THE PALM BEACH STORY (Released to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Palm Beach Story—fun romp—is solidly, but simply written as a light entertainment piece. It accesses the talents of Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, and Rudy Vallee.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man cannot sufficiently provide for his wife. So, she decides to trade him for a highly financially-enabled man.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Preston Sturges for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Jones and Buddy G. DeSylva for making the film possible. Cast includes Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, Mary Astor, and Rudy Vallee.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. For a  simple, fun romp that is easy-on-the-mind and clean, this movie fills that request.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SUPERMAN: ELEVENTH HOUR (Released to Theaters 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Superman: Eleventh Hour—Superman WWII animated short film—despite its age, has good animation. The story is suitable and the movie short is a good find for Superman fans.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Superman is sabotaging Japanese ships during WWII.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Dan Gordon for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sam Buchwald, Dan Gordon, Seymour Kneitel, and Isidore Sparber. Cast includes Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Julian Noa, and Jack Mercer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable to interesting watch, nothing spectacular. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

FRESH HARE (Released to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Fresh Hare—early work of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd's interaction—offers the very different look of these two cartoon characters. It's a good watch.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   Elmer Fudd plays the part of a Canadian Mounty who hunts Bugs Bunny to bring him to justice for multiple traffic violations and other related crimes.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Friz Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Voice casting includes: Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good show and has a good story. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASABLANCA (Relased to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Casablanca—WOW! classic movie—exemplifies the importance of high quality writers in building good movies. The portrayal and  presentation run from great to good. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman show extremely well in close facial shots. The film may get a little slow at times but that does not hinder the overall feel of the film and the 'take-home' satiation that money and time are well invested in viewing this movie. This film is in black and white but that adds to the quality of the film. The camera work is exceptional as it optimizes the sense of suspense and emotion with excellent timing.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline   A man runs a club in Casablanca, Morocco, Africa during WWII. A former girlfriend walks in, memories flood back, and the story is on.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Michael Curtiz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jack L. Warner, and Producer Hal B. Wallis for making the film possible. Cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It is a B-grade film but it works for its money by telling a creative, high quality story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE ELECTRIC EARTHQUAKE (Released in 1942)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Electric Earthquake—early Superman short, animated film—doesn't have much time to present its story. The presentation and portrayal are suitable to good.  The concept is interesting. The film is available for viewing on YouTube Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia   Storyline   A Native American man wants the land of Manhattan back. When he is turned down, he creates an artificial earthquake. Super-Man is on the case.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dave Fleischer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Max Fleischer for making the film possible. Cast includes Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Julian Noa, and Jackson Beck. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. It shows early efforts to develop the Super-Man character. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers Yes. This is a good afternoon short film to watch and tells a suitable storyline.

GOPHER GOOFY (Released to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Gopher Goofy—cute, animated short film—has Mel Blanc using a different version of the voice of Bugs Bunny for one of the gophers in this film. Listen for it. Watch for gophers instead of chipmunks for the antics.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A man fights gophers to keep his garden in tip top shape.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Norman McCabe for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Thank you to Mel Blanc for voicing.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good watch and  relies on good writing for its story. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers