Reviews (151)

"It will remind us...after all...that we are not God..."
"It will remind us...after all...that we are not God..."

--Leslie Nielsen as Commander J.J. Adams in the final scene of FORBIDDEN PLANET.

SENSATIONAL SCREENPLAY!!! FANTASTIC MUSIC!!!
EXCELLENT ACTING!!! The producers of FORBIDDEN PLANET took Shakepeare's "The Tempest," teleported the play on the flying saucer C 57-D in the year 2200 AD past the speed of light to the planet Altair 4, threw in a mad scientist, Dr. Edward Morbius--veteran of 100 movies, Canadian Walter Pidgeon--played him opposite a young, rugged handsome space commander--another Canadian, Leslie Nielsen as J.J. Adams, an unusual blend of leading man, space captain, military man, and detective--gave the mad scientist a beautiful daughter named Altaira--21 year old beautiful blonde with a mole Anne Francis, the rumored model for the Barbie Doll--surrounded the leads with terrific character actors like Jack Kelly, Warren Stevens, Earl Holliman, and Richard Anderson (best known as THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN's Oscar Goldman), and then created the GREATEST ROBOT EVER, Robby, master of "187 languages and a variety of subtongues" who serves Morbius and his daughter as security guard, chauffeur, chef, butler, and even occasional dressmaker!--lines by Marvin Miller, the classic voice for the 1950s tv show, "The Millionaire"--mixed in Freudian Psychology, a murder mystery, ray guns, THE HOUSE OF THE FUTURE, an invisible Monster From the Id, OUT OF THIS WORLD BACKGROUNDS, and the result is FORBIDDEN PLANET is a boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl science fiction story with a white hot finish!

Or as Leslie Nielsen says in the final scene,
"It will remind us...after all...that we are not God..."

Chari Krishnan
RESEARCHKING

A "hand-crafted" masterpiece of science fiction.
Forbidden Planet is easily one of the finest science fiction movies ever made. Although released in 1956, it still compares favorably with much flashier movies from more recent years. The film is not a "blast-fest" in the Star Wars style, but blends modest action and beautiful hand painted special effects with a fascinating study of basic human nature. Those expecting 1950's B-movie special effects will be pleasantly surprised, as top quality hand rendered artwork abounds, as well as a flying saucer with no strings attached! Also, one of the more memorable big-screen automatons, Robby the Robot, appears in much of the film. The movie also contains some of the best sci-fi film music ever recorded, as it rises and falls to the mood of the scenes. To complement the attractive visuals and sounds is excellent casting, with Walter Pidgeon perfectly suited to the imperious Dr. Morbius. Fine performances by Leslie Nielsen and Anne Francis, among others, help create a dramatic tension you can feel as the film nears its climax. Monsters, mystery and a little humor make Forbidden Planet a genuine classic, which any sci-fi fan should take time to enjoy!

Great Sci-Fi
Like all good film science fiction, "Forbidden Planet" keeps its concepts simple but their ramifications grand, which is just one of the reasons it is a timeless classic. Made at a time when sci-fi was the junk that kept restless kids in theater seats on Saturday afternoons, this ambitious take on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" nonetheless also aims for adults that grew up on the pulp fiction of the 1920s and 30s. (Its delightful production design is a seamless mix of colors, forms, and shapes familiar from those imaginative magazine covers.) The premise is Star Trek a decade before Star Trek, as a military cruiser commanded by the hard-nosed but humane J.J. Adams (Leslie Nielsen doing an effective melodramatic turn) visits a world populated by a secretive scholar (a wonderful Walter Pidgeon), his curious daughter (a sometimes grating Ann Francis), their robot butler (the epitome of mechanical men) and a mostly unseen terror (illustrated by topnotch Disney animators). Beyond great special effects and an innovative musical score, the film also engages a firm--if now familiar--science fiction plot, unlike so many of the noisy and expensive but ultimately overwrought and empty-headed sci-fi movies of today.

The best of science fiction
This has to be my favorite movie about space travel and alien life. The landing of an exploration spaceship is believable and the technology is also reasonable. When they encounter invisible forces they are frightened and cautious.
They encounter a former explorer who has taken up residence and is a great scientist. Tremendous computer knowledge and Krell metal are just samples of the far out technology. Robbie the robot makes entertaining fun for young folks and there's not much violence - a real plus, I think.

"Civilization without instrumentalities?"
There are a handful of 1950's sci-fi movies that have a big reputation - "When Worlds Collide", "The Thing From Another World", "Forbidden Planet", and "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Unfortunately, only "The Day The Earth Stood Still" really stands up (except the robot).

This movie has big concepts, and none of them work anymore, if they ever did. Part thriller, part drama, part mad-scientist melodrama. There are just too many things going on, and all of them "supposedly" explained in long-winded speeches that answer nothing.

"Forbidden Planet" starts off looking much like Star Trek TOS, including the transporter. In reality, ST:TOS creator Gene Roddenberry admits this movie formed part of the basis for Star Trek. In a nutshell, a United Planets space cruiser captained by Leslie Nielsen lands on Altair, against the wishes of its inhabitant, Dr. Morbius, a remnant from a previous expedition. He and his 25 year old daughter (Anne Francis) are the only humans on the planet. There is also a robot called "Robbie" that goes on to stardom in the "Lost in Space" series. The doctor reluctantly shows the others his discovery about an ancient extinct race called the Krell. The "big" ending is too weird and funny to be described.

The entire robot aspect and the tasks he performs is just silly (in the "Lost In Space" vein). Earl Holliman's character of "Cookie" was put in for comedic effect - unfortunately most has to do with his dealings with the robot - including getting the robot to make bourbon - which only adds to the silliness.

The actors are quite serious and for the most part are OK. Leslie Nielsen plays it straight. Anne Francis is entertaining as the daughter. Though initially somewhat innocent and ignorant of sex, as might be guessed, the captain ends up with her.

The sets are incredibly hokey. The all-electronic score does not help. Ambitious, atrociously fake special effects that probably were OK in 1956. Possibly the goofiest sci-fi movie ever. Don't get me wrong - this is a well-made and well-intentioned movie, but as with "When Worlds Collide" and "The Thing...", it is recommended only for a laugh.

A further insult is that the robot is not accurately depicted (wrong "face" and hands) on the DVD cover, and he never holds anyone in his arms. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

If God could do the things we do ...
... he'd be a happy man!
I just finished watching the DVD of "The Stunt Man." It's still a smart, amazing, funny, scary, exhilirating experience. This is what great movie making (and great acting) is all about. Richard Rush's direction, the acting from Peter O'Toole and the rest, the terrific screenplay, the great music ... it's just ... perfect. As fresh now as the day it rolled out of the camera.
It's a shame Rush hasn't been able to make more films, but with this classic to his credit he can rest assured that his place in cinema history is complete. Thanks, Mr. Rush!
And Peter O'Toole ... nothing will top his work in "Lawrence of Arabia," but this comes darned close. Eli Cross is the classic "film director as god." O'Toole makes him more than just a petty movie-set tyrant. Cross is sly, witty, mysterious and all-knowing. He's frightening but fascinating. You wouldn't want to introduce him to your mother but you would want to take him out to dinner just to listen to him spin his stories. When he descends from above in his camera crane you'll begin to think he's god incarnate ... just as the stunt man does.
And the plot? That's what made "The Stunt Man" such a hard sell to the movie studios and what makes it a classic. What is reality and what isn't? Are we in control of our lives or aren't we? How do we know what's really going on and what it all means? Is Eli trying to kill the stunt man or just trying to finish his movie on time?
Anchor Bay's DVD transfer is superb. The "Limited Edition" includes Rush's documentary on the making the film. Don't miss it!
If you've never seen this film, get it FAST and enjoy! If you haven't seen it in a while, rediscover why it's so great.
Amen!

Lost Classic!
Most films that rely heavily on stunts don't provide much of interest in between the airbag falls and vehicle pile-ups - Hooper, Cannonball Run, The Blues Brothers and their ilk being prime examples, and even the revered likes of Bullitt tend to sag a bit when the protagonists get out of the car. Fortunately this overlooked gem manages to mix stops-out stunt sequences with a borderline-pretentious paranoia plot to cover all bases with ease. Jobbing greenhorn Steve Railsback gets a job in the stunt team of Peter O'Toole's director's World War One action romance, falls for the leading lady, has his every waking moment interrupted by O'Toole on an ace crane-mounted director's chair, and finally takes on the escape from a sinking car stunt that killed his predecessor. There's plenty of elementary-grade symbolism thrown at it (O'Toole's messianic character is called Eli Cross, in true ramming-the-point-home style), and the whole "What is reality after all? Eh? Think about it" ethos of the film won't impress everyone, but it's all done with a light touch, and you really won't see anything like this anywhere else, and the set-pieces, particularly the rooftop gun battle and aerial dogfight, are brilliantly staged.

One of the top cult movies from the eighties!
Through this clever , ingenious script , the brilliant film maker Richard Rush (nominated as best director in 1980) made a emblematic and glorious film for those people who wante to taste something different . Built as a smart chines puzzle , a man suddenly in a location film and the delicate boundaries between the reality and the fiction are broken . Under this perspective the viewer is challenged moment by moment and obilgated to establish who is who and what is what . Think that you are in a mirror hall (Lady of Shangai's ending sequence) and try to find the object and not confuse with its image .
Link this premise with another two film made in the sixties (Blow up of Antonioni)and Belle de jour (Luis Buñuel) and more recently Parole des enfants (1995) Open you eyes (Alejandro Amenábar 1997) or The rules of engagement (William Friedkin 2000) and you'll be rewarded by that intelligent plot , loaded with thrills, chills, suspense , riddles and surprises , plus an outstanding cast: Peter O'Toole (nominated as best actor in 1980 for this performance) and Hershey .
I'm absolutely convinced since the moment you watch this film , it will become one of your timeless and favorites films.
The doubt for acquire this film never must prevail in your mind even for a second.

o'toole should have gotten the oscar
this is a marvellous cult classic and has three fabulous performances in the vastly underrated barbara hershey and steve railsback.
of course the main thing here is o'toole. this and my favorite year were made close together and amounted to nothing less than a 'comeback' for the actor.
unfortunatley hollwood hasnt made such excellent use of o'toole since then but its a proud spot on this wonderful actors resume

DIDN'T FLIP MY MINNOW
Don't get me wrong. This is not a bad movie. It just doesn't compare to Citizen Kane in innovation. Really, some LA Times reporter wrote that! I guess I'm supposed to watch this numerous times, but it just wasn't that interesting to me. Where's the innovation? The crane?(Golly gee Cletus, I never seen a crane that big before) The reflected faces? The cliched lines of the Vietnam Vet? Then there is that quote that's always bandied about, "You're an actor playing a stuntman playing an actor..." I understand what he is saying, it's just not very pithy.

I kept waiting for the big suprise, the part of the movie that floored me. It never came. I wasn't drawn into an anti-reality, didn't see a dual reality and did not see any allegory. To some reviewers this is the greatest film ever. There's a guy at DVD Verdict who wrote that this film changed the way he looked at movies. I didn't see that. I watched a movie, that while good, was not thought provoking. I suppose I should watch it again, but it just didn't flip my minnow. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

"Oh no! It's Bebe's kids!"
First of all, allow me to clear the air about something: I don't know what bootleg video store the reviewer from Walluby,WA visits, but there is no scene where the kids gun down the pizza guy. That's absolutely ridiculous!
Anyway, this movie is based on the stand-up comedy of the late Robin Harris. For those interested in the film, I think a good way to think of this movie might be "The Problem Child" time three - only funnier! Faizon Love did an excellent job as Robin, but the most memorable (and most hillarious!) voice casting was Tone Loc as the baby Pee Wee. Also, the voice of Kahill (the son of Robin's love interest) was performed by Marques Houston of the group Immature.
This film offers a commentary on a disintegrating society's effect on the younger generation and emphasizes the importance of role models in childrens' lives. But enough of that....SEE THIS MOVIE!

TEST TUBE BABY
If you know someone with bad.. kids, babysit bad kids, or have any, you'll LOVE THIS MOVIE. No doubt about it. Of course if you were a bad kid, you'll love it also. It might bring back memories.

The movie starts at funeral. Robin meets the lovely Jamika. While Jamika drives home Robin, she picks up her loving and respectable son, Leon from the babysiter. They all become fast friends. Robin asked Jamika on a date on Friday night. Jamika says " If you wanna get better acquainted with me and my son, you should take us somewhere fitting like FUNWORLD" Robins response? "No problem. I'll pick you up Saturday at 10:00".

Robin goes to Jamika's house and learns she must take three bad ... kids that she babysits for her friend BeBe, also. Their names are LaShawn ( a hood rat chick), Kahlil (a trouble making young boy) and PeeWee (a deep voice baby with a pamper followed by flies). Bebe left $20 to get her kids in Funworld while she goes downtown to handle some things. Robins day couldnt be worse when he learns his ex-wife Dorothea is at Funworld also with her non-stop eating friend, Vivian spying on Robin and Jamika's every move while they are free from the 4 kids.

I've seen this movie 1000 times and I love it. The youngest a child should be to see this movie is 10. IT HAS NAUGHTY LANGUAGE. Besides that, The movie is CRAZY funny.

Bad Hotlen Kids
I think BeBe Kids is a loveable movie and its so funny because
everytime I watch it It cracks me up. And one thing about
Robbins old girlfriend she needs to stop harassing Robbin
she needs to find he own boyfriend and leave him alone.
Them bad,rude,kids need to sit they tells down and listen to
what Robbin needs to say,and they also need to stop picking on
Leon, because Leon is a good boy until he got rude and bad to.
You know what? what gets on my nerves is them three kids moma
should of stayed home like she was apose to. I think she never
did raise her kids right. You know what they are they are SPOILD
thats what they are JUST SPOILD, And then ant got no food and no
money. What kind of mess is that.

The best animated comedy ever!
I never laughed as hard as I did the first time I saw this movie. It is hilarious! I highly recommend it.

A Slick well made animated film, which is more for adults.
When a man named Robin Harris (Voiced by Faizon Love) dates a beautiful woman (Voiced by Vanessa Belle Calloway), while he`s bringing his date and her child (Voiced by Wayne Collins Jr) but it`s worse, when he agress to babysit also his new girlfriend three kids (Voiced by Jonell Green, Marques Huston and Tone Loc), which they are very troublemaking kids but it gets even more worse, when they go in a Theme Park and all hell breaks loose.

Directed by Bruce W. Smith made a entertaining anamation film, which is The Simpsons meets Alvin and the Chipmunks. This film is a Tribute to Robin Harris brand of sense of humor. This has become a Cult Hit on Video than it did in Theaters. A well made film, which is more for the adults than children. Grade:B+. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Better than it looks
I went into this movie thinking it would be another lousy love story with Sandra Bullock. But I was wrong. She actually does a fantastic job as as the trouble-follows me everywhere girl. Ben Affleck also does an excellent job, though not as well as previous movies. I found myself upset at the movie for not ending with them getting together, but it worked well after the second time I viewed it. The script is fantastic and I especially loved the cinematography. There is a great line about finding love and how the whole world seems to vanish when your with that person. If your a hopeless romantic like I am and love to watch movies with style, you'll love this one as well.

A Perfect Romantic Comedy
Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck are a great match, great supporting cast that includes Maura Tierney, Steve Zahn, and Blythe Danner. Masterfully directed by Bronwen Hughes, and tremendous special effects, plus a script that is a lot more thoughtful than you'd expect in a movie like this.

Check out FORCES OF NATURE.

Rated PG-13 for sensuality, language and a scene of drug use.

Nice Movie About Unexpected Encounters!
Just rewatched this movie, "Forces of Nature" late last night. Caught it on the big-screen when it was first shown couple of years back. I like this movie a lot. It's about two people whose lives are put on hold because of strange happenings one after another. And the whole experience led them to fall in and out of love, and ultimately reevaluate the people and things that mean most to them.

Ben Affleck is likable in his vulnarable, clueless mode. Remember that this was pre-"Pearl Harbor" and pre-"Beniffer". In fact, I like his acting in this movie and "Chasing Amy" a lot more than all the other box-office nonsense that he's in. Sandra Bullock is a little wilder and crazy in this movie but still shows her vulnarable side (isn't that why we love her?).

No consequences?
Forces of Nature starts out as a fun romantic comedy, but as much fun as it was to watch Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock have a good time, I couldn't help being disapointed with Ben Affleck's character. Both he and his fiancée, Maura Tierney were tempted to cheat on each other, except Ben's fiancée's conscience holds her back, while only timing holds back Ben. I felt bad for Maura Tierney's character. She trusted her fiancée and he let her down, and yet there was a happy ending for all. Well, all but those watching the film.

One of sandra's best films. 16th april 2004.
Ben affleck is one of my best actors, and so is sandra bullock. I really enjoyed this film,it was kind of funny on the aeroplane at the begginning of the film. The plane goes all wonky due to a bird flying into the fan of the plane. Ben hits sandra on the head with a laptop and it is so funny. It is quite unusual to other films and that was why i liked it really. HALF ROMANTIC AND BRILLLLLLLL FILM. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

If God could do the things we do ...
... he'd be a happy man!
I just finished watching the DVD of "The Stunt Man." It's still a smart, amazing, funny, scary, exhilirating experience. This is what great movie making (and great acting) is all about. Richard Rush's direction, the acting from Peter O'Toole and the rest, the terrific screenplay, the great music ... it's just ... perfect. As fresh now as the day it rolled out of the camera.
It's a shame Rush hasn't been able to make more films, but with this classic to his credit he can rest assured that his place in cinema history is complete. Thanks, Mr. Rush!
And Peter O'Toole ... nothing will top his work in "Lawrence of Arabia," but this comes darned close. Eli Cross is the classic "film director as god." O'Toole makes him more than just a petty movie-set tyrant. Cross is sly, witty, mysterious and all-knowing. He's frightening but fascinating. You wouldn't want to introduce him to your mother but you would want to take him out to dinner just to listen to him spin his stories. When he descends from above in his camera crane you'll begin to think he's god incarnate ... just as the stunt man does.
And the plot? That's what made "The Stunt Man" such a hard sell to the movie studios and what makes it a classic. What is reality and what isn't? Are we in control of our lives or aren't we? How do we know what's really going on and what it all means? Is Eli trying to kill the stunt man or just trying to finish his movie on time?
Anchor Bay's DVD transfer is superb. The "Limited Edition" includes Rush's documentary on the making the film. Don't miss it!
If you've never seen this film, get it FAST and enjoy! If you haven't seen it in a while, rediscover why it's so great.
Amen!

Lost Classic!
Most films that rely heavily on stunts don't provide much of interest in between the airbag falls and vehicle pile-ups - Hooper, Cannonball Run, The Blues Brothers and their ilk being prime examples, and even the revered likes of Bullitt tend to sag a bit when the protagonists get out of the car. Fortunately this overlooked gem manages to mix stops-out stunt sequences with a borderline-pretentious paranoia plot to cover all bases with ease. Jobbing greenhorn Steve Railsback gets a job in the stunt team of Peter O'Toole's director's World War One action romance, falls for the leading lady, has his every waking moment interrupted by O'Toole on an ace crane-mounted director's chair, and finally takes on the escape from a sinking car stunt that killed his predecessor. There's plenty of elementary-grade symbolism thrown at it (O'Toole's messianic character is called Eli Cross, in true ramming-the-point-home style), and the whole "What is reality after all? Eh? Think about it" ethos of the film won't impress everyone, but it's all done with a light touch, and you really won't see anything like this anywhere else, and the set-pieces, particularly the rooftop gun battle and aerial dogfight, are brilliantly staged.

One of the top cult movies from the eighties!
Through this clever , ingenious script , the brilliant film maker Richard Rush (nominated as best director in 1980) made a emblematic and glorious film for those people who wante to taste something different . Built as a smart chines puzzle , a man suddenly in a location film and the delicate boundaries between the reality and the fiction are broken . Under this perspective the viewer is challenged moment by moment and obilgated to establish who is who and what is what . Think that you are in a mirror hall (Lady of Shangai's ending sequence) and try to find the object and not confuse with its image .
Link this premise with another two film made in the sixties (Blow up of Antonioni)and Belle de jour (Luis Buñuel) and more recently Parole des enfants (1995) Open you eyes (Alejandro Amenábar 1997) or The rules of engagement (William Friedkin 2000) and you'll be rewarded by that intelligent plot , loaded with thrills, chills, suspense , riddles and surprises , plus an outstanding cast: Peter O'Toole (nominated as best actor in 1980 for this performance) and Hershey .
I'm absolutely convinced since the moment you watch this film , it will become one of your timeless and favorites films.
The doubt for acquire this film never must prevail in your mind even for a second.

o'toole should have gotten the oscar
this is a marvellous cult classic and has three fabulous performances in the vastly underrated barbara hershey and steve railsback.
of course the main thing here is o'toole. this and my favorite year were made close together and amounted to nothing less than a 'comeback' for the actor.
unfortunatley hollwood hasnt made such excellent use of o'toole since then but its a proud spot on this wonderful actors resume

DIDN'T FLIP MY MINNOW
Don't get me wrong. This is not a bad movie. It just doesn't compare to Citizen Kane in innovation. Really, some LA Times reporter wrote that! I guess I'm supposed to watch this numerous times, but it just wasn't that interesting to me. Where's the innovation? The crane?(Golly gee Cletus, I never seen a crane that big before) The reflected faces? The cliched lines of the Vietnam Vet? Then there is that quote that's always bandied about, "You're an actor playing a stuntman playing an actor..." I understand what he is saying, it's just not very pithy.

I kept waiting for the big suprise, the part of the movie that floored me. It never came. I wasn't drawn into an anti-reality, didn't see a dual reality and did not see any allegory. To some reviewers this is the greatest film ever. There's a guy at DVD Verdict who wrote that this film changed the way he looked at movies. I didn't see that. I watched a movie, that while good, was not thought provoking. I suppose I should watch it again, but it just didn't flip my minnow. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

running time
Good film to finally see, after only hearing about it for over 20 years. DVD is widescreen, VHS isn't. It only runs about 110 minutes, but Leonard Maltin's TV MOVIES book lists it as running almost 3 hours. I wonder if an hour or so of footage was cut for the DVD/VHS release? Or is Maltin wrong?

Billy Jack Fades into Obscurity
Not many people were interested in seeing an overly talky film about politics on the heels of the non-ending Watergate coverage. Few were interested in the rather naive and over-earnestness this extremely flawed re-worked, re-make of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington offered.

I was a big fan of Billy Jack in '72 and I must admit that I also enjoyed Trial of Billy Jack in 1974. I had not seen Trial since 1974 until recently. It's a pretty awful film.

Now I've seen this film. There is some "dangerous" material in the film that probably did upset people in political power who saw the film. It does show how some corrupt politicians work. It wasn't a great revelation to anyone in 1977 however that our political system was loaded with corruption. We had just been through an over-dose of Watergate. The film can be over-analyzed today and you can see some prophetic things in the film if you want to. Let's not go there.

The film plays like an over-produced t.v. movie. There are some impressive location shots in Washington D.C. and around the Grand Canyon. There was a very expensive and detailed sets built to replicate the U.S. Senate accurately. There were some real actors in the film. People like E.G. Marshall and Sam Wanamaker . It was one of the last films Pat O'brien was in, and it was the first one for Lucie Arnaz.

Frank Capra Jr. was one of the producers of the film which borrows quite a bit from the classic Frank Capra film. Mr Smith Goes to Washington.

If you expect the film to have some action or even a couple of good martial arts fights you will be very disappointed. There is a brief, poorly choreographed fight scene that occurs in about the middle of the film. Future bad action director Hal Needham was stunt coordinator. And Dolores Taylor who always turned the other cheek rather than fight, actually is part of the fighting in this one. Sometimes pacifists get angry and kick ass too I guess.

The film is more interested in its message and in showing us how the mechanics of political corruption work and how one man might change the system and fight corruption. The structure is close to the Mr. Smith film.

E.G. Marshall does put in a watch-able performance and Tom Laughlin who would only be considered a decent actor if you put him next to someone like Chuck Norris is better than you would think. He's still a stiff, soft spoken guy, but there's a natural quality to his performance through most of the film. He's not trying too hard to act (which is good because he can't). But through most of this film you don't get the feeling he's looking for his camera marks or too conscious of where the camera is.

A Senator suddenly dies and the top secret document he has is stoeln by a mid-level lobbyist. Senator Joseph Paine played by E.G. Marshall, calls Governor Hymie (I'm sorry Dick Gautier plays the Governor and when I see him I think of him as Hymie the robot from Get Smart) to go over possible replacements for the Senator. At the meeting is Bailey (Sam Wanamaker), a rich power broker who's got Senator Paine and others in the palm of his hand. He doesn't agree with Govenor Hopper's choice of Billy Jack for Senator. Hopper likes the demographics Billy Jack appeals to and since he's been pardoned of his felony conviction he's in. He won't be too difficult to control for the few months he's in office it's decided.

Ah but of course Billy Jack isn't easy to control at all. He puts through what everyone believes to be an innocuous bill for a National Children's School. Unfortunately it's proposed location happens to the be same place as the nuclear power plant all the heavies have been maneuvering to put through.

Senator Paine who was one partners with one of Billy Jack's relatives must save his political career and destroy Billy Jack and ignore that he was once once a champion of lost causes. Eventually the deck is stacked so heavily against Billy Jack it looks as if he can't possibly win or even save face. Ah but then it's time for the famous filibuster scene. Laughlin does better than you think in the scene that will of course remind you of the classic one with Jimmy Stewart. Some of the same lines are used as a matter of fact. Laughlin isn't just ripping off the film though, he is using the movie to deliver a message about how the people really do have the power to change a corrupt system. It's an optimistic message. The film does offer a couple of good scenes. Most of them however play like scenes from an episode of an old version of West Wing. The film is sometimes very dull with scenes allowed to go on for several minutes too long. Establishing shots are also stretched a bit too long. There are several scenes that fade to black... which adds to the t.v. movie feel of the film-- you almost expect there to be a commercial.

If you have any affection for Billy Jack, the film is worth seeing and is not the total disaster you might have been led to believe. It's corny, cliche'd and rather predictable, but there are a few scenes that have enough edge to them as to be borderline daring for their day.

There may be some truth to what Laughlin says about the film not being distributed because of political pressure. I don't think there was much interest in distributing a somewhat controversial film after the country had been through Watergate. It was a minor reason however to not push the film too hard. If distributors thought they could make money, they would make money and distribute just about any film. The main reasons the film wasn't distributed was because it wasn't a very good film, it was critically savaged at press screenings, it came after Watergate, the recently released film Master and The Gunfighter starring Laughlin was a box-office disaster and it had been over three years since Trial of Billy Jack which had been only a modest success. Laughlin was not well liked in Hollywood and he had certainly lost a lot of his Billy Jack fan base.

Billy Jack was a film much like a one hit wonder. It appealed briefly to a wide demographic for a variety of reasons that had little to do with quality. The success of Billy Jack went to Laughlin's head and he burned a lot of bridges talking about how he was single handedly responsible for its success and he knew how to make important films that spoke to the people. He claimed he had important things to say and he was going to be not just a big powerful movie -maker and star, but a force that would make changes in politics.

Wait a minute said people who saw Billy Jack. We liked the film because it was cool, not because Tom Laughlin was beating the system and proving he knew what the public wanted by its success.

For five minutes he scared some people, but when the public took a closer look at Laughlin they decided they didn't like him. He wasn't a good actor, writer or director and he was just another egotistical guy who thought he could have a ministry based on making movies, rather than being a t.v. evangelist. He wore out his welcome and he refused to accept the public responded to his film for a variety of reasons, not just because of Tom Laughlin or an optimistic message.

Laughlin still very much believes in himself and his message. The message is one that involves personal responsibility and morality. If you listen to him part of you will scream out, who the hell does this guy think he is and part of you might agree with what he says. But Laughlin isn't John Lennon and he still tries to convince you that doors have been slammed shut on him because he wants to tell people the truth about conspiracies and corruption. Because of his limited talent, he has an every man kind of appeal. But he's an ends justify the means kind of guy, and he believes he alone has figured out the way some things are. That type of thing changes from being interesting to being annoying, unrealistic and then just plain tired. I'm glad the world has people like Tom Laughlin in it, but I wouldn't want him to run things anymore than I would want another Nixon or Gingrich to. And Laughlin's idealism is fused with his huge ego.

What no one can ever take away from Tom Laughlin, is that he did accomplish something pretty amazing. He forced himself onto the American screen and for a brief period of time was embraced by a very fickle public. When it was time for him to fade away he didn't want to give up his fame and celebrity. He over-stayed his welcome and I hate to say embarrassed himself, but that's what he did. When a shaggy underdog gets some success and is perceived as a pompous ass, it's time to lay low. He didn't. He misread the market, over-estimated his own talent and abused the bit of public goodwill he had won over. I don't know that he's even yet realized exactly what has happened. Perhaps he still believes that he crashed and burned because a secret society of power brokers wanted to silence him.

Then again maybe he knows this very well and realized if he continued to play his role, he wouldn't completely fade away into obscurity.

Chris Jarmick, Author (The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder Avai

PROPHETIC LAST SAGA OF BILLY JACK
Until this movie was recently released on home video, I knew very little about this movie, since there was no general release to the public. In many ways, this is the best and most ambitious BILLY JACK film. With almost crystal-ball-like accuracy, Tom Laughlin shows us the seedy side of Washington; the way both political parties are bought off by the special interest groups and power brokers. In the light of the last twenty years of political history, this is an amazing feat. Mr. Laughlin has more insight on the conscience of the human condition and how the shadow side of our personality must be dealt with than most professors that have a string of letters following their names. This is a must see!

Interesting Contrasts to Modern Washington
Billy Jack fans will love this movie, critics will hate it.... but who cares what critics think. The thing I find the most interesting about this movie is how it seems to be quasi- Nostradomus like in predicting future corruption in our capital. The murder of a Washington insider seems to reflect the Vince Foster mystery. The big business influence on legistalors and their irresponsible behaviors reflect the many scandals we've witnessed through the 70's and 80's. You have to hand it to Mr. Laughlin for his ability to look into the future with the scenes that constitute this movie. In the book that was written about the making of the Billy Jack series, it talks about how some legislators were shaken by this movie.... and how some even threatened to kill the project so it would not get to theaters. Billy Jack fans need to get this in their collection. Also-- visit the Billy Jack Website.... it's worth a look.

Billy Jack Shows Washington For What It Is.
This final movie in the Excellent Billy Jack Saga, shows thecorrupt dealings that go on in our nation's capital. Billy Jack haslearned his lesson about violence not solving anything, and attacks with political power instead, (though there is one excellent fight scene that is purely self defense and not vengeful). This Billy Jack movie truly stabs at the heart of the problem of our country and calls out for action on the part of us all. Billy Jack shows us the shadow side of Washington and gives us an idea of what a few truly dedicated and concerned citizens could accomplish. My only regret is that this is the last installment of the series to date. Thankfully Tom Laughlin still carries on Billy Jack's cause. This movie is therefore a must see! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Chapters 7-12...
The saga continues! Can Commando Cody possibly defeat Retik in time to save our planet? Is invasion imminant? The tension builds as Retik's earthbound cronies continue to cause havok, hiding their atomic gun in the back of a camouflaged delivery truck. Only Commando Cody can stop them! This one ends with the inevitible final confrontation between CC and Retik! Pop that corn and pour those cold drinks! RMFTM is an entire afternoon's worth of fun...

Great Fun!!!
Every Saturday morning, the kids and I watch cartoons and now they are hooked on serials after these DVDs!
Transfer quality was very good, no bells and whistles but none are advertised. Great fun!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Proof we are not alone
A mysterious set of explosions leaves Commander Cody to the conclusion that we are under attack from an un known force. As we guesed from the title of the series it must be the "Radar Men from the Moon".

They've left nothing out and get to read the credits and even get to see the last chapter and find out what actually happened. Unfortunately if you only bought volume one you will not find out what happened on the last chapter. Volume two may not be available.

The series and should not be too violent for today's youngsters as most of the time everybody is just slugging each other and when they use guns they can't seem to hit anything other than other guns. If you're young enough this series is very suspenseful. Otherwise you spend most of your time thinking how dumb why didn't they do this or why didn't they do that. Anyway there is a lot of staying in the car scenes or stay in the Rocket ship scenes or don't fly to close scenes.

Chapters 1-6...
Beware! The evil Retik is readying his lunar army for a full-out invasion of earth! Through his use of "lunarium" in his atomic bombs and rayguns, he seeks to wipe us out, so his radar men can inhabit our planet! Thankfully, Commando Cody (George Wallace) stands in the breach, ready to defend us with his special helmet and jet-pack! Watch as Retik's henchmen here on earth (including an unmasked Clayton "The Lone Ranger" Moore) attempt to soften our defenses by blowing up troop trains! See Commando Cody and his team fly to the moon to battle Retik on his home turf! Packed with explosions, fist fights, gun fights, car chases, train wrecks, plane wrecks, and general mayhem! RMFTM is a definite classic for the whole family...

Jackpot!
It is somewhat a gamble when one buys the economical DVDs of Alpha. Some are good and some are bad. But this "Radar Men" from Alpha is simply astonsihing. Alpha seems to have obtained a well-preserved, almost mint copy of the serials. Though, some cleaning up was done, for example, the string pulling the flying dummy so obvious in the film version is not much in evidence here. This serial is one of the last GREAT hurrahs of the genre in the late 40's and early 50's. It was also interesting to see Clayton Moore as a villain, quite handsome really and very much unlike a serial baddie. But that Lone Ranger voice coming from an unmasked man really throws off a dyed in the blue LR fan to the point of being "uncomfortable". This is one Alpha product that is top notch. It is all regions too so all can enjoy!

Finally serials are coming on DVD
While this is a good serial overall, beware that this DVD is only chapters 1-6 and you will have to buy another DVD with chapters 7-12. For some reason, Amazon indicates this for most of the other serials but neglects to mention it for Radar Men from the Moon. My problem is once I realized I had to buy the another DVD, the DVD was out of stock at Amazon and I had to wait a while for it to come in.

amazing quality; why pay more
I was a little wary of buying this serial because several years back I had purchased a Will Rogers feature on VHS from Alpha and the quality stunk. However, the quality of the transfer on this two dvd set is simply stunning. The film is very clean with few if any dirt, lines or splices. Good rich contrast and a nice sharp image. Colorful box design, too. Good job, Alpha! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Radar Men From the Moon (DVD)
Radar Men From the Moon is one of those Republic Serials that you either love or hate. It was one of their later serials, borrowng heavily from footage of Republic's glory days. Regardless, this serial is fun to watch in any format. This DVD edition has a fine picture transfer, especially since it did not come from Republics original master. My only problem with this Roan release is that I purchsed it more than twice. Each time I purchased it I got the first 6 chapters on both sides. Until they fix their production problems I can't reccomend this edition.

great fun
Picked this up because it was cheap and gave it a look and loved it. From the reviews on here there are some awful copies out there, but mine is fine and not by Whirlwind. This is a good time and as 'hokey' as it is I really love this serial.

There are much better serials
Well, you know, a good old-time serial needs either a wonderful hero or a wonderful villain, or preferably both. The Flash Gordon series has both in the persons of Buster Crabbe and Charles Middleton. The Dick Tracy series has Ralph Byrd as the detective. The Phantom Creeps and the Return of Chandu have Bela Lugosi as a superb villain and surprisingly good good guy, respectively. I could go on. Unfortunately, Radar Men from the Moon has neither. The acting is stilted and stiff and one can hardly imagine why anyone would be afraid of the villain, the leader of the Moon who plans to invade the Earth. It has its campy moments and an occasional good special effect, like Commando Cody's frequent flying and a melting mountain, but these only make the film OK, not good. The list of better serials is long, but if you already have them, this is tolerable as background while you are answering email.

Larry Smith, the Lone Masked Guy
OK, a fun serial released the year of my birth. Moon men, Rocket ship/s, art deco design cool looking lab machines. a flying heroic scientist and inventor of the flying suit, when he wears it he is known as COMMANDO CODY, Sky Marshall of the Universe who ' flies 'in long shots by the same method created for the 1941 serial ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL, a lifesize mannequin sliding down (or up depending on the camera trick) a wire but it looks cool to me. Moon men want to invade the Earth and send their first group to prepare the way. Only ONE man can hope to stop them (since this serial does'nt have Superman, Batman or any other heroes): Commando Cody who by the way is a basic human BUT maybe more of a 007 James Bond type human so he stands a chance. Glorious B&W with slam bang action but NOT modern movie hairy chested action mind you. Kids may watch lots of R rated movies today but in 1952, there were hardly any movies like these then and Cody was a family type action adventure movie in 12 or more parts with cliffhangers. A cliffhanger was where at the end of a part, someone usually the hero or one of the hero's friends looked like they might die and so you had to see the next part to see what happens. If you ever get the chance, see KING OF THE ROCKET MEN too, the first Commando Cody serial.

Beginning of the end...
This was a reasonable attempt to keep the serial genre going, but this was when such science fiction movies as DESTINATION MOON, THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, and even ROCKETSHIP XM and THE MAN FROM PLANET X were starting an era of science-fiction movies of variable quality. Also, TV was encroaching on the territory... And so Republic tried to get on the s-f bandwagon. But this serial hardly had the sense of wonder of FLASH GORDON: THE SPACE SOLDIERS, THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM, BUCK ROGERS, etc. Much of it is earthbound, and mired down in typical failed attempts of the bad guys to get the needed materials with which to conquer the world. This does belong in any serial lover's library, but there are classics that I would recommend buying first, and then include this one after you have several of the unquestionable greats. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Imagine Faust set in high school. Now imagine it inspired by the sex comedies of the '80s, and cast with actors who look like they're nearing their 10-year reunion. Kevin Pollack stars as the Mephistopheles-inspired Jerry, the guy in charge of buying souls for Satan. His latest victim is high school nerd Henry Spooner (Michael A. Goorjian) after the kid mutters under his breath how he would sell his soul to the devil in order to go out with the prettiest popular girl in the school, Lori Petler (Shiri Appleby). Henry is happy enough to use the powers of evil to become popular until he realizes it's testing his relationship with his best friend. Plus, he starts to believe he's becoming popular by himself, not because of the manipulations of the devil. Deal of a Lifetime is not a great movie, but Kevin Pollack fans will want to check it out because he's given free reign to ham it up big-time and make a lot of costume changes. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (3)

So much Fun for those times that you just don't want to thin
This movie is completely stupid and trite and you know exactly what's going to happen the whole time. However, the production is fun and not a typical hollywood one. And everynow and then you get the feeling that the movie is making fun of itself anyway. I really enjoyed how they didn't JUST use pretty people in the movie...like the not so cool girl was actually really average looking which definately gave me a bit of respect for the movie. In the long run, i'd say don't get this movie unless your a big Mike Goorjian Fan, which i happen to be. If you are a big Mike Goorjian fan you will not be dissapointed...he's absolutely adorable in it and still shines through his talent even though the role he plays is very much against his type.

my personal review
This film has all the elements, cute actors like Shiri Appleby (which was the only reason I bought the film Ha!) All and all the acting is rather bad, Kevin Pollak was terrible, and Michael Goorigian look far too sensible to be the averrage high school geek. This film was too predictable with Henry getting the girl at the end, but my didn't they look good together.

