Reviews (1)

Mountie prevents Indian trouble
Mountie (Tyrone Power)goes to indian villege to save captured white girl and retrieve bank robber(Robert Horton). Power is aided in his quest by half-breed(Thomas Gomez)and must challenge a proud indian warrior(Cameron Mitchell. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

"Home From the Hill" is a must see!
My parents enjoyed this movie enough that they named me (their daughter of 23 years) after George Hamilton's character, Theron. I love the movie too! It's a good one.

I liked this movie!!!!
And I disagree with JT Boyd's review, partly because it is inaccurate. Robert Mitchum's character had an affair with a tramp, producing illegitimate son, George Peppard, which caused his estrangement from his wife, Eleanor Parker, who was the mother of his legitimate son, George Hamilton. I do think that Hamilton's part was way overplayed, but liked the movie, regardless, and George Peppard surely got my attention.

Not too close to home from the hill
After reading the book 3 times, I was disapointed in the movie script. The Captain played by Robert Mitchum was assumed to have many children in the town (due to the many town kids who had his trademark coal black wavy hair) His wife was homely and was of high moral fiber. His own son Theron was strong, smart and very athletic. His mother doted on him and his father taught him how to hunt. Theron got Libby pregnant and Libby's father thought it was the Captain and shot him to death. Theron disapeared in the woods and was never found and the Captains wife died a broken woman who never knew her husband's love. If the movie would have followed the book, it would have been a far better movie!

Earthy melodrama
Robert Mitchum stars as Wade, the big-shot in town; he is rich, conceited, a good hunter, a phillanderer, and a bad husband and father. His wife (Eleanor Parker) has been holding a grudge against him since they were married. It seems Wade fathered a child, Rafe, (George Peppard) out of wedlock. Wade's legitimate son, Theron (George Hamilton), is bit of a wimp and a disappointment to old Dad. Add to this mix the young and pretty Libby (Luana Patton), who likes both Theron and Rafe, and the stereotypical Texas good 'ole boys who stir up the plot, and you have a great story.

Although Mitchum is typically charismatic and macho in this movie, it is George Peppard who emerges as the real star. He is very handsome and appealing as the sexy he-man who wants to be acknowledged as his father's son. George Hamilton looks too old to play 17-year old Theron, but he is suitably awkward and self-conscious. (The role would have been better with a young Anthony Perkins.) Willful and stubborn Eleanor Parker is a good match for Mitchum; I would have liked to see even more of her.

This film is long and frequently melodramatic with plenty of angst to go around. That said, the script is good, the actors are all likeable and handsome, the score is lovely, and all the loose ends are neatly tied up in the end. While considered somewhat spicy in its day, "Home From the Hills" is now an involving character study that has inspired me to read the novel by William Humphrey.

They don't make them like this anymore
This wonderfully acted movie, is a must see. George Hamilton gives an outstanding performance. I never realized what a talented actor he is, until I saw this movie. Robt. Mitchum always the best.

This is the story of a Texas family torn apart by bitterness, adultery.

After watching the movie, now I want to read the novel. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Sam Fuller's biggest success of its time (and, superficially at least, his most conventional film) is the 1953 noir effort Pickup on South Street. Candy (Jean Peters) has her purse picked on the subway by small-time thief and ex-con Skip (Richard Widmark), neither of them realizing that the purse contains microfilm bound for Communist spies and that they are being watched the whole time by Federal agents. The New York police and the Feds catch up with Skip and try to cajole him into turning over the microfilm, but as he's one of Fuller's "outsider" antihero protagonists, the patriotic angle cuts no ice with him. He plays both sides against the middle when he finds out that the Communists are involved, hoping to make a big score off the deal, but eventually he comes around when he realizes that he's smitten with Candy. Finally Skip plays ball with the authorities, but is it out of his love for both his friend Moe and Candy, or is he swayed by the patriotic urgings of the FBI, or does it just come from some inner core of decency? You decide. When Skip is asked, "Do you know what treason is?" he smirks, "Who cares?"; when the Feds try to appeal to his patriotism, he sneers through several layers of Sinatra cool, "Are you waving the flag at me?" Pickup is set almost entirely in the garbage-strewn alleys, grimy subways, seedy waterfront dives, and gloomy streets of New York City; it's marked by extremely lengthy takes and fluid, mobile camera work. The closing scene when Skip tracks down another character in the subway and administers a brutal beating to him is one of the more violent scenes you'll find in '50s film noir. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (20)

"You know people who know people."
"Pick Up On South Street" is yet another great film from cult director, Sam Fuller. Pickpocket Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), a three-time loser, is on probation for only a week when he picks the wallet from a woman's handbag on the subway. He thinks he's lifting money, but he actually steals microfilm--copies of classified government documents containing a patent for a chemical formula. The woman, hard and mouthy, Candy (Jean Peters) is unaware of the true nature of the envelope she is about to pass to a communist agent. She thinks she's just doing her old boyfriend, Joey, a favour.

Soon Candy's ex, the police, and communist agents are all looking for Skip. Everyone--sooner or later--contacts the best snitch in town, Moe (Thelma Ritter). Moe's dread of being buried in Potter's field when she longs for a fancy plot in Long Island ensures that she'll sell information--after all, "every extra buck has a meaning of its own." Moe may have her price, but she doesn't do business with 'commies.' The film emphasizes the idea that thievery is one thing, but treason is a different matter. In the film, the criminal characters (Skip, Moe, and Lightning Louie) all live on the fringes of society in out-of-the-way dives and hovels. Their survival is based on not being too picky about how they make ends meet, so they have a certain tolerant co-existence with each other.

This film works so well due to the fine characterizations. There's Skip--he's not fussy who buys the film--and the whole patriotism argument just doesn't matter as far as he's concerned. The police detective in charge of the case isn't exactly an old friend, and so Skip's not about to hand over the stolen film. This is my personal favourite of all Sam Fuller's films. On the surface, it may seem that Fuller is paying court to the fear of Communism with this film's plot. But protagonist Skip McCoy isn't part of the society he's suddenly supposed to respect and protect. He's on the outside looking in, and his "what's in it for me attitude" leads him to make some tough choices. He's not a patriot--he's a survivor. Candy is as hard as nails--she's hardly naive or innocent, but even she's shocked to find herself mixed up with Communists. Thelma Ritter in an Oscar nominated role for best supporting actress is amazing. Her scenes are incredible. I love the scene when Moe questions the police detectives about Skip's technique. Also the amazingly violent subway chase was brilliantly executed. This Criterion DVD contains many extras that make the extra expense worthwhile for the film aficionado. There's an interview with Sam Fuller and trailers for his films (some of them are now sadly out-of-print). For the Sam Fuller fan, this Criterion DVD package is both fascinating and essential--displacedhuman

top-level film noir
Better than most film noir entries, Samuel Fuller's PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET explores the life of a pickpocket who gets in over his head. Skip McCoy picks a pocket on the subway, and gets classified government documents for his troubles.

The police convince a woman to help them find Skip and the microfilm, and heavy drama ensues. Thelma Ritter is especially good as the informant. Today her acting would be considered over-the-top and unconvincing, but for the time, it was a standout performance. Widmark is excellent as the pickpocket, with his portrayal only rivalled by his work in KISS OF DEATH (also a must-see film noir).

As a landmark film for Widmark and Ritter, as well as for director Samuel Fuller, PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET is a must-see for fans of 1940s cinema and film noir.

ken32

missed opportunity
Made during the height of the cold war hysteria,
this film gets sidetracked by mindless red baiting.
It also descends into cheesy melodrama on a couple of
occasions marring the pacing of the movie. It's too
bad but pickup doesn't live up to its reputation as
top notch noir.

A 1950's classic
For those who appreciate the fine acting of Thelma Ritter, this film is a must-have (along with Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window"). Her portrayal as the informant is a classic role for one of the best supporting actresses Hollywood has ever seen.

Richard Widmark also lends one of the greatest performances of his career, right up there with his roles in "Kiss of Death" (1947) and "Judgement at Nuremburg" (1961). The Criterion release provides a magnificent restoration of this underrated film noir gem.

I am rather baffled as to the clueless wonder at Amazon.com who tagged this motion picture with an NC-17 rating. Either that person didn't see the film, or the lights are on but nobody's home. "Pickup on South Street" isn't a skin flick. It is one of the greatest dramatic thrillers of the 1950's.

Get this DVD on Criterion. It's an essential classic for any serious film collector.

A top notch film noir
Skip Mc Coy (Richard Widmark) is a person without colective importance; a rough pickpocket , a scroungy pretty gangster who sneeks a look into a woman's handbag, turns up some microfilm and finds himself dealing with communist agents.
This is a well made film, with a lot of issues. Moe (Thelma Ritter)overtakes this role as a street peddler who sells information.
A film which reveals as a few, the sordid and sinister underworld linked with the spy world which is blackmailed by a pedestrian thief.
Fuller's view is incisive, bitter and ironical. Nevetheless the film has unforgettable funny situations.
Thelma Ritter was a very talented actress and bowever, she never won an Academy Award ; but her shinning presence gives to the clever script that touch of class and outrageous fierce character; and of course don't forget adding the charismatical performance of Richard Widmark.
One of the most imaginative and powerful film noir made in any age. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Scenery
Charlton Heston stars as Buffalo Bill, who along with partner Wild Bill Hickock, played by Forrest Tucker, is attempting to set up the Pony Express to help connect California with the rest of the country. Beautiful Rhonda Fleming and her brother are part of a group trying to prevent that from happening, wanting California to go it alone, rather than be part of the Union. Not only must Chuck do battle with them, but there are also the Indians to consider, not to mention the nagging presence of Jan Sterling, a tomboy in love with him. Pony Express is not short on action and that is its saving grace. The plot and dialogue are routine, the direction uninspired, and the characters comes across as sketches. The beauty of Rhonda Fleming and the technicolor scenery helps to make this acceptable viewing. There could be a great movie made about the Pony Express. This just isn't it.

Fun Western
Although the characters of Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickox are not exactly historically correct, this old western is fun to watch. The two Bills are up against a crew of politicians/civilians who want to make California independent from the United States. Buffalo Bill and Wild Bill are a threat to their plans with their own plan to connect Sacramento with the East Coast. Fun action and adventure, but not one of Heston's best. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

TOP NOTCH SCHLOCK AND I LOVE IT!
Like it or not, this is one of the most loveable bad B- sci-fi-horror films of all time AND a great travelougue of 1950s LA. What else would you expect this film to be but low-grade schlock? Go in with that mind-set and you'll love it. I got my copy out of a bargain bin for $1 and have since inspired three other friends to get their own copies through Amazon. They love it for everything from Chaney's pitifully bad performance (oh, those close-ups of his quivvering eyes!) to the footage of Angel's Flight in all its filthy 50s LA glory. Get a copy, chill out and enjoy this film for what it is: BAD and FUN!

Lon Chaney, Jr. in a totally predictable bad B-Movie
Lon Chaney, Jr. stars Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or "indestructible man" if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this ludicrous little tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved a mad scientist and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Predictable, boring, unimaginative and a really bad movie
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines rather than inspired acting. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

A really bad b-movie, totally predictable and uninspiring
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

