Movie Review - Payroll

Payroll

1961

The Cast

This is a many-layered story and it's this which keeps it riveting for the audience.  Johnny Mellors (Craig) is a career criminal.  He likes to have all the facts before hitting his mark.  The biggest mark of his career is the payroll of a large factory, over one-hundred-thousand pounds.  Unfortunately, on the day of the hit a couple of motorcycle police ride up just as they are about to put their plan into action.  Then to make matters worse, their inside man, Dennis Pearson (Lucas), informs them of the companies decision to employ an armoured car for the wage run.  Unable to turn down such a big score Mellors and his men start to stake out the armoured car...

This is only the beginning, some writers and directors would make a movie just about the heist.  Though, what Baxt and Hayers give the viewers is the aftermath of the heist itself.  So we have the police, chasing after the criminals, though evidence and clues are running thin.  A wife, hellbent on revenge.  Another wife, cunningly trying to get the better of every man in her life, who she pities, hates, and doesn't trust,.. just to get the money.  A man who cannot handle guilt and mentally breaks down.  All of these characters are well rounded and written.

The good thing is that the actors are brilliant in their roles and bring them to life.  Craig is believable as the leader of the gang.  This guy is methodical and cool.  Though if you get on the wrong side of him he will break you in two... without blinking.  Whitelaw is one of the strongest in the cast.  When she sets out on her mission of revenge the look on her face says it all.  This woman is a juggernaut with a one-track mind and will not stop until she has her revenge.  Francoise Prevost has an air of a clever and cunning woman.  Always thinking, always planning, who will do anything to better her life... but can she be more wily or slick as Mellors?  And, William Lucas does scared, anxious, and frightened magnificently.

But there's still more.  Director, Hayers, is great in his field.  There are plenty of interesting camera shots, angles, and iconic photography.  All of which add power to the film.  To be honest, this is a masterpiece in modern film noir, though it's old now as it was filmed in 1961 - it is still a great watch.

Now, I'm not a great jazz fan but the soundtrack to the movie is outstanding and used to it's fullest potential.  It has the power to pull the viewer in and make them feel the excitement and tension of a scene.  I was surprised by how much I liked this element of the movie.

I would recommend this to everyone.

I give this a Rip-Roaring Action-Packed Heist of 8.5 out of 10.

The Film Clip

Movie Review - The Girl In The Picture

The Girl In The Picture

1957

The Cast

Four years ago, a robbery went wrong resulting in a policeman being murdered and the killers escaped.  However, a photograph turns up on news reporter Jon Deering's (Houston) desk.  It shows the getaway car and a woman looking into it.  Believing this woman holds the key to the case, Deering sets off to find her... unfortunately, in his investigations, he tips off the robbers, who then start a search, though be it more deadly, for the girl in the picture... Pat Dryden (Crawford)

I do like this as a premise for a story, however, I don't think all the possibilities were utilised well.  This could have been a cat and mouse stalking game, what with the police, the reporter, and the bad guys tracking her down.  However, the police don't get involved too much and the murderers are hanging on the reporter's coattails.  This has the effect of making it less suspense-filled than it could have been?

The story and the acting are enough to make this an enjoyable one watch flick, though I would warn about the soundtrack.  It's your basic standard full orchestration, but when you get to the climax the director decides to use the music to jar your nerves... and turns the volume up.  This mixed with the old-fashioned police bells and sirens is enough to drive you mad.  As for the direction, it's okay, there's nothing innovative in the camera work and the pace stays pretty steady throughout.  Changing these would have helped to create a better atmosphere and tenseness to draw the viewer in.

The acting is pretty good and both Houston and Crawford do well in their roles.  That said, there are moments when it gets a little melodramatic and the acting begins to feel a little hammy.  Though these are few and have little effect on the film or story.

The one thing I did like about the story was the lack of a love interest.  In most films, this is a must, even when it's not required and sometimes it even feels awkward.  But there's nothing between Dryden and Deering, they are merely an eyewitness and a reporter. It was a refreshing change not to have the fawning doting of screen romance.

Though it's not the best thriller of its time it's still worth a checkout.

