Reviews
The Falcon's Brother (1942)
One Falcon goes down, another rises.
Of all the Falcon movies, this is probably the most tongue-in-cheek, or just plain "corn", but engaging nevertheless, and you had better pay attention to every bit of it or you'll be lost. The main reason for the film is that George Sanders wanted out of the role (this was the fourth in the series), and stipulated that he be killed in the plot, therefore avoiding any returns in the future. His real-life brother Tom Conway, fell heir to the series and went on to make nine appearances as the Falcon. In this offering, a dead body appears almost immediately, first thought to be that of the Falcon's brother. Not so! The ship that he was supposedly on also carried an assortment of spies and shady types, who weave in and out of the plot, giving both Falcons plenty of opportunities for sleuthing and woman-chasing. After sifting through all the South Americans, Mexicans, native New Yorkers and high-society women, the original Falcon (Sanders) gives his life shielding a foreign diplomat from an assassin's bullet. Just as it seems that it's all over for Falcon lovers, and brother Tom is about to head for home, he receives a telephone threat, so he decides to stay and become the Falcon himself! Nine more movies evolved in the series, now starring Tom Conway.
American Playhouse: The Cafeteria (1984)
Bittersweet story of fantasy and tradition, set in New York City.
A very poignant story centered around a cafeteria on the upper west side of Manhattan, where the elders of the Jewish community meet each day. It might also be called an "almost-love story", a narration of the brief encounters of the two main characters: Aaron, a writer and author; and Esther, a factory worker who lives with her aged father, the both of them survivors from the Nazi labor camps of World War II. As with virtually all of Isaac Bashevis Singer's works, it draws heavily on his own Polish background; strong narrative, a passion for life and tradition.
Sepia Cinderella (1947)
Entertaining musical with an all-black cast.
In this all-black cast musical romance, Barbara (Sheila Guyse) must compete with a rich woman (Tondaleyo) for the man she loves. The man, singer and band leader Bob Jordan (Billy Daniel), tries to pursue his career, but soon comes to realize that there is more to life than being in high society. He returns to Barbara, and they are married in the Cinderella Night Club, where Bob is appearing. A nice little love story with some interesting musical acts.
Mad Movies with the L.A. Connection (1985)
Converting "bad" movies to "Mad Movies"
The group L.A. Connection was unknown to me before this series, and I haven't heard of them since, but their moment in the sun was brilliant. Some of the best writing of dialog and dubbing into excerpts of the old movies gave me many a laugh. I am old enough to remember most of these original movies, and believe me, the conversion of a "bad" movie to a "Mad" movie made it much more enjoyable. I hope we will see them again somewhere on TV, for that type of comedy is timeless.
Todo un caballero (1947)
Good Mexican cast in an RKO remake.
"Todo un caballero" would have to fall under the classification of a mystery (a mystery that it even appeared on US cable TV). However, it's a good film, a drama and an RKO Studios remake under the film company name of Ramex. The story comes originally from the 1934 movie "Hat, Coat and Glove" starring Ricardo Cortez, remade again in 1944 with the title of "A Night of Adventure" with Tom Conway. After World War II, RKO became aware of a large audience south of the border, and this became one of their first forays into Mexican film-making. It includes a first-rate cast of Fernando Soler, Malu Gatica and Gustavo Rojo. The story is of a lawyer who defends his female ward's lover in a murder case. Very well told, and suitable for viewing for the whole family. I am prejudiced, but I love the "Golden Age of Mexican Movies" of which this is one.
Nosotros (1945)
A classic tear-jerker.
One of my all-time favorites, and an early starring role for Ricardo Montalban, which led to his first MGM contract. From the original story "Destino" by Cortazar y Robledo, a bad guy turns good, with loves won and lost along the way. Some good musical numbers included, sung by Alma Rivas and Amparo Montes, songs which remain very much in the romantic music favorites in Mexico to this day. A good film, one of the earliest at the start of the Mexican "Golden Era" of movies.