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Reviews
Son of the Morning Star (1991)
I may expect to much from Hollywood
I enjoyed this movie. It seemed to provide a fairly accurate illustration of the history of this event. They seemed to be trying to produce something with substance. But, I did not think the casting was even remotely correct for this story. Gary Cole may be excellent at his trade, but he does not have a battle hardened look in this movie and gives the impression of not being used to violence. This is just the look in his eyes, his mannerisms and speaking voice. David Strathairn may also be an excellent actor, but does not have the look of someone who rode through a war and had become battle hardened, as his character Capt. William F. Benteen appeared. He gives an almost intimidated appearance throughout the movie. The real Benteen had a childlike appearance, but looked as ruthless as a snake. Major Marcus Reno was portrayed by Michael Medeiros, who has done fine work for years. In this movie he has a permanently fixed expression of terror and bewilderment throughout the entire film. These characters were all men who had seen death, were used to violence and were ready for battle, but in the movie they all look like pampered business men facing a task they are not qualified to perform. Although I liked the film, I would enjoy a story of this nature, which would have a cast of people whose "vibes" were more in line with the story. That being said, it is an enjoyable film and presents a fairly accurate representation of what history tells us actually happened.
Jesse James (1939)
Jesse James
This is an extremely enjoyable movie. It does not follow historical accuracy, and mixes some of the actual events into different time sequences.
One thing I liked about this movie is that it illustrates how the Pinkertons actually did throw a grenade through the window of Jesse's mother's home. In reality, it killed his little brother and blew off his mothers arm. In this movie it kills his mother, but does illustrate how Jesse had more motive for his actions than just money.
Being produced less than 60 years after the death of the real Jesse James, it provides a view into the popular "feel" for this outlaw and how the public viewed him at that time. Henry Fonda is great as Frank James and Randolph Scott makes a good Marshall. But, Henry Hull is an all time classic as "Uncle Rufus" and really adds a lot to this movie. This movie is one of my favorites.
Fireball XL5 (1962)
Great music!
I remember watching this show and I was surprised, when it came out, to see puppets! I would have not watched it except that I loved the theme song so much. I would actually leave it on just to hear this song. It was the first song that really turned me on to music. I don't think I ever felt that way about any music until The Beatles came out a year later. I don't know if I would still like the song as much, but I probably would. The show never really knocked me out, but the song has stayed in my memory to this day.
Because it had puppets portraying humans it seemed very primitive to me. I never could get past the primitive movement of these things. Maybe I was too old for the show and just left it on because of the song. I cannot say, but the song definitely had some real magic to it.