Reviews (29)

Swim Into the Twilight Zone...
It really is amazing how unknown this movie still is. If you are unfamiliar with it, you are in for a real experience. It is based on a classic short story by John Cheever, and it works like an extended, lost episode of the old "Twilight Zone" television series. A middle-aged suburban man (Burt Lancaster) decides to swim across his wealthy Connecticut county, through all the swimming pools of his neighbors back to his own home. As he makes his journey you gradually become aware that he is not all that he seems. Dark secrets keep getting revealed and it soon becomes apparent that we are witnessing a telescoping of the man's entire adult life into a few afternoon hours of an early autumn day. The film becomes a powerful allegory about disillusionment and tragedy, without being the least heavy-handed about it. Like Cheever's other great short story "The Enormous Radio", "The Swimmer" can be interpreted as a religious parable about the self-deception of fallen humanity. The comeuppance Lancaster receives is almost too intense to watch. This is a genuinely shattering movie that will stay with you.

The minority opinion, based on incomplete data
After scanning the editorial and customer reviews here, I prepare to duck from the rotten tomatoes about to be thrown at me.

I've seen this film twice or, rather, tried to watch it twice. At age 20-25, I tried watching it, and found it to be a tedious exhibition of meaningless repetition. I fell asleep before I could get to the allegedly startling ending that gives it all meaning.

A few months back, after hearing about the film-redeeming ending, I tried again. Thirty minutes in, I was dozing off again. This is the only movie that ever did this to me. I decided to give it some chance, and skipped to the ending, to see what all the fuss is about. The ending seemed to be a non-sequitir, and shed no meaning, for me, on the beginning of the movie.

Of course, this means that I've never watched the entire film. But, I am a Burt Lancaster fan, and a very patient movie-viewer. For a film to twice fail to capture my interest, that's bad enough, for me, to write a review such as this. I give it three stars only because I know it is well-made and widely admired, but it will not grab everyone's interest.

Unforgettable after...25 years
I first watched this film..in another language when I was a kid. How best to illustrate the impact it had on me? After 25 years I still remembered the story of it. Of a man swimming home and of the last scene where he coming home to find an empty, isolated house.

Flash back to the present. I found this movie by accident in the library. Wondering if it's the same one stuck in my mind for so long so I checked it out. The impact of watching it this time was still there (just a bit less since I already know the ending).

All in all it's really worth seeing. It left an unforgettably emotional impact on me..as a 10-year-old child. That's how best I could put it to say how good the movie is.

challenging aesthetics
an unforgettable film.
it defies all explanation and remains a hidden classic art film.
comparisons to the twilight zone seem to do it little justice, not that i am knocking the twilight zone at all.
but perry's film is far more complex and multi latered than that.
and lancaster;
the older he got the more risks he took and this is a brauva performance.
we see his world slowly decaying. we know whats coming, yet you will probabaly still walk away mumbling incoherently to yourself for a few hours afterwords.
but,if you're looking for a fast paced film, look elsewhere. this film challenges you and from what ive seen of some of the reivews it was a bit too challenging for some (right-o new jersey?), but if you are prepared to reconsider your views on what film is and isnt, then be prepared to be walloped.

Frank Perry's masterpiece
This film is unique in all the american filmography. You may exhibit several examples about the question of the loneliness , like Sunset boulevard, Midnight cowboy, the naked kiss or even Butterfield 8. These films are worthy. But no film before and even thirty six years (with the exceptions of Paris Texas and American beauty) had approached the question in just so brutally dramatic, showing the naked soul of a mature man in a suden decadence.
Perry had the Midas touch when the story goes through all the swimming pool of Kentucky.
An intimate portrayal,a collage that describes like a few, the roughness, the cruelty the indifference of the human condition around a man who lost his center, his eaning for living, and surviving just by feeding his memories.
His ancient friends, his old love affairs , show us with no mercy the unboreble loneliness of this man who was once and now he's just a post card human, a colection piece , a lost specimen
from an old tale.
Lancaster gives us an unforgettable performing. I{m absolutely sure that the character of Lancaster in Atlantic city, was so easy to Burt, due he applied the emotive memory, apart his notable skills.
The swimmer is a cult movie. It's a acid view about a society who doesn't accept the failure, which runs from a lonely man who doesn't have to say excepts his memories.
Do you remember the sequence when he tries to get into the swimming pool in which he must to clean his feet before to get in? . The metaphor is so absorbing and fascinating that you can not forget easily. And the ending is very close to a horror film.
Please, don't forget this ending and try to tie with the end of 21 grams.
Momma dearest was made several years after. But in my particular opinion. Frank Perry will be remembered by this unvaluable gem of the best artistic expression american cinema. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Even with Pam Grier this "Blacula" sequel is a step down
After "Blacula" successfully kicked off the horror element of the Blaxploitation movement in 1972, the sequel, "Scream, Blacula, Scream" came out the following year. In addition to returning the booming Shakespearean voice of William Marshall in the title fole (his real name is Prince Manuwalde), this 1973 film from director Bob Kelljan (who also did "Count Yorga") upped the ante by having Pam Grier as the female lead, which adds a little something extra to the film.

This time Manuwalde is brought back to life by a voodoo ritual. The first time around the vampire prince thought he had found the reincarnation of his long dead wife. This time he wants to get the voodoo princess (Grier) to do that voodoo that she does so well to return him to his homeland. Again, Marshall's performance brings a sense of dignity to the proceedings (remember: he was the first black actor to play the title role of Othello on stage), which do get a bit cheesy at times. The attack sequences are actually a bit better in the sequel, but the racial humor, outrageous at the time as a defining element of the Blaxploitation movement, just does not click as well. Most importantly, this film does not even try to be as scary as the original.

That last point become the fatal flaw because 1973 was the year "The Exorcist" came out and showed what a really great horror film would be like. That made films like "Scream, Blacula, Scream" look even more tacky in comparison. Even with Greir, this film is not as good as the original, which still remains the best of the bunch when it comes to Blaxploitation horror.

More Bytes from the Dark Prince of Darkness!
In 1973's SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM!--an excellent sequel to BLACULA (1972), the first horror entry in AIP's "blaxploitation" line--William Marshall reprises his role as the aristocratic black vampire Mamuwalde (a.k.a. Blacula). Though he was killed by sunlight at the end of the first film, the vampire brother is resurrected when his bones are used as part of an evil voodoo rite. Realizing the preternatural potential of voodoo magic, the revivified Mamuwalde enlists the aid of a beautiful and powerful voodoo priestess (Pam Grier) in hopes of being forever freed from the curse of vampirism.

As before, actor Marshall's Shakespearean training and deep, rich, booming voice form the foundation of his outstanding performance as the sympathetic but dynamic titular character. In fact, this talented African-American actor brings dignity and intelligence to any role he plays--even off-beat characters like Blacula--and he has therefore appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including genre flicks like SKULLDUGGERY (1970), ABBY (1974), AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON (1987), and SORCERESS (1995); and genre TV shows such as the original THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., classic STAR TREK (Dr. Richard Daystrom in the episode "The Ultimate Computer"), and THE WILD WILD WEST.

Also adding to the quality and entertainment value of SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM! is the portrayal of the voodoo priestess, Sarah, by the beautiful Pam Grier. Though famous for playing intelligent, strong, no-nonsense black women in other blaxploitation flicks of the 1970s, her character here is admittedly toned down compared to those other roles, but she still delivers a solid performance and is a wonderful compliment to Marshall.

Many of the other supporting actors also turn in some good performances. Don Mitchell appears as Justin, Sarah's boyfriend, and some viewers will quickly recognize him from his longtime role as Mark Sanger on TV's original IRONSIDE. Michael Conrad, later of HILL STREET BLUES fame, does a good job playing the skeptical Sheriff Dunlop, and Richard Lawson delivers some hilarious comic relief as Blacula's vampiric servant.

Any lover of low-budget 1970s horror will enjoy SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM. The special FX are endearingly cheesy--dig that animation in those vamp-to-bat and bat-to-vamp transformations--the acting is great, the women are pretty, and the plot offers just the right mix of laughs and chills. Though this one is not helmed by the same director as BLACULA--instead it's Bob Kelljan, who also directed the delightful COUNT YORGA vampire films--the same spirit and quality is maintained throughout, so anybody who enjoyed that first film will definitely want to see this better-than-average sequel.

The DVD edition of SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM from MGM--released as part of the company's "Soul Cinema" line, though it and its predecessor, BLACULA, could have just as easily fit in with MGM's "Midnite Movie" series--offers an anamorphic widescreen transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it appears that the print used for the transfer was in excellent shape. No extras are offered other than the theatrical trailer, but the very reasonable price makes this flick painlessly accessible to any horror-film collector.

EVEN MORE FABULOUS AFRO
The follow-up to BLACULA.

I find these films to be a lot of fun. Most probably wouldn't want to own them forever, but some of us really appreciate good trash when we see it, you know?

Mike

INFERIOR SEQUEL TO BLACULA, STILL ENJOYABLE!
The success of "BLACULA" all but guarenteed the inevitable sequel which arrived a year later. Sequels are usually never as good as the original and that is certainly true here. Though this is an inferior film to "BLACULA", it is still quite enjoyable and benefits from the strong presence of lead actor William Marshall who again plays that "strange dude" Mamuwalde, aka "you-know-who".

I liked the ending of the first film a lot (denied his lady love a second time, he walks out into the sun committing suicide) so was somewhat disappointed seeing him return in the first place. But having him trying to free himself from the curse/ slavery of vampirism by using the voodoo power of Pam Grier was a good idea. John Carradine used science to try and cure him of the curse in Universal's fine "HOUSE OF DRACULA" (and failed), so it was interestring that Mamuwalde would use a black art to combat a black art, so to speak.

The anamorphic widescreen picture is very good and the mono sound quite pleasing.

Like the original "BLACULA", there are no extra's but for the original theatrical trailer.

To close, if you liked "BLACULA", you should enjoy this sequel. -George Bauch.

Badula
William Marshall should've been a big star. He was trained in one of England's acting schools. But as a man of color in the 70s, he had to take roles like this. The first Blacula was excellent. But this one wasn't. It was too predictable. The other shocking thing about this movie is the production value. After the first Blacula became a hit, you would think that the studios would have put more money into its sequels. But the studis didn't. And while Pam is one of my favorite 70s actress, this movie wasn't her best. Pass!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ERUPTING DRAMA
I first saw this movie when I was ten years old, and of all the things that have stuck with me, the beautiful theme song by George Duning has haunted me since. The story of a disillusioned priest played by Spencer Tracy is an old one, but it is acted with such fervor, it remains powerful in its concept of God, faith and hope. Tracy is as always impeccable, but Frank Sinatra seems a little disinterested in his role. Kerwin Mathews previously known for his roles in the Ray Harryhausen movies (7th Voyage of Sinbad, 3 Worlds of Gulliver) brings his solemn and gentlemanly nature to the role of Father Perreau, the young priest who is scheduled to replace Tracy. Bernie Hamilton and Gregoire Aslan turn in delightful performances as the other two prisoners; Alexander Scourby makes a good island governor; Barbara Luna is beautiful as the blind Charisse; Cathy Lewis is memorable as Marguerite; Martin Brandt makes an impression as the atheist doctor who still admires Tracy; and Jean Pierre Aumont is good as the pilot.
Though slow in spots, the volcanic eruption explodes onto the screen and the escape scene is heartwarming and suspenseful.
A very good movie!

The Devil Won't Wait
Any fan of Spencer Tracy will like this movie. None of his movies move fast but at an even pace. The effects are good, even by todays standards. If you like Tracy in "Bad Day at Black Rock" or "The Mountain" you will like this movie. If you enjoy any of the older disaster movies you will certainly find this worth watching. If you like movies with characters fighting personal problems while trying to stay alive from a disaster you will like it. Quite honestly if anyone doesn't enjoy it they just have to short of an attention span.

I liked this movie when I was a child.
But not so much as an adult. Children up to their early teens should still enjoy it though.

Starring The Volcano - Tracy, Sinatra supporting cast
This movie was one of the orginal "disaster films," originating the genre. Actually, only part of the film was shot on Maui (mostly around Lahaina and the Maui Needle). The rest was done with some amazing soundstages. The volcano (built in the middle of a pond in Fallbrook, California) provided stock footage for many films that came after, and you'll be amazed how realistic the earthquake shots look. All this with low-tech special effects!

If you are bored or unaffected by the actual movie, you're way too jaded to be watching this human drama of an alcoholic priest whose life and vocation have lost their meaning. Go watch a blockbuster disaster flick and root for the special effects. Yeah, it's a little hokily sentimental at times, but I've shown this one to friends who marvelled at what a great story of human experience it told, got a lump in their throats at the end, etc. Then they recommended it to their friends. (Admittedly, Sinatra is NOT at his best. However, Spencer Tracy and the rest of the cast carry the movie.)

(Yes, my father was the art director, which is how I know so much about the special effects and technical aspects, but it's still one of my all-time favorite films, even discounting that.) ... Read more

Amazon.com

The vintage film biography The Jackie Robinson Story is unusualin that Robinson portrays himself, and the movie was produced in 1950, barely three years after he took up his position at second base for the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke the "color line" in professional baseball. After providing a fast portrayal of Robinson's early life, up to his collegiate sports career at UCLA and his stint in the U.S. Army, the story turns serious when Branch Rickey offers him a contract to play for a Brooklyn Dodgers farm team. Interestingly, some of the scenes, such as an incident when Robinson and his teammates were being locked out of a stadium at a spring training game in Florida, may have more impact with viewers today than when the film was first released. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good for the times
Although several of the famous incidents Robinson encountered are left out of the movie, this film was still very daring for the time, openly dealing with the racial problems of the day in a way few films of the time did.

