David and Lisa (1962)
David Clemens is brought to a residential psychiatric treatment center by his apparently caring mother. He becomes very upset when one of the residents brushes his hand, as he believes that being touched can kill him. Cold and distant, he mainly concentrates on his studies, especially that of clocks, with which he appears to be obsessed. It is later revealed that he has a recurring dream in which he murders people by means of a giant clock.
He meets Lisa Brandt, a girl who has two personalities: one of them, Lisa, can only speak in rhymes, while the other, Muriel, cannot speak, but can only write. David befriends her by talking to her in rhymes. Over time, he begins to open up to his psychiatrist, Dr. Alan Swinford and also becomes friendly with another resident, Simon, which provokes Lisa's jealousy. Following an argument when his mother visits, David's parents decide that he should leave the place. He returns to his parents' house, but after a short time, runs away to the treatment center, where he is allowed to stay.
One day Lisa realizes that she is both Lisa and Muriel and that they are the same person. After this breakthrough, she seeks out David, but he is busy listening to Simon play a Bach piece on the piano. Lisa turns on the metronome, interrupting Simon's playing and provoking David's anger. Then, Lisa runs away from the center and takes the train into Center City, Philadelphia, unnoticed. David and the staff fruitlessly search for her until the next morning, when David realizes that she might have returned to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she had once embraced a statue of a mother and child.
David and Dr. Swinford rush to the museum, where David finds Lisa on the museum steps. Upon seeing David, Lisa appears to be cured and speaks to him in prose. David, overcoming his own fear of touch for the first time, allows her to hold his hand, while they walk down the stairs to go on their return trip.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Saturday, Sept. 28 - Framed
Framed (1975)
Returning home to Tennessee from a very successful gambling trip to Texas, nightclub owner and gambler Ron Lewis happens across a shooting and is nearly shot himself. A deputy confronts Lewis as he arrives at his home. He accuses Lewis of being involved in the shooting and roughs him up, resulting in a fight that ends up in the deputy being killed and Lewis being badly beaten. Lewis is placed under arrest for the death of the deputy.
Corrupt cops, including a thieving sheriff, and lawyers (including his own) ignore Lewis' claim of self-defense and railroad him into a prison sentence of up to 10 years. His girlfriend Susan is sexually assaulted and warned not to aid Lewis' defense in any way.
Behind bars, Lewis is befriended by mob boss Sal Viccarone and hit man Vince Greeson. He is paroled after four years and immediately sets out to get even with those who wronged him. Vince, also out of prison, is contracted to kill Lewis, but decides to help him instead, as does a law-abiding deputy, Sam Perry.
Lewis proceeds to torment and even torture the guilty parties in a number of ways, gaining his revenge and finding out the truth about what really happened the night of the roadside shooting.
Returning home to Tennessee from a very successful gambling trip to Texas, nightclub owner and gambler Ron Lewis happens across a shooting and is nearly shot himself. A deputy confronts Lewis as he arrives at his home. He accuses Lewis of being involved in the shooting and roughs him up, resulting in a fight that ends up in the deputy being killed and Lewis being badly beaten. Lewis is placed under arrest for the death of the deputy.
Corrupt cops, including a thieving sheriff, and lawyers (including his own) ignore Lewis' claim of self-defense and railroad him into a prison sentence of up to 10 years. His girlfriend Susan is sexually assaulted and warned not to aid Lewis' defense in any way.
Behind bars, Lewis is befriended by mob boss Sal Viccarone and hit man Vince Greeson. He is paroled after four years and immediately sets out to get even with those who wronged him. Vince, also out of prison, is contracted to kill Lewis, but decides to help him instead, as does a law-abiding deputy, Sam Perry.
Lewis proceeds to torment and even torture the guilty parties in a number of ways, gaining his revenge and finding out the truth about what really happened the night of the roadside shooting.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Friday, Sept. 27 - The Karate Killers
The Karate Killers (1967)
U.N.C.L.E. agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin travel around the globe in an effort to track down a secret formula that was divided into four parts and left by a dying scientist with his four daughters, all of whom live in different countries. Evil THRUSH agent Randolph also wants the formula, and is aided by his karate-chopping henchmen. And don't forget the fifth daughter or was she the first daughter?
U.N.C.L.E. agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin travel around the globe in an effort to track down a secret formula that was divided into four parts and left by a dying scientist with his four daughters, all of whom live in different countries. Evil THRUSH agent Randolph also wants the formula, and is aided by his karate-chopping henchmen. And don't forget the fifth daughter or was she the first daughter?
Friday, September 27, 2019
Thursday, Sept. 26 - Hell's Angels '69
Hell's Angels '69 (1969)
Two rich brothers want to rob a Las Vegas casino, just for the fun and thrill. They decide to use the Oakland Hells Angels as dupes in their plans by pretending to be members of an East Coast motorcycle club/gang and winning the Angels' trust, and then using them to create a disturbance outside the casino while they are inside robbing it. Everything goes as planned—the brothers even manipulate the Angels into telling them to go away—but then a small mistake results in the Angels figuring out that they've been used—and nobody makes fools of the Hells Angels.
It turns out the two brothers are step-brothers, and that only one of them inherited money. The other lives off his brother's generosity and doesn't like being beholden. Rich brother planned all along to return the money once they made their get-away and "got away with" the robbery. Poor brother thought they were doing it for real and that half of the take would be his to keep.
The movie is noteworthy is having prominent members of the Hells Angels play themselves.
There is a girl in the movie, also.
Two rich brothers want to rob a Las Vegas casino, just for the fun and thrill. They decide to use the Oakland Hells Angels as dupes in their plans by pretending to be members of an East Coast motorcycle club/gang and winning the Angels' trust, and then using them to create a disturbance outside the casino while they are inside robbing it. Everything goes as planned—the brothers even manipulate the Angels into telling them to go away—but then a small mistake results in the Angels figuring out that they've been used—and nobody makes fools of the Hells Angels.
It turns out the two brothers are step-brothers, and that only one of them inherited money. The other lives off his brother's generosity and doesn't like being beholden. Rich brother planned all along to return the money once they made their get-away and "got away with" the robbery. Poor brother thought they were doing it for real and that half of the take would be his to keep.
The movie is noteworthy is having prominent members of the Hells Angels play themselves.
There is a girl in the movie, also.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Wednesday, Sept. 25 - Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Wet Saturday & Fog Closing In
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Wet Saturday (Season 2 | Episode 1 - aired 30 September 1956)
Mr. Princey's batty daughter, Millicent, has just killed the schoolmaster, with whom she was in love, when she found out he had gotten engaged to another woman. A murderess in the family? That won't do. Mr. Princey has a shallow dimwit for a son and a wife who, whatever her other qualities, is no good when it comes to covering up a murder. Mr. Princey takes it upon himself to keep Millicent out of prison or the madhouse. Good luck is on his side when Captain Smollet stops by for a visit. Captain Smollet, it seems, has just as much a motive for murder as Millicent.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Fog Closing In (Season 2 | Episode 2 - aired 7 October 1956)
Arthur Summers hands his wife Mary a revolver. She says “No,” and he says not to worry, it won’t go off. “I know how to handle a gun,” he says. He got Mary a gun so that she’ll feel safe while he’s gone away on another business trip.
Mary is afraid to be alone in their enormous house. Arthur says, “We could have had that nice apartment in town,” but Mary says it was too small and it wouldn’t have been enough room to have company or... to have her parents move in. Arthur says he moved them from the East Coast to get her away from her parents.
Then, while Arthur is away, an escaped mental patient breaks into the house. Surprisingly, the patient gets along with Mary. She is not afraid of him. She tells him about a dream she has had where someone follows her up the stairs. When the police arrive, the mental patient escapes. After the the police leave, Mary hears someone coming up the stairs just like in her dream. She find's Arthur's pistol as the door opens. At the door is Arthur. He came home early when he heard about the escape at the asylum. Though she knows it is her husband, Mary shoots him. She then calls her parents and tells them she is coming home.
Mr. Princey's batty daughter, Millicent, has just killed the schoolmaster, with whom she was in love, when she found out he had gotten engaged to another woman. A murderess in the family? That won't do. Mr. Princey has a shallow dimwit for a son and a wife who, whatever her other qualities, is no good when it comes to covering up a murder. Mr. Princey takes it upon himself to keep Millicent out of prison or the madhouse. Good luck is on his side when Captain Smollet stops by for a visit. Captain Smollet, it seems, has just as much a motive for murder as Millicent.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Fog Closing In (Season 2 | Episode 2 - aired 7 October 1956)
Arthur Summers hands his wife Mary a revolver. She says “No,” and he says not to worry, it won’t go off. “I know how to handle a gun,” he says. He got Mary a gun so that she’ll feel safe while he’s gone away on another business trip.
Mary is afraid to be alone in their enormous house. Arthur says, “We could have had that nice apartment in town,” but Mary says it was too small and it wouldn’t have been enough room to have company or... to have her parents move in. Arthur says he moved them from the East Coast to get her away from her parents.
Then, while Arthur is away, an escaped mental patient breaks into the house. Surprisingly, the patient gets along with Mary. She is not afraid of him. She tells him about a dream she has had where someone follows her up the stairs. When the police arrive, the mental patient escapes. After the the police leave, Mary hears someone coming up the stairs just like in her dream. She find's Arthur's pistol as the door opens. At the door is Arthur. He came home early when he heard about the escape at the asylum. Though she knows it is her husband, Mary shoots him. She then calls her parents and tells them she is coming home.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Tuesday, Sept. 24 - The Thirteenth Chair
The Thirteenth Chair (1937)
Inspector Marney of Scotland Yard travels to Calcutta to investigate the murder of Leonard Lee, a generally despised man in these parts. John Wales, who did consider Lee a friend - his best friend - is a suspect, but he proposes to the Inspector a ploy to discover the identity of the murderer: hold a séance conducted by a medium, Madame Rosalie La Grange. Wales doesn't believe Mme. La Grange will discover the murderer's identity through such hocus pocus, but does believe the process might draw out the murderer in revealing him or herself.
Wales invites who he considers suspects - generally those in the upper crust of British society in Calcutta - plus a few red herring attendees so as not to tip the murderer as to the séance's purpose. Upon Mme. La Grange's arrival, she does admit that most of her work is conducted as parlor tricks solely for sheer entertainment, but that when required, she truly does have the ability. As the course of the evening progresses, Mme. La Grange turns from medium to detective as she truly does try to figure out the identity of the murderer, albeit for ulterior motives.
Inspector Marney of Scotland Yard travels to Calcutta to investigate the murder of Leonard Lee, a generally despised man in these parts. John Wales, who did consider Lee a friend - his best friend - is a suspect, but he proposes to the Inspector a ploy to discover the identity of the murderer: hold a séance conducted by a medium, Madame Rosalie La Grange. Wales doesn't believe Mme. La Grange will discover the murderer's identity through such hocus pocus, but does believe the process might draw out the murderer in revealing him or herself.
Wales invites who he considers suspects - generally those in the upper crust of British society in Calcutta - plus a few red herring attendees so as not to tip the murderer as to the séance's purpose. Upon Mme. La Grange's arrival, she does admit that most of her work is conducted as parlor tricks solely for sheer entertainment, but that when required, she truly does have the ability. As the course of the evening progresses, Mme. La Grange turns from medium to detective as she truly does try to figure out the identity of the murderer, albeit for ulterior motives.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Monday, Sept. 23 - Warning Shot
Warning Shot (1967)
Los Angeles police sergeant Tom Valens is on a stakeout near an upscale apartment complex when he is forced to defend himself from a mysterious figure who aims a gun at him on a foggy night. The trouble is, the dead man turns out to be a prominent physician and pillar of the community, Dr. James Ruston, and there is no gun to be found.
Valens is in trouble with his department, specifically Roy Klodin, his captain. It doesn't help that Valens is still carrying the memory of having been shot while on duty nearly a year earlier. He is placed under suspension by the force while Frank Sanderman, a prosecutor with a grudge against trigger-happy cops, files manslaughter charges against this one.
Setting out on his own to clear his name, Valens meets resistance from many including Ruston's financial adviser, Calvin York, and the doctor's alcoholic and flirtatious widow, Doris Ruston. Also unwilling to be of help to Valens is the doctor's nurse, Liz Thayer, who knew Ruston only as a humanitarian who made many trips to Mexico to unselfishly aid people in need. The controversial cop's lone defender in public is acerbic television personality Perry Knowland, who turns out to be doing so only to increase his viewership (upon learning this Valens acidly tells Knowland, "Be against me, I'd feel cleaner").
Even the elderly lady whom Dr. Ruston often came to visit, Alice Willows, speaks only with devotion to the doctor, who was very kind to her beloved dog. While trying to find some reason why Ruston would have been skulking in the fog near the apartments and brandishing a gun, Valens meets Alice Willows again after her dog passes away and she has him buried with all of his toys at a nearby pet cemetery.
Among the few offering a sympathetic ear are his estranged wife, Joanie, and another apartment resident, Walt Cody, a playboy pilot. Cody volunteers to fly Valens down to Mexico to see first-hand why Dr. Ruston commuted there so often. Complications arise when Liz Thayer is found dead in Ruston's ransacked office, obliging Valens' partner, Sgt. Ed Musso, to try to place his friend under arrest.
But upon learning that Ruston's office was ransacked, Valens realizes what has been happening, and also what happened to the gun he knew he saw Rustin brandishing. He overpowers Musso, locks him in his closet, then goes to the pet cemetery where, once again, Valens must decide whether to pull the trigger on someone who is pointing a gun directly at him.
Los Angeles police sergeant Tom Valens is on a stakeout near an upscale apartment complex when he is forced to defend himself from a mysterious figure who aims a gun at him on a foggy night. The trouble is, the dead man turns out to be a prominent physician and pillar of the community, Dr. James Ruston, and there is no gun to be found.
Valens is in trouble with his department, specifically Roy Klodin, his captain. It doesn't help that Valens is still carrying the memory of having been shot while on duty nearly a year earlier. He is placed under suspension by the force while Frank Sanderman, a prosecutor with a grudge against trigger-happy cops, files manslaughter charges against this one.
Setting out on his own to clear his name, Valens meets resistance from many including Ruston's financial adviser, Calvin York, and the doctor's alcoholic and flirtatious widow, Doris Ruston. Also unwilling to be of help to Valens is the doctor's nurse, Liz Thayer, who knew Ruston only as a humanitarian who made many trips to Mexico to unselfishly aid people in need. The controversial cop's lone defender in public is acerbic television personality Perry Knowland, who turns out to be doing so only to increase his viewership (upon learning this Valens acidly tells Knowland, "Be against me, I'd feel cleaner").
Even the elderly lady whom Dr. Ruston often came to visit, Alice Willows, speaks only with devotion to the doctor, who was very kind to her beloved dog. While trying to find some reason why Ruston would have been skulking in the fog near the apartments and brandishing a gun, Valens meets Alice Willows again after her dog passes away and she has him buried with all of his toys at a nearby pet cemetery.
Among the few offering a sympathetic ear are his estranged wife, Joanie, and another apartment resident, Walt Cody, a playboy pilot. Cody volunteers to fly Valens down to Mexico to see first-hand why Dr. Ruston commuted there so often. Complications arise when Liz Thayer is found dead in Ruston's ransacked office, obliging Valens' partner, Sgt. Ed Musso, to try to place his friend under arrest.
But upon learning that Ruston's office was ransacked, Valens realizes what has been happening, and also what happened to the gun he knew he saw Rustin brandishing. He overpowers Musso, locks him in his closet, then goes to the pet cemetery where, once again, Valens must decide whether to pull the trigger on someone who is pointing a gun directly at him.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Sunday, Sept. 22 - Strangers in the Night
Strangers in the Night (1944)
Sergeant John Meadows, a U. S. Marine paratrooper, returns to the U. S. to meet Rosemary Blake, a girl with whom he has fallen in love with only through correspondence. On the train, he meets Dr. Leslie Ross, also a talented musician, and he tells her about Rosemary. Rosemary's mother, a crippled and mysterious old lady, meets John and tells him her daughter has gone away for a brief time but will be returning soon. She shows him a portrait of her daughter.
Mrs. Blake seems to have a strange power of her companion, Ivy Miller, and John feels uneasy in the Blake house and can not account for it. Mrs. Blake is very displeased when she learns that John and Leslie are acquainted, and goes into a rage when John tells her he has fallen in love with Leslie.
John learns that the portrait of Rosemary was painted by his friend, Paul Arnheim of San Francisco; he leaves to talk to Arnheim and in his absence Mrs. Blake poisons HER companion, Miss Ivy, asserting she died from a sleeping potion administered by Leslie. What John learns in San Francisco, from HIS acquaintance, is startling, and Mrs. Blake realizes that he too must be murdered. HER too... I mean, her.
Sergeant John Meadows, a U. S. Marine paratrooper, returns to the U. S. to meet Rosemary Blake, a girl with whom he has fallen in love with only through correspondence. On the train, he meets Dr. Leslie Ross, also a talented musician, and he tells her about Rosemary. Rosemary's mother, a crippled and mysterious old lady, meets John and tells him her daughter has gone away for a brief time but will be returning soon. She shows him a portrait of her daughter.
Mrs. Blake seems to have a strange power of her companion, Ivy Miller, and John feels uneasy in the Blake house and can not account for it. Mrs. Blake is very displeased when she learns that John and Leslie are acquainted, and goes into a rage when John tells her he has fallen in love with Leslie.
John learns that the portrait of Rosemary was painted by his friend, Paul Arnheim of San Francisco; he leaves to talk to Arnheim and in his absence Mrs. Blake poisons HER companion, Miss Ivy, asserting she died from a sleeping potion administered by Leslie. What John learns in San Francisco, from HIS acquaintance, is startling, and Mrs. Blake realizes that he too must be murdered. HER too... I mean, her.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Saturday, Sept. 21 - The Stars Look Down
The Stars Look Down (1940)
Davey Fenwick (Sir Michael Redgrave) leaves his mining village on a university scholarship intent on returning to better support the miners against the owners. But he falls in love with Jenny (Margaret Lockwood) who gets him to marry her and return home as local schoolteacher before finishing his degree. Davey finds he is ill-at-ease in his role, the more so when he realizes Jenny still loves her former boyfriend. When he finds that his father and the other miners are going to have to continue working on a possibly deadly coal seam he decides to act.
Davey Fenwick (Sir Michael Redgrave) leaves his mining village on a university scholarship intent on returning to better support the miners against the owners. But he falls in love with Jenny (Margaret Lockwood) who gets him to marry her and return home as local schoolteacher before finishing his degree. Davey finds he is ill-at-ease in his role, the more so when he realizes Jenny still loves her former boyfriend. When he finds that his father and the other miners are going to have to continue working on a possibly deadly coal seam he decides to act.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Friday, Sept. 20 - The Mask
The Mask (1961)
A young archaeologist believes he is cursed by a mask that causes him to have weird nightmares and possibly to murder. Before committing suicide, he mails the mask to his psychiatrist, Dr. Barnes, who is soon plunged into the nightmare world of the mask.
A young archaeologist believes he is cursed by a mask that causes him to have weird nightmares and possibly to murder. Before committing suicide, he mails the mask to his psychiatrist, Dr. Barnes, who is soon plunged into the nightmare world of the mask.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Thursday, Sept. 19 - My Past
My Past (1931)
Bebe Daniels plays an actress, Doree Macy, who is crazy in love with Robert Byrne (Lyon), a married man whose wife is away supposedly getting a divorce. Meanwhile, an older man, John Thornley (Stone) is in love with Doree also.
Blondell, who is Doree's friend Marion, warns her that these married guys are just out for a good time and their wives are never getting a divorce.
Robert's wife returns, and, as Marion warned, he returns to her. He does love Doree. She acts as if she understands, but she's devastated. She takes up with the gentlemanly Thornley, but her heart isn't in it. She's fond of him, but her heart is still with Robert.
Bebe Daniels plays an actress, Doree Macy, who is crazy in love with Robert Byrne (Lyon), a married man whose wife is away supposedly getting a divorce. Meanwhile, an older man, John Thornley (Stone) is in love with Doree also.
Blondell, who is Doree's friend Marion, warns her that these married guys are just out for a good time and their wives are never getting a divorce.
Robert's wife returns, and, as Marion warned, he returns to her. He does love Doree. She acts as if she understands, but she's devastated. She takes up with the gentlemanly Thornley, but her heart isn't in it. She's fond of him, but her heart is still with Robert.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Wednesday, Sept. 18 - Dark Waters
Dark Waters (1944)
After a German submarine sinks the ship she is traveling upon, survivor Leslie Calvin heads to her aunt and uncle's plantation in Louisiana to recover. But all is not what it seems and Leslie is swept up in a plot to gain her inheritance.
While there, she begins to see & hear things that make her question her sanity.
Being one of four survivors from a ship that left Japanese occupied Dutch East Indies in a perilous voyage that took her parents, she's alone in the world. But her doctor, Alan Napier, in New Orleans where she was taken finds she has relatives in New York. But miracle of miracles they are in residence in an old family plantation in the bayou country not far from the Big Easy. She makes arrangements to go there and sends a telegram.
Merle's odyssey then takes a strange turn when no one is there to meet her at the station. She eventually gets to the plantation where uncle John Qualen and aunt Fay Bainter are pleasant enough as is another bachelor uncle, Thomas Mitchell. There's an overseer in Elisha Cook, Jr. who fancies himself a lady's man, but he hasn't got a prayer when Merle sets her sights on local doctor Franchot Tone. But a lot starts to make her more and more uncomfortable in these family surroundings.
After a German submarine sinks the ship she is traveling upon, survivor Leslie Calvin heads to her aunt and uncle's plantation in Louisiana to recover. But all is not what it seems and Leslie is swept up in a plot to gain her inheritance.
While there, she begins to see & hear things that make her question her sanity.
Being one of four survivors from a ship that left Japanese occupied Dutch East Indies in a perilous voyage that took her parents, she's alone in the world. But her doctor, Alan Napier, in New Orleans where she was taken finds she has relatives in New York. But miracle of miracles they are in residence in an old family plantation in the bayou country not far from the Big Easy. She makes arrangements to go there and sends a telegram.
Merle's odyssey then takes a strange turn when no one is there to meet her at the station. She eventually gets to the plantation where uncle John Qualen and aunt Fay Bainter are pleasant enough as is another bachelor uncle, Thomas Mitchell. There's an overseer in Elisha Cook, Jr. who fancies himself a lady's man, but he hasn't got a prayer when Merle sets her sights on local doctor Franchot Tone. But a lot starts to make her more and more uncomfortable in these family surroundings.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Rhythm in the Clouds & The Chaser
Rhythm in the Clouds (1937)
Patricia Ellis stars as struggling songwriter Judy Walker. Thrown out of her cheap apartment, she wrangles a much nicer place using a letter she received from Phil Hale, a much more successful songwriter, the letterhead on his stationery, and a bottle of "ink eraser." Basically, she moves into his place while he is out of town.
The new apartment is awfully nice—an excellent place to work on her songs. There is, unfortunately, a loud neighbor next door; Judy and the neighbor quickly start a noisy war of banging on each other's walls. For the most part, however, Judy is set. She lounges on the couch drinking champagne, sharing high-toned conversation with her imaginary guests: "Mr. Gershwin, take it easy. Of course I'll help you write your new rhapsody .Mr. Berlin! Irving! Do tell the boys how many copies of our last number we sold....Now, Bob McKay—Let me see those lyrics of yours ." We assume that "Bob McKay" is another well-known songwriter; soon enough we learn that
The guy next door with whom Judy has been fighting through the wall is indeed popular lyricist Bob McKay—a big star and an enthusiastic feuding partner. Naturally, it takes Judy and Bob a good chunk of the picture to discover each other's identities. Then Phil Hale returns.
The Chaser (1938)
An ambulance chaser, unethical and disliked by many, attorney Thomas Z. Brandon chases cases in the street, offering to represent clients on trumped-up charges.
A street-car company's owner, Calhoun, resents this practice and hires Dorothy Mason to go undercover to gain evidence against the attorney, pretending to be an accident victim. She sees how a doctor, Prescott, manipulates a client into memorizing certain false information to use in court.
Dorothy learns that Thomas has a good explanation why he's doing this and that Calhoun is actually unscrupulous himself. She perjures herself in court, and Thomas spurns her after learning of her deceit, but ultimately they fall in love and Thomas promises to act more ethically from now on.
Patricia Ellis stars as struggling songwriter Judy Walker. Thrown out of her cheap apartment, she wrangles a much nicer place using a letter she received from Phil Hale, a much more successful songwriter, the letterhead on his stationery, and a bottle of "ink eraser." Basically, she moves into his place while he is out of town.
The new apartment is awfully nice—an excellent place to work on her songs. There is, unfortunately, a loud neighbor next door; Judy and the neighbor quickly start a noisy war of banging on each other's walls. For the most part, however, Judy is set. She lounges on the couch drinking champagne, sharing high-toned conversation with her imaginary guests: "Mr. Gershwin, take it easy. Of course I'll help you write your new rhapsody .Mr. Berlin! Irving! Do tell the boys how many copies of our last number we sold....Now, Bob McKay—Let me see those lyrics of yours ." We assume that "Bob McKay" is another well-known songwriter; soon enough we learn that
The guy next door with whom Judy has been fighting through the wall is indeed popular lyricist Bob McKay—a big star and an enthusiastic feuding partner. Naturally, it takes Judy and Bob a good chunk of the picture to discover each other's identities. Then Phil Hale returns.
The Chaser (1938)
An ambulance chaser, unethical and disliked by many, attorney Thomas Z. Brandon chases cases in the street, offering to represent clients on trumped-up charges.
A street-car company's owner, Calhoun, resents this practice and hires Dorothy Mason to go undercover to gain evidence against the attorney, pretending to be an accident victim. She sees how a doctor, Prescott, manipulates a client into memorizing certain false information to use in court.
Dorothy learns that Thomas has a good explanation why he's doing this and that Calhoun is actually unscrupulous himself. She perjures herself in court, and Thomas spurns her after learning of her deceit, but ultimately they fall in love and Thomas promises to act more ethically from now on.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Monday, Sept. 16 - Trial
Trial (1955)
When Mexican-American Angel Chavez (Rafael Campos) is arrested for murder on weak evidence, David Blake (Glenn Ford) agrees to defend him to gain the courtroom experience necessary for law school tenure. Bernard Castle (Arthur Kennedy) runs the law firm paying Blake's expenses. While Bernard takes care of fundraising, Blake prepares for trial with alluring secretary Abbe (Dorothy McGuire) but soon begins to suspect that Bernard is a communist trying to manipulate the trial for his own ends.
When Mexican-American Angel Chavez (Rafael Campos) is arrested for murder on weak evidence, David Blake (Glenn Ford) agrees to defend him to gain the courtroom experience necessary for law school tenure. Bernard Castle (Arthur Kennedy) runs the law firm paying Blake's expenses. While Bernard takes care of fundraising, Blake prepares for trial with alluring secretary Abbe (Dorothy McGuire) but soon begins to suspect that Bernard is a communist trying to manipulate the trial for his own ends.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Sunday, Sept. 15 - A Rage to Live
A Rage to Live (1965)
The sexual voraciousness of newspaper heiress Grace Caldwell (Suzanne Pleshette) threatens to destroy the reputation of her wealthy Pennsylvania family. As a precocious teenager, she is assaulted in her room in her own house by her older brother Brock's friend Charlie Jay (Mark Goddard), to whom she finally yields willingly, the first of a long series of lovers. Grace understands her weakness but goes on in her path of seduction, until she meets San Francisco real estate broker Sidney Tate (Bradford Dillman) at a Christmas party. The two fall in love and he proposes marriage. Grace confesses her past but despite being taken aback, Sidney marries her and she commits herself to a relationship, a pledge she keeps for the first few years of their union, which produces a son and a seemingly idyllic life on a farm.
