Reviews (23)

Better Than The Movie!
There is something compelling about the movie version To Hell And Back which I first viewed as a boy in the 1950s. Perhaps it was the fact that the star was the hero himself "replaying" some of his own wartime experiences. Over the years, the movie has appeared repeatedly on television, and almost routinely on the History Channel. I've watched it many times. The movie, however, pales by comparison to Murphy's actual Medal of Honor citation. Now that I finally have read his book, the citation itself seems to offer only a fraction of the story behind his guts,determination, and eventually the horrible memories he endured until his untimely death in a plane crash. It makes me shutter to think of myself as a combat veteran from Vietnam compared to what men like Audie Murphy had to endure for the duration of their tours in World War II. But, it also makes me realize that war for frontline troops has changed little from one generation to the next. This ought to be REQUIRED READING for everyone who send others to war!

Surprisingly Good Hollywood Take On Murphy's War
The single biggest reason to watch this movie is that the star himself was in fact the single most decorated war hero of World War Two, and he is convincing here playing himself with dignity, sincerity, and humility, which, of course, Audie Murphy always had in spades. The movie was adopted from his best-selling autobiography, which my Mom let me read after blackening out all of the four letter slang (as she called it). Perhaps it shows that he was my childhood hero, and I still have a personalized autographed photo somewhere reading "Thanks, Barry, for being my fan" that a friend's mom got for three or four of us ten year olds at the time this movie was released in the mid 1950s. It was the first movie I saw ten times. And I wasn't alone; Murphy was a national icon.

The movie truly is a classic; tightly directed, poignant, honest, accurate, and showing gripping combat without being gory or maudlin. It sometimes decends into travelogue movie-theater type newsreel moments, but these are thankfully rare and forgiveable. On the other hand, this is an interesting and absolutely true story of a common and uneducated boy from rural Texas who wanted more than anything to be a soldier and serve his country, and his subsequent deeds and patriotism above and beyond the call of duty inspired a whole generation of us who wanted to imitate his call to country. Unfortunately we walked into another time and the miasma of Vietnam. But that's another story for another time. Escape back to a time when the moral choices were clearer, and a real live hero was available to act his way memorably through an accurate recounting of his extraordinary if abbreviated military career. He may be gone too soon, the victim of a plane crash in the early 1970s, but his lifetime admirers remain. Enjoy!

Very good
Hey its a good movie....but one thing that the movie compresses to the extreme is his act that won him the Medal of Honor. Its EXTREMELY downplayed in the movie. In reality he held off a German advance from 3 directions for over an HOUR....an hour!!! Then just seconds after he jumped off the tank it blew up.

Just wanted to set the record straight on that....

A Real American
My father enlisted in the Army in 1949 at the age of 18 while inspired by the actions of Audie Murphy. He went to Korea and fought bravely for the USA. I enlisted in the Army in 1992 at the age of 17 for the same reason. This movie not only makes you think but also inspires.

I'm embarassed
I have to say that after I saw this movie, I was a little embarassed that I had never heard of Audie Murphy before, especially since I'm 37 years old. This guy epitomizes the term "war hero" and his story needs to be retold. I'd love to see this remade so that more generations of people would know about him. The current version was great, especially because Audie plays himself. A must watch, especially for anyone who doesn't know anything about him. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A very silly but lovely 1950s soap opera
There are some wonderful reasons to add the newly released-on-DVD "The Best of Everything" to your film library. For one, it is a glittering and colorful glimpse into New York City circa 1959. Fox certainly has done a commendable job with the DVD--the picture quality and sound are both crystal clear. Cinemascope has rarely been this fun to watch, because now one can see it digitally mastered in widescreen with vivid color photography by Deluxe brought to sparkling life.

The film is very, very lush. From the beginning, when the screen fills with a sunny view of the Manhattan skyline to the sounds of Johnny Mathis crooning the Oscar-nominated theme song, you know you are in for grand entertainment. All of the performances are fine, with Crawford a standout.

I think it's funny that although Joan Crawford only has five to ten minutes of screen time in "The Best of Everything," her picture is featured very prominently on the back and front covers of the DVD. The casual watcher may never know that the ultimate movie star had a only a supporting role, yet with that tiny role she managed to steal the entire picture and make it her own!That's star power!

As enjoyable as the film is, it is incredibly flawed. If one was interested in sexist attitudes (concerning men AND women) and how they have changed since the 1950s, there couldn't be a more relevant movie to watch. It is shocking, and sometimes disturbing, how much attitudes have changed.

For example, at one point during the movie, Catherine (played by lovely Hope Lange) is told by David, one of her romantic interests, that once she has proven to herself she can make it in the publishing world (which, in his view, could be the only reason a woman might have some kind of ambition) she should quit it all, get married, and "love happily ever after." Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to be in love happily ever after, but it certainly represents a double-standard. Who would ever tell a man such a thing?Could you imagine Hope Lange telling David that a man's ambition is only him trying to prove himself, and that he should cut it out and love happily ever after? (now I can imagine Joan Crawford saying that to Clark Gable, but there weren't any characters with that kind of will or independence in this film).

So much of the dialogue and morality in the film is dated, and some of it is very disturbing, but there are still some good things about the story. There are some great viewpoints on love, and how casual dating and hookups can hurt people, and my favorite line has to be, "Here's to men, with their clean-shaven faces and their dirty little minds." It's funny to say the least!

OH, YES... TAKE ME BACK TO '59
Yes, please take me back to 1959, to New York in 1959, or even back to Rio de Janeiro, a couple of years before, where I met Rona Jaffe practically every single night at the then world-famous "Sacha's" nightclub, where Rona was already drafting her novel mentally...
When the film started shooting the exteriors in front of the Seagram's building, one could actually walk-up to lovely Suzy Parker and chat with her about how real was the "new morality" of the liberated New York girls in the executive suites, decades before Sex and the City became the post-mortem of the sexual revolution of the Sixties.
At night we had the many parties thrown by Negulesco and his charming wife, while Stephen Boyd was being charming to my wife, Brazilian actress Mariza Woodward, featured in LIFE Magazine as one of the most beautiful gals in Rio.
Oh, yes, take me back!
And if you were not there then, if you were not even born then, do get this DVD and visit New York 1959 and see how charmingly it all started, despite where it eventually ended.

Good Peek into Women in Publishing in 1959
"The Best of Everything" is based on the novel by Rona Jaffe and it's popular fiction roots show.With a wonderful splashy opening song by Johnny Mathis and the sight of young, pretty Hope Lange as Caroline Bender answering an ad (hilariously promising "the best of everything" in a secretarial career) at a posh Manhattan publishing house, the film revolves around three young women seeking their fortunes in the Big Apple. The three central characters (all of whom start in the typing pool at Fabian's Publishing and come to share a cold water flat) include Lange as impeccably and jauntily suited Caroline (she really does wear a suit well), the woman with the most smarts and dignity of the three, who quickly demonstrates a natural aptitude and moxie for the publishing business; impossibly gorgeous Suzy Parker as aspiring actress Gregg Adams (Parker, a top model of the time, seems way too glamorous, sophisticated and beautiful to be lost in the typing pool or ignored by casting agents); and Diane Baker as chirpy, annoying, naive April Morrison, fresh from Hicksville and willing to swallow any hook or line that is thrown her way.Her main goal is to marry.

The usual soap opera commences, but it's fun stuff with lots of dish and dirt.Although the attitudes towards women remind women of why the feminist movement began (sexual harassment tolerated by the resident lecher, Mr. Shalimar, played with alcoholic panache and humor by Brian Aherne; all women with careers looked on as "hard" and having missed the boat in romance; double standard between men and women), honey, anyone who has seen the inside of a secretarial pool today can tell you things haven't changed terribly much beyond --cosmetically--the sexual attitudes. The secretaries storming the Bastille in the morning, brimming with gossip and tales of engagements, are much the same today, and Joan Crawford is believable as the tough editor Amanda Farrow who gives her "girl" a hard time -- with the exception of some of her unintentionally hilarious lines.(When Farrow retires to pursue a love affair, hoping it's not "too late," she later returns and announces, "It was too late.")And what man today would hand his girl socks to darn with she so cheerfully happy to comply?

But it's all fun!My favorite line:when the busload of employees are en route to the company picnic, singing, and Baker chirps to Lange, "Isn't it wonderful?" and Lange says, "I'd rather be shot in the head."

Great Slice of Nostalgia, but NOT campy!!!
After reading the reviews posted here, I ordered "The Best of Everything" with eager anticipation as so many reviewers mentioned the archaic dialogue, gorgeous scenery, and retro sets and costumes.The biggest influenece on my buying this however, was the constant comparison to my all-time favorite movie, "Valley of the Dolls".If you purchase this looking for the same campy, kitschy experience you get from VOTD, you will, like me, be very disappointed.This movie was indeed charming and a great look back at how it used to be, but not a camp delight by any means.Just don't expect something else like I did!

A Manhattan Melodrama Meets a Valley of Dolls
I am still trying to figure out why I like this film (and so many like it), when in truth, the submissiveness of females and their dependence on the love of a man really sicken me.The depiction of women in this film is perhaps a bit more progressive than that in other films of this genre, as the women are, at least, "career women", and much of the story is set in the office, of a large publishing firm, Fabian Publishing.However, among the three key friends and principal characters (played by Hope Lange, Suzy Parker, and Diane Baker), Lange's character Caroline Bender is the only one determined to be an editor.However, at the same time, when her colleague Mike Rice (Stephen Boyd) asks her if she has any ambitions beyond working a year or so, she quite adamantly says "no..none at all"...so, it's a bit contradictory, and frustrating. And he, of course, says it's "wonderful" when she agrees with him that it would be quite satisfying for her to "get her feet wet in publishing for a year or two to prove what she has "to prove", marry a doctor or lawyer, and have babies".UGH!!!But, it's 1959, so, you have to keep it in perspective.

Some of the dialog is beyond hope, but I inexplicably continue to watch this film, every so often.Maybe it's the women's clothing...I love suits, and I miss dressing up for work.(Business casual has been one of several downfalls of today's workplace, as far as I'm concerned). No, but really...perhaps it is because I want to see if at least one of these women wakes up and takes stock in her own life, and throws back all of the garbage that her "sweetheart" dishes out at her.Hope Lange does so to a degree when she rhetorically asks her slime-bucket hometown beau Eddie, in paraphrase, "what is it about men that they think they deserve the most refined, cultured, "respectable" women from the "best schools and the best families" only "part-time", for only fun, but ignore all of the attendant responsibilities that would turn frolic into long-term, serious relationships."She then goes on to say that a number of women will play the same game as men, for a while, but eventually, they'll have to pick up a few extra men of their own, to fill in the time when they're not with the one they really want.I at least admire her honesty about the pitfalls and emptiness of "casual dating" and "hooking up".

The opening credits are very nice...Manhattan in the spring/summertime is always glorious.Though I need to laugh that it's Johnny Mathis singing the title song, "The Best of Everything" (I've always thought that he was a very funny singer...he often breaks what should be long-held notes with silence...perhaps he's breathing, but we don't hear him inhale), it's also perfect....who else would be singing this song for a 1950's movie about finding your way in life and in love.

Joan Crawford's boss is in many ways no different from some of the tyrannical maniacs for whom I've had the complete displeasure to work.Joan Crawford's Amanda Farrow was more or less a direct, no holds barred, right-in-your face "meanie", telling Hope Lange that she does not have what it takes to become a Reader, much less an Editor.And, she did it in front of the rest of the typing pool (how unprofessional is that?).In the 80's, people stabbed you in the back.In the 90's, and to a degree, now, people smile at you directly, and let you believe all is well, until you're laid off in one life-altering second.

I found it inconsistent how the Suzy Parker character started out as an independent, career-minded, aspiring actress, who prided herself on never having needed a man ("to love, and to let go...that's me"), but ended up becoming the most debilitated by the rejection of a man with whom she had fallen in love.And of course, it's also amazing how Diane Baker, fresh from being thrown out of a speeding car and losing a baby (out of wedlock, no less, in the 1950's!) manages to attract the attention and heart of a young, studly doctor when she's still wearing bandages and no make-up in her hospital bed.Wonders never cease in a 1950's melodrama!

If you hedonistically enjoy "Valley of the Dolls", or "Written on the Wind", you'll love "The Best of Everything".
... Read more

Reviews (26)

Beware this sequel to the classic original--it needs help...
"The Return of the Fly" attempts to duplicate the success of the original science fiction/horror classic but pretty much trying to duplicate the original plot line. However, instead of achieving horror the end result this time around is completely laughable. Philippe Delambre (Brett Halsey), the son of the original "fly" Andre Delambre, grows to continue his father's teleportation experiments. Once again Francois Delambre (Vincent Price) helps Philippe as he did the boy's father. And, once again, a Delambre trades his head and an arm with a fly. Price, whose performance in the original was wonderfully understated, goes back to overacting and when the fly starts running around the countryside it is impossible not to start laughing so hard you are in danger of choking on your popcorn. Go watch David Cronenberg's remake, where he tells how this story would have "really" happened, instead of "The Return of the Fly." Watching this sequel will only leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Excellent Originals! The FLY x 2 on DVD!
This DVD is a good example of 1950s classic science at its best. You get the original "The Fly" and its sequel. In 1958's "The Fly" man through his science takes experimentation of his environment one step too far. Man's attempts to disrupt nature's harmony leads to destruction and horror to him and his loved ones. This is a well intentioned, poignantly directed and produced film. The horror resulting from Al (David) Hedison's experiments gone awry are devastating and disturbingly represented in the film's images. Once seen, the viewer can never forget them. This is a powerful film even to this day. Vincent Price as François and Charles Herbert as the young Philippe are good. However, David Hedison and Patricia Owens' performances are brilliant and elevate this film a notch higher. This CinemaScope print by cinematographer Karl Struss on this DVD is beautiful. The colors are rich and the Stereo Sound is excellent. Paul Sawtell's lush score is eerily touching. On the flip side, 1959's "The Return of the Fly" is an interesting and imaginative sequel. Brydon Baker's black & white CinemaScope photography gives it a feel of film noir with a twist of science fiction. It looks great on this DVD. Both Vincent Price as François and Bret Halsey as the grown Philippe turn in believable performances. This can be attributed to Director Edward Bernds' choice to concentrate on characterization over the science fiction elements, which had also been effectively accomplished in the original. John Sutton as Inspector Charas (played by Herbert Marshall in the original) turned in his best performance since 1952's "Five Fingers." The score by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter was very effective to the mood of the piece. This is an excellent and highly underrated film. This is a handsome DVD and highly recommended.