While Robinson was not the greatest actor in the world, he did an adequate job in the film.

Probably a better film to see on the time period would be Soul of the Game ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Organization was the second and finalsequel to 1967's In the Heat of the Night and sees Sidney Poitier's homicide detective Virgil Tibbs called in to investigate the murder of a factory manager. In a lengthy, dialogue-free opening (the film's best sequence), it appears that we are witnessing the culprits in action. However, this group turns out to be a gang of idealistic young vigilantes who knew that the factory was a front for an international drugs cartel--the Organization of the title--and have made off with a haul of $5 million worth of heroin secreted there. Suspected of the manager's murder, they meet Tibbs and seek his cooperation. He agrees to help them, pitting himself not only against the Organization but his own police department.

Set in San Francisco, The Organization invites invidious comparisons with Bullitt: its somewhat cheesy contemporary soundtrack, derived from Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, certainly marks it as a piece of its period, as do the occasionally less-than-convincing action sequences, risible acting, and far-fetched plot. Poitier, as ever, lends the film a certain dignity and poise, worthy of better material to work with than this. The film is also notable for providing early showcases for two of Cop TV's most famous captains: Daniel J. Travanti (Hill Street Blues) and Bernie Hamilton (later Captain Dobey in Starsky & Hutch) are both assigned minor roles here. --David Stubbs ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Is this the reason Poitier took a hiatus from movies?"
This is without doubt one of the worst movies ever made! Wooden acting,poor picture quality and a soundtrack that made my teeth grate. Being a Poitier fan and language student, I got it for the foreign language subtitles. A die hard movie buff might want to see it for the early wasted performances of some fine actors,including Raul Julia as a "Hippy". I often disagree with the critics for lacking a sense of fun, but this turkey deserves all their venom. If you decide to see it, I suggest you use earplugs and just read the subtitles. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This middling but entirely watchable blaxploitation thriller from 1975 stars football-legend-turned-actor Fred Williamson as the brother of a murdered bar owner in a racially divided town. After bringing in a gaggle of tough street buddies from the old neighborhood to help break up a corrupt police force, Williamson's character figures he can settle into domestic bliss with Pam Grier. But there's a snag: the hero's restless posse decides to take over the white cops' graft operation, forcing a bloody finale of retribution. In the '70s genre of reactionary revenge movies, Bucktown is a minor entry, and Grier's rather passive performance is certainly anomalous in the blaxploitation vein. But it is worth a visit, especially for cult film completists. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (1)

He broke down all the barries, But they failed to break him
This vintage film biography of Jackie Robinson traces his career from the Negro Leagues to the major league, and of cource, he was the first to break the "color line" in malor league baseball. An intriguing aspect of this docudrama, was that Jackie Robinson played himself. Also, the fantastic Ruby Dee was excellent in the role of Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife. Wonderful portrayals, along with deep heart-felt emotions make this an excellent film, that is as timely today, as when it took place. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This DVD showcases two vintage film biographies of the greatest African American sports superstars of their day, Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis.The Jackie Robinson Story is unusual in that Robinson portrays himself, and the movie was produced in 1950, barely three years after he took up his position at second base for the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke the "color line" in professional baseball. After providing a fast portrayal of Robinson's early life, up to his collegiate sports career at UCLA and his stint in the U.S. Army, the story turns serious when Branch Rickey offers him a contract to play for a Brooklyn Dodgers farm team. Interestingly, some of the scenes, such as an incident when Robinson and his teammates were locked out of a stadium at a spring training game in Florida, may have more impact with viewers today than when the film was first released.

The 1953 biographical film about boxing legend Joe Louis features actor Coley Wallace in the title role, and is somewhat remarkable because the portrait of Louis is not entirely complimentary. Though a great fighter and a hero to black Americans, Louis had lifelong problems handling his money, and that aspect of his life is part of the screenplay. These films provide credible, if somewhat simplistic, portrayals of Robinson and Louis, but they are perhaps most remarkable for delivering a strong message about racial equality a full decade before the Civil Rights Movement would galvanize America. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Movie Against Bigotry and Hatred!! Robinson Rules!!
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball back in 1947.He does a superb articulate acting job playing himself and the adversity and struggles that he triumphed over.It's a must see moving film against bigotry and hatred!!

Great Story, Great Movie
This movie featuring Jackie Robinson playing himself in a great role. One of my favorite films. No baseball fan should be without this movie. ... Read more