Reviews by Quote Unquote Sir

Greta Garbo's American debut is a haunting and artistic story about forbidden love. Its atmosphere feels dream-like due to bold direction, gorgeous black and white/colour-tinted cinematography and a dynamic, expressive score.

Garbo's performance is spirited and mesmerizing, while Ricardo Cortez has more screen presence and chemistry with the star than most of her leading men.

Adam West and Burt Ward degrade themselves in this TV special that's vastly inferior to their Batman series. Its unfunny mockery of superheroes condescends to them more than any movie or TV show I've ever seen.

Only Frank Gorshin as The Riddler has amusing moments (as usual). I'm so glad Hollywood respects superheroes more these days. Strongest recommendation to avoid.

A powerful and heartbreaking performance by Kay Francis carries this artfully directed tragic tale of great sacrifice inspired by love and fear.

Most of it is told in flashback, gradually unveiling the mystery behind a crime that occurs early on. Absorbing from the start, building to a surprising, resonant, and melancholy ending.

There's plenty to like in this well-paced story with snappy dialog and strong performances from all involved. I wanted to see it because of Bogart and the director, but Ida Lupino was the highlight.

She gives one of the most deliciously over-the-top performances I've ever seen as an intensely jealous, conniving femme fatale who frames a man for murder after he rejects her.

I consider Herbert Marshall one of Old Hollywood's most endearing leading men. He's a perfect partner for Margaret Sullavan, playing a real sweetheart like it's second nature.

The convoluted plot and silly co-stars were irritating at times, but also brought laughs from an often witty, heartwarming treasure of a script that thankfully built to a hilarious exposition scene.

Clever little story with some nice advice about writing and education. Even late in life, Clark Gable was still gifted at comedy and quite charming when he wanted to be.

He and Doris Day made a well-matched pair, playing easy-to-love characters of poise and conviction. Mamie Van Doren (doing a swell Marilyn Monroe impression) and Gig Young are fun and breezy as their friends.

Only 9 minutes of "The Divine Woman" are available to the public (on "The Garbo Silents Collection" DVD set). Even with so little screen time, Garbo is memorably lovely.

Her soldier lover is about to ship out and their tender, bittersweet moments together are beautifully acted and shot. Looks like this was shaping up to be wonderful picture. Pity we can't see the rest of it.

Greta Garbo's co-stars are more subtle and less annoying, while the direction is more atmospheric and artistic in this superior German version of "Anna Christie".

I prefer the English version only because I love hearing Garbo speak English with her cool Swedish accent. In both versions, the star's allure keeps the story watchable through rough spots (as in all her pictures).

My third favourite Ernst Lubitsch picture after "Trouble in Paradise" and "Ninotchka" (another in which Melvyn Douglas shows lithe comedic timing), even though it feels more trivial than them.

I liked seeing Merle Oberon in a lighter role after the tragic "Wuthering Heights". Young Burgess Meredith is a hoot playing a wacky artist who fascinates Oberon, shaking up her marriage.

High entertainment value makes up for low stakes in this fictionalized tale of famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley finding romance and success. Barbara Stanwyck is a sensitive and plucky delight in the title role.

A quaint, yet believably rendered old America and peppy supporting cast (especially a tastefully amusing Chief Thunderbird) make the picture feel real cozy.