If you are thinking of buying this film, don't,unless your a big fan of Roswell Hign (Shiri Appleby), or Party Of Five (Michael Goorgian).

I rate it three stars because Shiri Appleby shined this average low budget film up.

UFO sighting in New Mexico
AMAZING.

Shiri Appleby's break-out movie. What an actress, the movie stinks, but hey... cant win 'em all.

Buy this movie in bulk. They are going fast!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Porky's" without the benefit of a clever script
For adolescent boys with limited outlets, this may be a chance to get an eyeful of T&A. Anyone looking for a clever comedy, this isn't it. Totally High School, reminiscent of 70's "Mr. Microphone" cruising for "chicks". Were these cheesy tease-movies really necessary? A few episodes of "Charlie's Angels" or "Bay Watch" would be a better time investment. "Swinging Cheerleaders" looks and sounds as though it was "created" as they went along. Devoid of plot or memorable lines, this film is flat as dead Pepsi (or should I say TAB?). Two points only for the camp-quality and the occasional ha-ha scene. Serious or experienced film buffs need not waste their time.**

Kitschy 70's Film from the days of Drive-In Theaters
I saw this film as part of a Cheerleader triple feature with my husband, then boyfriend at the local drive-in theater. It was the only film to have a plot and to hold my interest. In addition, it had a talented cast, my favorites being Colleen Camp and Rainbeaux Smith. The story is not deep, but then again, this movie doesn't pretend to make a big political statement or address social issues. It is just mindless campy fun from the 1970's, with some sex thrown in. It reminds me of an adult cartoon, and has been referred to by Director Jack Hill as a "Disney Sex Comedy." The picture quality is excellent and crisp, which really brings out the cartoonish, artificial look of the sets. (Jack Hill shot this film in 12 days, so you're not looking at a big budget production.) The men's feathered haircuts are especially hilarious, and be sure to check out the psychedelic wallpaper in the Star Jock's apartment. The DVD includes Director's Commentary which is just as interesting as the movie itself, plus the 30-second and 60-second trailers. This film is considered the best of the "B-Movie" cheerleader genre and is a great "cabin fever" movie to watch over and over again. For those of you baby boomers who saw this film in a drive-in, it will be a nostalgic reminder of your teenage years.

Campy Cheerleading Flick
If you like watching cheerleaders, then this might be the ticket for you; however, Bring it On was much more entertaining.

The movie has a weak plot about a girl who infiltrates a cheerleading squad for a newspaper story. This is the kind of movie that you watch at 3:00 a.m. on Cable TV when you can't sleep. I have a sneaking suspecion that this movie did not last long on the screen. The only real star in the movie is Collene Camp, who could be called one of best B movie queens (I think this was one of her first movies). However, even she could not bring life to this bad movie.

Disney-esque sex comedy
In deciding whether or not "The Swinging Cheerleaders" is for you, it might help to know that you won't find anything in the movie resembling the suggestive scene depicted on the front of the video box. Sure, there's some sex and nudity, but not a whole lot of it, and it's pretty tame, relatively speaking. If you're expecting cheap T&A thrills, you'll probably be disappointed, and you'd be better off looking elsewhere. I'm not familiar with any of Jack Hill's other works, nor am I qualified to expound on any cultural or social signifigance behind "The Swinging Cheerleaders." It's commendable that they tried to instill real quality and morals into this movie instead of just churning out some mindless exploitation film. That's probably why this is apparantly considered one of the best films of the genre. In my opinion, it's okay, but definitely not great. It's all kind of wholesome and bland in a Disney sort of way, but with some sex and nudity thrown in. The ending is strangely abrupt and could've benefited from an extra scene or two. Rainbeaux Smith is my favourite part of this movie. She's very sexy and cute and sweet, and I wouldn't mind seeing anything else she's been in. ... Read more

Description

An embittered ex-cop (Preston Foster) masterminds the perfect bank robbery; one in which none of the members of the masked gang ever see each other's faces. But the plan runs into serious trouble when the innocent man implicated in the heist (John Payne) turns out to be a tough-as-bullets WWII veteran who's already experienced the inside of a jail cell and is determined not to go back. Payne tracks down the gang, which includes hard-case legends Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam, and Neville Brand, to extract his own harsh brand of justice. Along the way he finds romance, double-crosses, punches to the face, and bullets to the body in this explosive action-drama with a plot full of twists and turns. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good one!
Excellent noir. The cinematography is classic noir, with assured useage of shadow and light, foreground and background and tight close-ups. The action is gritty and realistic, with the slapping around looking positively brutal and much more frightening than the current movie industry standard of blood splattered gore fests. Mr Elam, in fact, was probably cast because of how pathetic he looked being beaten up! The story revolves around two set-ups, one intended and one a secondary effect. "This is America?" my husband queried as our innocent hero is "worked over" in the Kansas City jailhouse. The action moves south to Mexico where our hero pursues the true criminals in order to clear his name. The extent of the crime and the reasons for it as well as the set up are all eventually revealed in the small Mexican fishing village that is too small to hold all these hot tempered men. The pace slows down noticeably in the village, the only major flaw in this otherwise crackerjack film noir which must have influenced every current young urban crime-film director. Highly recommended.

ALPHA/GOTHAM QUALITY?
No need to comment on the story, it is engrossing. For a Gotham/Alpha release the sound and image quality is good, suprisingly good. Don't misunderstand, there is no crispness here. It's probably worth the money to purchase the Image version if the quality is better. There are some extras on Image version and none on the Gotham/Alpha version.

Classic Noir...
A great, great noir film starring John Payne(HELL'S ISLAND, 99 RIVER STREET). But the cast doesn't stop there! It also stars Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam and Neville Brand. This really is a gritty little crime caper flick. If you watch it, it will be difficult to ignore how the film might have influenced a guy like Quentin Tarantino in the conception of RESERVOIR DOGS. Great dvd!

Solid '50s noir
Director Phil Karlson (whose best-known work is probably the 1972 crime drama "Walking Tall")switched from being a decent director of routine films to one of the most innovative and influential crime film directors of them all with a remarkable series of tough,distinctive thrillers beginning with this one in 1952 and going on to include "99 River Street" in 1953, "The Phenix City Story" in 1955, and "The Brothers Rico" in 1957. "Kansas City Confidential" follows the pulling off of a well-planned and executed robbery that's been carefully thought out by an embittered ex-police officer. He plans it so that Joe Rolfe(played by John Payne) will be framed for the robbery. Rolfe is a WWII veteran who has some problems with the law in his past. After being grilled and ultimately (and grudgingly) released by the police,he pursues the thieves to Mexico,looking for revenge. Payne is fine in a sharp turnaround from the lightweight roles he usually played in the 1940s. Preston Foster is also good as the mastermind of the robbery, as is Coleen Gray as his daughter, a bright,decent young woman. The best performances however,are those given by three of the greatest heavies in movie history: Jack Elam,Neville Brand,and Lee Van Cleef,in the roles of the thieves who pull off the robbery. Elam,who is first seen sweating heavily and rifling through an overflowing ashtray in a dingy hotel room,looking for a cigarette butt with a few puffs left on it,is particularly good, but Brand and Van Cleef ooze menace and bad blood in just about every scene they're in. The film is filled with close-ups,tough,terse dialogue, and brutal (at least for its time) violence. The payoff of the film goes kind of soft, after what's come before, but this is still a first-rate example of cold,tough 1950s film noir,from a real master of the genre.

My first DVD!
After finally succumbing to the allure of a DVD player, I bought this film noir gem for a song. I had heard about it for years but
could never find it on VHS. A perfect bank robbery netting $1.2 million goes astray when framed patsy John Payne goes after the real criminals. He discovers that the crooks were masked from one another and only the mysterious "Mr. Big" knows who they are and where the money is. Can John Payne break up the perfect crime and end up with Colleen Gray?
(What do you think?) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Radar Men From the Moon (DVD)
Radar Men From the Moon is one of those Republic Serials that you either love or hate. It was one of their later serials, borrowng heavily from footage of Republic's glory days. Regardless, this serial is fun to watch in any format. This DVD edition has a fine picture transfer, especially since it did not come from Republics original master. My only problem with this Roan release is that I purchsed it more than twice. Each time I purchased it I got the first 6 chapters on both sides. Until they fix their production problems I can't reccomend this edition.

great fun
Picked this up because it was cheap and gave it a look and loved it. From the reviews on here there are some awful copies out there, but mine is fine and not by Whirlwind. This is a good time and as 'hokey' as it is I really love this serial.

There are much better serials
Well, you know, a good old-time serial needs either a wonderful hero or a wonderful villain, or preferably both. The Flash Gordon series has both in the persons of Buster Crabbe and Charles Middleton. The Dick Tracy series has Ralph Byrd as the detective. The Phantom Creeps and the Return of Chandu have Bela Lugosi as a superb villain and surprisingly good good guy, respectively. I could go on. Unfortunately, Radar Men from the Moon has neither. The acting is stilted and stiff and one can hardly imagine why anyone would be afraid of the villain, the leader of the Moon who plans to invade the Earth. It has its campy moments and an occasional good special effect, like Commando Cody's frequent flying and a melting mountain, but these only make the film OK, not good. The list of better serials is long, but if you already have them, this is tolerable as background while you are answering email.

Larry Smith, the Lone Masked Guy
OK, a fun serial released the year of my birth. Moon men, Rocket ship/s, art deco design cool looking lab machines. a flying heroic scientist and inventor of the flying suit, when he wears it he is known as COMMANDO CODY, Sky Marshall of the Universe who ' flies 'in long shots by the same method created for the 1941 serial ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL, a lifesize mannequin sliding down (or up depending on the camera trick) a wire but it looks cool to me. Moon men want to invade the Earth and send their first group to prepare the way. Only ONE man can hope to stop them (since this serial does'nt have Superman, Batman or any other heroes): Commando Cody who by the way is a basic human BUT maybe more of a 007 James Bond type human so he stands a chance. Glorious B&W with slam bang action but NOT modern movie hairy chested action mind you. Kids may watch lots of R rated movies today but in 1952, there were hardly any movies like these then and Cody was a family type action adventure movie in 12 or more parts with cliffhangers. A cliffhanger was where at the end of a part, someone usually the hero or one of the hero's friends looked like they might die and so you had to see the next part to see what happens. If you ever get the chance, see KING OF THE ROCKET MEN too, the first Commando Cody serial.

Beginning of the end...
This was a reasonable attempt to keep the serial genre going, but this was when such science fiction movies as DESTINATION MOON, THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, and even ROCKETSHIP XM and THE MAN FROM PLANET X were starting an era of science-fiction movies of variable quality. Also, TV was encroaching on the territory... And so Republic tried to get on the s-f bandwagon. But this serial hardly had the sense of wonder of FLASH GORDON: THE SPACE SOLDIERS, THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM, BUCK ROGERS, etc. Much of it is earthbound, and mired down in typical failed attempts of the bad guys to get the needed materials with which to conquer the world. This does belong in any serial lover's library, but there are classics that I would recommend buying first, and then include this one after you have several of the unquestionable greats. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't buy for the 3D!
If you're looking for an entertainingly corny '50s serial this is a good choice. But I made the mistake of buying it mainly because I already had the 3D system that can be used to watch a few IMAX movies like "Encounter in the Third Dimension" and "Haunted Castle", and this set is advertised as working with that system. Unfortunately, as it turns out the original serial was not filmed in 3D, so all they did was add some occasional 3D effects to a mostly 2D movie, like computer-animated debris coming out of the screen during explosions. So don't be fooled by Razor3D's advertising this movie as part of their "3D Sci-Fi Collection"--if you're interested in 3D movies you should look elsewhere.

Saturday Matinee History
There are several things that make this film important to Motion Picture History: It was among the last Saturday Matinee serials made by Republic Pictures; It contains Leonard Nimoy's first screen appearance; it was among the films influential in the youth of filmmakers like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

"Radar Men from the Moon" would be of interest to anyone wanting to add an example of a Saturday Matinee Cliffhanger to their collection. It has a more intelligent story in a genre not know for its intelligence. The special effects of the Lydecker