BOY ON A DOLPHIN (Released to Theaters USA 1957)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Boy on a Dolphin—suitable—works best in the era it was made mostly because the storyline is no longer unique as it would have been in the 1950s. Look for Clifton Webb, Alan Ladd, and Sophia Loren, and some terrific, authentic scenes of Greek's ocean waters and Grecian architecture from that time period.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  One man wants to make money for himself; the other man wants to benefit Greece with an artifact from a sunken ship.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Jean Negulesco for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Samuel G. Engel for making the film possible. Cast includes Alan Ladd, Clifton Webb, Piero Giagnoni, Sophia Loren, Alexis Minotis, Jorge Mistral, and Laurence Naismith. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It is a bit difficult to see the relevance of the film. It is what it is.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

JOHNNY TREMAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Johnny Tremain—okay/good story—presents an easy-to-digest history lesson that is simply written. It’s a quiet reminder of the American Revolution and the concerted effort it took to win that war. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about: Johnny Tremaine and his activity with the Sons of Liberty and the events leading to the American Revolution. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hal Stalmaster, Luana Patten, Jeff York, and Sebastian Cabot. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s not an outstanding or high quality movie but it works as a simple reminder of a piece American history…that phrase “One if by land, two if by sea”…is good to hear again. It’s a good watch share for children and adults and provides some good discussion material both before and after watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OLD YELLER (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Old Yeller—cute, clean, simple, family watch—appeals to both the adult and child audience. While the movie runs on a slower story-telling mode, it has a certain classic feel that leaves a good after viewing emotion. It presents many good life lessons that are easy to understand to include how important each family member is in maintaining the integrity of family. This straight-forward movie, with no hidden agenda, works at the G-rated level for everyone. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A stray dog leaves his imprint on a rural pioneering family's hearts. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Beverly Washburn, and Chuck Connors. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is cute, simple and leaves a feel-good after viewing emotion. It’s a good share movie for the whole family and still, despite its age, makes a good family home video library addition.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers