1940's - Decade To Remember DVD

Advantages: It's Frankie!
Disadvantages: Disappointing and disorganised.

...My Ebaying goes through phases and recently, I have been buying several Frankie Howerd things. I am currently reading a biography on him and this DVD was another recent purchase. I have admired Frankie for as long as I can remember. I have a very similar sense of humour to my Dad and was brought up on Carry On films and 1970s sitcoms. Frankie fits well into that style of camp comedy and innuendo. There is a sauciness about it, but also a level of innocence and the combination is one which I find hits the spot and is generally very funny. I love watching Frankie in Carry On films, but enjoy his other work too. This DVD is a compilation of routines, sketches and interviews he did over decades of his long TV career. In each one, his comic persona shines through the screen, for he rarely showed his real self on camera and was a rather shy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A sleeping masterpiece with detectives, voodoo and the devil
Disadvantages: Have to pay attention at times.

...Hmm, I can't actually remember buying this one. One day it just appeared in my video collection. I'm sure I must have bought in one of those Virgin deals, but...I can't remember. I may have inherited it, I just don't know. It does seem familiar however. Maybe 'outside' put it there, hmm. Regardless, this must rate as one of one of my favourite films. A strange tale of private detectives, 1940s cabaret singers and the devil. Like Miller's Crossing seen through a dirty window. Mickey Rourke plays the character of Harry Angel, hired by Louis Cypher (subtle) to find a singer who has defaulted on a 'contract'. From here the tale takes a murderous turn, with a string of murders following Angel's investigations. The film really heats up in New Orleans, with spine-chilling omens and disturbing imagery, leading to a twist to rival... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Total creation of the era, plenty of plot to keep you occupied
Disadvantages: Not a light hearted film

...was filmed decades before; the combination of these things transports you into the film’s universe, whilst the captivating story and brilliant acting grab you and keep you there for two hours. Based on the book by Robert Towne, “Chinatown” follows Jake Gittes’ (played by Jack Nicholson) investigations into the adultery, and ultimate murder, of Hollis Mulwray. Naturally, as it’s a murder mystery, to say any more would definitely ruin the plot. Apart from this, the plot is so complex I would find it hard to actually put it into words. As someone who has watched it more than once (three times that he could remember), my husband said he couldn’t even remember the story. All I will tell you is that it has something to do with water, and it’s set in Los Angeles (I think). Don’t worry though; the complicated plot doesn’t ever detract from your... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful