THE JUNGLE BOOK (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Jungle Book—not a lot of story to work with—manages to create a watchable movie due to the highly personable animated characters and the introduction of some terrific musical tunes with very good accompanying  lyrics. While not a message movie, it manages to convey some outstanding philosophical ideas that are better to absorb early-on in life rather than later. The exceptionally well-animated movie uses dated technology that, in this case, audiences may find welcome. It’s a good addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy raised in the jungle is trying to be saved from  the predatory tiger, Sher Khan. A black panther tries to take him to the man village to protect him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Bruce Rietherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, Louis Prima, J. Pat O’Malley, Verna Felton, Clint Howard, Chad Stuart, Lord Tim Hudson, John Abbott, Ben Wright, and Darleen Carr.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thin, linear storyline introduces some classic, unbeatable music. Cute watch that supersedes the value of other remakes whether animated or live. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

THE WAR WAGON (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The War Wagon—one of John Wayne’s better films—is told well and presented well. The story, as are many westerns, does not reach classic status, but does receive a higher score than most westerns because Wayne, by this date, has completely matured as an actor with a strong, visible, dominating screen presence. Kirk Douglas plays as co-actor. The duo make a great team. Watch for other classic actors: Bruce Cabot, Bruce Dern, Howard Keel, and Keenan Wynn. It’s an honest watch and deserves addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A rancher, after release from prison, desires return of his property. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Burt Kennedy for making the film possible. Thank you to Producer Marvin Schwartz for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Howard Keel, Robert Walker Jr., Bruce Cabot, Keenan Wynn, and Joanna Barnes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its age, this movie is more than worth watching. It has lost none of its entertainment value through the years. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TAMMY AND THE MILLIONAIRE (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Tammy and the Millionaire—the storyline is a little cliché—serves as a sweet, innocent watch for audiences looking for Cinderella-type stories that are light on the mind. The story is well-written and reflects good ethics and honesty. It is an old-fashioned entertainment piece that is worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A simple country girl shows exceptional secretarial ability and is hired by an upper-class family to serve in that capacity. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Leslie Goodwins, Sidney Miller, and Ezra Stone for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer David Wesson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Debbie Watson, Frank McGrath, Denver Pyle, George Furth, Donald Woods, Dorothy Green, David Macklin, Linda Marshall, Jay Shefield, and Teddy Quinn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a good, old-fashioned watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers