Tonight's Movies: Tom and Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Cartoon Collection - A Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection has released some wonderful cartoon sets on Blu-ray in recent months.

Regular readers are no doubt aware of the Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4; my reviews for all but the first set are linked here.

The latest cartoon collection from the Warner Archive is Tom and Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Collection.

The set contains 23 cartoons plus three "bonus" cartoons, for a total of 26.

These widescreen cartoons span the years 1954 to 1957. Like the other Warner Archive sets, the cartoons can be played by choosing individual titles or by simply hitting "Play All."

Tom and Jerry are longtime cartoon favorites of mine; I love the way the adorable little Jerry the mouse always gets the better of Tom the cat. Some critics find them a little too "cute" but honestly, I think that's what appeals to me about this series.

I have especially fond memories of seeing a few Tom and Jerry cartoons theatrically when I was a pre-teen, in the mid '70s; they were shown ahead of classic MGM films at the UA Cinema Center in Westwood, California.

In fact, an ad I saved for that series reminds me I saw PUP ON A PICNIC (1955), which is included in this set, prior to a showing of IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER (1955). It was a joy to revisit it thanks to this Blu-ray.

I also particularly remember seeing TOUCHE, PUSSY CAT! (1954) when I was young; that's another short I enjoyed seeing again in this set.

Other favorites in the collection include SOUTHBOUND DUCKLING (1955), about a domestic farm duck determined to fly south for the winter, and THAT'S MY MOMMY (1955) in which a baby duckling mistakes Tom for its mother.

Some critics rate Tom and Jerry cartoons which preceded the titles in this set as the best of the long-running series; hopefully they'll also be released on Blu-ray at some point, but in the meantime I really enjoyed these cartoons.

The cartoons all look sharp, with vivid colors. Like the previous WAC cartoon sets, there are no extras, but all cartoons do have optional English subtitles.

The complete list of all 26 cartoons contained in this collection, listed in chronological order: PET PEEVE (1954), TOUCHE, PUSSY CAT! (1954), SOUTHBOUND DUCKLING (1955), PUP ON A PICNIC (1955), TOM AND CHERIE (1955), THAT'S MY MOMMY (1955), THE FLYING SORCERESS (1956), THE EGG AND JERRY (1956), BUSY BUDDIES (1956), MUSCLE BEACH TOM (1956), DOWN BEAT BEAR (1956), BLUE CAT BLUES (1956), BARBECUE BRAWL (1956), TOPS WITH POPS (1957), TIMID TABBY (1957), FEEDIN' THE KIDDIE (1957), MUCHO MOUSE (1957), TOM'S PHOTO FINISH (1957), HAPPY GO DUCKY (1958), ROYAL CAT NAP (1958), THE VANISHING DUCK (1958), ROBIN HOODWINKED (1958), TOT WATCHERS (1958), plus "bonus cartoons" GOOD WILL TO MEN (1955), GIVE AND TYKE (1957), and SCAT CATS (1957).

Thanks to the Warner Archive for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray collection. Warner Archive Blu-rays may be ordered from Movie Zyng, Amazon, and other online retailers.

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Tonight's Movie: Hatari! (1962) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

DONOVAN'S REEF (1963) meets Africa in HATARI! (1962).

The comedic adventure HATARI! came a year ahead of DONOVAN'S REEF, but I can't help linking them in my mind. Though HATARI! was directed by Howard Hawks and DONOVAN'S REEF by John Ford, they're similar in that they're essentially enjoyable "hangout" films.

In both films Wayne heads a group living in an exotic locale, where life as it's long been known is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of an outsider woman. In the case of HATARI!, that woman is played by Elsa Martinelli.

HATARI! has just been released as a Special Edition by Kino Lorber, and in a nice coincidence, DONOVAN'S REEF is soon to follow from Kino Lorber, in April 2025.

Of course, Hawks was long known for his films about groups, whether it's the pilots of ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS (1939), the military men and scientists in THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951), or the sheriff and his loyal comrades in RIO BRAVO (1969). HATARI! is more of the same, this time focusing on men with the exotic job of rounding up wild animals for zoos.

The loose plot, written by Leigh Brackett from a story by Harry Kurnitz, concerns the international employees of the Momella Game Company, who hunt big game not for killing, but to send to zoos worldwide.

Sean (John Wayne) and "the Indian" (Bruce Cabot) are the group's senior members. Cabot was one of Wayne's closest pals offscreen and appeared in many of his films, and it's a treat to watch their interactions in this one.

Also around are goofball "Pockets" (Red Buttons), who invents new ways to capture the animals; young Brandy (Michele Girardon), whose late father used to run Momella and who is looked out for with paternal interest by Sean and the Indian; former German race car driver Kurt (Hardy Kruger); Luis Francisco Garcia Lopez (Valentin de Vargas), who I wish had a bigger role; and the newest member of the group, Frenchman "Chips" (Gerard Blain).

Out of the blue the improbably named "Dallas" (Martinelli), a photographer, arrives. I wondered if her name was a tribute to Claire Trevor's character in STAGECOACH (1939).

Dallas represents a zoo which is Momella's biggest client. She at first seems out of place, but she quickly wins the group's approval with her game-for-anything attitude and the way she adopts and cares for an orphaned baby elephant; before long additional baby elephants find their way to her, causing the local tribe to name her "Mother of Elephants."

Meanwhile Kurt, Chips, and Pockets have simultaneously noticed that Brandy is no longer a young girl, but a woman, and they're each interested in her...

Sean was burned once by a woman he almost married, but he likes Dallas. Will they get together? Will Brandy declare her love for one of the other men competing for her affections? Will the Indian survive being gored by a rhino? Will Pockets invent a new way to capture monkeys? All these questions and more will be answered if the viewer is patient.

HATARI! may not be a "great" movie -- though I note Leonard Maltin himself gives it 3-1/2 stars! -- but it's completely likeable and the characters all seem genuine in their personalities and care for one another.

The movie's culmination, with a trio of baby elephants hunting through town for their "mama" Dallas, who's under the impression Sean wants her to leave, is adorable.

HATARI! is quite a lengthy hangout, clocking in at two hours and 37 minutes; indeed, when my kids were little we owned this film on VHS and it took up two videotapes boxed together!

Despite the movie's length, my kids loved this movie, and I feel the same; it's such a pleasant time that I don't mind the running time a bit, despite my general preference for shorter movies. The characters are all fun, shot mostly on location in Tanzania, and what's not to like?

A couple of the animal hunts probably could have been trimmed down or out to save time, but it's not a situation where I minded much.

I know someone who struggled with watching the wild animals caught for the zoos in this movie, but that's about the only potential negative. I'm tenderhearted when it comes to animals, but I figure zoos have to get their animals from somewhere, and they're not being killed, so it doesn't trouble me overly much.

Russell Harlan was Oscar nominated for his beautiful widescreen vistas of Africa. The movie also features a score by Henry Mancini, including the recognizable and memorable "Baby Elephant Walk." It's curious to me Mancini didn't rate an Oscar nomination himself.

HATARI! is available from Kino Lorber in 4K or Blu-ray; I reviewed the Blu-ray edition. The print is a new HD master from a 16 bit 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative.

This film is presented by Kino Lorber as a Special Edition with a cardboard slipcase. The set includes the trailer; a gallery of seven additional trailers for other films available from Kino Lorber; and a commentary track by Julie Kirgo and Peter Hankoff.

Fans of Wayne and Hawks will want to be sure to get this one.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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Book Review: Forbidden Cocktails

Turner Classic Movies and and Running Press have another winner with FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS: LIBATIONS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF PRE-CODE HOLLYWOOD by Andre Darlington.

FOBIDDEN COCKTAILS came out in mid-2024; though I'm only now reviewing it, but that's certainly no reflection on this beautifully designed book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope putting this book in front of my readers now will bring the book renewed attention, which it deserves.

As I wrote in my 2023 review of EDDIE MULLER'S NOIR BAR, I'm for the most part a non-drinker. But while I may not find the recipes themselves a significant aspect of FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS, I enjoyed the book for other reasons: I love reading and learning from cookbooks of all types, and I also love pre-Code movies. The book is so beautiful that it could honestly be enjoyed for the glossy photographs alone.

The book begins with an introduction by pre-Code expert Mark Vieira, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing introduce pre-Code movies a few times over the years. I've also enjoyed a couple of Vieira's books. He presents a brief look at the '30s, pre-Codes, and what's coming in the pages to follow.

Author Andre Darlington then provides his own introduction to pre-Codes and the recipes, saying the cocktails "are inspired by some of the most enjoyable and fascinating pre-code movies. The recipes employ period ingredients in formulations that pay homage to characters, locations, and scenarios in the films."

From there it's on to the recipes and films, headlined as "Sinful Sips and Demon Drinks." Each of the 50 films and related cocktail recipes in the book receives four to six pages containing photos, short yet incisive looks at the films, and a drink recipe along with related background on the drink's creation and ingredients.

Lovers of pre-Codes will recognize a great many favorite titles in the book, including NIGHT NURSE (1931), SHANGHAI EXPRESS (1932), BABY FACE (1933), MIDNIGHT MARY (1933), and THE THIN MAN (1934) to name just a few.

The book contains some fabulous photos I've never seen before, such as Bebe Daniels, a raised glass in each hand, posing with several suitors under a clock for COCKTAIL HOUR (1933). I include my own photo of that page spread here as a sample; the other page spreads in this review are courtesy of the publisher.

There's also a marvelous photo of Kay Francis, drink in hand, posing for TROUBLE IN PARADISE (1932). The book contains many more photographic treasures.

FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS concludes with a brief "Manual for Making Mixed Drinks" including thoughts on garnishes and "when to shake," plus a pantry list and a few cocktail recipes which actually date from the pre-Code years.

I quite enjoyed this book, which stands as a unique companion to Eddie Muller's noirish take on cocktails, and I recommend it for both teetotalaers and those who imbibe. 

Those who love pre-Codes will find FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS thoroughly enjoyable, and it also provides a marvelous viewing road map for those who are new to films of the era.  And though I've seen most of the included films, I took notes on a few titles I need to watch myself!

FORBIDDEN COCKTAILS is a small, nearly square hardcover book measuring roughly seven by eight inches. It has 238 heavy, glossy pages, including the index, and weighs in at a little under two pounds.

As a side note, there's more pre-Code goodness coming from TCM and Running Press this fall with the October publication of PRE-CODE ESSENTIALS: MUST-SEE CINEMA FROM HOLLYWOOD'S UNTAMED ERA, 1930-1934 by Kim Luperi and Danny Reid.

Thanks to TCM and Running Press for providing a review copy of this book.

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Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...

...Last week I mentioned that a one-day "pop-up" edition of the Cinecon Festival is coming on Sunday, April 6th. The schedule is now available and includes rarities starring Jane Powell and Anna May Wong, plus the 1964 TV production of THE FANTASTICKS starring Ricardo Montalban.

...My readers who will be in Ohio for Memorial Day weekend have a wonderful opportunity to visit this year's edition of the Columbus Moving Picture Show featuring 16mm movies. The schedule is here. Scott Eyman and James D'Arc are among the historians who will provide film intros.

...Here in Los Angeles, the Egyptian Theater is currently hosting the series "A Century of Romance." The schedule is here. (Please note this is not being hosted by the American Cinematheque, which also screens films at the Egyptian.)

...Also this week in Hollywood, Disney's El Capitan Theatre is showing five Disney animated musicals from various eras. It's great to see classic film screenings of all types going strong in the Los Angeles area and beyond!

...This week ClassicFlix announced a restoration of THE PROUD REBEL (1958) coming to Blu-ray and DVD in May. THE PROUD REBEL is a wonderful film starring Alan Ladd and Olivia de Havilland, directed by Michael Curtiz. The disc will have a commentary track with Curtiz biographer Alan K. Rode and David Ladd, who appears in the film with his father Alan Ladd. This should be a very special release.

...At The Hannibal 8, Toby Roan reports on the upcoming Film Masters DVD and Blu-ray release of INVASION, U.S.A. (1952). The movie stars fave Peggie Castle.

...Thanks to Keith for the tip on an upcoming Disney book of great interest, MAKING MARY POPPINS by Todd Pierce. It's coming in November 2025 from W.W. Norton & Company.

...At Trailers From Hell, CineSavant Glenn Erickson has just reviewed the new Kino Lorber 3D Blu-ray release of THE GLASS WEB (1953), starring Edward G. Robinson. My screener just arrived, and I'm looking forward to reviewing it as well.

...Phyllis Loves Classic Movies recommends SLEEPING CAR TO TRIESTE (1948) with Jean Kent and David Tomlinson. It's available on Tubi. I love train movies so I've added it to my "must see" list! (Side note, again thanks to Keith: Tomlinson's memoir, LUCKIER THAN MOST, is being reissued this month. It's available in paperback or for Kindle.)

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my March 1st column.

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Quick Preview of TCM in April

It's time for a quick look ahead at the April schedule for Turner Classic Movies!

April's Star of the Month will be Red Skelton. Skelton was previously honored in April 1998; the month which includes April Fool's Day seems to be a good month to feature a comedian.

Over two dozen Skelton films will be featured on Monday evenings beginning on Monday, April 7th. Most of the films come from his years at MGM, including top musicals such as NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER (1949), THREE LITTLE WORDS (1950), and LOVELY TO LOOK AT (1952).

The April Noir Alley movies will be THE NARROW MARGIN (1952), THE STEEL TRAP (1952), THE SET-UP (1949), and THE PROWLER (1951).

THE NARROW MARGIN is one of my all-time favorite films, which I highly recommend.

The TCM Spotlight on Friday evenings will focus on "Pulp Fiction," ranging from TARZAN THE APE MAN (1932) to THE SAINT IN NEW YORK (1938) to THE MALTESE FALCON (1941), along with many more.

A "Special Theme" in April is movies featuring religious faith in some fashion, with movies ranging from stories about priests and ministers to Biblical epics and more.

It's a diverse and interesting schedule which includes GOING MY WAY (1944), THE RIVER (1951), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971), and THE SONG OF BERNADETTE (1943).

Merchant Ivory films will be featured on two evenings next month. Additional April programming themes will include millionaires, spring, poetry, beaches, Los Angeles, and islands.

As always, Easter Sunday will feature EASTER PARADE (1948) and a lineup of religious-themed films.

Filmmakers honored with multifilm tributes in April will include Debbie Reynolds, Carl Reiner, Greer Garson, Ann Todd, William Holden, Shirley MacLaine, Marjorie Main, Joan Blondell...and Asta!

And only on TCM will one find a day of films written by F. Hugh Herbert! In fact, the Herbert lineup includes the TCM premiere of VANITY FAIR (1932), a modern-dress telling of the story starring Myrna Loy. This film preceded the Technicolor costume drama version of the story, BECKY SHARP (1935), by three years.

I'll have much more on TCM's April schedule here around April 1st. In the meantime, enjoy Barbara Stanwyck as the March Star of the Month!

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TCM Star of the Month: Barbara Stanwyck

The January Star of the Month on Turner Classic Movies is Barbara Stanwyck!

46 Stanwyck films will be shown on Wednesday evenings this month, spilling over into the Thursday daytime hours.

Stanwyck is greatly loved by most classic film fans, and I suspect this will be a very popular schedule!

There are many wonderful films listed; my favorites include REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940), MY REPUTATION (1946), and NO MAN OF HER OWN (1950).

I've previously reviewed two-thirds of this month's 46 titles and invite viewers to check out my full-length reviews at any hyperlinked titles below.

March 5th-6th

BABY FACE (1933)

LADIES OF LEISURE (1930)

THE MIRACLE WOMAN (1931)

FORBIDDEN (1932)

NIGHT NURSE (1931)

THE PURCHASE PRICE (1932)

SO BIG (1932)

ILLICIT (1931)

LADIES THEY TALK ABOUT (1933)

GAMBLING LADY (1934)

EVER IN MY HEART (1933)

THE WOMAN IN RED (1935)

HIS BROTHER'S WIFE (1936)

March 12th-13th

THE LADY EVE (1941)

BALL OF FIRE (1941)

REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940)

MEET JOHN DOE (1941)

THE BRIDE WALKS OUT (1936)

BREAKFAST FOR TWO (1937)

THE SECRET BRIDE (1935)

LADY OF BURLESQUE (1943)

THE MAD MISS MANTON (1938)

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)

THE GAY SISTERS (1942)

B.F.'S DAUGHTER (1948)

MY REPUTATION (1946)

March 19th-20th

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)

SORRY, WRONG NUMBER (1948)

NO MAN OF HER OWN (1950)

WITNESS TO MURDER (1954)

CRY WOLF (1947)

JEOPARDY (1953)

THE MAN WITH A CLOAK (1951)

CLASH BY NIGHT (1952)

THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS (1947)

THE STRANGE LOVE OF MARTHA IVERS (1946)

CRIME OF PASSION (1957)

March 26th-27th

ALL I DESIRE (1953)

THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW (1956)

EXECUTIVE SUITE (1954)

EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE (1949)

THESE WILDER YEARS (1956)

TO PLEASE A LADY (1950)

ANNIE OAKLEY (1935)

THE MOONLIGHTER (1953)

TROOPER HOOK (1957)

For those who might be curious, Stanwyck was previously Star of the Month in September 1994, April 2002, and December 2012. I've noted that some titles I mentioned weren't part of the schedule back in 2012 are included this month!

For more on TCM in March 2025, please visit TCM in March: Highlights, along with my Quick Preview of TCM in March and TCM's online schedule.

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TCM in March: Highlights

The 31 Days of Oscar schedule on Turner Classic Movies concludes on March 3rd, so it's time to take a look at the rest of the March schedule!

The March Star of the Month on Turner Classic Movies is Barbara Stanwyck! 46 Stanwyck films will be shown every Wednesday evening and on into the Thursday daytime hours.

I'll have a complete look at Stanwyck's Star of the Month schedule posted here on March 4th.  (Update: Please visit TCM Star of the Month Barbara Stanwyck.)

This month's Noir Alley films are THE VELVET TOUCH (1948) on March 8th and 9th, GUN CRAZY (1950) on the 15th and 16th, CLASH BY NIGHT (1952) on March 22 and 23rd, and finally COUNT THE HOURS! (1953) on March 29th and 30th.

The TCM Spotlight on Fridays will focus on "Movie Mix-Ups," with films like THE GAY DIVORCEE (1934), MY FAVORITE WIFE (1940), and NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959).

Here are just a few of this month's interesting titles. As always, please click on any hyperlinked title to read my full-length review.

...The month's regular schedule begins on Tuesday, March 4th, with a nine-film birthday tribute to John Garfield during the day, followed by an evening of films about "Western Widows." The latter lineup includes THE OUTRIDERS (1950), in which Arlene Dahl plays a widow opposite Joel McCrea, plus one of my very favorite films, WESTWARD THE WOMEN (1951).

...A day of horse racing films on March 7th includes Margaret O'Brien in GLORY (1956) and a film I recall fondly from my teen years, INTERNATIONAL VELVET (1979) with Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Hopkins, and Nanette Newman.

...THE LAST OF SHEILA (1973), which loosely inspired GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (2022), airs on Saturday, March 9th. The cast includes James Mason, James Coburn, Raquel Welch, and Dyan Cannon.

...There are some terrific pre-Codes on March 10th, including EMPLOYEES' ENTRANCE (1933) and FEMALE (1933). Was a pre-Code villain ever more hissable than Warren William?

...Following a day of Buster Keaton films on March 11th, TCM pays tribute to the late composer Quincy Jones with a five-film lineup including IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (1967). I love TCM's diverse programming.

...You can't beat the lineup of Hitchcock films on March 12th, including one of my all-time favorites, THE LADY VANISHES (1938), starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave.

...Friday, March 14th, will feature a day of Ann Miller musicals, including EASTER PARADE (1948) and ON THE TOWN (1949). Be there!

...You can't beat the Musical Matinee on March 15th: SWING TIME (1936), starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

...St. Patrick's Day on March 17th will be celebrated with a full lineup including THE DAUGHTER OF ROSIE O'GRADY (1950) and THE QUIET MAN (1952).

...March 18th will feature a birthday tribute to comedian Edward Everett Horton. I especially recommend ROAR OF THE DRAGON (1932). It's Horton as you've never seen him before! If you've always wanted to see him as an action hero, this is your movie.

...The "stage" is the theme on March 19th, with a good lineup including STAGE FRIGHT (1950), which I consider an underrated Hitchcock film, and STAGE DOOR (1937), starring Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and a fantastic supporting cast. Who can forget Eve Arden lounging around the boardinghouse with her cat?

...The "Movie Mix-Ups" on March 21st include the wonderful comedy MY FAVORITE WIFE (1940) starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Randolph Scott, and Gail Patrick.

...I've always found MGM's BRIGADOON (1954) underrated and am glad it will be shown at this year's TCM Classic Film Festival. If you can't make it there, Dave Karger will be showing it on the Musical Matinee on Saturday, March 22nd. Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse star.

...There will be a prime time two-film tribute to Deanna Durbin on March 23rd, featuring one of her very best, IT STARTED WITH EVE (1941), along with NICE GIRL? (1941).  I'm always thrilled when TCM shows Durbin films and hope others will discover her work.

...You have to love the "Spring" theme on March 26th, which throws SPRINGFIELD RIFLE (1952) in along with THE SAINT IN PALM SPRINGS (1941) and SPRING MADNESS (1938).

...Kim Novak and Guy Madison star in the heist film 5 AGAINST THE HOUSE (1955) on March 27th. A must-see even if only for the unique location filming in a garage where elevators transport cars to their parking spots.

...For pure joy I recommend another of this month's Musical Matinees, THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967). Beautiful pastel colors, Gene Kelly, George Chakiris, Catherine Deneuve, and pure happy. It's on March 29th.

...The month ends with a tribute to Warner Bros. director Lloyd Bacon on March 31st, including Kay Francis in MARY STEVENS, M.D. (1933).

For more on the TCM schedule in March 2025, please visit my Quick Preview of TCM in March and TCM Star of the Month: Barbara Stanwyck, along with TCM's online schedule.

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Tonight's Movie: Lady of Vengeance (1957) - An MGM Blu-ray Review

LADY OF VENGEANCE (1957), one of a handful of crime films made by star Dennis O'Keefe in the UK in the 1950s, has just been released on Blu-ray by MGM.

I've previously enjoyed O'Keefe's UK films THE FAKE (1953) and THE DIAMOND WIZARD (1954), especially the former, but LADY OF VENGEANCE was new to me and my least favorite of this trio, but the TWILIGHT ZONE-esque screenplay by Irve Tunick definitely gets points for creativity.

O'Keefe plays powerful American William T. Marshall. Marshall lives in Great Britain, where he publishes an influential paper.

Marshall is devastated when his young ward, Melissa (Eileen Elton), commits suicide after he tries to end her romance with an American musician, Larry (Vernon Greeves). Incidentally, this happens under the opening credits so it's in no way a spoiler.

After Melissa's death Marshall receives a posthumous letter from Melissa explaining why she decided to end it all, and Marshall determines to kill the man who betrayed her and led her to end her life. And it won't be just a quick and easy murder; he wants the man to suffer.

To that end Marshall hires Emile Karnak (Anton Diffring). Karnak is an obsessive stamp collector, and Marshall has learned through his staff reporters that Karnak also plans crimes. Marshall's been sitting on the information rather than publishing it, and he decides to hire Karnak to perform the perfect torture and murder of the man whose behavior led to Melissa's death.

Marshall's loyal secretary Katie (Ann Sears) knows something is wrong with her boss, especially when he sends his butler (George Mulcaster) away on an unexpected vacation, but she can't quite figure it out...

This was a fast-moving, if very strange, 73 minutes. (Incidentally, several stills available online from scenes which aren't in the film left me with the impression the film's running length might have first been planned to be quite a bit longer.) As mentioned, the film has an original screenplay, including quite a twist which won't be revealed here.

That said, as the film went on I found what Marshall was doing to be increasingly creepy and distasteful. Plotting torture is not exactly attractive, and I disliked listening to Marshall plan the exact details with Karnak; I prefer O'Keefe in "hero" mold. 

 I was also left wondering whether Marshall's feelings toward his ward were strictly fatherly or if there was something more going on.

Sears, as Katie, is bright-eyed, confident, and appealing, and her character and sympathy (perhaps love?) for her employer keeps the viewer watching despite the movie's overall weirdness.  Plus I had to find out what would happen!

As for Diffring, he is definitely weird, if compelling, as a man who would kill for a prized postage stamp.

As one might tell from the above comments, the film is memorable and worth checking out, but it's also a roller coaster ride I'm not sure I'll feel the need to take again in the future, preferring to stick with more traditional crime fare.

LADY OF VENGEANCE was directed by Burt Balaban nd filmed by Ian Struthers.

The MGM Blu-ray print is in excellent shape. There's nothing particularly unique about the cinematography, but it's a nice crisp print with clear sound. I appreciated being able to check this movie out viewing it in such good condition.

There are no extras on the disc. English-language subtitles are provided.

Thanks to Allied Vaughn and MGM for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray. LADY OF VENGEANCE may be purchased from Movie Zyng, Amazon, and other online retailers.

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Tonight's Movie: Crimson Tide (1995)

As I shared in this weekend's news roundup, by coincidence I recently put together a stack of Gene Hackman's '90s films I'd missed seeing upon original release.

The recent sad news of Hackman's death prompted me to choose one of those films to watch in his honor this weekend, and the title I chose was CRIMSON TIDE (1995).

CRIMSON TIDE is a submarine suspense thriller in the vein of a Tom Clancy story (i.e., THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER).

Denzel Washington plays Lt. Commander Ron Hunter, the new "XO" aboard the Alabama, a submarine commanded by Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman). Ramsey is one of the few submarine commanders left in the service with combat experience. He achieved his position through hard work, while Hunter is a more polished Harvard grad, and at times the men's styles subtly clash.

The Alabama goes to sea during a period of high international tensions due to Russian nuclear launch codes being compromised and in the hands of rebels. U.S. submarine captains have the ability to launch nuclear missiles when authorized, and the Alabama receives a partial EAM (Emergency Action Message) indicating it may be time to strike; however, for various reasons the sub is unable to receive a complete message, so the captain must make a critical decision in the absence of complete information.

Ramsey is ready to launch the nukes, but the more cautious Hunter rebels against possibly initiating nuclear holocaust, especially as he reasons the United States will have backup plans if they don't launch. This initiates a prolonged battle for command of the submarine.

I've been reliably told that some viewers with military backgrounds have disliked CRIMSON TIDE for a lack of authenticity. I'm responding to it strictly as a drama without regard to accuracy, and I found it an absorbing 116 minutes.

The direction of Tony Scott moves the story along along at a good clip, and the movie has an excellent visual style, most particularly some opening scenes in the rain. The cinematographer was Dariusz Wolski.

The screenplay by Michael Schiffer and Richard P. Henrick, based on Schiffer's story, does a good job of presenting Hunter and Ramsey as balanced characters -- neither is a saint, nor is either man completely wrong. Indeed, that aspect is discussed in one of the film's final scenes. They simply have different perspectives. The problem, of course, is that only one man can command the submarine.

Hackman and Washington are excellent in the roles, with Hackman especially giving his character considerable nuance. The captain casually lying on his bunk reading while the ship is under fire speaks volumes about both his experience and a certain fatalistic attitude.

That said, there were some aspects even I wondered about. An aquarium aboard a submarine? And a dog? Perhaps I'm wrong, but neither made any sense to me for a host of reasons and did somewhat undermine the film, even if the dog was cute.

The film has a strong supporting cast, especially George Dzunda, Rocky Carroll, James Gandolfini, and Viggo Mortensen. Hans Zimmer's score also gives the film some weight.

Parental Advisory: This film is rated R. Although there are occasional bits of bad language, the only sequence which bothered me was a drowning scene; I fast-forwarded to the end of it. Otherwise this 1995 "R" is really more of a PG-13 in my view.

I watched CRIMSON TIDE via Blu-ray.

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Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...

...I'm excited my friends Kim Luperi (I See a Dark Theater) and Danny Reid (Pre-Code.com) have announced their upcoming book from TCM and Running Press, PRE-CODE ESSENTIALS: MUST-SEE CINEMA FROM HOLLYWOOD'S UNTAMED ERA, 1930-1934. They've been working on this book for quite a while, and I'm really looking forward to reading it! It will be published October 28, 2025.

...Last November I mentioned an upcoming book by my friend Mary Mallory, FIRST WOMEN OF HOLLYWOOD: FEMALE PIONEERS IN THE EARLY MOTION PICTURE BUSINESS. It's out this month from Lyons Press! Mary's previous work includes HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS: 1920-1970.

...In more book news, Carolyn Kellogg of the Los Angeles Times has given a positive review to LOVE, QUEENIE: MERLE OBERON, HOLLYWOOD'S FIRST SOUTH ASIAN STAR. It was written by Mayukh Sen and is being published this week by W.W. Norton & Company. Thanks to Elizabeth for sending me info on this book.

...Christy Putnam of Christy's Inkwells has reviewed the newly revised and expanded edition of Eddie Muller's DARK CITY DAMES, coming from TCM and Running Press in early April.

...Glenn Erickson has a dual review up at Trailers From Hell of the new Powerhouse Indicator Region B Blu-ray releases of Joan Crawford's HARRIET CRAIG (1950) and QUEEN BEE (1953). Both discs include plentiful extras.

...Kino Lorber Studio Classics has announced a six-film Abbott & Costello Horror Collection to be released in 4K at a future date.

...On May 13th Kino Lorber releases a special edition of CRACK IN THE WORLD (1965) and a Library of Congress restoration of the silent film RAMONA (1928), starring Dolores Del Rio and Warner Baxter. Ben Model composed the score for the RAMONA disc.

...The Warner Archive Collection's Monogram Matinee Vol. 1 collection will be released March 25th and is now available for preorder from Amazon and Movie Zyng. I hope as many people as possible will support this release to encourage more Western sets coming out in the future!

...Attention Southern Californians: Cinecon has announced a one-day "pop-up" festival to be held April 6th at the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo. Details are still to be announced. Thanks to Craig for the alert on Twitter. (Update: The schedule is now available.)

...On the afternoon of March 9th Jeremy Arnold will present the "B" crime film THE CRIMSON CANARY (1945) in 35mm at the American Cinematheque's Los Feliz Theatre. I really enjoyed this movie when Jeremy introduced this film at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival. It stars Noah Beery Jr. and features musical performances by Coleman Hawkins and Josh White. Jeremy has recently shown beautiful 35mm prints of PERSONS IN HIDING (1939) and THE PREVIEW MURDER MYSTERY (936) at the Los Feliz, and I hope more "B" movies will be coming to the Los Feliz in the future!

...Notable Passing: The great Gene Hackman passed away around February 17th-18th, under currently mysterious circumstances. His wife and a pet dog were also found deceased in the family home. Reflecting on his career, my first screen memory of Hackman was in SUPERMAN (1978), and his costar Valerie Perrine paid tribute to him on Twitter. I've seen surprisingly few of his films, with NO WAY OUT (1987) being a particular favorite I've enjoyed several times (seen here with costar Kevin Costner). Coincidentally I recently put together a stack of his films I want to see, including NARROW MARGIN (1990), WYATT EARP (1994), CRIMSON TIDE (1995), ABSOLUTE POWER (1997), and THE REPLACEMENTS (2000). These films all came out when I had infants and very young children so I'm sure that's why I missed them around the time of original release, and I'm overdue to catch up! A TCM Remembers video honoring Hackman may be viewed here, and I suspect they will honor him with a marathon tribute in due course.  (March 7th Update: Medical examiners and law enforcement now have what seems to be a solid working theory on the deaths of Hackman and his wife.)

...More Notable Passings: Actress Olive Sturgess has died at the age of 91. I first knew her from a pair of MAVERICK episodes, "Last Wire From Stop Gap" (1960) and "The Golden Fleecing" (1961). She worked very steadily in '50s and early '60s TV, especially Westerns, and was also in THE RAVEN (1963) with Vincent Price. Sadly she had recently lost her longtime home in the Pacific Palisades fire. Her interview with Mike Fitzgerald for the Western Clippings site is fascinating...TV director Michael Preece, who worked on DALLAS and many other shows, has passed on at 88...Michelle Trachtenberg, who costarred on TV's BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, has sadly died at the young age of 39. Her Disney film ICE PRINCESS (2005) was popular with my daughters...The August 2024 death of KNOTS LANDING costar James Houghton, who later was an Emmy-winning writer for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, has been belatedly announced by his wife. He was 75.

...And Even More Notable Passings: Thanks very much to Damon Romine for informing me of the passing of actress Pilar Del Rey at the age of 95. I didn't initially recognize her name, but reviewing her credits I've seen quite a bit of her work, including in BLACK HORSE CANYON (1954) and GIANT (1956). She's seen here with Joanne Dru in THE SIEGE AT RED RIVER (1954)...Tommy Dix, a costar of the MGM musical BEST FOOT FORWARD (1943), has died at 101. He was also in that musical's original Broadway cast...Joseph Wambaugh, an L.A. police officer who became a well-known novelist and screenwriter, has passed on at the age of 88. James Woods, a star of Wambaugh's THE ONION FIELD (1979), called Wambaugh "one of the finest human beings I ever met."

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my February 22nd column.

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