I give this a Reluctant Eyewitness a Suspicious 5.5 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - The Long Memory

The Long Memory

1953

The Cast

The one thing Phillip Davidson (Mills) does wrong is fall in love.  On the night he decides to ask Fay's (Sellars) father for her hand he's in the middle of conducting some illicit business; that of smuggling a criminal out of England.  Mobster, Boyd (Chandos), who is funding the criminal's escape takes umbrage at the disrespect the criminal shows him.  Lashing out with a poker he strikes and kills him.  Davidson tries to stop Boyd's rampage and in the fight the boat catches fire.  The lifeboatmen pick up Davidson after he jumps off the boat, aflame.  Unfortunately, the survivors change their story so they won't be jailed for trafficking.  They all confirm there was no criminal onboard and that it was Davidson who struck and killed Boyd.  Davidson is jailed for twelve years.  Upon his release, he sets out for revenge on those who took those years away from him.

What stands out the most is the atmospheric and beautifully shot camera work.  Director, Hamer works well with black and white film.  The sequence where the freed Davidson steps off the train and is followed by a plain-clothed policeman is one of the most atmospheric I've seen.  It's brilliant.  Hamer sets the pace slow and this adds to the feeling of despair and loneliness, which oozes off the screen.  There's a bleakness that starts at this point and permeates most of the picture.  He is also very good at using the locations to add to the atmosphere...  The lone hotel, near derelict, on a sandy beach road... the wooden slatted cafe for the seamen and fishermen... the three beached barges slowly rotting.  He's also very adept at the iconic shot, such as a couple of shots of London Bridge.  And, especially the sequence where Davidson finally gets to Pewsey (Slater).  The entire thing is exquisitely structured and choreographed, though, it's the scene where Pewsey looks through the letterbox to see Davidson waiting in a doorway that holds the most power.  I never thought of Mills' as a tough guy or a hard man but when I watched this scene I thought, now that's somebody I wouldn't mess with.  Perfect acting with perfect direction makes a perfect scene.

Though Mills' is an outstanding actor, which he proves here, there are a few times when it gets just too melodramatic, in a soap opera way.  Luckily enough, this only becomes overpowering towards the latter part of the movie.  It does detract from the film's power, though I can forgive that because there are so many better acting sets within the film.

All the actors are good within their roles and there's even an eccentric hermit, Jackson, to keep it interesting.  One strange character is alright, because they are out there, and Michael Martin Harvey does a fantastic portrayal.  He doesn't go overboard and this makes the man more real to the viewer.  Even the lesser characters are full and rounded.  Take Mrs Pewsey (Hird), even though her husband has run off with a trollop, she still goes round to the trollop's house to warn him of Davidson's return.  While she's there, she takes care of him because he always gets a chest cold at this time of year.  Well thought out, written, acted and directed.  These little things only add interest to the viewer, add realism and strength to both the story and the film.

Then there's the story.  Though it's a revenge tale there's an added depth to even that.  When Davidson finally meets his first love, Fay, after his release he realises his perspective and feelings have altered.  This is a sobering, sad, and profound realisation.

I have to admit this has now made it onto my expanding favourite flicks list and I would recommend this to all thriller fans, revenge freaks, crime story lovers and drama aficionados everywhere.  Also, if you're a budding filmmaker, you could do worse than checking this out.

I give this Bleak Midwinter a Revengeful 7.5 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - The Third Alibi

The Third Alibi

1961

The Cast

This is now one of my favourite films.  As a writer, you come across a story once in a while that you wish you wrote... this is one of mine.

Marriage isn't going well for Norman Martell (Payne), though his wife, Helen (Dainton), has no idea about how he feels.  Norman is so discouraged that he has an affair with Helen's stepsister, Peggy Hill (Griffiths).  Upon hearing the news that Peggy is pregnant he tells Helen he wants a divorce.  Unfortunately for Helen, when he can't get a separation he and Peggy form a plan to kill her...

Even though the twist is telegraphed early on it's not the climax, that you know is coming, that sells this film.  It's the story, acting, and direction.  All the cast give solid, credible and realistic performances.   No one actor or actress is better than the rest.  And even though the pace is steady throughout it's the combination of timing, writing, and great characterisations that makes the ending perfect.  All the pivotal and important elements weave together at precisely the right time.

One of the best things for me is the ending itself which is delivered like a punchline.  Which is fitting, especially if you like dark humour and believe in karma.  I admit to actually saying, "Oh Yeah," out loud, along with the closing line, which is really easy to figure out... with a huge grin on my face.

I loved this film... actually, loved this film.

It's with that affirmation in my heart that I recommend this murder mystery to all out there.  If you don't enjoy it then there's summat up wit'ya.

You even get a free song from the marvellous voice of Cleo Lane - you can't get any better.

I give this dysfunctional family affair a heartfelt 7.75 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - A Life Of Deception

A Life Of Deception

AKA:  Washed Away

2017

 The Cast 

Here we have the well-worn story of a dead husband and the wife who won't believe he's dead.  While out on a vacation celebrating their anniversary Parker (Sirow) is supposedly killed in a whitewater canoeing accident.  However, during a visit to San Francisco a few months later his wife, Gabrielle (Vaugier), swears she see's him in a busy market.  But of course, he disappears before she can get to him.  This and a few other strange events prompt her to start her own investigation into his death.  The twists are well woven into the story though they're nothing new and you can figure them out quite quickly.  That though is pretty much the only issue I had with the story.

Emmanuelle Vaugier gives another solid performance as a wife thrown into a broiling situation.  She handles the many emotions the story calls for in her stride.  Doubt over their marriage, fear over her missing husband, sadness at the wake, the awareness that something isn't right, understanding at the outcome.  I know why this actress gets hired.  Shame it's the rest of the cast which lets the acting down.  Cameron Bancroft as Detective Asher is so blank and emotionless, somebody should take his pulse to make sure he's still alive.  At times the same can be said about Kristen Harris' portrayal of Genna, though she does have a few scene's where she comes alive.  The trouble is you just don't care for her.  When she comes to Gabrielle with the story of being beaten up by her drunken husband, she just doesn't sell it enough.  Had this character come across better then the film would have been stronger for it.  I thought it might have been the writing or direction that was the cause of the characters problems, but then Adam Hurtig comes along as Travis.  Travis is irascible, greaving, angry, and blames his sister in law for his brother's death.  Most of the time this can be seen in his demeanour and on his face.  Hurtig is an actor to watch.

As for the direction, Jeff Beasley does a good job and tries to add different camera shots to show mood.  There's a scene after Parker's death where Gabrielle is laying on her bed thinking, mourning, and remembering him.  Beasley tries to show her feelings at this time by a series of steady near still shots as she shifts about the bed.  Five seconds of her laid on her back, head on pillows.  Five seconds of her laid on her front, head towards the foot of the bed.  Five seconds of her sat on the edge at the foot of the bed.  Though this didn't work for me, I have to appreciate that he tried to add something different to keep the story and film interesting to the viewers.  His whitewater shot at the beginning was very good, though not really tied to the film... unless it's Gabrielle's accident we learn about later.

I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to all armchair detectives, whodunnit pundits, and mystery and thriller fans everywhere for at least one viewing.  It doesn't even have to be raining outside.  Though I would say it's a lazy day film... so a good one to watch in bed on a Sunday morning or after a pleasant and filling Sunday dinner.

I give this disappearing husband a 5.75 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - An Eye For An Eye

An Eye For An Eye

1981

The Cast

Now, this film really takes me back to my youth, where you were a member of a video shop... or fifteen (I counted the cards I used to have)... and you would troll around them all to find a movie worth watching - at least it kept us fit.

This is pretty much your basic '80's action flick.  Where the good guy is out for revenge for the death of a lover, a family member, friend, or in this case a partner on the force.  The plot, like this one, would usually revolve around drugs trafficking.  Throw in a love interest and loads of exciting fights and you have the perfect mix.  This was the start of the "Leave your brain at the door" movies.  To be fair, it's nice to let enjoyment and excitement take you out of your daily routine.  I know I need it at the moment.

So in this story, you have Kane (Norris) and his partner, Dave (Kiser), heading to an undercover meet.  However, it's a trap and Dave is killed, in quite a nasty way.  From here on in Kane is out to solve the murder and get revenge for his dead partner.  This leads him and Dave's girlfriend reporter, Linda (Chao) into a world of drug trafficking...

So what makes this a film worth watching?

Well there is Chuck Norris, who to be honest, isn't too bad in this film.  He was just coming into being an actor in his own right at this time.  These types of characters, like the films, were ten-a-penny and you were lucky if they made it to two-dimensional, let alone three.  I have to believe that it's the likes of Christopher Lee (Canfield), Richard Roundtree (Captain Stevens), Matt Clark (McCoy), and even Mako (Chan) that elevated his acting up a notch or two for this movie.  The rest of the cast are solid actors and carry the film and the much-used scenario easily.

Next, there's the direction.  Steve Carver does a really good job with the camera work.  There are some really well-framed sections.  I loved the part where Kane goes to visit his sensei and master, Chan.  He parks his beautiful red Mustang and gets out.  This is all superbly framed in a long shot by an ornamental oriental fence.  Even on the drive up to his masters home, he is followed by a helicopter.  This is filmed smoothly; you have a side portrait of Norris driving and outside the passenger window you see the copter flying at his side.  There's also a nice sequence where Kane runs from his house, down his pier to his private jetty, opens his speedboats enclosure, jumps in and speeds away.  There is a lot in this film that Carver should be proud about.  Even the slow motion sections of the fight scene's work.  When a lot of martial arts opted to speed up the action, slowing it down works really well - especially when you have a master of the arts like Norris.

Carver also sets a nice rollercoaster pace for the movie.  He knows when to slow down to drive the plot and quicken it up to boost excitement and tension.  A Lot of filmmakers could take a few notes from this film.

The only thing in the film that irked me was the love interest, Maggie Cooper.  This was mainly for Sullivan's wooden performance.  In some scenes, she appears so laid back that she may have been sampling the product the bad guys were moving.

If you like your martial arts flicks and are not too worried about plot, then I would recommend this one to you.  It may not be intellectually brilliant but it is kick ass entertaining.

I give this a Chuck Norris Kick-Ass 5.75 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - Death Goes To School

Death Goes To School

1953

The Cast

Apart from the '50's sexism, which for the most part is now comical, this isn't too bad a murder mystery.

When the body of one of the teachers is discovered dead on the Girlschool's grounds the police are called in.  Enter DI Campbell (Jackson) and Sergeant Harvey (Kydd) to solve the crime.  However, they are initially worried about solving the case as, "who can figure out the reasons in a woman's mind?"... problems we still suffer from today.  They needn't have worried though as Miss Shepherd (Murray) is on the case too.  Being a teacher at the school and a lover of mystery novels she takes it upon herself to investigate.

One of the good things about this story is that unlike many sleuths, Miss Marple and Father Brown as examples, the police actually utilise Miss Shepherd.  It's nice that the "outside" investigator isn't a thorn in the polices side but a help.

Gordon Jackson is in his element as a hard-nosed don't hold back copper.  You can see elements of his character in The Professionals, George Cowley, coming through in his portrayal of DI Campbell.  So this remembrance, for me, helped to submerge me into the film, right from his appearance.

This is a well scripted and written story.  There are plenty of suspects to be the murderer... in fact, most of the staff at the school could be guilty of the crime.  The way the story unfolds is nicely done, though the narration from Miss Shepherd is a little irksome.  However, I've never been a fan of the narration - unless it's "The Twilight Zone" style.  I think narration should be shown by the camera and not heard.  If somebody says, "They were shocked to..." then show them shocked.  They're actors, the director should use their skills.

That said though, I would recommend this to all whodunnit buffs and murder mystery lovers.  It's a short film, at just over an hour in runtime, so would be good for a quick fix.  A good afternoon flick for the armchair detectives out there.

I give a '50's sexist 5.75 out of 10.

The Trailer