The Most Dangerous Game.

Review #709: The Most Dangerous Game.

Cast
Joel McCrea (Sanger "Bob" Rainsford), Fay Wray (Eve Trowbridge), Leslie Banks (Count Zaroff), Robert Armstrong (Martin Trowbridge), Noble Johnson (Ivan), Steve Clemente (Tartar), and Dutch Hendrian (Servant) Directed by Irving Pichel (#617 - Destination Moon) and Ernest B. Schoedsack (#283 - King Kong and #604 - Mighty Joe Young)

Review
The movie was filmed on the jungle sets of King Kong, with Wray and Armstrong being used for both films, while filmed at night. Strangely enough, this movie managed to be finished first, though it being only barely an hour long in length sure helped. As for the movie, it's pretty good. It has a good atmosphere, and I attribute that mostly to the sets, which make the movie look really nice. McCrea does a good job as the lead, maybe because he just gels well in the short time he has, especially with Wray, who as usual is good at being both a lead and screaming in terror. Banks is a decent villain, he isn't too over the top, and he does do well in the action scenes. In total, the movie is fine mainly because it just gets going quick, even beginning with a ship wreck. I like how it seems there will be three survivors who will be the main focus...and then two of them suddenly get swept away. I guess it means to never assume you've survived a ship wreck, which isn't the worst lesson I've heard. Anyway, the movie is enjoyable and quick, and if you like 30's cinema or thriller movies, you'll like this one.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Ride the High Country.

Review #590: Ride the High Country.

Cast
Randolph Scott (Gil Westrum), Joel McCrea (Steve Judd), Mariette Hartley (Elsa Knudsen), Ron Starr (Heck Longtree), Edgar Buchanan (Judge Tolliver), R.G. Armstrong (Joshua Knudsen), Jenie Jackson (Kate), James Drury (Billy Hammond), L. Q. Jones (Sylvus Hammond), and John Anderson (Elder Hammond) Directed by Sam Peckinpah.

Review
Well, well, I'm finally doing a review of a Peckinpah film. I didn't know it would take this long to get to him, but hey, here we are. This was his second film (his first being The Deadly Companions), and he would direct only 14 films in the 22 years, from 1961 up until 1983, up until his death in 1984. Peckinpah is known for his eccentricities and range of violence of shown in his films, such as The Wild Bunch. But what about this film? This movie is more about the story of loyalty then about the action, and it works just fine. Scott and McCrea are brilliantly paired well against each other, and the way their friendship progresses throughout the movie is a useful part of what makes the movie work. It's not the rugged terrain, or the fairly decent action, it's the relationship between these two characters, and the others as well, about how the legends may fade, but their stories won't. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Hartley, who is certainly interesting to watch. This is on the whole a fairly decent movie that certainly shows the strengths of the good ol' Western. 10 to go to #600.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Palm Beach Story.

Review #431: The Palm Beach Story.

Cast
Claudette Colbert (Geraldine Jeffers), Joel McCrea (Tom Jeffers), Mary Astor (The Princess Centimillia), Rudy Vallée (John D. Hackensacker III), Sig Arno (Toto), and Robert Dudley (Wienie King) Directed by Preston Sturges (#188 - Sullivan's Travels)

Review
The Palm Beach is a decent film, not as good as Sullivan's Travels, but it is entertaining, it does have a twist and it had good enough writing to keep the film in wrap. The actors are alright, and Joel McCrea is enjoyable, managing to switch emotions, he can be gruff, but he can also be funny, and that's always nice for an actor or an actress. Claudette Colbert is good, taking advantage of being one the lead roles very well. Sturges is a good director and he weaves his characters and setting to a good result, and while it doesn't last too long, it is fun while it is lasting, and I suppose that makes sense in the grand scheme of the film, which is just to make us laugh with a quick pace, romantics and all.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Sullivan's Travels.

Review #188: Sullivan's Travels.

Cast
Joel McCrea (John L. Sullivan), Veronica Lake (The Girl), Robert Warwick (Mr. Lebrand), William Demarest (Mr. Jonas), Franklin Pangborn (Mr. Casalsis), Porter Hall (Mr. Hadrian), Byron Foulger (Mr. Johnny Valdelle), Margaret Hayes (Secretary), and Robert Greig (Burrows) Directed by Preston Sturges.

Review
I admit that there are comedies out there that aren't in the best quality, but people are entertained. This movie is an excellent lesson in that and more. People even in their worst state feel good with comedy. The acting is good, especially from McCrea. This is a fun and brilliant film that can make you laugh and feel entertained. 70 years and it still holds up.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.