Another B-Movie
By the time this one was filmed, Lon Chaney Jr. was long past his prime. Aging and beset by a serious problem with alcohol, he was reduced to taking almost any role which became available, which explains his presence here. This one is not as bad as "The Alligator People", but it's not much better. The formula is familiar, with a hokey plot featuring an executed murderer (Chaney) being brought back to life to avenge himself against those responsible for his conviction, all the while being pursued by a not-too-bright detective, as an annoying narrator drones on and on, in pseudo-docudrama style. Chaney is in bad shape, and he looks it; fortunately, his character has very few spoken lines. The supporting cast is none too talented, which is about par for this sort of poverty-row fare. In fact, it's almost bad enough to have been an Ed Wood film. This one is recommended only for those who enjoy "bad" movies. For fans of Chaney in his heyday, it is a sad testimonial to the personal and professional decline of a once-successful actor. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Typically lively Warner Brothers western from the 50s
Ray Milland is the disgraced Cavalry Officer, posted to the frontier where he is victimised by his commanding officer (Hugh Marlowe), who, as it turns out, was the person truly responsible for the crime that Milland was accused of. The direction is typically fast and furious (check out Charge at Feather River, Only The Valiant, Hondo and The Command for further examples of the Warners Brothers cavalry western style), as Marlowe sends Milland off on a variety of dangerous missions in an attempt to bump him off. It all ends up at the Battle of The Little Big Horn (footage lifted from They Died With Their Boots On) where our two protagonists have a knockabout fight while Indians and Cavalry battle around them. Forrest Tucker is on hand as a brawling Irish sergeant and Helena Carter is the romantic interest. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

El Latigo
As it says on my list, this was the final Republic Zorro serial, even though the character Zorro is not even in the story. A gang of crooks led by a saloon owner (Mauritz Hugo) attempts to rob an Indian reservation of it's gold. A local settler (Richard Simmons) and a school teacher (Barbara Bestar) attempt to stop the gang. To win the trust of the local Indians, the settler takes on the guise of El Latigo, a legenary Indian friend. This film had stock footage from many films, including Zorro's Black Whip, featuring Linda Stirling. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dean and Jerry on the Range
"Pardners" (1956) was Martin and Lewis' next-to-last film and it remains among their best. A loose remake of Bing Crosby's "Rhythm on the Range" (1936), this breezy western comedy has the duo in good form, with a strong supporting cast featuring Agnes Moorehead and Lon Chaney Jr. Unlike "Hollywood or Bust" (the team's farewell appearance), Dean and Jerry were on speaking terms during the production and their on-screen rapport is evident from beginning to end. One of the film's most memorable (and ironic) scenes has Martin and Lewis taking aim at the final credits, while assuring their fans that they will continue to make beautiful cinema together. It didn't turn out that way, but you have to admire Dean and Jerry for breaking up at the height of their phenomenal success -- rather than face the downhill trajectory that greeted most comedy teams.

One of the best of Martin & Lewis
This video is hard to find, except through Amazon. Worth the price. Soundtrack is one of the better ones, if you can find it, as well. Dean Martin, for western fans, was a very good gun handler (as well as a fine singer) and you get a glimpse of his skill in this flick. I agree with the previous reviewer, the end credits are fun to watch. As always, the plot of M & L movies are far-reaching, but if you are watching a M & L movie for the plot, go back to reading Webster's Dictionary. If you half-way like M & L, half-way like comedies or half-way like westerns, you'll enjoy this movie. Buy it before it's so far out-of-print that you'll never find it. Enjoy.

You And Me Were Gonna Be Partners
M&L's next to last film is one of their funniest and shows how much better their movies got into the mid 50s. The prolouge even has M&L playing it totally straight. Some great gags and appearances by some familiar Western character actors give this a fine satiric bite. And don't miss the last shot after Dean & Jerry shoot away the THE END title where they talk directly to the audience and imply that they won't break up. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Roy Rogers DVD
This is an absolutely gorgeous Trucolor uncut version of Bells of Coronado. It is far superior to the 1990's VHS version released by Republic Home Video. Although I would not rate this movie as one of Roy's best, it is still a good one. The quality of this DVD makes it a must for collectors of Roy's films. Lionsgate/Fox is to be commended for the great job they did. Hopefully they will do more of Roy's Trucolor films on DVD (Republic Home Video had marketed 9 Trucolor titles on VHS).

A good Roy Rogers, but not the best
This is a good Roy Rogers video, but not the best b/c Dale had an immodest dress, and Pat had his shirt off a few times, but otherwise, this is another good movie for the Roy Rogers fan and collector. Just remove the bad parts and you're off.

The main thing I like about Roy Rogers was he was a Christian who was not ashamed to witness for the Lord. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

TOP NOTCH SCHLOCK AND I LOVE IT!
Like it or not, this is one of the most loveable bad B- sci-fi-horror films of all time AND a great travelougue of 1950s LA. What else would you expect this film to be but low-grade schlock? Go in with that mind-set and you'll love it. I got my copy out of a bargain bin for $1 and have since inspired three other friends to get their own copies through Amazon. They love it for everything from Chaney's pitifully bad performance (oh, those close-ups of his quivvering eyes!) to the footage of Angel's Flight in all its filthy 50s LA glory. Get a copy, chill out and enjoy this film for what it is: BAD and FUN!

Lon Chaney, Jr. in a totally predictable bad B-Movie
Lon Chaney, Jr. stars Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or "indestructible man" if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this ludicrous little tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved a mad scientist and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Predictable, boring, unimaginative and a really bad movie
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines rather than inspired acting. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

A really bad b-movie, totally predictable and uninspiring
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

Another B-Movie
By the time this one was filmed, Lon Chaney Jr. was long past his prime. Aging and beset by a serious problem with alcohol, he was reduced to taking almost any role which became available, which explains his presence here. This one is not as bad as "The Alligator People", but it's not much better. The formula is familiar, with a hokey plot featuring an executed murderer (Chaney) being brought back to life to avenge himself against those responsible for his conviction, all the while being pursued by a not-too-bright detective, as an annoying narrator drones on and on, in pseudo-docudrama style. Chaney is in bad shape, and he looks it; fortunately, his character has very few spoken lines. The supporting cast is none too talented, which is about par for this sort of poverty-row fare. In fact, it's almost bad enough to have been an Ed Wood film. This one is recommended only for those who enjoy "bad" movies. For fans of Chaney in his heyday, it is a sad testimonial to the personal and professional decline of a once-successful actor. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What Christmas Is All About
This is a wonderful Christmas video and a must have for any holiday video collection-whether or not you were ever a fan of the Lassie TV series. Brings back fond memories of simpler times; when you didn't need to rely on the latest electronic gizmos and gadgets for Christmas presents either. Unfortunately, most of today's jaded youth would not enjoy this.

Timmy & Lassie at their best!!!
A heartwarming story set during the Christmas season. A kind and mysterious toy maker stays with the Martins and helps Timmy collect food to feed the hungry wildlife when snow covers the vegatation. This good deed causes problems for some of the farmers, and angers a bitter old man when wolfs began to search for food close to their homes and attack some of their livestock. When Lassie attempts to scare away a wolf, a snow slide traps him in a cave where he finds the reason behind the wolfs attacks. Although Timmy and the Martins are worried about the missing collie they attend the Christmas Eve service where Timmy, played by talented Jon Provost, beautifully sings a solo of Silent Night. Altogether, a simply wonderful movie! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great double feature theme but where's the trailer?
First of all I love this stuff because I respect it for what it is,
50's Drive-in fodder. I had the pleasure of watching these B-minors
on Creature Feature as I'm sure anyone who grew up in the tri-state
area of New York did. I'll always have a spot in my heart when poor
Lon Chaney Jr comes up out of the sewer flame-broiled and the music
turns somber as you know he's about to meet his end. By the way did
most of you film fanatics know that this was one of the first films
scored by Albert Glasser later known for such cult classics as "The
Amazing Colossal man" & "Beginning of the end? I did not know until
recently that the sewer sequence was stolen from the 1949 film noir
"He walked by night" Roan has a fairly good print department but
they suck on extras. I have both trailers in my collection and I
would have raise my rating up a notch had they been included. At
least Roan did use the original poster artwork on the cover.

Adequate if unremarkable DVD two-fer of minor SF cheapies
Indestructible Man is probably the most familiar, and beloved, of producer-director Jack Pollexfen's poverty-row epics (Neanderthal Man, Daughter of Dr. Jekyll, Atomic Brain). Pollexfen's name in the credits always means you're in no-budget-land. Another clue this time out is the preponderance of narration (indicating an absence of synch sound, of course). The movie gets what little rep it has from the casting of Lon Chaney as back-from-the-dead killer 'The Butcher' Benton, although he actually looks rather thin and haggard here (he was no doubt drinking heavily at the time), and not very threatening at all. Or as the narrator says, "like any normal person on his way to work." Robert Shayne (Neanderthal Man, Inspector Henderson on Superman) makes a brief appearance as "mad" Professor Bradshaw (assisted by Joe "Captain Binghamton" Flynn) resuscitating The Butcher; bland Casey Adams/Max Showalter (Monster that Challenged the World, Niagara) is Lt. Dick Chasen the flatfoot hero; and Ross Elliott (Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Monster on the Campus) plays a sleazy lawyer. The movie tries for trash appeal by making The Butcher's ex-girlfriend Eva (Marion Carr) a burlesque performer, but her sweet-and-innocent manner totally undercuts any bad-girl ambience that might have been generated. Overall the movie is a bit on the dull side, with a few laughs, and a modicum of bad-movie charm. Cinematography is by John L. (Jack) Russell (Hitchcock's Psycho; Thriller TV series), though you're unlikely to be impressed by the source print: it's fairly grainy, with a slightly soft, 'dupey' look, and respectable if unremarkable grayscale, brightness, contrast, and shadow/highlight detail. There is also light-to-moderate speckling, scratching, and blemishing throughout, and the sound is merely OK, a bit on the muddy side at times. Kind of makes you wonder what exactly Roan "restored." (The box claims the movies to be "digitally mastered and restored from original film elements." ?!?). Not nearly as nice as some of their other releases (e.g. Svengali, Horror Hotel), if not disastrous either.
The Amazing Transparent Man was cult director Edgar G. Ulmer's final American film and it pretty much feels like a last gasp (it's not nearly as much fun as Beyond the Time Barrier). The mostly no-name cast ranges from annoying (loud, abrasive Douglas Kennedy as safecracker Joey Faust) to cloying (Dr. Ulof [familiar character actor Ivan Triesault] and his daughter Maria). The script is an odd mix of gangster movie cliches, soap opera melodramatics, late 50s topicality (Cold War/espionage subplotting), and Weighty Issues thematics that never really goes anywhere. The laboratory set is quite poverty-stricken, and the invisibility effects, accomplished with traveling mattes, are only mildly diverting. Other special effects are of the pantomime-and-fishing-line variety; almost cheesy enough to be funny. Almost. Legendary makeup artist Jack P. Pierce's talents are completely wasted (it was one of his last movies), and, let's face it, Ulmer is way past prime here, with precious little onscreen to distinguish this from any contemporary Dick Cunha or Herbert L. Strock picture.
At least the source print is better than that of Indestructible Man. It's actually quite decent, presented in anamorphic widescreen at approximately 1.85:1, with generally very good to excellent grayscale, sharpness, brightness, contrast, and highlight detail. The shadow detail looks a little blocked up at times, and there is some sporadic light speckling, blemishing, and scratching (mostly around reel changes), but overall the print's quite acceptable, especially considering the age and history of the film.
Bottom line: neither movie is really indispensable to a 1950s SF collection, both being of interest mainly to bad movie diehards with fairly strong constitutions. The DVD package rates a solid three. The source prints, while nothing to write home about, are basically average to slightly above (especially The ATM), and far better than the crap you typically find on a Madacy or Brentwood disc. Unfortunately, there are no menus, trailers, or any other extras, though both movies are broken into chapters. Fifties C-movie completists and Ulmer fanatics might as well go for it, mainstream consumers beware.

One of the most entertaining "bad" horrors ever made!
If you are a fan of low-budget horror and/or film noir, then you must see the struggling Lon Chaney, Jr., as the notorious Charles "Butcher" Benton! By 1956, poor Lon was accepting just about anything he could, being tormented by many demons and having been typecast so severely. (He did, however, also play several good character parts in non-horror Fifties A-films like HIGH NOON, NOT AS A STRANGER, A LION IS IN THE STREETS and THE DEFIANT ONES, something that neither Boris Karloff nor Bela Lugosi did during the 1950s--Karloff being busy with television and the stage, and Lugosi sinking into an endlessly painful morass.) Here, Lon does a fine job with his limited dialogue and then has a heyday as the revived-from-the-dead mute who pummels and THROWS his victims to their deaths (in some of the most humorous killing scenes in horror-film history). The scenes of Lon crawling around in the L.A. storm-drain system and the incredible ending in which the Butcher is cooked alive at a power plant (destroying a multi-million dollar complex while the police recover a fraction of that in gangster's loot) are highlights in this sometimes dreadful yet strangely compelling and nearly always entertaining Jack Pollexfen opus! The DVD version is somewhat superior to most of the cheap VHS copies being peddled everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

TOP NOTCH SCHLOCK AND I LOVE IT!
Like it or not, this is one of the most loveable bad B- sci-fi-horror films of all time AND a great travelougue of 1950s LA. What else would you expect this film to be but low-grade schlock? Go in with that mind-set and you'll love it. I got my copy out of a bargain bin for $1 and have since inspired three other friends to get their own copies through Amazon. They love it for everything from Chaney's pitifully bad performance (oh, those close-ups of his quivvering eyes!) to the footage of Angel's Flight in all its filthy 50s LA glory. Get a copy, chill out and enjoy this film for what it is: BAD and FUN!

Lon Chaney, Jr. in a totally predictable bad B-Movie
Lon Chaney, Jr. stars Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or "indestructible man" if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this ludicrous little tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved a mad scientist and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Predictable, boring, unimaginative and a really bad movie
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines rather than inspired acting. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

A really bad b-movie, totally predictable and uninspiring
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

Another B-Movie
By the time this one was filmed, Lon Chaney Jr. was long past his prime. Aging and beset by a serious problem with alcohol, he was reduced to taking almost any role which became available, which explains his presence here. This one is not as bad as "The Alligator People", but it's not much better. The formula is familiar, with a hokey plot featuring an executed murderer (Chaney) being brought back to life to avenge himself against those responsible for his conviction, all the while being pursued by a not-too-bright detective, as an annoying narrator drones on and on, in pseudo-docudrama style. Chaney is in bad shape, and he looks it; fortunately, his character has very few spoken lines. The supporting cast is none too talented, which is about par for this sort of poverty-row fare. In fact, it's almost bad enough to have been an Ed Wood film. This one is recommended only for those who enjoy "bad" movies. For fans of Chaney in his heyday, it is a sad testimonial to the personal and professional decline of a once-successful actor. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

TOP NOTCH SCHLOCK AND I LOVE IT!
Like it or not, this is one of the most loveable bad B- sci-fi-horror films of all time AND a great travelougue of 1950s LA. What else would you expect this film to be but low-grade schlock? Go in with that mind-set and you'll love it. I got my copy out of a bargain bin for $1 and have since inspired three other friends to get their own copies through Amazon. They love it for everything from Chaney's pitifully bad performance (oh, those close-ups of his quivvering eyes!) to the footage of Angel's Flight in all its filthy 50s LA glory. Get a copy, chill out and enjoy this film for what it is: BAD and FUN!

Lon Chaney, Jr. in a totally predictable bad B-Movie
Lon Chaney, Jr. stars Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or "indestructible man" if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this ludicrous little tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved a mad scientist and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Predictable, boring, unimaginative and a really bad movie
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines rather than inspired acting. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

A really bad b-movie, totally predictable and uninspiring
Lon Chaney Jr. is Charles "Butcher" Benton, a violent criminal who is brought back to life by scientist using electricity. The good news is that he is alive; the bad news is that he becomes an invincible mute (or indestructible man if you prefer), who seeks vengeance on those who led to his execution. Our story is related by Lt. Richard Chasen (Max Showalter), a hard-boiled detective whose voiceover narration tries to lend some degree of credibility to this tale. "The Butcher" is gassed on death row because of his crooked lawyer (Ross Elliott) and the partners (Marvin Ellis and Ken Terrell) who ratted him out because they did not want to share in the take from an armored car job. Unfortunately they put this whole plan in motion despite the fact that only the Butcher knows where the money is hidden. He dies vowing vengeance from beyond the grave instead of telling them the secret and before his corpse gets cold his body is sold to a mad scientist (Robert Shayne) who wants to cure cancer and thinks putting a large charge of electricity through Butcher's body will help do this. Chaney made a similar film in 1941 called "Man Made Monster," which also involved mad scientists and electricity, and which was certainly better than this unimaginative 1956 film. Chaney's muteness is somewhat effective, but my understanding is that this was because the actor had a problem remembering lines. However, this did not mean any problem with his acting because this film is incredibly predictable from start to finish. No wonder "The Indestructible Man" was most deservedly served up during the fourth season of "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

Another B-Movie
By the time this one was filmed, Lon Chaney Jr. was long past his prime. Aging and beset by a serious problem with alcohol, he was reduced to taking almost any role which became available, which explains his presence here. This one is not as bad as "The Alligator People", but it's not much better. The formula is familiar, with a hokey plot featuring an executed murderer (Chaney) being brought back to life to avenge himself against those responsible for his conviction, all the while being pursued by a not-too-bright detective, as an annoying narrator drones on and on, in pseudo-docudrama style. Chaney is in bad shape, and he looks it; fortunately, his character has very few spoken lines. The supporting cast is none too talented, which is about par for this sort of poverty-row fare. In fact, it's almost bad enough to have been an Ed Wood film. This one is recommended only for those who enjoy "bad" movies. For fans of Chaney in his heyday, it is a sad testimonial to the personal and professional decline of a once-successful actor. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

ROUGH RIDERS REVISITED
AFTER FIFTY YEARS I WANTED TO SEE IF THE "ROCKY" SERIES STILL GENERATED THE SAME EXCITEMENT FOR ME AS WHEN I WAS A BOY. ROUGH RADIERS OF DURANGO SURE DID THAT AND MORE. THE ACTION & PLOT OF THIS MOVIE HELD MY INTEREST TO THE VERY END. "ROCKY", "BLACK JACK" AND REPUBLIC ALWAYS TOOK THE "B" WESTERN TO THE UTMOST. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Typically lively Warner Brothers western from the 50s
Ray Milland is the disgraced Cavalry Officer, posted to the frontier where he is victimised by his commanding officer (Hugh Marlowe), who, as it turns out, was the person truly responsible for the crime that Milland was accused of. The direction is typically fast and furious (check out Charge at Feather River, Only The Valiant, Hondo and The Command for further examples of the Warners Brothers cavalry western style), as Marlowe sends Milland off on a variety of dangerous missions in an attempt to bump him off. It all ends up at the Battle of The Little Big Horn (footage lifted from They Died With Their Boots On) where our two protagonists have a knockabout fight while Indians and Cavalry battle around them. Forrest Tucker is on hand as a brawling Irish sergeant and Helena Carter is the romantic interest. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Most fascinating...
I think this is the best work i've ever done. Seriously. Ever. I'm not kidding. This was a most fascinating movie about me and boxing. And being a kid and a monk at the same time. ... Read more

Description

Marysia Zurkowna, a country girl, is taken captive by slave traders, who tell her to go visit her sister in Brazil.When she gets there, she witnesses her sister's death (her sister was also controlled by the slave traders), and is later rescued by Polish sailors. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Roy Rogers DVD
This is an absolutely gorgeous Trucolor uncut version of Bells of Coronado. It is far superior to the 1990's VHS version released by Republic Home Video. Although I would not rate this movie as one of Roy's best, it is still a good one. The quality of this DVD makes it a must for collectors of Roy's films. Lionsgate/Fox is to be commended for the great job they did. Hopefully they will do more of Roy's Trucolor films on DVD (Republic Home Video had marketed 9 Trucolor titles on VHS).

A good Roy Rogers, but not the best
This is a good Roy Rogers video, but not the best b/c Dale had an immodest dress, and Pat had his shirt off a few times, but otherwise, this is another good movie for the Roy Rogers fan and collector. Just remove the bad parts and you're off.

The main thing I like about Roy Rogers was he was a Christian who was not ashamed to witness for the Lord. ... Read more