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The Apostle

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Robert Duvall, Todd Allen, Brother Paul Bagget, Lenore Banks, John Beasley
directed by: Robert Duvall


I don't think I've ever seen a clearer portrayal of the charismatic psychopath than Robert Duvall playing the part of Euliss "Sonny" Dewey. Do not think that psychopaths are mad-dog killers - only very few are and they could be considered "unsuccessful" psychopaths.

Some people think that psychopathy is the result of some attachment or bonding difficulty as an infant but psychopathy expert, Dr. Robert Hare, has turned the idea around. After all his years digging into the background of psychopaths. He says:

"In some children the very failure to bond is a symptom of psychopathy. It is likely that these children lack the capacity to bond readily, and that their lack of attachment is largely the result, not the cause, of ... Read More:

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Dark Horse

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
from: Mca (Universal)

October 08, 1996
Wonderful family movie, heartwarming and endearing. A++++

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No Way to Treat a Lady

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Rod Steiger, Lee Remick, George Segal, Eileen Heckart, Murray Hamilton
directed by: Jack Smight

August 25, 1998
A very perceptive bio-writer in one of the British film reference books (I forget which) noted that Lee Remick was basically quite badly used by Hollywood and that after such early career successes as ANATOMY OF A MURDER and DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, she somehow wound up being relegated to "girlfriend" roles in mid-60s comedies (e.g. this one and other fluffier fare like THE WHEELER DEALERS) or was cast as the "wife" (THE DETECTIVE--well, OK, it's a wife role with a twist--she's a nymphomaniac--BUT it was basically a secondary role nonetheless).

It was no wonder that by the 70s, she basically became a TV actress. At least that medium offered her meatier and,yes, starring roles. For years, she seemed locked in a rivalry with Liz Montgomery for ... Read More:

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Footlight Parade

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Frank McHugh
directed by: Lloyd Bacon

September 19, 2000
When people think of Busby Berkeley movies, The Goldiggers of 1933 and 1935 plus 42nd Street top the list. This picture tends to get overlooked, but I have NEVER seen anything as transcendently wacko as the By A Waterfall number. It helps that this was one of the last precode musicals, but if you think that sex was invented in 1963, you have not seen Berkeley's lizard brain- generated Fugue on a Theme by Sigmund Freud. It's truly impossible to describe, but I fantasized about Leni and Joe catching this picture in a screening room at UFA and deciding that this would have to be the benchmark for next year's picture about the Nuremberg rally.

Other highlights in the picture include Jimmy Cagney blasting his way with explosive energy, Joan Blondell making ... Read More:

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Root Into Europe

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Pat Heywood (II), Richard Branson, George Cole, Lew Grade

September 11, 1999
When people think of Busby Berkeley movies, The Goldiggers of 1933 and 1935 plus 42nd Street top the list. This picture tends to get overlooked, but I have NEVER seen anything as transcendently wacko as the By A Waterfall number. It helps that this was one of the last precode musicals, but if you think that sex was invented in 1963, you have not seen Berkeley's lizard brain- generated Fugue on a Theme by Sigmund Freud. It's truly impossible to describe, but I fantasized about Leni and Joe catching this picture in a screening room at UFA and deciding that this would have to be the benchmark for next year's picture about the Nuremberg rally.

Other highlights in the picture include Jimmy Cagney blasting his way with explosive energy, Joan Blondell making ... Read More:

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Son of the Morning Star

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Gary Cole, Rosanna Arquette, Stanley Anderson, Edward Blatchford, George Dickerson
directed by: Mike Robe

January 01, 1998
The purpose of "Son of the Morning Star," both the book and the miniseries, was to show that George A. Custer is not just a symbol, good or bad, for culural/political causes, but a human being with flaws and attributes. A previous review is a perfect example of the failure to see Custer as anything but as a symbol. To some people, Custer is the embodiment of the evils of Manifest Destiny. It's an ironic fate for someone who died in the most spectacular, albeit temporary, setback for Manifest Destiny.

Custer is a fascinating historical figure because of his symbolism. So many people have such strong feelings about him for what he represents, but so few people really know anything about him. Born the son of blacksmith in a rinky-dink Ohio farm community, ... Read More:

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Mountain, the

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Spencer Tracy, Robert Wagner, Claire Trevor, William Demarest, Barbara Darrow
directed by: Edward Dmytryk

June 11, 1996
If you enjoy action movies that slowly build to an exciting climax you will enjoy this one. Spencer Tracy as the older brother was a bit old to play the older brother to Robert Wagner but I guess they felt the younger brother needed to be much younger and irresponsible. As for Tracy's feat of strength, people in stressful situations get the adrenaline flowing and can do some incredible things. You have to be strong to endure that type of climbing. This movie takes place on a mountain where the two brothers go to see if there are survivors to a plane crash. Tracy's intentions are pure of heart while Wagner's are of looting. The turmoil between the two and the treacherous mountain terrain make it a movie that will draw you into this well made drama.

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Trouble With Angels

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Rosalind Russell, Binnie Barnes, Camilla Sparv, Mary Wickes, Marge Redmond
directed by: Ida Lupino

August 18, 1993
Typical of the period; a little slow, but very enjoyable. Nice for a rainy weekend afternoon.

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Train of Life

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
from: Paramount

May 23, 2000
As a French teacher, I spend my summers off looking for and previewing French movies for my students for the following school year, and after quite a few duds this summer, I have found a jewel. This was a great movie, and I know I can easily show it to my students (they're high schoolers) with mininal moans and groans. This is a lovely film with a wonderful, moving story line, lots of humor and human interest. As other people before me have already described the plot, I won't go into details, but know that you won't be disappointed. Definitely worth the purchase or rental.

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Young Girls of Rochefort, the

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Danielle Darrieux, George Chakiris, Gene Kelly
directed by: Jacques Demy

August 21, 2001
What can I say except that I was pleased that Gene Kelly only had to spend 10 minutes in this unfortunate film. As always, I can't really say anything against Gene Kelly but as for the rest of the film? Well, it is a feeble attempt at creating a french version of the Hollywood musical. They really missed the mark but I guess it would of helped if ANY of the stars could sing. If you can imagine, they dubbed Gene Kelly's singing voice.....mon Dieu.