ROYAL WEDDING (Released to Theaters USA 1951)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Royal Wedding—perfect family watch—has a misleading title. Watch for terrific Fred Astaire dance routines. The pacing is well done in this film. The presentation and portrayal are very well done.  Film poster courtesy of Google Images Storyline A stage performing duo, a man and his sister, travel the world to perform song/dance routines.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Freed for making the film possible. Cast includes Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, and Albert Sharpe Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. A great watch for families that accesses the talents of Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, and Peter Lawford to tell a great story that is both clean and conducted well. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

UTOPIA * (Released World-Wide 1951)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Utopia—Laurel and Hardy's last film—attempts to place more weight for the story's comedy by adding additional cast members and layering stories to increase interest. The comedy team is struggling to keep their act in the public eye and this work effort does not help them accomplish that aim. Their type of comedy has passed. While this attempt endeavors to enter the new age, it fails.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Laurel gets an inheritance and goes to claim it with Oliver Hardy.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Leo Joannon for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Raymond Eger for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and Suzy Delair.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is not one of  Laurel and Hardy's best works. *Also known as Atoll "K" in France and Robinson Crusoeland in the United Kingdom Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE LEMON DROP KID (Theatrical Release USA 1951)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lemon Drop Kid—one of the better Bob Hope films—presents good, clean comedy without his trademark touch of risqué dialogue. The story is fresh with well-executed dialogue. Good work for everyone in producing this Christmas story that still entertains despite its age.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Lemon Drop Kid finds a unique way to get out of trouble with the mob. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sidney Lanfield and Frank Tashlin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Robert Welch for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, and Lloyd Nolan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is very well done and very much worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers