Tod Slaughter was vastly underrated as an actor. This was his movie debut, at the ripe old age of 50. This movie is just so watchable, even now, some 66 years after it's first release. Tod plays the villainous squire Corder, a man of questionable morals, with a penchant for the young ladies of his locality. Sophie Stewart is the young lady that is drawn to the charms of the smooth-talking squire, oblivious of the attentions of the besotted gypsy Carlos. Alas, it transpires to be her undoing, and the lovely Maria of the title is done to death by that dastardly rogue Corder. The rest of the film is devoted to the eventual unmasking of the killer, and him getting his just desserts for that foul deed. Let's face it, there are so many films from this era that just don't quite stand up to scrutiny by the modern-day viewer, but appreciate this film for what it really is...a melodramatic masterpiece from the late, great N. Carter Slaughter.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Volcano
(1997)
complete and utter nonsense
27 December 1999
This film really is one of the most awful pieces of rubbish I have ever had the misfortune to sit through. The storyline itself is weak, the all-American back-slapping nonsense throughout left me feeling drained. Why? I laughed out loud at some of the ridiculous almost farcial plot situations...a volcano in LA?...hmmm. Every great actor has the right to make a turkey...Tommy boy, that was yours!
Lancer Spy
(1937)
Sanders at his best
3 October 1999
This movie is a real must see for Sanders fans. It's an adaptation of the "Prisoner of Zenda"...Sanders plays an unwilling part in a Great War "sting", to capture vital enemy secrets, due to his uncanny resemblance to a top German officer. The result is an action packed thriller with a nice quirky ending. Watch out for Dolores Del Rio as a splendid Marta Hari figure....just darn excellent!
The Clairvoyant
(1935)
Low budget, but a classic
27 August 1999
Seems very strange to see two famed Hollywood actors, Rains and Wray paired together in this early British low-budget film, but there they are...and a marvellous job they make of it. Rains plays Maximus, a charlatan "clairvoyant", and Wray plays his wife and act sidekick. The act is dying on it's feet when Rains pulls of an act of genuine clairvoyance, with a little help from Jane Baxter. All good fun from there...a nice little twist at the end. Well worth a look at.
Carry on Up the Khyber
(1968)
Arguably the best?
21 March 1999
For my money, this is the strongest, funniest and the film that sets the standard for the long-running "Carry On" series. They're all in this one, all the old favourites and a cast list that reads like a "Who's Who" of British comedy. Sad to say, many of these institutions of farce are no longer with us, but this film remains as a fitting shrine to their great talents. Pure escapist fun.....corny "double entendres",including the immortal "Fakir....off!". Just brilliant!
The Mask of Fu Manchu
(1932)
evil personified
31 January 1999
Boris Karloff plays the deliciously evil Fu Manchu, a man with a mission....to resurrect his long-dead hero Genghis Khan and take over the world. Does he succeed? That would of course be telling, but I can reveal that this remarkable film has a dramatic conclusion. The special effects really are quite good, bearing in mind this film was released in 1932, and Karloff, fresh from his first major starring role as the monster in "Frankenstein" a year earlier, is as ever magnificent. The film may appear dated to some, but I believe it stands as a tribute to the true master of horror.
Grease
(1978)
Is Grease still the word?
6 January 1999
Of course it is! Twenty years on from its original release, good to see it doing the rounds at the cinemas again to rave reviews. I think that it was probably the last great musical that will ever be made, a thought which saddens me....but times, attitudes and financial considerations have changed. The cast of the film perform as one unit....the interplay between the various character parts is at times electric. The songs and dance routines are simply marvellous. All the ingredients of a cinema classic are there for all too see. It is my mother's favourite film, my favourite film and my childrens' favourite film. Three generations can't be wrong!
Soylent Green
(1973)
heston conquers all
6 January 1999
Set sometime in the future against a backdrop of need and scarcity, the film is an enjoyable look at what just may happen. Citizens are encouraged to die in return for an ecstatic ending. The staple diet is soylent green...provided by a corporation monopoly. What is it?....I'm not telling, but watch out for an ironic twist in the tale!
A tongue-in-cheek version of a classic tale
13 December 1998
The customary ham served up by Todd Slaughter, thickly sliced. Tod is magnificent as the demented Sweeney, "polishing off" his victims with sadistic glee. It may look a bit dated, with the usual creaky sets, but it is enjoyable high-jinks nevertheless.
The Day of the Triffids
(1963)
Excellent 60's sci-fi
13 September 1998
Many liberties are taken with the original John Wyndham novel, but Howard Keel plays the hero, Bill Masen, with tongue very firmly in-cheek. Rather nasty killer plants go on the rampage after the world population is blinded by a shower of meteorites. Vastly enjoyable sci-fi hokum.
The 39 Steps
(1935)
A Hitchcock masterpiece
13 September 1998
I've seen this film dozens of times, and never tire of it. An early British Hitchcock masterpiece, this film delivers an excellent adaptation of the John Buchanan classic novel. The on-screen chemistry between Donat and Carroll is amazing. A pacey, action-filled adventure from start to finish, with early screen appearances for (Dame) Peggy Ashcroft and John "Dads Army " Laurie.
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