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

SHANE (Theatrical Release USA 1953)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Shane—good, down-to-earth, refreshing, and simple film—is a wonderful relief from fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, and war movies that currently dominate the market. Great, natural acting by Alan Ladd, Van Heflin, Jean Arthur, Brandon De Wilde, Ben Johnson, and Jack Palance weave through the opening to ending scenes. Good story telling and great writing, that is deeply immersed in thoughtful thinking, bring this film to the forefront for adding to the family home video library. Worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man drifts into a new homesteading area and helps a farming family and the community who have settled there. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Stevens for directing effort. Producer George Stevens for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon deWilde, and Jack Palance. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is good story telling and earns its watch. Even after 70 years (as of 2023), this film has lost none of its entertainment value. It’s an above average western and more than earns its watch.     

                                                                       

Ben Meyers