J B Robison Reviews

Guns Don't Argue (1957)

Poor production values, even for early TV.

[2/10 · 25 October 2016]

It shouldn't be too surprising that this is poorly produced, considering the era it was originally produced in as early television programming, but to be remade into a feature length movie by combining episodes and released later makes it a rather pathetic effort.

There were better, similar TV shows, like Dragnet, Highway Patrol and Racket Squad that were better. All showed better production values and conveyed their messages much better, with better acting, plot lines and the use of better known actors. Also, in a time where production values in television was rapidly improving, this seems like a wasted effort at whatever was supposed to be achieved.

Bachelor Father (1957–1962)

Reflection of a more idealized time

[8/10 · 7 December 2009]

I hadn't seen Bachelor Father on TV in probably 45 years until recently a local affiliate cable station started running it on weekdays in the late morning. It's enjoyable, rather amusing and very innocent. No bad language or sexual innuendo. Set in southern California, Bentley Greg (John Forsythe) is a wealthy attorney who resides in his Beverly Hills home with his orphaned niece, Kelly and houseboy, Peter. Most of the plots seem to revolve around seemingly trivial events, but that is more reflective of the 1950's and early 60's before the "sexual revolution" and wide spread drug use became common. Performances by the regular cast members are usually very satisfactory, although sometimes exaggerated to make a point. Episode plots are light-hearted if not particularly memorable, but I enjoy viewing a TV show first broadcast when I was in elementary school.

Walking Tall (2004)

Poor remake

[1/10 · 27 June 2009]

This is nothing but a poor remake of the original with Joe Don Baker in the role of Buford Pusser, which was based on the real life of the Tennessee Sheriff.

Setting this version in Kitsap County, Washington doesn't even come close to portraying it as it really is because the real Kitsap County's economy is dominated by by the heavy presence of the U.S. Navy (Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, the county seat, and the Trident submarine base at Bangor, just north of Silverdale and west of Poulsbo. The scenario of this movie, set in this location lacks any credibility whatsoever.

The only real casino in Kitsap County is run by the Suquamish Indian Tribe on tribal land near the west end of the Agate Pass Bridge, where state highway 305 connects Bainbridge Island with the Kitsap Pennisula.

Destry (1954)

Audie Murphy is no James Stewart

[3/10 · 28 December 2007]

I've seen both versions, 1939 and 1954, more then once or twice. The only saving grace for the latter is that the supporting cast is pretty good. I respect his outstanding war record, but Murphy was only a mediocre actor on his best day. Even when he portrayed himself in "To Hell and Back" his acting style is plodding and dull. Stewart could play a role low key and then show a range of emotions when called on to do so - he was a true artist in that regard. Murphy seems almost dull witted at times. Stewart had an outstanding military record that was, at times, used to lend credibility to some of his roles. It was unfortunate that Murphy was exploited just because his war record was deemed to be a box office draw, but he just couldn't act.