I have seen an interview with Billy Wilder when he said that to find writers who write well or wittily is easy but to find someone who writes a plot where the ending utterly amazes you because you never guessed it - there are only one or two of those in the world. For her plots, he deeply admired Agatha Christie, and this one was wonderful. She herself loved the film.
The "elderly lady" who is murdered was played by Norma Varden, who also had a key role in Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train and was Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, in Sound of Music. She was also in Billy Wilder's first film as a director, The Major and the Minor, playing Robert Benchley's wife. I had the pleasure of knowing her at the end of her life and profiled her for Film Fan Monthly. She was a great lady!
Just noticed her last night in the beginning of Casablanca as the ditzy woman whose husband gets his pocket picked by the man warning them about pickpockets.
Laughton's performance was out of this world terrific, and his Oscar nomination was well deserved! Inexplicably, Dietrich was overlooked. She was equally as impressive.
She was SO disappointed! She was about to open her act in Las Vegas and had prematutring advertized "Oscar Nominee Marlene Dietrich...". The morning after the nominations everything had to be changed.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I read somewhere that Laughton did not yell "Liar" in rehearsal, only on the one take that he did for this scene so that the actors in the courtroom would jump too.
Watched it there other day as it was on British tv . I’ve seen it before and knew it was great but was completely mesmerised by it yet again. Dietrich was outstanding in a complex and Laughton served more ham than a local butchers but was enjoyable in the role . I loved Una O’Connor in her wee role as Janet Mckenzie the house maid . She was hysterical and What a great swan song for her . ❤️ I did have real chuckle when the Dietrich character is talking about The dead victim , describing her as “ old “. 😂 she was the same age as Dietrich but you would never believe it . Stunning lady
Wonderful review! I didn't recognize Una! She was in many MGM classics as Robin Hood, Frankenstein, Barettes of Wimpole St. This movie has the best last 10minutes ever.
I just saw it. Wow. I was not expecting that. When I saw that it was both Agatha Christie AND Billy Wilder, I knew it would be special. And what a cast! Charles Laughton stole every scene that wasn't already stolen by Elsa Lanchester. I can't believe it's taken me so long to see this one. Thanks for the suggestion. I love a movie with a crazy ending.
I'm SO glad! I saw a live production in London back in 2018 that is still running, done in an actual courthouse and simply splendid. The audience must have never seen or read it, because the ending caused them to scream! I loved it! Best Wishes; Steve
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ wrongo!!! The best film ever made was without a doubt " Mommie Dearest"!!! I languish in pain ....I mean...I'm miserable ...whenever I year " It took the Rassie"...on and on! T, which is the greatesr for classics...won't even run it!!! Shame upon ya TCM....Faye LaBitch did a great portraial of her. That garbage out there that Bette and Joan loathed each other is nonsense. They got along famously on " Baby Jane'. I'm getting a migration be. XxxOoo...
Like your enthusiasm especially as iI agree it's a great movie full of great performances. Three things though: * Laughton plays a barrister not a judge * Elsa Manchester was his wife in real life (even if it was all an act) * It was Tyrone Power's last movie. Cheers!
Charles Laughton and Alfred Hitchcock were the same age, born in 1899, and raised as Catholics in a Protestant England. They may have been in the same school for a while. Laughton saw service during World War I, Hitchcock did not.
Excellent choice, Steve, and another interesting and great review! Largely forgotten film today and very underrated. One of the many greats of the master, Billy Wilder. My favorite being 'Sunset Boulevard'.
Laughton and Lanchester--one of the most talented couples ever in Hollywood (although she generally held back). And, of course, Una O'Connor was a screaming favorite in Universal Monster films!
How could we have missed this movie after all these years ?? I say WE because your style in reviewing these films makes us all feel included.......so personable. Best Classic Movie Reviews !!!
I second the motion, Steve: "Witness for the Prosecution" is an excellent movie. I don't even like courtroom dramas but I found this on TV one day many years ago and loved "Witness for the Prosecution". The scene we get a glimpse of here with Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton and the light reflecting of the monocle is one of my favorites from the movie. Great review for a great movie. Thank you, Steve!
