bit poorly made, but with real freaks like the Alligator Woman, Pop Eye and many more. Julie Ege, Norwegian scream queen, is starring and making the best of it. If you ever want to see the definite B-film from British cinema during the Seventies: This is the one to see. The film takes place at a travelling carnival which also features a freak show. Donald Pleasance is the mad professor who mutates plants with humans and then puts them on display. The results are horrific and so are the monsters that looks like a mixture of broccoli and humans. The film is odd to say the least and the actors try very hard to make it believable. This is a film with a strange mixture of science, horror and drama. It moves along a bit slow, but you won't be bored. The last of the real "freak films".