Francoise Dorleac and David Niven |
Niven and Nigel Davenport |
Niven with Paul Stassino |
Niven and John Le Mesurier |
Francoise Dorleac and David Niven |
Niven and Nigel Davenport |
Niven with Paul Stassino |
Niven and John Le Mesurier |
Anna Douking |
Stephane Audran and Michel Bouquet |
If you happen to be in the Columbus, Ohio area in late May, drop in at the Crowne Plaza North for the Columbus Moving Picture Show.
Lots of interesting screenings!
More details here!
Jean Yanne and Michel Duchaussoy |
Michel Duchaussoy |
The genie goes flying! |
Burl Ives with Kamala Devi |
William Redfield and Kim Stanley |
Lois Smith and Alan Mixon |
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The wonderful Margaret Rutherford |
Joachim Fuchsberger and Karin Dor |
Fuchsberger and Eleonora Rossi Drago |
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Lithgow, Rossellini, Fiennes, Tucci |
After the Pope passes away, the cardinals gather in Rome and are sequestered so as to begin voting for the new Pope -- the first man to attain the prescribed number of votes, 72, will be the new Pontiff. Front runners include Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who is a liberal who wants to affect serious change to the Church; the conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto); the African Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), whom Bellini fears is even more reactionary than Tedesco; the newcomer Benitez (Carlos Diehz), whom no one was expecting; and Tremblay (John Lithgow of Obsession), who badly wants the job but is suspected of various malfeasances. On this matter Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) may have something to say. Overseeing all of this is Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes of Wrath of the Titans), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who has no desire to be Pope due to a crisis of faith. But as one scandal after another is unveiled, Lawrence may have no choice. Or does he ...? Meanwhile there are an increasingly serious series of Muslim terrorist attacks.
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Lithgow and Fiennes |
Verdict: A mostly pleasant surprise. ***1/4.
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Mickey Rooney and Jack Lemmon |
In France at a U.S. Army hospital just after the end of WW2, Private Hogan (Jack Lemmon) wants to do something to give his pal Corporal Berryman (Roger Smith of 77 Sunset Strip) a chance to spend time with his nurse girlfriend, even though she outranks him and shouldn't be fraternizing. Somehow this segues into a "mad ball" held off the base in a restaurant where nurses and men can get together for some dancing, drinking and fun. But there are complications, such as Colonel Rousch's (Arthur O'Connell) brother heading for the base and being the guest of honor at Rousch's own party -- now the nurses won't be allowed any passes (literally and figuratively). However, the fertile mind of Private Hogan will figure a way around this.
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Kathryn Grant and Arthur O'Connell |
Verdict: Generally good-natured but distinctly minor. **1/4.
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George Peppard soon won't have much to smile about |
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Peppard with Judy Geeson |
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Charles Gray with Peppard |
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Charles Boyer and Margaret Sullavan |
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Rex Bell |
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Gabby Hayes and Vane Calvert |
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Ericson, Taylor and Gassman |
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Schurenberg, Drache, Arent |
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Ady Berber, West Germany's answer to Tor Johnson |
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Jacob (Glenn Ford) stakes his claim |
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Laraine Day and Franchot Tone |
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Day with Dane Clark |
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When Ladies Meet: Agnes Moorehead with Day |
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All smirks: Jack Nicholson |
WOLF (1994). Director: Mike Nichols.
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Michelle Pfeiffer |
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James Spader |
Verdict: Cry wolf! **3/4.
In this very well-written (by whom it is not known) memoir, there is a constant shifting from the self-absorbed movie star to the ordinary guy who just wants to remember his roots and be loved. Pacino spends quite a few pages on his childhood in the Bronx, his divorced parents, grandparents, and both begins and ends with portraits of his young buddies, most of whom came to bad ends because of drugs. Pacino doesn't gloss over his own problems with alcohol and drugs nor does he deny occasionally foolish behavior. He is selective about the films he chooses to write about, as well as the colleagues, and no doubt some will be insulted that he doesn't mention certain individuals at all. He is generally kind when it comes to his various girlfriends, but all we learn about actress Beverly D'Angelo (of Hair), with whom he had twins, is her name (Pacino doesn't mention the bitter custody battle they engaged in either). Pacino gives credit to the people who helped him down through the years, including acting coach Charlie (not the famous Charles) Laughton and agent-producer Martin Bregman. Surprisingly Pacino reveals that he went "broke" due to the manipulations of a now-imprisoned accountant, and this is why he took roles in movies that he pretty much knew would be awful. (Righteous Kill anyone?) Along the way Pacino notes some of the films and performances, such as Ray Milland's in The Lost Weekend, that he admires. Whatever his flaws as both actor and man, Pacino is an immensely talented Artist, who kept going back to the theater, took chances on doing Shakespeare (with mixed results), and directed both documentaries and dramas (oddly, he barely mentions Chinese Coffee, in which he directed himself and Jerry Orbach). Pacino's oldest child, Julie, is now in her thirties, but Pacino doesn't tell us much about her. I guess a movie star is a movie star is a movie star -- this is about me, baby! -- regardless of their background. NOTE: For a look at Pacino's life and career, investigate Al Pacino: In Films and On Stage by yours truly.
Verdict: Excellent, absorbing and very worthwhile autobiography. ***1/2.
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Judy Holliday and Luella Gear |
PHFFT (1954). Director: Mark Robson.
Their eight-year marriage having grown stale, Nina and Robert Tracey (Judy Holliday and Jack Lemmon) decide to call it quits. Nina gets advice from her mother, Edith (Luella Gear of Carefree), while Robert moves in with and is sort of adopted by his best buddy, playboy Charlie Nelson (Jack Carson of The Groom Wore Spurs). Charlie importunes Robert to date the beautiful but intellectually-challenged Janis (Kim Novak). Although they both seem happy to be divorced and on their own, the truth is that Nina and Robert are having trouble moving on -- maybe they're still in love with each other?![]() |
Jack Lemmon and Jack Carson |