Change Your Image
Red_River
Reviews
Gangway (1937)
Great little entertaining flick with a bit of everything
Gangway is a great little movie which I would decribe as a cross between a crime, drama, romance, muscial and comedy. It starts off with film critic turned reporter(Patricia) going under cover as a maid in a hotel to get a story, then it just so happens that a private dick (Bob) is after a jewellery thief called "Sparkles" who masquerades as a maid. Anyway he thinks that Patricia is Sparkles, falls in love with her regardless and follows her to America when she's kidnapped by a hood "Smiles" who also thinks she's the infamous Sparkles. All manner of events follow, and it all makes for quite an amusing picture. The Star, Jessie Mathews who plays the film critic/reporter Patricia is wonderful (She's very flexible and does some really good tap routines), with good supporting ensemble performances all around. Lots of fantastic song and dance numbers, some hilarious moments, (most notabley the tenderfoot dance) not to mention a good ol fashioned gang style shootout. A british flick with an american connnection, I'd give it 3 stars out of 5.
Tiger Bay (1959)
Great film that introduces child star Hayley Mills to the world
Tiger Bay is the first picture of famous child star Hayley Mills. Daughter of John Mills, who also costars in this film about love, murder and unlikely friendship. Hayley Mills play a rebelious girl who lives with her poor aunt in a cheap housing block. She witnesses a murder in an adjoining flat. After initially running from the murderer, he catches her and she forms an unlikely friendship with him. Subsequently she lies to protect him and some fascinating drama ensues. John Mills plays a policeman on the crime case. Hayley Mills steals the show and is absolutely fantastic. John Mills is great as well, he's still alive believe it or not, in his mid 90's now I think. Lots of tension, drama, and plenty of chase scenes. If you like this you might want to check out 'Whistle Down The Wind' another Hayley Mills classic. I give this one 4 stars out of 5.
The Magic Bow (1946)
Great film chronicling the life and times of famous Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini
This movie is pretty a good costume drama from the Gainsborough stable about famous Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini, set in the 17th century around the time of Napoleon. The Film on a basic level, is a rags to riches tale and also includes a love story, various complications amount as a result. On a technical level I was really impressed with how Stuart Granger did all the violin finger movements and bow strokes himself, all seemingly in synchronization with all the musical selections played in the film. No double or close up shots here, ala Hurmoresque with John Garfield. He's quite convincing as the 17th century violinist. The music in the film is great and a real treat for anyone who likes the violin, (though I'm no expert here, just very pleasing to the ear). The title might be seen as a little misleading, as the bow isn't really magic at all, though I suppose some might beg to differ when talking about a Strativarious. This is definitely one of the better Gainsborough costume pictures. All in all a great film with good performances all around, and I'd give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Just one postscript, if anyone is after a good read I can wholeheartedly recommend Stuart Granger's autobiography "Sparks Fly Upwards". His real life was as much of a drama and adventure as it was in any of his movies.