ESTHER AND THE KING (Released to Theaters USA 1960)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Esther and the King—exaggerated, stilted acting— is not the best film for a biblical film. It has a long way to go to make it to a high quality watch and mostly to tell the unembellished story. The presentation is slow. The movie is disorganized and difficult to follow.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A woman presents herself in front of the Persian King and is soon made queen in the year 478 BC. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Raoul Walsh for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Raoul Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes Joan Collins, Richard Egan, and Denis O'Dea.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It tells a story of Esther but does not follow the Book of Esther. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (Released to Theaters USA 1960)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Swiss Family Robinson—good child/adult share—has appeal for a wide audience range and its own unique story that includes shipwreck and pirates. It’s a light watch with good island scenery and enough domesticated and wild animals to make a good story. The conclusion is perfectly suited to the story. Watch for Tommy Kirk as Ernst Robinson. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family survives a shipwreck and finds themselves marooned on an island. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Ken Annakin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Anderson, Walt Disney, Associate Producer Basil Keys, for making the film possible. Cast includes John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Sessue Hayakawa, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Cecil Parker, Andy Ho, Milton Reid, and Larry Taylor.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a simple, one time watch for a lazy afternoon with the family. If an audience has not seen the movie for awhile,  it is still watchable.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

POLLYANNA (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Pollyanna—wonderful watch—has terrific casting and great presentation. This movie has great acting, great presentation, and a wonderful story to tell. Pollyanna is one of those films that will always belong in the classic section and deserves addition to the home video library. It’s a perfect child/adult share that provides positive discussion for healthful ways of thinking. Original, fresh, and creative storyline never needs a remake because it is done rightly the first time. Hayley Mills is perfectly cast for the character, Pollyanna. Every casting choice is top-of-the-line. This collectible film is worth both time and money and earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This comedy drama is about: A young girl brings positive change into a small town through her cheerful and upbeat personality. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Swift for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jane Wyman, Richard Egan, Karl Malden, Nancy Olson, Adolphe Menjou, Donald Crisp, Agnes Moorehead, Kevin Corcoran, and Hayley Mills. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Absolutely a quality watch from its opening to its closing scenes.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

NORTH TO ALASKA (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

North to Alaska runs on a shallow storyline and bad to okay acting. It sticks to a limited set of stage settings and gives no relief with any outstanding cinematic views of Alaska or the Seattle coastlands. The small exploration into the logging community in Seattle are the most interesting scenes in this movie. The film tries to be a comedy but doesn’t quite get there. Both John Wayne and Stewart Granger do not compliment each other well in this film and the addition of Fabian does not help.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Friends strike it rich in the Alaskan wilderness. One friend travels to Seattle to get a wife for the other friend. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Henry Hathaway for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry Hathaway, John Lee Martin, and Charles Feldman for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Capucine, Ernie Kovacs, and Fabian. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film is predictable and is one of John Wayne’s lesser performances. Better John Wayne westerns include: The Shootist or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers