Hollywood monester's wonderful!
937553
Robert Englund is always a pleasure to watch on camera, but turns out he's wonderful in print to! this book is surprising, but majorly captivating. my only complaint is i would like to hear more in depth about the freddy role. over all great book, if ou love Robert Englund you'll love his book!
4349498
The Affairs Of Annabel packs a lot of laughs into a snappy 68 minutes. The acting is very convincing and the plot moves along at an excellent pace. The casting couldn't be better and the editing was very well done. The cinematography shines in the scenes near the end of the movie; and the choreography reflected good judgment as well.

When the movie starts we quickly meet Annabel Allison (Lucille Ball), a famous star at Wonder Pictures in Hollywood. Annabel's publicity agent Lenny Morgan (Jack Oakie) has a nasty habit of putting Annabel into the craziest of situations as he makes his not so savvy attempts to produce big headlines and good publicity for Annabel. On one occasion Lenny finds out that Annabel is going to make a picture in which she must play an imprisoned woman; so he gets Annabel into a real prison for what was just supposed to be two or three days--and yet a month passes before Lenny springs her because no publicity ever came of it! It seems Lenny doesn't do much more than bungle his attempts to play up Annabel for the press.

The plot thickens. Wonder Studios producer Howard Webb (Bradley Page) gets a cable from headquarters that Annabel should star in an upcoming production of The Maid And The Man; and so Lenny gets Annabel a "job" as a maid. That way Annabel can "do research" as to what a maid's life is really like. It doesn't go well, however. Annabel must pretend to be a professional maid and cook; she must then work for Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher (Granville Bates and Elisabeth Risdon), their young son Robert (Lee Van Atta) and Mrs. Fletcher's brother (and general moocher) who is simply referred to as "The Major" (Thurston Hall). Never mind that Annabel can't cook or polish the floors--Lenny will help Annabel as much as he can. Lenny even arranges for The Trocadero to have food delivered so the Fletcher family can eat stuffed squab the first night Annabel works there. Annabel will also be the maid for two guest financiers for "The Major," Mr. Bailey (Anthony Warde) and Mr. Martin (Eddie Marr).

But the plot can go anywhere from here. It turns out that Bailey and Martin are, in actuality, gangsters who are on the run from the cops; how will this affect everything? What dangers will this pose? How will the studio be able to rescue Annabel after they get the word from headquarters that production must start the following morning? What about quirky Russian director Vladimir Dukov (Fritz Feld)--how will he fit into all this? Watch and find out!

It's too bad that this doesn't seem to be on DVD. It should be released on DVD, perhaps as part of a box set. This is an excellent early film starring Lucille Ball; and Jack Oakie turns in a wonderful, energetic performance.

The Affairs Of Annabel gives us lots of action and laughs all along the way; I highly recommend this film for people who like the principle actors in this movie, especially Lucille Ball. It's great fun for people who enjoy classic movies, too.
2381008
I love triple threat movies.  Meaning written, directed by and acted in movies.  I do because I can see witness an artist's voice.  That is why I prefer to watch independent films.  I can at least hear a voice.  A "voice" is what I am looking for in a painting, a song or a movie, even if I'm not crazy about the subject matter.

CHANNELS feels like the best of the old-fashioned films. Which means, when made today it is wonderfully crafted and sophisticated.  A passionate, charming, witty, romantic story about a love transcending space and time.

In the imaginatively written screenplay by writer/director Nat Christian, the lead character, "Black", also played by Christian, is a busy producer on the rise.  But he really doesn't have a spark in hi life.  He meets "Katherine", played by the beautiful Kim Oja, and together their chemistry keeps you glued to the screen.

Christian, with great skill, gives the character of Black charm and cynicism, and is deliciously romantic when he meets Oja.  He is fun and tragic at the same time.  You immediately connect with his character.

Oja also displays great skill in playing comedy, coupled with moving scenes of reflective sadness.  The two of them captivate the screen.

The whole cast plays every role with precision.

Ed Asner is always wonderful. And here is tough as well as funny.  He also has one wonderful monologue.

Joan Van Ark is looking better as she ages.  Beautiful and smart.  She comes of sympathetic as a smart but vulnerable TV executive.

Taylor Negron is refreshingly sincere.

John Kassir delivers a memorable performance as a cocky (and funny) talent agent.

The beautiful photography by Michael Hardwick never gets in the way of the characters.

Rossanno Galante's score is sweeping.

This movie's budget is listed as being at around 200 thousand dollars.  Christian and the crew got a big bang for their money

Lots to think about in this unusual love story.  Maybe even a little bit of quantum physics!
533731
I am a movie Buff, so I have been dying to see Holiday Affair, cause I love Robert Mitchum.  It was an incredible performance by him, Janet Leigh and the little boy.  I had forgotten about this film, cause I saw it as a child, and remember how much I loved it.  It was no where to be found, except, there was a documentary called "The merriest Films of all" and it had the boy from this film in it, as well as Margaret O'Brien and quite a few others who are still living, and working from that era.  I hadn't seen the others at all, so I watched them as well, they were wonderful.

But I have to say, Holiday Affair will always have a special place in my heart.  It's Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum both in their ZENITHS, beautiful, young, and amazingly touching beyond that era.  It wasn't really well received because Miss Leigh always played a victim, and Mr. Mitchum always played a tough guy.  They were both stunning and amazing in this film, and I hope it makes a come back instead of that usual holiday fare of Jimmy Stewart every year on a loop!  It's an excellent film for people who love films, and love Christmas movies from the 1950's.  Really a beautiful film.  Buy it!  It's four for the price of one!  Amazon Amazing!!
4052767
What a fun yet intellectually stimulating read! The author spotlights "big name" stars such as Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe, yet she dedicates just as much care and time to "smaller name" stars such as Jimmy Durante, Judy Holliday, and Edward Everett Horton. It's such a treasure trove for classic film lovers for the very reason that it includes all different types of performers. Ms. Golden is a writer of quality, and always manages to give her pieces a human edge while retaining a professional style. If you want introductions to a bevy of Hollywood stars, this is a great place to start. It's too bad this book is not better known. As a bonus, it has very high quality pictures in each article.
3587492
I loved this romantic, comedic-thriller of a movie! It features amazing actors and is a spoof on detectives in a great film noir style.

Bob Hope is wonderful in his part as a baby photographer turned private eye. And the lovely Dorothy Lamour is as glamorous as it gets.

I enjoyed the cameo appearances by Lon Chaney, Jr., as well as Peter Lorre. The ending was my favorite part when Ronnie ends up being released from prison, much to the disappointment of his would-be executioner played by the great Bing Crosby.

I would definitely recommend this film for the entire family. It is fun and interesting and a great treasure to be watched time and time again!
3318143
With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and enjoy the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias.
As the doomed but optimistic daughter of  Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas,  including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best  film work, as well), Darryl Hannah.
The film is basically a warm, upbeat  character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful  Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries  on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in  the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive  (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys  of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind  the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too!
The standout  performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with  a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with  Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so  special!
A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the  enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a  bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a  star.
This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who  wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be  defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!
2276863
I love this movie!  I saw this film a while ago (the Criterion Collection edition) and was amazed by the interesting storyline.  And the film is just over an hour so it's a fast paced story.

Herk Harvey and John Clifford came up with an interesting concept: Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) gets into what should have been a fatal car accident during a drag race.  She is uneasy in town, but she is leaving anyways to take a job as a church organist (although to her its just a job and the church is a place of business).  On her way there, she is stalked by a ghostly/ghastly man (scarily played by Herk himself).  She becomes even more paranoid when it appears as though people treat her like she doesn't exist.  The story comes to a thrilling conclusion with visually stunning scenes at the old carnival.

I cannot explain why I like this film, I just do.  I think the colorization is actually well done.  I have yet to listen to the humorous commentary so I cannot rate that.  Although, if you have the extra money I would go for the Criterion Collection: the film is cleaned up so the great cinematography at the end is crisp, as well as having the director's cut.

But this copy more than satisfies my cult obsession with a low budget masterpiece.  Highly recommend!!
4051622
Fantastic movie that demands multiple viewings! While Zulawski's films are not for everyone, they are very interesting and highly artistic with deep metaphors and symbolism.
Mondo Vision did a beautiful BEAUTIFUL job restoring the color, and filled the disc with so many extras... Commentary is enlightening.
I loved this movie and have watched it many times since receiving my copy, and while not a happy film, it's satisfying every time. I notice new little things each time that enrich the movie. A wonderful movie that I'd recommend to those who enjoy bizarre, artistic and philosophical films.
4090568
In a word....."brilliant!"
This film is so funny.  Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin are fantasic in this and what a bonus, you get two of each!!
The story revolves around two sets of twins accidentally mixed up at birth and their reunion years later when a big corporation start to bully a small town that gets in the way of their new development opportunity.
This idea has been used before but never has it produced so many laughs especially the scene in the women's bathroom.
I definitely recommend this film.  It's one I have watched time and time again, and now I've just ordered the DVD, I'll watch it even more!!
3868759
Kirk Douglas is fantastic!  Doris Day is incandescent and a fine dramatic actress and Lauren Bacall is fabulous as a neurotic shrew!  This movie has it all....it is heartwarming, yet dramatically engaging in its melodramatic moments.  And the music....ah...perfection!
4530849
If you love Broadway shows, this movie will be right down your alley.  It is a feast for the eyes and ears. It is a real treat to see Gene Kelley's choreography in not only the marvelous chorus numbers, but with the leads as well.  While we might not agree that Barbara Streisand is exactly the right age, she gives her usually honed and larger than life performance.  Walter Mathau is perfect as Mr. Vandergelder!  All the 2nd leads lend just the right touch.  It is well worth the very small cost to wander back to the deligtfuly 1890's.
3682544
I have this movie on VHS and it is one of my feel-good movies. Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton make a great team as they blackmail their exes into supporting a charitable foundation. Their antics to get the secrets of the exes is so funny. It is probably a "chick flick" but who cares, it is great! Very good plot that flows perfectly. This is a must-see, even if you don't buy it. However, after you see it, I bet you buy it!
49732
This movie is one of the best that I have seen in a very long time! Better than anything Hollywood has come out with in the last 30 years! I hope to see more of these kinds of movies. Maggie Smith was great!
2720579
I love this movie!! I love the location the storyline the dialogue but most of all the stars in this movie .  I've become  a great fan of Judi Dench and Bill N.  And for the cherry on top of this delicious movie you have Richard Greer.  I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
4967582
This is one of my very favorite movies. It arrived very promptly and in perfect condition. The scenery, music, plot, and surprise ending are the kinds of things I love in a movie. Demi Moore and Hans Matheson have great chemistry (I have been in love with Hans ever since) and there is enough romance and suspense to fill every moment with intrigue without being graphic. I would love to know who the Celtic band is who played at Mary's party, and I really need English subtitles, but this movie finds it's way into my DVD player more often than any other I own. I really enjoy getting my movies this way, and finding the ones I love that I can't find in most stores. Thank you!
4953853
I have always really enjoyed Kevin Costner's acting (even in the movies that did not do well at the box office).  I love the sound of his voice so the fact that he can sing is an added bonus.  The songs that he and Modern West sing are my kind of music and the instrumental support is awesome! I took a gamble and won!