Problems ensue when lusty contractor Roger Bannon (Ben Gazzara), the son of one of her mother's former servants, confesses to Grace he's been in love with her for years. An affair ensues and when she eventually ends it, he becomes enraged, gets drunk, and accidentally crashes his truck, killing himself. Reports of his death include details about his tryst with Grace, rumors which reach her husband. Under pressure, Grace admits her guilt to him and swears it will never happen again. At this point, however, the wife of newspaper editor Jack Hollister (Peter Graves), who is also in love with Grace, makes a scene during a charity ball accusing Grace of seducing her husband. Sidney, who witnesses the scene, is once more convinced that his wife has lied to him and goes away. Grace runs after him, swearing she had nothing with Jack Hollister. Still, Sidney departs, leaving her behind in a state of despair.
The sexual voraciousness of newspaper heiress Grace Caldwell (Suzanne Pleshette) threatens to destroy the reputation of her wealthy Pennsylvania family. As a precocious teenager, she is assaulted in her room in her own house by her older brother Brock's friend Charlie Jay (Mark Goddard), to whom she finally yields willingly, the first of a long series of lovers. Grace understands her weakness but goes on in her path of seduction, until she meets San Francisco real estate broker Sidney Tate (Bradford Dillman) at a Christmas party. The two fall in love and he proposes marriage. Grace confesses her past but despite being taken aback, Sidney marries her and she commits herself to a relationship, a pledge she keeps for the first few years of their union, which produces a son and a seemingly idyllic life on a farm.
Problems ensue when lusty contractor Roger Bannon (Ben Gazzara), the son of one of her mother's former servants, confesses to Grace he's been in love with her for years. An affair ensues and when she eventually ends it, he becomes enraged, gets drunk, and accidentally crashes his truck, killing himself. Reports of his death include details about his tryst with Grace, rumors which reach her husband. Under pressure, Grace admits her guilt to him and swears it will never happen again. At this point, however, the wife of newspaper editor Jack Hollister (Peter Graves), who is also in love with Grace, makes a scene during a charity ball accusing Grace of seducing her husband. Sidney, who witnesses the scene, is once more convinced that his wife has lied to him and goes away. Grace runs after him, swearing she had nothing with Jack Hollister. Still, Sidney departs, leaving her behind in a state of despair.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Saturday, Sept. 14 - Psychomania
The Death Wheelers (1973) Psychomania (original title)
Tom Latham, an amiable psychopath and the leader of a violent teen gang, enjoys riding his motorcycle with his girlfriend and loves his mother. His gang dabble in black magic and call themselves "The Living Dead". In a similar vein, his mother and her sinister butler get their kicks out of holding séances in their home. With her help (and following in his father's footsteps) Tom returns from the dead. One by one, he and his fellow bikers commit suicide with the goal of returning as one of the "undead". One of them fails, but the ones who do return gather together at a secret place called "The Seven Witches" (a circle of standing stones), after which they continue to terrorize the locals.
Tom Latham, an amiable psychopath and the leader of a violent teen gang, enjoys riding his motorcycle with his girlfriend and loves his mother. His gang dabble in black magic and call themselves "The Living Dead". In a similar vein, his mother and her sinister butler get their kicks out of holding séances in their home. With her help (and following in his father's footsteps) Tom returns from the dead. One by one, he and his fellow bikers commit suicide with the goal of returning as one of the "undead". One of them fails, but the ones who do return gather together at a secret place called "The Seven Witches" (a circle of standing stones), after which they continue to terrorize the locals.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Friday, Sept. 13 - The Revolt of Mamie Stover
The Revolt of Mamie Stover (1956)
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Friday, Sept. 13 - The Revolt of Mamie Stover
The Revolt of Mamie Stover (1956)
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Friday, September 13, 2019
Thursday, Sept. 12 - Cops and Robbers
Cops and Robbers (1973)
Tom and Joe are disillusioned New York City cops who decide to pull off one big robbery in their uniforms and retire on the proceeds. Bearer bonds are what the local Mafia boss will buy, so that's what they go for. Central Park is the location for the switch.
Tom and Joe are disillusioned New York City cops who decide to pull off one big robbery in their uniforms and retire on the proceeds. Bearer bonds are what the local Mafia boss will buy, so that's what they go for. Central Park is the location for the switch.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Lady in a Jam
Lady in a Jam (1942)
Jane Palmer's reckless spending and behavior concern her guardian Billingsley so much, he goes to a New York City clinic to seek psychiatric help for her. Dr. Enright, taking the case, sees how Jane refuses to even acknowledge that she has squandered her entire inheritance and that her remaining possessions are being auctioned off.
Enright believes they need to trace the root of her problems and accompanies Jane on a cross-country trip to her Arizona childhood home. "Cactus" Kate, her grandmother, is leery of Jane being in need of money, while childhood sweetheart Stanley Gardner deludes himself into thinking Jane has returned home just for him.
Jane begins prospecting for gold at her grandfather's mine. Seeing her growing romantic interest in the doctor, Stanley foolishly challenges him to an old-fashioned duel of pistols until he discovers Enright is a crack shot. Cactus Kate plants precious ore so that Jane can find it, inadvertently causing a gold rush by prospectors galore. Enright's seen enough craziness and returns home, but Jane tracks him back to New York and declares that they were meant for each other.
Jane Palmer's reckless spending and behavior concern her guardian Billingsley so much, he goes to a New York City clinic to seek psychiatric help for her. Dr. Enright, taking the case, sees how Jane refuses to even acknowledge that she has squandered her entire inheritance and that her remaining possessions are being auctioned off.
Enright believes they need to trace the root of her problems and accompanies Jane on a cross-country trip to her Arizona childhood home. "Cactus" Kate, her grandmother, is leery of Jane being in need of money, while childhood sweetheart Stanley Gardner deludes himself into thinking Jane has returned home just for him.