Help...Me...
This is truly a classic sci-fi flick from the 1950's. A man switches head and arm with a fly. The struggle to find the tiny fly with "a white head and a funny looking arm" begins after learning of this tragic mistake. The movie reaches its climax when the fly's head is revealed and the woman screams. At the end, we see a scary ending that kept me up that night. I heard that the only reason Vincent Price and the person who played Chalas didn't talk to each other is that they couldn't help but laugh when they talked due to the squeaky voice of the Fly (What?). The ending is truly a classic. And please...help...me...

A Classic
The Fly is a true classic. A woman is arrested for crushing her husband in a steam press, she seems rather mellow about it, doing what she had to do, and it's up to the detective and her brother-in-law (Vincent Price) to make her tell the story - a flash-back. What follows is a truly disturbing tale of a scientific experiment gone terribly wrong, the concept being hilarious and truly horrible at the same time, while the matter-of-factly treatment sets the perfect mood.
The image-transfer is adequate, but the colours seem a little washed out. Although Return of the Fly is rubbish it's of course an appropriate B-side feature. It has a few incitingly surreal images, the protagonist running around the country side with an enormous bug head for example. Being in black and white it looks better than the first one.

BZZZzzzzzzzzzz...
"The Fly" is a well made / known sci-fi classic. Andre (David Hedison) is a scientist, working on a contraption that disintegrates solid matter, sending it to another location to be re-integrated. Andre wants to develop it for the good of mankind, but that would make for one dull movie! Instead, he accidentally enters the disintegration chamber with an undetected fly. The two become fused into one being. Andre ends up with a fly head and claw. The fly gets Andre's head and upper body. Andre's wife is tested to the depths of her love for her now hideous husband. A frantic search for the tiny fly ensues (maybe they could de-fuse them??) with tragic results. Vincent Price is excellent as Andre's brother. Yes, it's true that "Return Of The Fly" is nowhere near as good as it's predocessor. However, I like having them both together anyway. Andre's son Phillipe is all grown up and decides to continue his father's work. He enlists the help of a guy who turns out to be a sociopathic criminal, bent on stealing the invention and selling it to an accomplice. After killing a nosey cop (by turning him into a guinea pig man), he knocks Phillipe out and puts him in the disintegration cabinet with a suspiciously handy fly. The rest of the film is a revenge story. I like the crooks and the way Phillipe avenges their treachery. A great double feature! Pop some corn, pour the beverages, and check the house for those pesky insects... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Curl up with the popcorn and indulge....
Okay, so it is VERY different from the original PEYTON PLACE, but so was the book! Carol Lynley and Tuesday Weld are gorgeous, adorable and totally enjoyable. Eleanor Parker and Mary Astor are campier than a couple of drag queens. It is kitschy, early 60s soap opera at is best. This should be playing in revival houses as a double bill with the original. Watch for Bob Crane in a cameo role as a talk show sidekick.

Horrible Follow Up To The Original Classic
The only thing good about this video is the opening song sung by Rosemary Clooney.

This was a terrible sequel to the original movie. Different cast, different feel. Rent the video before you buy this one.

Return to Peyton Place ... an entertaining sequel
This is an interesting sequel from the point of view that none of the cast from Peyton Place reprise their roles and the time period seems to have been moved up 10 or 15 years without the principal characters aging. This film retains the feel of the original in some of the scenes (especially behind the credits where many of the pastoral New England shots from the original were used), but it has a back lot studio look about it in other scenes. Unlike the original, a good portion of this story takes place in New York City as it revolves its focus amongst the pairs of main characters. The story is standard soap opera material, yet it does not fail to entertain thanks to fine performances from a menacing Mary Astor, a charming and gracious Jeff Chandler and a noble Robert Sterling. Not to its detriment nor benefit, the main characters of this piece consist of the film's younger cast members who's performances are just standard with the exception of Tuesday Weld. However, the film benefits from beautiful color photography and Franz Waxman's reworking of his original Peyton Place score, which is in stereo on this VHS copy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great 1968 Spaghetti written by Dario Argento
This title was originally released in 1968 as "Oggi a me... domani a te!" in Italy, or "Today is Me... Tomorrow You" in the US. Directed by relatively unknown Tonino Cervi (at least this seems to be his only western) it seems that the storylines of Dario Argento can never fail. Most interesting is how this movie has borrowed ideas from "The Magnificent Seven" yet still succeeds very well. There is one scene in a gunshop where Brett Halsey purchases a revolver and it is so uncannily similar to "The Good Bad and the Ugly" the viewer is left wondering who is borrowing from whom in these 60's spaghetti's! The film moves fairly well but is a bit slow in places, it is a fairly typical story of revenge where Nakadai's character borrows heavily from the character played by Gian Maria Volonte in 'For a Few Dollars More'. Nakadai plays a thoroughly weird character without the brilliance of Volonte but still a great character and to some extent makes this film. Bud Spencer fans will probably be disappointed with a rather shallow role and traditional 'John Wayne' western fans will probably dislike this rather bizaree European creation. But for Spaghetti fans highly recommended.

Tatsuya Nakadai in a Dario Argento scripted western
I saw a Variety ad for an Italian western with the ad copy is the Samurai sword faster than the six gun. Have never seen that one. This has him as a Mexican Comanchero who mostly uses a pistol but has a few scenes where he uses a machete as a Samurai sword. For Nakadai fans this is a must though he has a supporting part as the bad guy. It is no Illusion of Blood or Sword of Doom but worth a look. Montgomery Ford is really Brett Halsey who is also in the Mario Bava Roy Colt and Winchester Jack. As entertainment I enjoyed the overall story, the action was well done, ditto the direction. Give it a try. When I saw it in a cheapo theatre the print had a greenish hue. This was a clean print for the most part.

One good western!
I bought this movie because Bud Spencer was in it, and I was pleased! Its about Bill Kiowa was framed for killing his wife and sent to prison for 5 years. When hes released from jail he goes to his fathers house to see how his dad was doing and to get all of his money. After this he rounds up a few people (including Bud Spencer) and he wants to kill the buddy who killed his wife. One bad thing about this movie is Bud Spencers voice! Its very high, usually its dubbed low, and this is annoying. The best scene is where Bud is tied to the chair and he tears the arms of the chair right off! Its a good film....3 stars.

Decent Spaghetti Western
If you are buying this as a Bud Spencer fan skip it. Bud's voice is dubbed in a voice higher than his which might bother you. The story is about a man kiowa(Ford) who's framed for robbery and his wife killed. After 5 years in jail he's released he than hires Bud and some others to help him catch and kill the guy. A decent western but thats it. ... Read more

Description

Malcom Evans leads his archaeological expedition into the Valley of Temples. His former student, Liza Harris, is drawn to the remains of a 16th Century convent and its grisly legend of crucifixion. The local villagers rise to protect the secrets of their ancestors, as Liza's obsession with the truth takes her deeper into the forbidden ruins and further from sanity! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

perfect example of FULCI'S ARTWORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this movie is a perfect example of LUCIO FULCI'S unsettleing ARTWORK!!!!most mainstream conditioned critics & adience's shun & insult FULCI'S work because it doesn't make perfect sense to them,they pick it apart & have to many questions when the movie ends & they miss the whole point!!!!!!the point to fulci's work IS!! to unsettle & confuse you that then sets you up to be scared of anything & everything & in "DEMONIA" like most his other efforts he sucseeds at doing just that!!! THATS WHAT ART IS!!! like a painting or a special song,these things have different meanings for everyone!!!!! confusion & loose ends makes great OPEN MINDED ART!!!! like a puzzle thats almost finished but only you have the special pieces within you & your imagination to complete it.if none of this is making any sense to you then DON'T!!! bother watching this movie or any of LUCIO FULCI'S movies!?!?!?! if your a true fan of the ARTISTC HORROR/GORE genre but not to familiar with LUCIO FULCI'S movies or euro/horror in genral then "DEMONIA" is a great place to start as well as "BEYOND" "HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY" "CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD" "ZOMBIE" & so on!!!!!here are some other directors to check out as well "DARIO ARGENTO" "MARIO & LAMBERTO BAVA" "JOE D'AMATO" "UMBERTO LENZI" anyway i love this movie & if you understood anything i said above, then you will love this movie to!!!the dvd came out decent a few bad picture quality spots but nothing to ruin the flick. so hurry up & get this GEM of a movie & TURN OUT ALL THE LIGHTS O--P--E--N UP YOUR MIND & ALL YOUR SCARED SENSES & E----N----J----O----Y!!!!!!!!!@#$%^&*(

Minor Fulci Effort
Sicily, 1486: A group of angry men convey several nuns to an underground chamber. Here they tie the nuns to crosses, then proceed to crucify them. . . .

Canada, 1990: Professor Paul Evans is preparing an archaeological expedition to visit Sicily in search of Greek remains. (The Classical Greeks established several city-states as colonies in Sicily.) One of his graduate students, Liza Harris, who is part of the professor's team, attends a séance and has a strange vision of nuns being crucified. . . .

The expedition arrives in Sicily and begins work at a dig site near the coastal village of Santa Rosalaria. Liza wanders off to investigate the ruins of a medieval nunnery overlooking the site. Something in the atmosphere of the ruins seems to disturb her. She eventually finds a passage leading into a series of crypts beneath the nunnery. At the lowest level, she finds'a group of rotting female corpses, affixed by nails to wooden crosses.

Deeply puzzled by finding physical remains that match her earlier vision, Liza goes into town and attempts to consult the town records. But she finds that several key passages dating to the late Middle Ages have been removed from the records. A strange woman appears and promises to give Liza the answers she seeks if Liza will visit the woman the next day.

When Liza goes to meet the woman, the woman tells here about the old nunnery. The sisters there were really devil worshippers. They lured young men to the nunnery, then killed them during the course of wild orgies. The villagers of Santa Rosalaria finally decided to eradicate the blasphemous evil of the nuns, in the fashion Liza has already seen in her visions'through crucifixion.

Meanwhile, several murders linked to a phantom female figure have occurred in and around Santa Rosalaria. The locals are convinced that the archaeologists somehow have released the spirits of the evil nuns. A mob gathers, and sets out for the ruins. Inside, they set fire to the corpses of the nuns. This seems to end the menace'but Liza dies also. Apparently the spirit of the head nun had been possessing her and using her body to commit the murders.

Demonia is a slow-paced and unrewarding effort from 'wizard of gore' director Lucio Fulci. The murders are simply an excuse for Fulci's customary gruesome exercises, and the general rationale for the supernatural menace is poorly defined. I was disappointed by this film.

Waste of time
I love Fulci's zombie flicks, but this is something very different. Evil nuns coming back to take revenge sounds like a cool idea but trust me, the execution of the story is really bad. The last 20 minutes are so confusing and stupid I just wish I hadn't even bothered with it. House By The Cemetery, Gates Of Hell and the Beyond blow this away. There is some decent gore here but it doesn't save the film. Fulci had just lost his touch at this point, so I'd say see this only if you are a completist.

A Film About Nothing
Demonia sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, what with an ancient evil, crucified nuns, and horrific murders, but it turns out to be a pretty dud film. The film steals shamelessly from it's predecessors "The Beyond" and "City of The Living Dead", in fact, there is hardly any originality in the whole film. The story centres on a young woman on an archeological dig who unwittingly uncovers the secret of an ancient ruined nunnery, and revives a bunch of long-dead nuns who were put to death for satanic and evil crimes.
The script and acting are pedestrian at best, and while lead actress Meg Register looks gorgeous and does her best, she really isn't given anything intelligent to do or say. What truly lets the film down is that the actual return of the nuns is scarcely even seen on screen, and the various deaths that befall the cast seem to happen by themselves! The murders themselves are of course pretty gruesome, although not in the same league as Fulci's earlier horror epics, and the special effects range from lame (the spike pit) to unconvincing ( an attack by cats), as though Fulci can't be bothered to put the effort into these scenes that he used to. The standout effect, however involves a man split in two by being tied to tree branches, and although it begins unconvincingly, the overall effect is actually pretty disgusting, so be prepared for that one!
So, all in all, a far from essential purchase. At least the film looks good in places, and the ruined nunnery is a beautiful looking real location, but apart from that, I would lose no sleep about not having seen this film.

Another Great Fulci Film
Im fast becoming a Fulci fan. Here is one that is close to "The Beyond" in surreal horror. Sadistic, satanic nuns being crucified with the nastiest one to make a return centuries later. You have all the Fulci gore (yes an eyeball or two included) and Lucio himself as the inspector. A+++ ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Twice watched flick
Nice flick, and yes, reminicent of Corman in a slightly more straightforward way. Not only does it lack Corman's dreamy camerawork, but the picture also seems by bits to be suffering from too much bright lighting, where there should be shadows and mid-tones. The film is well presented, the copy is very good, with probably the best picture / sound quality available. Definitely not terryfying to modern viewer, but worth buying, if you have all the Corman films, and still want more!

On the original movie.
Scoff all you want to about whether or not this movie is scary by todays terms. I haven't see the DVD but I saw the original movie back in 1963 as a six year old. First movie I think I ever saw in a theater and it gave me nightmares for YEARS. I have searched for this movie for years in ANY format to see (as an adult) what so terrified me in my youth. After 40 years I have finally found it available in a format I can purchase and view - and have just ordered it. After a long search, glad I finally found it.

worth watching
The movie suffers ironically from the "House of Green Gables", the most well known story in the movie. It dragged along, even Beverly Garland and Vincent Price's charisma couldn't hold the story together and that's saying a lot.
But I do recommend it. The first two stories were imaginative and well done.

THREE TIMES THE PRICE
While all of these tales might have been mildly scary back in 1963, the only saving grace for them these days is the fact that all three star Vincent Price. I applaud MGM's Midnite Movies for bringing us more of Price's work on DVD. While I consider this film weaker than a Corman flick, I still had to add it to my collection on the strength of it's star. Two thumbs up (and 3 stars) to Vincent Price.

Terror Times Three.
This is an obvious attempt by another filmmaker to copy the success of the Roger Corman/American International/Edgar Allan Poe tales starring Vincent Price. They even went so far as to cast Price in the lead role. The anthology of three tales based on the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne is worth viewing, but you have to be a determined collector of gothic horror flicks to take an interest in this one. The movie suffers in comparison with the Poe product. Instead of Corman's creepy camp worthy of multiple viewing, we have straight-faced tales of the supernatural. The first story, "Dr. Heidigger's Experiment" fares the best. Price and Sebastian Cabot discover the secret of rejuvenation and resurrect Cabot's love of 38 years ago. Instead of a dusty skeleton in a grungy gown, we now have a dishy blonde in a plunging negligee. Combined with the color photography and period detail, the mood here begins to resemble the heaving bosoms of Hammer. "Rappacini's Daughter" plods along, slow paced and poisonous, with its tragic romance. "The House of Seven Gables" tries to capture the mood of the classic novel, but it only achieves modest results before it collapses on itself. The supernatural overtone of the stories is subdued. Vincent Price grimaces and tries to look tragically sorrowful. The no frills Midnite Movies edition of the DVD includes the original trailer, but no bonus extras. Proceed at your own risk. ;-) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Description

Horror maestro Mario Bava (Black Sunday) goes down a different trail with this zany satire of Sergio Leone's "Dollars" trilogy! Roy Colt ("Four Times That Night's" Brett Halsey) and Winchester Jack (Charles Southwood) are two roguish cowboys whose gang isn't very successful at earning a dishonest dollar. The two friends go their separate ways, with Roy vowing to find an honest job. But he changes his mind after arriving in Carson City, where he's made sheriff and entrusted with the replica of a stolen treasure map leading to a fortune in buried gold. Who will reach the gold first? Will it be Roy? The Reverend ("Five Dolls for an August Moon's" Teodoro Corra), a Russian outlaw with a fist full of dynamite? Jack and his gang? Or perhaps Mahila (Marilu Tolo), a mercenary Native American seductress desired by the Old West's Most Wanted? The answer may surprise you as they all have a date with a skull and an open grave in an ancient Indian burial ground! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mario Bava, Renaissance Man
Mario Bava over his career seemed to have carte blanche with the content of his films, no matter what the budget and although he mainly did giallo thrillers, he sometimes dabbled in comedy, sci-fi and a few spaghetti westerns, which was in vogue at the time. This film is quite entertaining and even silly sometimes, but I have an open mind when it comes to spaghetti westerns since most are quite revisionary to a degree....My only qualm is a minor one but I am sure others will mention it as well for good reason...this dvd does not have an optional English track, maybe it was never released here in the U.S. or any other English speaking countries, I can understand that, but it appears that Brett Halsey and Charles Southwood are speaking their lines in English and Marilu Tulo is as well or partly anyway. But again, a good portion of Bava's films that has been released on DVD has been in Italian only, just like this film and so far I believe this is the only spaghetti western released that has only an Italian track only with English Subtitles, however I can watch it either way and I believe the film is not a ripoff of Leone's or even Corbucci films but stands on its on legs. In closing if you are a Mario Bava fan it should be included in your collection and spaghetti western buffs ditto.... ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Decent B Movie with Omar Sharif
This is a non-stop action adventure in which Carol Alt seeks out mercenary Rutger Hauer to retrive her kidnapped son from his arab grandfather (Omar Shariff). Explosive gunfire is everywher in this fast=paced feature combing spectacular action, superb acting, an intriguing plot, and breathtaking scenes shot in the Sahra desert.

Beyond Justice - The Best Family Movie
The movie Beyond Justice is a great movie for everybody to see. For anybody over the age of 10 should be able to understand the meaning of this video. I have received a sneak preview of the movie from a company that advertises it. If you like comedy , family , action movies with out violence then this is the movie. So buy this movie right away for yourself or a family member it would be a great gift. A AWESOME MOVE !!!

Great Entertainment
Loved the movie and have been trying to purchase it for some years. It has been brought out under quite a few names i.e. Maktub. Law of the Desert and Beyond Justice to name just two. Its great acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An underrated action movie.
This movie has been largely ignored by the general public. I suppose this may be partly due to the confusion about the title (it has been released as 'Desert Law', 'Law of the Desert' and 'Beyond Justice'). Nevertheless Beyond Justice is a fast-paced movie combining spectacular action, good acting and a plot, that is at least two steps above average for movies in this genre. The Maltin summary does not do this movie justice. The plot may have some twists in it, but it avoids the usual loose ends and I see no reason, why an action movie should have a completely predictable plot. The actors do a good job (Omar Sharif obviously enjoying himself as a conservative Arab Sheik and Rutger Hauer quite believable as a matter-of-fact mercenary) The camera work is downright spectacular, using the impressive landscape of the Sahara to great effect and the score is one of the best ever to be heard in action movies. On the whole this is a forgotten movie, that deserved a far better fate. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Bali who?
What a delightful Road DVD. Although the only extra is a Bio on Bob Hope, overall it is well worth the money. The color is great and the sound is acceptable(only ocassional fluctuation in level). The sets and costumes really add to this movie. Undoubtly they made them more colorful since this was the only road movie made in color. What a pity. This certainly follows the tradition of the others and Hope, Crosby, and Lamour look great. From stage performers to deep sea divers they sing and dance their way into your heart. If you only buy one road movie then be sure it is this one since it is great and the color will appeal to a younger audience as well. A movie that the whole family will find amusing jokes or site gags.

A Good Road Movie,A Great DVD
From 1940 to 1962, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope made seven riotous road movies, and "The Road To Bali" is the sixth in the series. Even though Bing and Bob were both 49 years old, and Dorothy Lamour was 38 when the movie was made, for the most part they walk sprightly down this road. This movie also marks the only road movie made in color, and there are guest stars galore in this film like:Bob Crosby,Humphrey Bogart, and Jane Rusell among others. As usual, the story deals with some kinf of treasures and bad guys, and of course Bob does not get the girl. However, the jokes and laughs are almost as funny today as they were almost fifty years ago.

This DVD edition is of pretty good quality even though it is a bargain issue. The added enjoyment is the short "The Road To Hollywood" which features shorts from Bing Crosby's early days with Mack Sennett (around the 1929 to 1931 period). Even though these shorts are prehistoric, the quality is as good as I have seen them. It is also great to see the young Bing Crosby emerge as a young superstar. So, I do recommend this DVD issue, because with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope they will have you on the road to laughter...

Good but not the best of the road series.
I really love Bob Hope but this was not one of his best. Funny yes but look at the younger Hope movies and you will agree that he has better timeing and hummor in the thirties and fourties. I loved son of Pale face not a road move but a real funny one and lemon drop kid also. I'm not convinced that just because this movie was in color that it appeals to a younger crowd. My kids liked the BW ones much better.

Not the Best Introduction to the "Road" Movies
I have never seen one of the Hope/Crosby road movies so I picked up this DVD when I saw it on sale. I was not very impressed. I could see the format that I had heard of; the Crosby/Hope act, the songs, Dorothy Lamour, various hijinks, the patty-cake game, someone gets the girl, etc. However, the humor seemed weak in this movie. The songs were bland, the suggestion that we were in Bali was really stretching the mind's capacity. I was, to put it bluntly, disappointed with "The Road to Bali". I have seen Hope in other movies where I could appreciate his gift for smart aleck humor. His style is there in this movie as well. He just wasn't given much to work with. I'll check out some other road pictures. I assume that this one was the exception.

Not the Best of the Roads, but Full of Engagingly Silly Fun
Bali was a good thematic backdrop for the first color Road movie, and there are a number of special effects to enjoy (actually one of 'em is kind of creepy, but everyone was laughing between the gasps and groans).

If you think you're going to see anything in this film about another actual culture, you're mistaken. Like all the Roads, this one gives a bizarre Hollywood version of some exotic destination or two. From Edith Head's oulandish costumes to Australians talking like Kansas farmers, Road to Bali is no National Geographic special.

Lamour gets to sing a cute song twice, (and she is shown singing and swimming in one memorable scene) but otherwise her role seems shorter than ever, which is kind of a shame. But there are many other pretty girls to ogle at, and some wacked-out dance numbers. Actually, it has all the ingredients of a cult hit! (So, actually, if you like weird movies, this is the best Road movie to include in your collection).

Not the best comedic writing of the Road movies, but still full of nuttiness & fun. Plenty of laughs over dumb gags, wiseacre bantering, and dimwit jokes. Good physical comedy, mugging at camera, silliness. Definitely displays American culture most of all!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the future, giant submarine liners ferry passengers and freight under the Arctic ice.But someone--or something--has made eight of them vanish without a trace.The U.S.S. Tiger Shark, the most powerful nuclear sub in the fleet, is sent to investigate and uncovers an alien life form that threatens to wipe humans off the face of the earth.This 1959 low-budget sci-fi flick deals with "atomic power" as a menace--and protector--of mankind. The sets and special effects are definitely low-budget, but the filmmakers showed what you can do with a smart script, a solid cast of character actors, a dark soundstage, and some imagination.A veritable crossroads of '50s low-budget filmmaking talent: producer Alex Gordon cowrote Ed Wood's Bride of the Monster, special effects supervisor Irving Block cowrote the classic Forbidden Planet, and composer Alexander Laszlo was a regular on Roger Corman pictures.Includes the original theatrical trailer. --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Classic BEM attacks! Viewers win...
ATOMIC SUBMARINE is nifty. Here you have a very bad, cyclopean BUG-EYED MONSTER deployed to our ever vunerable Terra to scout its potential as a colonization planet. Its power source is earth's electromagnetic field so it particularly enjoys hanging-out at the North Pole. From its base, the BEM wages war against our "futuristic" submarine fleet. The latter comprises major commerce and transportation agency as well as military forte. The TIGER SHARK is commissioned to hunt the Bad Bug and save mankind (until next time). The FX of this late 50's thriller range from good to laughable. But that is why I consider the film so engaging. Sometimes you're watching stock footage of Admiral Rickover's prize nuclear sub Nautilus diving and surfacing at the Pole. Sometimes you get to see a squadron of bicarbonate of soda-powered toys cruising fish tanks full of plastic cube/glaciers simulating treacherous Polar regions. The reel-deal however, is the Alien craft. It is BIO-ORGANIC. That is, the monster and the space-ship are a singular entity. It may look hokey, but it's a stellar concept. The movie is 50's black-and-white sound stage action with a battle array of well-known monster mash matinee actors. Electronic music adds menace along with the fact that the BEM is genuinely UGLY. ATOMIC SUBMARINE is space monster opera. It's here to kill us. The good guys have to kill it. No quarter asked, none given. The classic BEM attacks...the viewer wins!

This one's all wet...
This film stinks. It gives B scifi a bad name -- even makes those Roger Corman movies look stunning. If possible, I would give it a negative rating to balance the positive reviews seen here. If you want cornball underwater action, buy "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea." Provided that your cerebral cortex is active, you'll agree it's a zillion times better.

Atomic Sub on