Reviews (4)

Sparkling English Comedy
"The Wrong Arm of the Law" is one of the last British comedies from a period that many consider to be a "golden age" for the genre. It gave Peter Sellers another wonderful role as Cockney gang-leader, Pearly Gates, who often masquerades as "Monsieur Jules", haute couturier to rich and very gullible ladies. Of course, Pearly's real career is organizing robberies for his gang, none of whom seem to have the IQ of a potato ! Lately, however, Pearly and other London-area crooks are having a problem--they successfully pull off a heist, only to be ambushed by a trio of "policemen" who are more interested in the stolen goods than making arrests. Of course, these "bobbies" are crooks themselves.

It takes a while for Pearly and the other gang leaders to figure out what's going on, not to mention an embarrassed Scotland Yard, who put scene-stealing Lionel Jeffries on the case. Sellers and Jeffries decide to declare a "truce", and agree to cooperate in trying to catch these interlopers. Is nothing sacred ? Can a thief not make a dishonest living any more ? Can the police not trust a "man in uniform" ?

The film is blessed with a witty script and many amusing sequences. Other British character actors add to the fun. Bernard Cribbins is "Nervous", another gang leader. Can you imagine a less-likely gangster than Mr. Cribbins ? No--that's what makes him so hilarious. John LeMesurier is on hand as Scotland Yard's incredulous chief, unsure as to whether Sellers or Jeffries pose the greater threat to London ! Look out for the scene where all the crooks have a "union meeting" to become organized--that's Dennis Price in a wonderful cameo as "Educated", the intellectual crook. I should not forget the lovely Nanette Newman--her role turns out to be more important than mere "eye candy" !

The black and white picture is excellent for a forty year old film--the sound is mono. This is a "no frills" DVD--there are no extras. This movie is fun all the way--if you are a Sellers fan, or a fan of classic British comedy in general, ask our friends at Amazon for a copy. You won't be sorry !

Great Peter Sellers
I have often felt that Peter Sellers is best seen when playing in the company of these supporting players. I think they inspire each other. Bernie Cribbins is hilarious. Sellers is great and unselfconscious. All of the members of the cast are great in this movie - even if they only have a line or two. It is a true ensemble effort and completely enjoyable from beginning to end. In my opinion, people have not seen Lionel Jeffreys unless they have seen him in this and "Two Way Stretch." (Another collaboration with Peter Sellers and members of this ensemble cast.) True comedy.

Sellers in Quintessence
Sellers seems to relish playing underworld kingpin Pearly Gates (pure Cockney) and his "legit" alter ego Mssr. Jules (a pre-Clouseau Frenchman). Strong support from Lionel Jeffries (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Bernard Cribbins (a fussy Fawlty Towers guest) as rival gangs unite with the coppers to catch a new group that's muscling in on everyone's territory. They don't make 'em like this any more, sadly. Highly recommended!

Sellars at his best!
One of the great Ealing comedies. Sellars is brilliant ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Film that Inspired Clinton!
Oh sweet mystery of life revealed! I have often wondered what spawned Bill Clinton's formidable libido, and THE BAWDY ADVENTURES OF TOM JONES must be it!

Featuring a story about a gentle, good-natured young lad who can't help it that he's the rowdy object of carnal desires of a stable full of 18th Century buxom beauties, I quickly zoomed in on the comparisons. Young Tom enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, yet steadfastly maintains his innocence and his constant devotion to his true love. Hmmm, haven't we heard that one before? And when a lustful young lass literally throws herself at one's feet, what's a politician, er, a dashing young man to do?

One can only imagine the inspiration ignited by this film's countless romps and trysts and enthusiastic rolls in the hay. If ever there was a film that pronounced one could indeed have one's cake and eat it, too (pun intended), this is it. And no doubt the statures of screen veterans such as Trevor Howard, Joan Collins, and Terry-Thomas enhanced this movie's credibility--much like an acquittal from the U.S. Senate. And sporting an absolutely nauseating musical score, THE BAWDY ADVENTURES OF TOM JONES also brings to mind Bill Clinton's brother, Roger. Yet another example of noble inspiration!
--D. Mikels

"How dare you enter my private quarters."
"The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones" is a visual romp through the naughtier bits of the 18th century. Based on the novel by Henry Fielding, this film version concentrates on a mixture of bawdy double-entendres and slapstick comedy. It's the story of Tom Jones--an illegitimate foundling who is adopted into the household of Squire Alworthy. The film includes many scenes of serving girls with extremely low-cut dresses bending over, and female servants romping through bedrooms as they are chased by their over-eager masters. Obviously, as the title of the film suggests, there's a theme here.

Anyone familiar with the novel, Tom Jones, will be disappointed in this film. It's certainly not a fair presentation of the novel. While the costumes and settings are pleasant to behold (and that's why I'm giving two stars), there's also the odd song thrown in for good measure--is this film supposed to be a musical?

I'm not quite sure how Trevor Howard was persuaded to accept the role of the libidinous Squire Western. Luscious Joan Collins slithers around in her role as Black Bess (Black Bess, by the way, was the name of Highwayman Dick Turpin's horse). This film serves as a distraction, but it does not do justice to the novel. As a film in its own right, it's fluff with no substance. It's Benny Hill meets Tom Jones--just not as funny--displacedhuman ... Read more

Amazon.com

There is, unfortunately, no scene that even remotely resembles the image of the whip-wielding blonde on the poster art that adorns the video box. But if The Vengeance of She doesn't live up to the lurid advertising ("The ultimate female who used her beauty to bring kingdoms to their downfall... and men to their knees!" reads the exploitation copy), it turns out to be a surprisingly eventful and entertaining supernatural adventure tale. Unable to secure Ursula Andress to reprise her role from She, Hammer went to Czechoslovakia for the well-endowed blonde sexpot Olinka Berova, who is fine as Carol, the Scandinavian blonde (with the Eastern European accent) haunted by dreams and visions that draw her deep into Africa to the secret kingdom of Kuma. Edward Judd is the lovesick psychiatrist Dr. Philip Smith, who discovers that her delusion is the work of an evil priest whose mind control of Carol is the key to his bid for immortality. Director Cliff Owen makes the most of the ocean and desert locations in the first half, overcoming budgetary restrictions with impressive images, before the films descends into the underground kingdom for the set-bound conclusion. If the drama slackens, locked in these dark cavelike sets, it remains a surprisingly compelling and inventive sequel with a smart screenplay (written by Peter O'Donnell, the creator of the "Modesty Blaise" comic strip) that squeezes plenty of plot into a low budget. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Rated "G" after all
Look at the rating and that explains it all. I've read some reviews where the reviewers went over the relative breast attractions of the starlets, and recommended a different flick because the main gal bared it all (and only because she did) - this is a "G" rated movie.

"Vengence of She" is safe and sanitary, with some fights, a little mature hint of marital dissatisfaction, a woman in her undies swimming, but overall this is a film fit for Disney. Compared to some realistic Disney evening shows of late, it is even a little tame. Fit for Disney means it isn't going to shock jock, skin flick the audience, and that the acting isn't going to be too far off base - quiet staid, actually. This movie almost tries to reduce or exclude wild action or hot romance. It's one of those old movies where nudity was perverse but killing someone in hot blood is okay - although I'd personally watch a naked woman rather than a killing any day.

You have to watch it either because you like the general genre of "She" or you want a fairly sanitary flick to watch when your sanity is pressed by the continuos outrageousness of some more modern shows. I myself have seen some old black and whites which were more interesting, if nothing else because the G-rated acting was more lively. But, since I have a passing interest in the Haggard books made to film, I bought it and watched it. Okay for a casual view and pretty good quality recording.

Pretty Good Sequel to "She"!
You won't find a blonde in a pink mini-skirt wielding a whip like the picture on the cover, but Olinka Berova (hired to replace Ursula Andress in this sequel to "She") still looks pretty spectacular in the white chiffon gown that she wears in the film's final scenes, when she returns to the underground lost city with the blue flame and we find out if she really is Ayesha reincarnated from the first picture. This is a surprisingly good-looking film, with gorgeous shots of the Mediterranean and a very clear digital transfer. I especially enjoyed the 1960's vintage TV and movie trailers that reminded me of what movie ads looked like back then before CGI-created titles.

One of those sequels that makes you long for the original
"The Vengeance to She" is the sequel to Hammer Film's very popular "She." Unfortunately, not only does Olga Schoberova take over the role of Ayesha ("She Who Must Be Obeyed") from Ursula Andress, this 1967 film directed by Cliff Owen "updates" H. Rider Haggard's classic adventure story by making her a modern gal named Carol who cannot have a nice time on the French Riviera because she keeps hearing voices telling her to head east. Eventually she reaches the lost city of Kuma in Africa where she is worshipped as the reincarnation of Ayesha and wackiness ensues. This is one of those bad movies that becomes unintentionally funny. I suppose it might be more enjoyable as a double-bill with the original "She," assuming, of course, your standards for enjoyment decrease steadily over the course of the evening.

SHE's got an identity crisis
The Vengeance of She is a disappointing waste of 90 mins. She starts promising, with the beautiful Carol (Olinka Berova) walking aimlessly, drawn by torturous voices in her head. She meets a phsychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Smith, who for some reason (probably to reach boyfriend status) decides to join the young woman in her quest to nowhere. These two find a lost city where live the immortal ones. Here in the "lost city" King Killikrates is having Carol lured to them to assume the identity of Ayesha. Carol is not SHE or her or Ayesha...whatever. The King and his mystic are just making her or She.......Carol just think that she is SHE. That's the plot! This happens to be the most convoluded mess to come out of Hammer studios. I usually adore Hammer Productions but this is like a slow death. I'm not really sure I understand why SHE seeks vengeance. If you want to see an interesting tale of beautiful women weilding weapons watch The Viking Queen. Lots more action, and less identity crisis ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Steptoe Max.
Despite doses of slapstick, and the familiar banter between father and son, this is actually rather a sad film. The central theme of the television series (Harold held back by loyalty to his selfish father) was always levened by some homely BBC sets and only the most blousy and superficial love interest for Harold. In this cinema spin-off however, Harold falls in love with Zita (an excellent performance by Carolyn Seymour), marries, and is convinced he is a father - only to have each dream, in turn, shattered. This is certainly a comedy, and a good one at that, but with pathos turned to max, any hilarity available is of a distinctly dark hue.

Competent cinema expansion.
In the 1970s, British audiences really enjoyed movie length versions of their favourite sitcoms. Hence films were made of "Father Dear Father", "Are You Being Served?", "George & Mildred" etc. This film is certainly worth watching if you were a fan of the TV series but don't expect the same thing. The script just doesn't have the polish the individual episodes have. Thus we have a perfectly acceptable lightweight concoction which provides some good chuckles but not the charm and pathos which we might expect from The Galton and Simpson writing team.

excellent movie version of the TV series
looks very nice, and is produced very well. Best of all, old Wilfrid really stretches out, and the guy playing his son doesn't ramble endlessly like he does in the TV show. And the girl in the story is gorgeous. Excellent all around. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great British Movie!!
This is a great British movie about 2 men who con the mafia out of a fortune.It's a must see movie!! ... Read more