Jane begins prospecting for gold at her grandfather's mine. Seeing her growing romantic interest in the doctor, Stanley foolishly challenges him to an old-fashioned duel of pistols until he discovers Enright is a crack shot. Cactus Kate plants precious ore so that Jane can find it, inadvertently causing a gold rush by prospectors galore. Enright's seen enough craziness and returns home, but Jane tracks him back to New York and declares that they were meant for each other.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Tuesday, Sept. 10 - Home at Seven
Murder on Monday (1952) Home at Seven (original title)
David Preston returns home from work to his wife Janet to find that 24 hours have elapsed without him even realising it, and it is now a day later than he thought. As hard as he tries, he cannot recall the missing day. Evidence then emerges suggesting that he was involved in a theft and murder that happened in the period that he cannot account for.
David Preston returns home from work to his wife Janet to find that 24 hours have elapsed without him even realising it, and it is now a day later than he thought. As hard as he tries, he cannot recall the missing day. Evidence then emerges suggesting that he was involved in a theft and murder that happened in the period that he cannot account for.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Monday, Sept. 9 - Child's Play
Child's Play (1954)
A young brainbox, wearing trademark specs, is sent (from America) an atomic chemistry set by his scientist father. In an attempt to gain revenge on the local bobby the kids contrive to set off a minor atomic explosion. However, following some soul-searching they decide that using atomic power to create things rather than cause explosions is much more worthwhile. They create Bang Corn an improvement on popcorn and, with the help of the local shopkeeper Miss Gossett, put it on the market with great success. In the meantime the scientists at the local research establishment are perturbed that the children have beaten them to a significant breakthrough. The authorities are called in, but eventually the process fails when the magic ingredient, a piece of volcanic rock from Krakatoa, runs out.
A young brainbox, wearing trademark specs, is sent (from America) an atomic chemistry set by his scientist father. In an attempt to gain revenge on the local bobby the kids contrive to set off a minor atomic explosion. However, following some soul-searching they decide that using atomic power to create things rather than cause explosions is much more worthwhile. They create Bang Corn an improvement on popcorn and, with the help of the local shopkeeper Miss Gossett, put it on the market with great success. In the meantime the scientists at the local research establishment are perturbed that the children have beaten them to a significant breakthrough. The authorities are called in, but eventually the process fails when the magic ingredient, a piece of volcanic rock from Krakatoa, runs out.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Sunday, Sept. 8 - Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison
Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison (1951)
A guard (David Brian) crusades to stop the mistreatment of inmates at a 1920s California prison.
A guard (David Brian) crusades to stop the mistreatment of inmates at a 1920s California prison.
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Saturday, Sept. 7 - Highway Patrol: Scared Cop
Highway Patrol (1955–1959): Scared Cop (Season 1 | Episode 18 aired February 1956)
Highly regarded Highway Patrol officer Mark Reynolds stops a speeding car and is surprised to find that the driver is his brother Bill (a military prison escapee). Bill assaults Mark and escapes when Mark draws his gun but is unable to shoot. Mark is distraught about the incident and offers his resignation to Dan Mathews, but he is vague about the reasons. Since Mark has always been a model officer, Dan investigates further and he is able to piece together the story concerning Bill and his frequent brushes with the law. Bill's continuing attempt to flee the area leads to additional assaults on a sailor and a local sheriff, but Dan and Mark eventually confront him face to face after he commandeers an elderly surveyor's car and causes a serious accident.
Highly regarded Highway Patrol officer Mark Reynolds stops a speeding car and is surprised to find that the driver is his brother Bill (a military prison escapee). Bill assaults Mark and escapes when Mark draws his gun but is unable to shoot. Mark is distraught about the incident and offers his resignation to Dan Mathews, but he is vague about the reasons. Since Mark has always been a model officer, Dan investigates further and he is able to piece together the story concerning Bill and his frequent brushes with the law. Bill's continuing attempt to flee the area leads to additional assaults on a sailor and a local sheriff, but Dan and Mark eventually confront him face to face after he commandeers an elderly surveyor's car and causes a serious accident.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Friday, Sept. 6 - Last Holiday
Last Holiday (1950)
George Bird's rather lonely, anonymous existence as an underappreciated seller of farm machinery is jarred when his physician informs him that he is suffering from the rare malady Lampington's Disease, and only has a few weeks to live. Believing he has nothing to lose, Bird resigns his position and withdraws his modest life savings in order to spend his remaining time in a "posh" seaside resort. There he keeps his own counsel about his condition and meets people who live in a world he could never have imagined existed. Incredibly, he finds personal and professional opportunities now open to him that that he never dreamed would be his, but unfortunately, he is no position to take advantage of them, until fate lends a hand.
George Bird's rather lonely, anonymous existence as an underappreciated seller of farm machinery is jarred when his physician informs him that he is suffering from the rare malady Lampington's Disease, and only has a few weeks to live. Believing he has nothing to lose, Bird resigns his position and withdraws his modest life savings in order to spend his remaining time in a "posh" seaside resort. There he keeps his own counsel about his condition and meets people who live in a world he could never have imagined existed. Incredibly, he finds personal and professional opportunities now open to him that that he never dreamed would be his, but unfortunately, he is no position to take advantage of them, until fate lends a hand.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Thursday, Sept. 5 - The Land Unknown
The Land Unknown (1957)
During a naval expedition to Antarctica to discover the origins of inexplicably warm water detected from a previous expedition, a group lead by Commander Hal Roberts (Jock Mahoney) is forced to land in a crater due to a sudden storm. When the helicopter lands, not only do they find the area hotter than the surrounding area, but it’s also containing a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs and man-eating plants! Also within this jungle is a survivor of a previous expedition and the stranded crew may just need his help in order to escape this land that time forgot alive!
