Change Your Image
gdoempke
Reviews
Soldier of Fortune (1955)
A Man's Man; A Woman's Woman
One of the classics made in the 1950's, when Hollywood took you to exotic places with wonderful romances and great adventures. This movie is possibly Ernest K. Gann's best. Only competition is his High and the Mighty, but personally I have always admired Hank Lee and been in love with Jane Hoyt. Bigger than life characters, among a superb cast of wonderfully colorful characters. On her first viewing, my wife commented that there were parallels with Casablanca. My immediate response is that Hank Lee is no Rick Blaine. Hank is something else. A sensitive hero, but a go-getter, rather than a tortured soul. Despite the new skyline, this movie reminds you of the Chinese side of Hong Kong. The ride up the tram to Victoria Peak becomes something extra special after watching this movie. Pop up some corn, sit back, and escape into a world of great adventure.
Apartment for Peggy (1948)
GIs go to college, and the professor gets a family
Wonderful movie set in the post-World War II period. Prof. Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) is a widowed professor living in a large faculty house, and wishing death would end his lonely existence. Peggy is the bride of a WWII veteran, one of many attending college under the GI Bill. Post-war housing is at a premium,, especially for struggling Vets, but someone remembers that Prof. Barnes had an extra room, and sends Peggy to see if she can rent it. The Prof. Barnes' protests are overwhelmed by Peggy's determination to make a real home for her husband, and soon the professor has a family of sorts. Great period piece, with many warm characters. Strong performances by Gwenn and Crain. Also serves as an excellent illustration of "The Greatest Generation" right after they came home and began settling back into society.
Another wonderful movie that should have been made into a video and DVD long ago.
Three Bites of the Apple (1967)
Love on a tour bus
Cute, fun movie of the adventures of European bus tour, and the developing romance of the driver (McCallum) and the Italian tour guide (Koscina). Nothing too deep, but a chance to enjoy bus load of likable people, and relish a burgeoning love affair between the leads. One of those movies that just leaves you feeling good, though with some bittersweet moments. I saw it only once (in 35mm), back in 1968, and still have fond memories. Silva Koscina was absolutely stunning; young McCallum gives a tender performance; and the Italian scenery is breathtaking.
Less gimmicky than Hollywood's "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium"
Deserves to be issued on DVD, especially considering the lesser films that are readily available these days.
Rooney (1958)
Cute little movie
I fondly remember this one from seeing it on TV in the 1960s. Nice little Cinderella story of sorts, with a bit of the Blarney thrown in for some fun laughs. Nice characters. Good human interest plot, with the running subplot of amateur athlete (Rugby?) Rooney's attracting the mature landladies, which requires him to constantly find new lodgings. New lodgings involve him with the drama of the family of the house, and therein lies the story, and the romance. John Gregson makes a good strong lead, and Barry Fitzgerald adds his usual bit of Irish magic. Good solid performances from the supporting cast. This is a classic fun movie, and it is a shame it is not available on DVD or video.