malton Reviews

Smith & Smith (1979–1985)

This is where it began

[8 August 1999]

For all you fans out there of the Red Green Show, this is where it all began. Steve Smith, was able to convince the small independent T.V. station of CHCH in Hamilton, Ontario (since bought out by a network), to pick him up for a year. Later, it was off to the CBC. When his wife, Morag, decided to go back into the business world, Steve did it on his own and created the Red Green Show.

This series usually involved a couple of skits, usually quite good ones, and then some musical spots. One song is usually rather comedic, and then the final song is usually done alone by Morag, who had a reasonably good voice.

Some great stuff in this series, if you can find it anywhere.

Da Vinci's Inquest (1998–2006)

Gripping, Gritty and Great

[8 August 1999]

The second season of DaVinci's will be starting soon (probably in October), and I would suggest to anyone who is not familiar with the show to give it a try. The acting, for starters, is first-class. The show definitely draws its grittiness from American series like Homicide.. etc. but these guys also put a human & humorous face to the characters that make them convincing beyond anything on television today. The writing is first class, often drawing its inspiration from recent criminal cases in Canada. There is nothing contrived about this program. Yes, it is gritty, but not overly so. I would simply call it, exceedingly realistic. I cannot recommend this program highly enough. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Canada can now produce "made in Canada" series and draw from all the good production tricks of the U.S. industry, but also put a truly Canadian face back onto the television.

The Clown Murders (1976)

John Candy not at his finest

[2/10 · 8 August 1999]

This movie is really quite pathetic. It is a movie about a murderer. The plot is confusing and jumps around so much it is hard to follow. The only reason to actually watch this movie is because John Candy is in it. It is his first of only two dramatic roles that he ever did. There is an embarrassing scene where John's character has a nervous breakdown, and he is seen rolling in the mud in his underwear, blubbering like a baby. The movie aside, I thought John pulled that scene off quite well.

At any rate, if you are a real John Candy fan, then you have probably already seen this movie. If you are not a fan, don't waste your time.

The Beachcombers (1972–2004)

Classic Canadian Programming

[8 August 1999]

There is not a Canadian over the age of 25 that is not familiar with Nick and his life in Gibson's Landing as portrayed on The Beachcombers. To me, there is no CBC series that has become an icon as The Beachcombers have. The strongest was the first 5 season, 1971-1976, before the show lost Hughie and Jesse. Of course, as any long running series (Canada's longest), many original cast members left and in the end, it was only Nick and Relic. A bit hokey, but that was the CBC back then. Filmed on location on the British Columbian coast.