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Reviews
The Razor's Edge (1984)
I wonder how many of you have seen the original Razor's Edge
I believe you should not make comments on a film that is a remake until you have watched the original, in this case The Razor's Edge (1946).
To bleat out that Bill Murray was perfect for this role is a bit presumptive when you haven't seen Tyrone Power do the role.
Bill is a great actor, no doubt, but so was Tyrone Power.
The supporting cast of Herbert Marshall, Gene Tierney, Clifton Webb, Anne Baxter and John Payne were top form as well.
It doesn't help others to comment in the subjective, "What this film meant to me", "I thought it was the greatest", etc., opinion seems to be more important than a honest critic of the film. Try objectivity, it may not satisfy your ego, but it is a step in the right direction.
Little Big Horn (1951)
Meets the test of a classic
Saw this when it first came out and have seen it several time over the years. Still stands up and is worth watching.
The performances, story and production are tops and keep you glued to the screen through the entire movie.
The attention to detail of uniforms and other costumes is excellent, along with the horse handling.
It is well photographed and edited, with good lighting, especially the night scenes.
I haven't seen it in about 20 years, wish they would put it on television again.
Hope they at least bring it to my local video store.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Most realistic of the Danang Area
This production was the closest I have seen to period I was stationed in the Danang Area. It reflected the discipline of the time, at least when I was there (65-66) I cannot speak for other regions of vietnam, or other services, however this is how it was during my experiences.
Stanley made another gem here.
The 7th Dawn (1964)
Criminally Underated
For years I would notice this in television guides rated as one check or one star, right down there with Attack of The Killer Tomatoes. I have often puzzled at who is responsible for this and other way-off subjective ratings I have seen.
This movie was a two star movie just for Freddie Young's photography.
While not up there with The Bridge On The River Kwai, I believe this film is worthy of being rated higher than hundreds I have seen rated with two and three stars.
This film has some fine performances by Susannah York, Capucine, and Tetsuro Tamba, as well as William Holden.
This film has one of the most beautiful opening scenes of any picture I have seen, coupled with the music of Riz Ortolani, which I believe only Freddie Young's gifted artistic photo talents could have accomplished.
The only possible reason for it's low rating that I could think of, was the era it was released, when anti-war sentiments were building towards Viet Nam. At any rate, personal point of views should not affect the grading of art forms, and is a travesty to truth.
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955)
Excellent Production
Too add to the comments already made in this database I would like to point out that viewers seem to forget that the testimony in the film by Major Hap Arnold, Captain Eddie Rickenbaker, Major Karl Spatz and Fiorello LaGuardia substantiated Colonel Mitchell's facts.
As for whether the court-martial did what it intended to do, obviously it did not in Pearl Harbor's case, however, it may have helped development of better aircraft and aircraft carriers during the 30's, especially when one considers this was during a depression.
What could have been brought to light was the complacency of the public at the time, roaring 20's, etc.. Also the public's isolationist outlook.
At any rate, General Mitchell will always be a hero to airmen, along with General Hap Arnold and others.
East of Eden (1955)
Too bad it left out over half the book.
As stated in other comments posted on this website concerning this film, it takes both the reading of the book and seeing the movie to grasp the characters and story.
I believe much was left out because of runtime, but even more because the roughness of the book wasn't allowed in movies in 1955.
It has been remade in a couple of mini-series over the decades, and they have done a better job on the story.
However, none contained the performances that were in this movie.
In Pursuit of Honor (1995)
Excellently produced and directed.
This is the first film I have seen that accurately depicts the U.S. Army Horse Cavalry during this time period.
My father was a trooper in the cavalry during this time period, as an orderly to General Patton (then colonel), another cavalry man.
My father's stories reflected this closeness of a trooper and his horse.
The film was also accurate in uniforms, saddles, and tack, along with the handling of the horses.
Don Johnson's roll of the Sergeant was remarkable, one of his best performances.
I would recommend this film to anyone interested in a missed part of our history, and to anyone just wanting to see a very good movie.
Bullitt (1968)
The movie that set the standard for car chases.
Great driving, photography, editing, and sound-track.
The on location scenes throughout San Francisco, especially the one in the airport, make this action thriller one of the tops ever.
The cast and direction were outstanding.
The Unforgiven (1960)
Some fine performances.
The fact that clouds this production is the slaughtering of the Arabian Stallion that Audrey Hepburn was injured on. This stallion was one of a very few imported from the Arabian Desert in 1947 by William Randolph Hearst,Jr..