LILIES OF THE FIELD (Released to Theaters USA 1963)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Lilies of the Field—simple, poignant—shows in black and white and backs itself with a well-written story. It accesses the talents of Sidney Poitier who adds quality and sophistication to the film.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Homer Smith unknowingly stops at a convent in the Arizona desert for water for his car and reluctantly gets caught in an obligation to help the nuns build a chapel.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Ralph Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ralph Nelson for making the film possible. Cast includes Lilia Skala and Sidney Poitier.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a great watch for Sidney Poitier fans. Lovable story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SON OF FLUBBER (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Son of Flubber—sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor—runs on a  simple, fun, and goofy theme. Fred MacMurray reprises his role as Professor Ned Brainard. While its not a great story and does not have a terrific presentation, it still serves as an easy-on-the-mind watch that does not require a great deal of audience emotional involvement to enjoy. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a professor’s attempts to get an invention approved by the US Government. The expected revenue does not materialize and he works on another invention.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Ed Wynn, Charles Ruggles, Leon Ames, Ken Murray, William Demarest, Paul Lynd, Elliott Reid, Bob Sweeney, Joanna Moore and Edward Andrews. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a clean, decent, afternoon watch that contains its fair share of comical dialogue. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SAVAGE SAM (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Savage Sam—sequel to the movie Old Yeller—is a sweet revisit to a more innocent era of storytelling. This sequel does not compare favorably with its prequel movie in storyline or presentation, but it still deserves its watch as a good family share movie and has its own spark of creativity due to its simple, straightforward storyline. Several actors reprise their roles from the first film and supplementation is provided with the addition of Brian Keith, Slim Pickens, Marta Kristen, and Royal Dano. The movie is a welcome revisit to past film-ology efforts with a strong focus on late western Americana pioneer history. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Three children are abducted by Native American raiders and a party of rescuers track them with the help of the children’s dog. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Norman Tokar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bill Anderson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brian Keith, Tommy Kirk, Marta Kristen, Kevin Corcoran, Dewey Martin, and Jeff York. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good and worthy watch for the whole family. Look for some terrific stunt work involving horses and their riders. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers