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tom-1536
Reviews
The High and the Mighty (1954)
Probably one of the worst films I've ever seen
I am quite a fan of Wellman as a director, John Wayne as an actor, Claire Trevor as an actress and Dimitri Tiomkin as a composer. Having said all this, I cannot say that I thought this film any good at all. John Wayne looked as if he'd have rather been somewhere else, and Robert Stack's wooden acting was even more wooden than usual. I just thought the whole thing was just as cheesy as it could be. When Sid Blackmer shot his gun and the engine caught fire, why was he not roped and gagged? When the plane finally did land, why was he not turned in and then arrested? I just thought the plot was silly and the whole thing poorly acted. I'm sure many out there will think I'm writing sacrilege, but I've gotta call 'em as I see 'em!
Trial (1955)
An intense political/courtroom drama with a terrifically strong cast!
Trial is a very powerful film with a believable story line, revolving around a young Mexican/American boy accused in the death of a teenage girl with a heart condition, the death being caused by an alleged sexual assault. It first appears to be a straightforward courtroom drama, but before long, the plot begins to unfold revealing the film's ulterior message: That nothing is as it appears! The film's pronounced right-wing position does not seem at all offensive, as it clearly shows to what extent the political left will go to achieve it's agenda. As it is portrayed here, one is sickened as an ultra-left lawyer at first appears to be genuinely concerned with his client's case. At this point in my review, to go further in this direction would be a "Spoiler". If you get the opportunity to see this film, don't miss it! I've only seen it twice, both times on Turner Classic Movies; I do not know if it is available on either VHS or DVD.