VOODOO DREAMS/VOODOO- LES BAXTER

     Delicious.

My Name Is Barbra

 

      Of course Barbra Streisand was fabulous before her legendary television debut, "My Name Is Barbra", aired in 1965.  But to the general public, she was still considered a curiosity.  People weren't quite sure whether to take her seriously or not.  Then, "My Name Is Barbra" aired... and her television debut became a pinnacle moment in music history, and a legend was born- all at a mere 22 years old.  Filmed in glorious black and white, it's a thrilling and sensational moment in television history.  If people didn't know who Streisand was before "My Name Is Barbra", they sure did the next day.  Not only was the show itself a runaway  ratings smash, but it made Barbra the most famous woman on the planet, besides Elizabeth Taylor.  The show was immensely popular, and the freshness and boldness that went into this production is still impressive even today.  Barbra had balls, and her braveness to do it different than the rest paid off.  It's a fantastic hour of song and show that tosses out the traditional variety show format of the time and amazingly drops the whole guest star thing.  Barbra has no guest stars- no silly and staged banter.  She is the show. Divided into three segments, Barbra is a true tour de force- astonishing the viewer with her raw talent.  It was truly groundbreaking at the time, and it's still a dazzling piece of showmanship. "My Name Is Barbra" is rightly considered one of television's most legendary moments- putting it up there with Elvis and The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and Madonna on the VMA's.  This is perhaps Barbra presented in her finest hour.  And it's worth it alone just for the fabulous Bergdorf Goodman segment.And the two soundtracks to the television special is a must-have for any self-respecting fan of Streisand or lounge music.  Utterly delicious.

THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE/ DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES

     Hmmm.... delicious...

THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN

 

  
     Don't be fooled by the title.  This is one of the best sci-fi/horror films to come out of the 50s- rivaling 1956's "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" as the best, in my opinion.

     Scott Carey and his wife are out enjoying their cabin cruiser one day at sea.  While his wife is momentarily below deck, the small craft passes through a mysterious mist.  Scott is left covered by a strange, glitter-like substance, which eventually disappears.  All seems fine, until a few days later when Scott is accidentally sprayed with an insecticide.  Then, he incredibly begins to realize that his entire body actually seems to be shrinking.    

      "The Incredible Shrinking Man" is an amazingly thought-out movie, and the stunning special effects (for the time) enhance the story greatly.  It also doesn't hurt the fact that it's based on such a well-written story to begin with, and the fact that the author himself adapted the screenplay.  It's not just a bunch of lines delivered with the usual b-movie schlock.  As fantastic as the special effects were for the time, the film is actually just as much a character study.  Grant Williams does a fine job with Scott Carey- it's fascinating to watch him become more and more resourceful in a desperate attempt to save his life and to deal with ordinary, everyday objects (spiders, the cat, etc.) that are now much more dangerous. On top of the repercussions his new fate has on his marriage.  Up until then, there had simply not been a film to deal with the psychology of the over-the-top and fantastic situations portrayed in the movie.  It's just a well-done flick all around.  If you want to see a perfect example of 50s sci-fi/horror, check out "The Incredible Shrinking Man" now!

The New Classic Singers- Call Me

1960's Easy Living

Hmmm... delicious...

HOLLYWOOD ICONS- BETTIE PAGE

     One of the most legendary pin-up queens in history, Bettie Page has become immortal.  The unforgettable Page remains an icon in the leagues of Marilyn, Elvis, and James Dean.  Here's a stunning collection of Bettie Page in all her glory...

Cat-Women Of The Moon

     The gloriously bad "Cat-Women Of The Moon" is one of those movies best viewed in a theater chock full of people having an absolute blast with it.  One of the best of the so bad they're great B-flicks of the fabulous 50's, "Cat-Women Of The Moon" is hilariously amateur yet just so entertaining.  Cinema schlock and pure, honest camp at its finest!

     The plot concerns a group of space explorers landing on the Moon and battling not only a giant spider but a horde of beautiful and telepathic women.  The women you see, plan on overtaking planet Earth and haven't seen men in years.  The hilarious special effects alone make the movie, not to mention the dialogue.  If you're looking for something more along the lines of "The Day The Earth Stood Still", look elsewhere.  "Cat-Women Of The Moon" is an absolute hoot from start to finish, but like I mentioned earlier, much more fun with a large group of people.  I mean, I would watch this movie simply because of the title alone.  And it more than lives up to the title. This is a bona-fide B classic, and a nifty addition to any 50's collection.  Sometimes you're just in the mood for a cheesy, black and white, sci-fi flick from the 1950's.  This is definitely one of those movies.

Double Indemnity

     "Double Indemnity" is hand down one of the greatest mysteries ever filmed, and a shining example of film noir.   Billy Wilder is simply one of the best directors to ever come out of Hollywood, and definitely proves it with this immortal classic.  The man could film anything and make it entertaining, and "Double Indemnity" is pure movie magic.

     Fred MacMurray plays Walter Neff, an insurance agent.  He meets Phyllis Dietrichson, the murderous femme fatale, deliciously and diabolically played with icy perfection by Barbara Stanwyck.  Seems she's a gal who wants to off her husband and seductively pulls Walter into a dangerous web of murder and greed.  Rounding out the cast is the always welcome Edward G. Robinson, who plays Neff's friend and co-worker, Keys.  Keys investigates insurance claims, and the that's where the brilliance of "Double Indemnity" lies.  Keys is an excellent claim investigator, but is Walter smart enough to outwit him?  The plot thickens magnificently until the final, mesmerizing climax.

     "Double Indemnity" is another perfect, rainy-day kind of movie.  It never fails to entertain, no matter how many times you've seen it.  This, along with "Mildred Pierce" or "Sunset Boulevard" (another Wilder classic, by the way...)  are three of my all-time favorites.  It's earned every bit of its reputation as a Hollywood classic, and looks even better than ever today.  It's sly, it's cynical, and it's dark.  It's everything film noir is supposed to be, and regarded by many as the ultimate of its genre.