gilbertcollins7 Reviews

Theodora, Slave Empress (1954)

Interesting Sword and Sandal film from a later period

[3 March 2015]

I wish I could see this film in good quality DVD. One thing that I really liked about the film was the fact that it takes place in the later Eastern Roman Empire under Justinian. This is the only film that I have ever seen covering this period. Most Sword and Sandal films don't seem to go much past 40 AD or so.

Very well done Chariot Race scene especially in view of the fact that it was done five years before William Wylers "Ben Hur". I'm not sure about the aspect ratio of the film. The IMDb says it is 1.33:1.

The director isn't afraid to take the camera outdoors and the sets are pretty good too.

Amazons of Rome (1961)

Great Cinematography

[7/10 · 13 March 2014]

Wow! I wish all my Sword and Sandal films looked this good. He print shown on TCM was crystal clear and in widescreen! The story is OK but it is the Cinematography that really makes this film shine.

Sylvia Syms is absolutely gorgeous in this one and I don't agree with the reviewer who says that Louis Jordan is miscast for the part. Oh, I agree he is no barbarian. But that isn't his role. His charismatic portrayal is perfect for the part. The opening battle scenes is where he steals the show.

Seeing this one in widescreen good quality was a real treat. It's too bad all of the other Sword and Sandal movies couldn't be viewed the way they were meant to be seen. That is good quality and widescreen. See this TCM print!

Fridericus (1937)

Fridericus

[7/10 · 27 November 2011]

I think the former reviewer is much too hard on this film. To say that the second film "The Great King" does everything better is a statement that I just can't agree with.

The actor playing Frederick is 'worth the price of admission'. Excellent job in both films. There is a big difference in the outlook of the two films. The former is much more optimistic while the latter was forced to be re-edited under Goebell's and Hitler's direction. Why? The second film showed the Russians of the time in too good a light. Hitler made sure that was changed, especially in 1942. But that is the second film. This one has some very good scenes with Frederick. What comes to mind is the one where he meets the farmers in the field or comes across a small village destroyed by the Austrians.

Down the Road Again (2011)

A great Sequel to a Canadian Masterpiece

[1 November 2011]

I can't understand why more of Donald Shebibs' movies are not readily available on DVD. I saw this one today and had to drive all the way to the Kanata Cinemas to see it. Disgraceful, that a film like this doesn't get better distribution.

This is a great sequel to a Canadian Classic. Often sequels just don't come up to the mark, but this one has got a great story and nearly all of the cast from the first film reprise their roles.

I'm very glad that this film was made. Too bad most Canadians will never see it nor even hear of it.

I'm disgusted with the way Canadian films are (non) distributed in this country.

If you can appreciate the original then you will love this film. If you didn't like the original then there is little point in seeing this one.