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Reviews
Mommie Dearest (1981)
Mommie Dearest in the Eyes of Christina Crawford
The film "Mommie Dearest" is one of the highlights to hit the motion picture screen in 1981. Faye Dunaway performs brilliantly in this spine tingling thriller about the life between Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter, Christina: a.k.a. Christina Darling or "Tina Darling." Not too many references are made to Crawford's former marriages nor mention of her adopted twin daughters. The film basically concentrates on Christina and a little on Christopher (her adopted brother) who struggle with the incessant need for a cleanly house, stringent rules, and the constant baritone harangues of their mother, Mommie Dearest. As a child growing up, Christina seems to have the need to compete, only this competition is "forceful stubbornness and pride." Tina will not allow herself to be "broken" by her mother. Instead, she puts up a numb front, which carries into her teenage and adult years. Eventually, the girl becomes "numb" to her mother's abuse until the very end when she feels the need to be loved by her mother. Nevertheless, Christina Crawford was a dutiful daughter who loved her mother and acknowledged to her constantly of her undying love for her, yet she never really knew if her mother loved her or just used her as a form of Hollywood publicity. The film itself is an excellent portrayal of the life of a Hollywood star's child, the glamor that follows with that life, and the consequences of being totally wrapped up in that lifestyle. The film print color, direction, plot, sets, and music are marvelous and worth any movie watcher's time. The music was performed and conducted by Mr. Henry Mancini and is most indicative of the star, Ms. Joan Crawford.
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
The Essence of Cool in "Cool Hand Luke"
This film is one of Paul Newman's most poignant performances. Newman plays "Luke," a southern convict and loner who shines through his tough exterior, humor, and smile. The film concentrates on a chain gang set in post World War II (1940s), yet has a strong appeal towards the 1960s. Released in 1967, the film depicts modern day conflicts, which are conveyed through the camera transitions, directions, music, and screen play. The film also offers an excellent opportunity to see fine performances from Jim Jeter who played "Hans Dorfler," the blacksmith on "Little House on the Prairie," Ralph Waite and Robert Donner who played "John Walton" and "Yancy Tucker" from "The Waltons," and Morgan Woodward who portrayed the role of "Punk Anderson," (Jock Ewing's friend) on "Dallas." This is a wonderful film worth the attention of all who enjoy movies that deal with conflict, the criminal justice system, and themes from the mid-20th century.
The Student Nurses (1970)
Women's Independence in "The Student Nurses"
"The Student Nurses" is an excellent film that deals with four women bonded by friendship and career. For the first time, one is able to see a realistic portrayal of relationships inside the work place, outside the work place, the risks of those relationships, and the consequences. This film also offers a rare chance to see veteran stage and television actress Katherine "Scottie" MacGregor as the nurses' instructor, "Miss Boswell." Ms. MacGregor is best known for her performance as "Mrs. Oleson" on the television series "Little House on the Prairie." The direction, music, and print color are very good as well as the opening theme song performed by Clancy B. Grass, III. This film offers a rare opportunity for those who enjoy themes centered around the late 1960s and early 1970s, which offers a "softer side to life" while appreciating the beauty of the female sex.