During a naval expedition to Antarctica to discover the origins of inexplicably warm water detected from a previous expedition, a group lead by Commander Hal Roberts (Jock Mahoney) is forced to land in a crater due to a sudden storm. When the helicopter lands, not only do they find the area hotter than the surrounding area, but it’s also containing a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs and man-eating plants! Also within this jungle is a survivor of a previous expedition and the stranded crew may just need his help in order to escape this land that time forgot alive!
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Wednesday, Sept. 4 - Too Soon to Love
Too Soon to Love (1960)
Two high school students, Cathy and Jim, fall in love and get frisky. The girl ends up pregnant and the pair don't know what to do next.
Two high school students, Cathy and Jim, fall in love and get frisky. The girl ends up pregnant and the pair don't know what to do next.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Tuesday, Sept. 3 - They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants (1971)
After the death of his wife, wealthy retiree Justin Playfair (George C. Scott) creates a fantasy world for himself in which he is the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, even dressing like the character. Out of concern for Justin's money more than his health, his brother Blevins puts him under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson (Joanne Woodward). As Dr. Watson grows fond of Justin, she begins to play along with his theories, eventually becoming an assistant in his investigations.
After the death of his wife, wealthy retiree Justin Playfair (George C. Scott) creates a fantasy world for himself in which he is the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, even dressing like the character. Out of concern for Justin's money more than his health, his brother Blevins puts him under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson (Joanne Woodward). As Dr. Watson grows fond of Justin, she begins to play along with his theories, eventually becoming an assistant in his investigations.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Monday, Sept. 2 - The Monolith Monsters
The Monolith Monsters (1957)
A strange black meteor crashes near the town of San Angelo and litters the countryside with fragments. When a storm exposes these fragments to water, they grow into skyscraper-sized monoliths which then topple and shatter into thousands of pieces that grow into monoliths themselves and repeat the process. Any humans in the way are crushed or turned into human statues. The citizens of San Angelo desperately try to save themselves and the world from the spreading doom.
A strange black meteor crashes near the town of San Angelo and litters the countryside with fragments. When a storm exposes these fragments to water, they grow into skyscraper-sized monoliths which then topple and shatter into thousands of pieces that grow into monoliths themselves and repeat the process. Any humans in the way are crushed or turned into human statues. The citizens of San Angelo desperately try to save themselves and the world from the spreading doom.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Sunday, Sept. 1 - Highway Patrol: Lie Detector
Highway Patrol (1955–1959): Lie Detector (Season 1 | Episode 17 - aired 23 January 1956)
Elderly motel owner Ethel Cary is violently assaulted during an attempted robbery of her unbanked life's savings. The evidence all points to motel guest Roger Taylor, but both Taylor and Mrs. Cary pass lie detector tests. Mrs. Cary's nephew Henry is loudly insistent that Taylor is the perpetrator and motel guest Wilbur Morgan makes a point of volunteering information and additional evidence that would seem to implicate Taylor. However, Taylor passes a second lie detector test after Mrs. Cary is again assaulted and her savings are taken. Dan Mathews deduces that Henry and Wilbur Morgan must be involved and he sets a trap by asking Henry to take a lie detector test himself.
Elderly motel owner Ethel Cary is violently assaulted during an attempted robbery of her unbanked life's savings. The evidence all points to motel guest Roger Taylor, but both Taylor and Mrs. Cary pass lie detector tests. Mrs. Cary's nephew Henry is loudly insistent that Taylor is the perpetrator and motel guest Wilbur Morgan makes a point of volunteering information and additional evidence that would seem to implicate Taylor. However, Taylor passes a second lie detector test after Mrs. Cary is again assaulted and her savings are taken. Dan Mathews deduces that Henry and Wilbur Morgan must be involved and he sets a trap by asking Henry to take a lie detector test himself.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Back Street & One Step Beyond: Encounter
Back Street (1932)
A piece of propaganda directed to the poor woman who Believes herself to be hopelessly in love with a swine. The 1932 version.
One Step Beyond (1959–1961): Encounter (Season 2 | Episode 29 - aired 12 April 1960)
A pilot radios that he is seeing inexplicable things in the air, when suddenly his signal is cut off and there is no more communication from him. Concerned that he has crashed, his coworkers want to launch a search. But the boss, a rather cold unfeeling type, only spares one aircraft for the search. Later, the wife of the missing man appears and demands to know why more isn't being done.
Days later, the wrecked plane is found, covered with a strange wispy stuff that resembles "angel hair". Shortly after being touched, the stuff disappears without a trace.
Finally, many miles away, the missing man turns up. Injured and unable to recall what happened. The people caring for him call in the details and when the "rescue" team arrives they find that the pilot has died. The only thing remaining as a clue to what happened is the original radio message sent before the pilot and plane went missing.
A piece of propaganda directed to the poor woman who Believes herself to be hopelessly in love with a swine. The 1932 version.
One Step Beyond (1959–1961): Encounter (Season 2 | Episode 29 - aired 12 April 1960)
A pilot radios that he is seeing inexplicable things in the air, when suddenly his signal is cut off and there is no more communication from him. Concerned that he has crashed, his coworkers want to launch a search. But the boss, a rather cold unfeeling type, only spares one aircraft for the search. Later, the wife of the missing man appears and demands to know why more isn't being done.
Days later, the wrecked plane is found, covered with a strange wispy stuff that resembles "angel hair". Shortly after being touched, the stuff disappears without a trace.
Finally, many miles away, the missing man turns up. Injured and unable to recall what happened. The people caring for him call in the details and when the "rescue" team arrives they find that the pilot has died. The only thing remaining as a clue to what happened is the original radio message sent before the pilot and plane went missing.
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