My parents took me to Witness when I was a boy. Charles Laughton made an impression and to this day I think he is the greatest actor. As fallen aristocracy in Jamaica Inn he gives a spectacular portrayal of a man over the edge carrying on nevertheless.. Witness is a great movie and all the cast are phenomenal right down to Ruta Lee.
I also love him in "The Big Clock". The ultimate weasel, hiding behind his sycophants. The stragic confrontation scene between him and Rita Johnson is harrowing, followed by his confession over drinks to the eqaully sleazy George MacReady where he confesses to killing her and offers George a promotion if he'll clean up the murder scene. .Incredible work.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Yes, Charles is the greatest for me. MacReady played sinister characters. Even more than Sanders. His voice could have played the whole part disembodied it is so chilling, frightening really. I suppose you've done 'Gilda.' I'll search for it. A marvelous film is 'Witness For The Prosecution.' The one film that is up there with it for me is 'J'Accuse' - the Dreyfus Case - with Jose Ferrer.
Your reviews are always the best! On Charles Laughton and The Night of the Hunter, have you ever considered our loss at his never directing again due to the poor reception of "Hunter"?Well I have and believe me it's not pretty, how about a review of that great film sometime? Also you didn't mention, but of course you'll know, that Elsa Lanchester was the bride of Charles Laughton as well as The Bride of Frankenstein!
Hi Joe! Thanks for the nice comments. Yes, I agree about the loss of Laughton. This reminds me, I heard an interview with Peter Bogdanovich and he said he was complaining to Orson Welles that he was always having to live up to "The Last Picture Show", like Welles had to with "Citizen Kane"I. Welles finally said; "Well, My Boy, you only need ONE." Laughton only directed one, but it what a one it was! I did review "Night Of The Hunter" if you look for it on YoutUbe , you'll find it. Thanks for watching!
Great stuff oh I get chills at this....I was in the San Diego production of "Witness For The Prosecution" (1985) I played a jury member and the butler to Sir Wilfrid Roberts.. I loved this production and absolutely fabulous movie..You always do justice when you review..You had a ball with this one, comedy, tragedy, drama and tension relief....Two thumbs up ol' boy!
IRONIC! I just watched this on video this afternoon! Loved the Elsa & Charles tussle. Tyrone was so obviously a sleaze! He plays Len Vole. A vole is a pesky burrowing garden animal. After the trial Charles said that something was wrong. It fell into place too easily. Marlene playing the accordion is a hoot! Howz about doing 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR sometime, Steve! Thanks for your analysis here. :)
I saw this on stage in London two tears ago and they did it in an actual coutrhouse. It was magnificent. All the acors I'd seen on my favorite BBC sereis "Midsomer Murders", "Foyle's War", and "Vera" etc. Unforgettable. It still holds up. The audience apparently hadn't seen the film and when the twist came at the end and Christine stabbed Vole, which is the last moment of the play, then BLACKOUT! They rose and screamed! I was delighted! Great suggestion. I LOVED "Three Days of the Condor". Redford is also one of my favorite actors. He's always so good. I
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Take a look at YT for a comparison of Condor with Bush's war also "about oil" Far too far fetched for this old country boy. To me, Condor is just a yarn. In Condor, having John Houseman as a CIAer was pretty good because he was one of the founders of OWI in WW2. "I like that clarity." Relatedly, CAPRICORN ONE was also a hoot. Max von Sydow was magnificent as the assassin. Sir Lew Grade to financed the movie. Your storytelling a characterizations are great. Haven't read your bio. But you must be in show biz in production. Right? I'm trying to sell a fictional script about Beethoven in the 250th year but can't find a buyer. Any suggestions? It is about finding a lost Tenth Symphony. I also composed a title theme. I'm a composer, writer, actor and into those related artsy things that don't make money. Glad i got a nice pension. hahaha Tov! But "Beethoven's Finale" could make big money in promotions. Private mail me, if you're interested. We could toss it around. Thanks!
Script writer, Billy Wilder. I watched enough films to see a pattern emerge. EVERY single word of Wilder's scripts contribute to the story. There is NOT ONE wasted word of useless fluff. This is an incredible achievement ! UN-matched by any other film maker.
A really great film that should be remembered by more people. There were remakes in '82 and '2016 but they cannot ever match it. Laughton and Dietrich gave great performances. Frankly, I thought Power was too old for the role.
I LOOOOOOOVE Agatha Christie, too. Margaret Rutherford was hilarious as Mrs. Marple. And the all star casts of Death On The Nile (1978), And Then There Were None (1945), and most especially, Murder On The Orient Express (1974) were phenomenal. Wish you could put more then one of these on a month because I sure enjoy them.
Evil Under the Sun, with Peter Ustinov as Poirot, is no to be missed if you love Dame Agatha. Diana Rigg AND Maggie Smith as frenemies is just sooo delicious! This would be an awsome candidate for a review, Steve!
I've just seen Night of the Hunter for the first time (I know, shame on me) and today watched The Big Clock, a fantastic Laughton noir, so this couldn't have come at a better time. I just wish the Tired Old Queen would come more often.
I've reviewed "The Stranger", and "The Bishop's Wife". I'm thinking of doing "the Farmer's Daughter', "Rachel and the Stranger" and "The Accused", all of which I love. Thanks for watching!
Thanks to your review I checked this movie out. Man, it really delivers! I was hooked and absolutely loved it. I’ve become a big Charles Laughton fan too and have begun a deep dive into his filmography. Saw the Hunchback and was so impressed. He made that character so incredibly endearing and noble. What others should I check out? Mutiny on the Bounty is one others have suggested. Others?? Thanks as always. U r the man!!
I adore Laughton. I could never believ he wasn't up for or won the 1939 Oscar for The Hinchback Of Notre Dame", Such a mutilayered, sensitive and daring performance. Unforgettable. I cry all the way through it. Other lughton performances I higly recommend; " The Big Clock" ('47). You can read my review in on my TH-cam channel.Top notch suspense and Laughton is at his silken, evil best. he is also sensational in his last role; " Advise and Consent" ('60), check out my review, his old southern senator is a sly fox who takes no prisoners. And he was dying of cancer at the time. Simply the best.
When I saw the West End production in London, the people next to me stood up and screamed! LOL! Agatha would have been so delighted! Thanks for watching! Stay SAFE! Best; Steve
@@stevenhayes4063 Hi there! I really enjoy your videos, mostly because your energy reminds me of my late husband Tim, who died of AIDS in '95. He would have been 58 this year. He loved movies, too. In fact, we proposed to each other after watching Driving Miss Daisy at a second run theater, saying simulationly, "Let's get married at Time Con!" (a local sci-fi convention). In Bob Hope's words, "Thanks for the memories!"
one of my favs....laughton...one of the best ever...but..you dont do reviews you do....i dont know what to call what you do....but...you have fun so ...have fun!
I always enjoy your descriptions, but Laughton's character isn't a judge. He's a barrister, the British version of a higher ranking attorney. Keep up the good work.
I just discovered your movies reviews- you are awesome. Move over AMC - I love your insights on classic movies,, trenchant reviews and all the bitchy backstage gossip. ✌🏻
What? Damn Yankees? This is a movie that paid a fortune for Tab who was called 'The American Adonis' and stars in a movie that spends considerable time in locker rooms and yet never shows hims with even his SHIRT off while we get the dubious joy of seeing Ray Walston do a dance in jockey shorts.
I saw a terrific version in London last year done in in an actual courtroom. Loved it! It's one of the few suspense plays that really holds up if it's done right!
Perhaps, but his ability to beguile worked for the role. As he did in "Nightmrae Alley", he could play the ultimate "charmer" . Thanks for watching! Steve
In my opinion both were too old. I saw it onstage in London two years ago and had a young acotr play him as more of a cocky /cockney character. I think they should have cast young Dirk Bogarde. Thanks for watching! Best; Steve
Marlene Dietrich looks horrible in this. She is old, old, old at this point. Billy Wilder was horrible at casting in the late 50's. Dietrich is 56 years old, and Tyrone Power is 43 years old. And they both look it. Wilder did the same thing with Gary Cooper in Love in the Afternoon. Casting old time great actors, who are too old for the characters they are playing.
I have seen an interview with Billy Wilder when he said that to find writers who write well or wittily is easy but to find someone who writes a plot where the ending utterly amazes you because you never guessed it - there are only one or two of those in the world. For her plots, he deeply admired Agatha Christie, and this one was wonderful. She herself loved the film.
A masterpiece! Steve
The "elderly lady" who is murdered was played by Norma Varden, who also had a key role in Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train and was Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, in Sound of Music. She was also in Billy Wilder's first film as a director, The Major and the Minor, playing Robert Benchley's wife. I had the pleasure of knowing her at the end of her life and profiled her for Film Fan Monthly. She was a great lady!
What a treat--would love to read this! Truly adore her! We had a Norma Varden Day in my film class that I teach at a local high school.
@@jimsteinbrecher7861 You are my kind of teacher!!! What did your Norma Varden Day consist of?!
Just noticed her last night in the beginning of Casablanca as the ditzy woman whose husband gets his pocket picked by the man warning them about pickpockets.
@@poetcomic1 Yup! That's Norma!
And charmed us as the rich lady next door on Hazel.
Laughton's performance was out of this world terrific, and his Oscar nomination was well deserved! Inexplicably, Dietrich was overlooked. She was equally as impressive.
She was SO disappointed! She was about to open her act in Las Vegas and had prematutring advertized "Oscar Nominee Marlene Dietrich...". The morning after the nominations everything had to be changed.
3:30 Laughton still makes me jump out of MY seat with that word LIAR! though I've seen this movie a half dozen times.
Laughton's brilliant!
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I read somewhere that Laughton did not yell "Liar" in rehearsal, only on the one take that he did for this scene so that the actors in the courtroom would jump too.
@@billolsen4360 I'm not the least bit surprised. He was remarkable and completely unpredictable. Wilder loved him. Best; Steve
Just love Charles Laugh ton in anything he does.
Me too. He underplays here and still manages to swipte the film from under everyone's noses.
Night of he Hunter is a masterpiece so beautiful and haunting.
Totally agree! Fabulous from begining to end.
Scared the neck out of me as a kid.
Watched it there other day as it was on British tv . I’ve seen it before and knew it was great but was completely mesmerised by it yet again. Dietrich was outstanding in a complex and Laughton served more ham than a local butchers but was enjoyable in the role . I loved Una O’Connor in her wee role as Janet Mckenzie the house maid . She was hysterical and What a great swan song for her . ❤️ I did have real chuckle when the Dietrich character is talking about The dead victim , describing her as “ old “. 😂 she was the same age as Dietrich but you would never believe it . Stunning lady
One of my all time favorites and so wonderfully cast! Thanks for watching! Best Wishes; Steve
One of my all-time favorites. Marlene: "Damn you. DAMN YOU!"
Yup! And Charles Laughton is superb! Thanks for watching and have a great Fall! Best; Steve
Wonderful review! I didn't recognize Una! She was in many MGM classics as Robin Hood, Frankenstein, Barettes of Wimpole St. This movie has the best last 10minutes ever.
Yes, there was a time when she seemed to be in everything.
👍👍👍👍 All were glorious! Top of their game👍👍👍👍
I just saw it. Wow. I was not expecting that. When I saw that it was both Agatha Christie AND Billy Wilder, I knew it would be special. And what a cast! Charles Laughton stole every scene that wasn't already stolen by Elsa Lanchester. I can't believe it's taken me so long to see this one. Thanks for the suggestion. I love a movie with a crazy ending.
I'm SO glad! I saw a live production in London back in 2018 that is still running, done in an actual courthouse and simply splendid. The audience must have never seen or read it, because the ending caused them to scream! I loved it! Best Wishes; Steve
One of the greatest films ever made
A agree! I love courtroom dramas!
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ wrongo!!! The best film ever made was without a doubt " Mommie Dearest"!!! I languish in pain ....I mean...I'm miserable ...whenever I year " It took the Rassie"...on and on! T, which is the greatesr for classics...won't even run it!!! Shame upon ya TCM....Faye LaBitch did a great portraial of her. That garbage out there that Bette and Joan loathed each other is nonsense. They got along famously on " Baby Jane'. I'm getting a migration be. XxxOoo...
You are right, this is one of my favorite movies!
Right? You can'r beat it! Laughton, Dietrich, Power, Lanchester and all under the watchful eye of Billy Wilder at his sardonic best. Perfection! Steve
Like your enthusiasm especially as iI agree it's a great movie full of great performances. Three things though:
* Laughton plays a barrister not a judge
* Elsa Manchester was his wife in real life (even if it was all an act)
* It was Tyrone Power's last movie.
Cheers!
"Lanchester", not "Manchester".
,You skipped one fun fact: Wilder threw in a scene of a WWII bombing aftermatth as an excuse to showcase Dietrich's legs,
Charles Laughton and Alfred Hitchcock were the same age, born in 1899, and raised as Catholics in a Protestant England. They may have been in the same school for a while. Laughton saw service during World War I, Hitchcock did not.
They worked together twice ("Jamaica Inn"& "The Paradine Case") and Hitchcock had no love fo him. He found Laughton too exasperating.
Excellent choice, Steve, and another interesting and great review! Largely forgotten film today and very underrated. One of the many greats of the master, Billy Wilder. My favorite being 'Sunset Boulevard'.
This is one of my favorites. Thanks!
Laughton and Lanchester--one of the most talented couples ever in Hollywood (although she generally held back).
And, of course, Una O'Connor was a screaming favorite in Universal Monster films!
All unique and doing what they did best! Thanks for watching! Steve
Always look forward to your uploads, steve! Love you!
Thanks for watching!
How could we have missed this movie after all these years ?? I say WE because your style in reviewing these films makes us all feel included.......so personable. Best Classic Movie Reviews !!!
Thank you so much for such high praise! So glad you are watching TOQ!
I second the motion, Steve: "Witness for the Prosecution" is an excellent movie. I don't even like courtroom dramas but I found this on TV one day many years ago and loved "Witness for the Prosecution". The scene we get a glimpse of here with Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton and the light reflecting of the monocle is one of my favorites from the movie. Great review for a great movie. Thank you, Steve!
Thank you. It's so well done and both are amazing!
Awesome Movie !MARLENE FOREVER !!
I agree! She should have been nominated!
She was an absolute stunner! When she is on screen I simply cannot look away!
I really enjoyed this one. Great story and great acting.
My parents took me to Witness when I was a boy. Charles Laughton made an impression and to this day I think he is the greatest actor. As fallen aristocracy in Jamaica Inn he gives a spectacular portrayal of a man over the edge carrying on nevertheless.. Witness is a great movie and all the cast are phenomenal right down to Ruta Lee.
I also love him in "The Big Clock". The ultimate weasel, hiding behind his sycophants. The stragic confrontation scene between him and Rita Johnson is harrowing, followed by his confession over drinks to the eqaully sleazy George MacReady where he confesses to killing her and offers George a promotion if he'll clean up the murder scene. .Incredible work.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Yes, Charles is the greatest for me. MacReady played sinister characters. Even more than Sanders. His voice could have played the whole part disembodied it is so chilling, frightening really. I suppose you've done 'Gilda.' I'll search for it. A marvelous film is 'Witness For The Prosecution.' The one film that is up there with it for me is 'J'Accuse' - the Dreyfus Case - with Jose Ferrer.
Your reviews are always the best! On Charles Laughton and The Night of the Hunter, have you ever considered our loss at his never directing again due to the poor reception of "Hunter"?Well I have and believe me it's not pretty, how about a review of that great film sometime? Also you didn't mention, but of course you'll know, that Elsa Lanchester was the bride of Charles Laughton as well as The Bride of Frankenstein!
Hi Joe! Thanks for the nice comments. Yes, I agree about the loss of Laughton. This reminds me, I heard an interview with Peter Bogdanovich and he said he was complaining to Orson Welles that he was always having to live up to "The Last Picture Show", like Welles had to with "Citizen Kane"I. Welles finally said; "Well, My Boy, you only need ONE." Laughton only directed one, but it what a one it was! I did review "Night Of The Hunter" if you look for it on YoutUbe , you'll find it. Thanks for watching!
Great stuff oh I get chills at this....I was in the San Diego production of "Witness For The Prosecution" (1985) I played a jury member and the butler to Sir Wilfrid Roberts.. I loved this production and absolutely fabulous movie..You always do justice when you review..You had a ball with this one, comedy, tragedy, drama and tension relief....Two thumbs up ol' boy!
Love this movie. Charles Laughton's performance is sooo brilliant. Like a Stradivarius.
Wilder was wild about him!
As fine a performance as he did playing Captain Bligh
Love you so much Steve! 😘 Always look forward to and enjoy your spot on review videos!
Thanks, Bob!
IRONIC! I just watched this on video this afternoon! Loved the Elsa & Charles tussle. Tyrone was so obviously a sleaze! He plays Len Vole. A vole is a pesky burrowing garden animal. After the trial Charles said that something was wrong. It fell into place too easily. Marlene playing the accordion is a hoot! Howz about doing 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR sometime, Steve! Thanks for your analysis here. :)
I saw this on stage in London two tears ago and they did it in an actual coutrhouse. It was magnificent. All the acors I'd seen on my favorite BBC sereis "Midsomer Murders", "Foyle's War", and "Vera" etc. Unforgettable. It still holds up. The audience apparently hadn't seen the film and when the twist came at the end and Christine stabbed Vole, which is the last moment of the play, then BLACKOUT! They rose and screamed! I was delighted! Great suggestion. I LOVED "Three Days of the Condor". Redford is also one of my favorite actors. He's always so good. I
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Take a look at YT for a comparison of Condor with Bush's war also "about oil" Far too far fetched for this old country boy. To me, Condor is just a yarn. In Condor, having John Houseman as a CIAer was pretty good because he was one of the founders of OWI in WW2. "I like that clarity." Relatedly, CAPRICORN ONE was also a hoot. Max von Sydow was magnificent as the assassin. Sir Lew Grade to financed the movie. Your storytelling a characterizations are great. Haven't read your bio. But you must be in show biz in production. Right? I'm trying to sell a fictional script about Beethoven in the 250th year but can't find a buyer. Any suggestions? It is about finding a lost Tenth Symphony. I also composed a title theme. I'm a composer, writer, actor and into those related artsy things that don't make money. Glad i got a nice pension. hahaha Tov! But "Beethoven's Finale" could make big money in promotions. Private mail me, if you're interested. We could toss it around. Thanks!
Love AC. She’s simply the best. Great review again Steve x
Me too, Becky! Antyhing Agatha, I'm there. Thanks for watching! Steve
Well, another one to purchase...Excellent job as always, Steve.
El gran mentiroso,
Yay, one of my absolute favs :) Always look forward to the next TOQ!
Thanks
Your videos always bring so much joy to my heart! We need more indeed! Could we get a spooky film review this month?
Script writer, Billy Wilder. I watched enough films to see a pattern emerge. EVERY single word of Wilder's scripts contribute to the story. There is NOT ONE wasted word of useless fluff. This is an incredible achievement ! UN-matched by any other film maker.
He was certainly remarkable.
That twist at the end...Agatha at her best!
Great to see you again Steve, I love Agatha Christie!
ME TOO! I ADORE her! She died on my birthday in 1976.
A really great film that should be remembered by more people. There were remakes in '82 and '2016 but they cannot ever match it. Laughton and Dietrich gave great performances. Frankly, I thought Power was too old for the role.
This was Ty' last completed film. I think he was ill already.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ , I know. Very tragiv. His daughter,Romina Power, was a very famous pop singer in Italy.
@@bovnycccoperalover3579 I just LOVE Ty Power and I never get tired of watching him. he smiles and I get goose bumps all over.
love this movie great acting by all .
I just saw this based on your review and loved it!! Thank you!
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
Excelente película! Excelente interpretación del gran Tyrone Power!! Gracias!
Muchas gracias, Ali!
I LOOOOOOOVE Agatha Christie, too. Margaret Rutherford was hilarious as Mrs. Marple. And the all star casts of Death On The Nile (1978), And Then There Were None (1945), and most especially, Murder On The Orient Express (1974) were phenomenal.
Wish you could put more then one of these on a month because I sure enjoy them.
Thanks so much! I love all of those too!
Evil Under the Sun, with Peter Ustinov as Poirot, is no to be missed if you love Dame Agatha. Diana Rigg AND Maggie Smith as frenemies is just sooo delicious! This would be an awsome candidate for a review, Steve!
I've just seen Night of the Hunter for the first time (I know, shame on me) and today watched The Big Clock, a fantastic Laughton noir, so this couldn't have come at a better time. I just wish the Tired Old Queen would come more often.
KAOS We can't.
We're tired.
I love and have reviewed both thos efilms! SO great!
It's so good to see you guys again! I can't wait to see what you have planned for Halloween. :)
Una O’Connor is one my favorite charcter actors. Didn't she work with Elsa Lanchester in "Bride of Frankenstein"?
David Perry she was in James Whale's Bride Of Frankenstein & The Invisible Man plus with Barbara Stanwyck in Christmas In Connecticut
She did indeed. She did this role in the Broadway production. So wise of them to bring her to Hollywood for the film.
1:07 - Tyrone Power also played Zorro in an early version of the film.
This production never got a proper recognition as it should. Steve, thank you. Never stop!
I never will as long as you keep watching! Thanks a million!
Even younger generation viewers who have seen many,. many film plot twists are surprised as hell at the final scene reveal
I just love you Steve & Johnnie
I adore you. What about a Loretta Young picture? The Stranger, maybe?
Oh, The Farmer's Daughter!!!
I've reviewed "The Stranger", and "The Bishop's Wife". I'm thinking of doing "the Farmer's Daughter', "Rachel and the Stranger" and "The Accused", all of which I love. Thanks for watching!
Thanks to your review I checked this movie out. Man, it really delivers! I was hooked and absolutely loved it. I’ve become a big Charles Laughton fan too and have begun a deep dive into his filmography. Saw the Hunchback and was so impressed. He made that character so incredibly endearing and noble. What others should I check out? Mutiny on the Bounty is one others have suggested. Others?? Thanks as always. U r the man!!
I adore Laughton. I could never believ he wasn't up for or won the 1939 Oscar for The Hinchback Of Notre Dame", Such a mutilayered, sensitive and daring performance. Unforgettable. I cry all the way through it. Other lughton performances I higly recommend; " The Big Clock" ('47). You can read my review in on my TH-cam channel.Top notch suspense and Laughton is at his silken, evil best. he is also sensational in his last role; " Advise and Consent" ('60), check out my review, his old southern senator is a sly fox who takes no prisoners. And he was dying of cancer at the time. Simply the best.
I remember when my mother did the costumes for a community college production of Witness for the Prosecution, and the end really is a shocker! 😮
When I saw the West End production in London, the people next to me stood up and screamed! LOL! Agatha would have been so delighted! Thanks for watching! Stay SAFE! Best; Steve
@@stevenhayes4063 Hi there! I really enjoy your videos, mostly because your energy reminds me of my late husband Tim, who died of AIDS in '95. He would have been 58 this year. He loved movies, too. In fact, we proposed to each other after watching Driving Miss Daisy at a second run theater, saying simulationly, "Let's get married at Time Con!" (a local sci-fi convention). In Bob Hope's words, "Thanks for the memories!"
I've missed your videos so much! Love it.
Top stuff, Steve ! Laughton just terrific . Have you done : The Man who came
to Dinner ?
It's on my list! Thanks for watching!
Isn't the woman Leonard strangles the same woman Robert Walker strangles during the party scence in "Strangers on a Train"?
Yes, poor Norma Varden had fatal tastes in men.
This movie is efffffffed UP!! 😁
You'll never figger'it out!
Good ole' Agatha Christie. Combined with Billy Wilder and that cast, you are blown aways to the very end.
Great movie. The ending will shock you.
"I'm DAMNED if I'm satisfied"
It will indeed!
Love the impersonations! Awesome
Thanks for watching!
Saw this one last year. Great film!
one of my favs....laughton...one of the best ever...but..you dont do reviews you do....i dont know what to call what you do....but...you have fun so ...have fun!
Thanks, I think I will! LOl!
Great movie,love your review
Great movie and review
Thanks, Roz. So glad you liked it! I hope you sunscribe and stay SAFE! Best Wishes; Steve
You got so enthused there for a moment I thought you were going to give the plot away.
LOL! Folled ya!
Another great review
Thanks, Stephen!
A great review
Fave movie!
I love this one too!
Great crit !
1:50 Laughton's character is a barrister, not a judge. (I know you know that.)
Charles Laughton walks away with this movie, even though it was made for Tyrone Power.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching! Steve
Joan Crawford on Dietrich
"after awhile the fake glamour wore thin, but then the real actress emerged and how!"
Well, she shuld know. Takes one to know one.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ but Joan was right.
@@thomassperduti4500 Never said she wasn't.
Very good movie 😊
I think so too.
Will you be making a halloween themed upload? :)
You are fabulous 💓
Thank you and thanks so much for watching! Best; Steve
Would that be a " hostile witness"?
Well, we ain't talkin' "Youth Hostile", that's for sure. OXOXO
I always enjoy your descriptions, but Laughton's character isn't a judge. He's a barrister, the British version of a higher ranking attorney. Keep up the good work.
0:16- Did you say...MURRRRRRRRDEEER?! O_O
Yeeeeeeeeessssss! Nuthin' better!...In the movies, that is.
Don't forget Ruta Lee!
Fort Worth's own Ruta Kilmonis...a...Lee!
Hey, he pronounced "Una" correctly!
SEE?! LOL!
I just discovered your movies reviews- you are awesome. Move over AMC - I love your insights on classic movies,, trenchant reviews and all the bitchy backstage gossip. ✌🏻
Wow! Thank you so much! I'm delighted you've come on board!
ha steve hayes can you do tab hunter movies
What? Damn Yankees? This is a movie that paid a fortune for Tab who was called 'The American Adonis' and stars in a movie that spends considerable time in locker rooms and yet never shows hims with even his SHIRT off while we get the dubious joy of seeing Ray Walston do a dance in jockey shorts.
I'd rather do Tab Hunter...I mean, yes...of course.
@@poetcomic1 Now, now....
Charles Laughton’s character is an “old judge”? Guess we saw different movies.
Nothing comes close to this version AND I've seen the lot, including the stage versions when they come to town.
I saw a terrific version in London last year done in in an actual courtroom. Loved it! It's one of the few suspense plays that really holds up if it's done right!
Great picture though I still think Power was too old for the part
Perhaps, but his ability to beguile worked for the role. As he did in "Nightmrae Alley", he could play the ultimate "charmer" . Thanks for watching! Steve
Marlena is something though...
En español
Barrister
Holden would have been better. Tyrone just doesn't seem right in the part. Too slick for a character supposedly down at heel.
In my opinion both were too old. I saw it onstage in London two years ago and had a young acotr play him as more of a cocky /cockney character. I think they should have cast young Dirk Bogarde. Thanks for watching! Best; Steve
Wonderful - but the housekeeper is Scottish not Irish.
I'll tell her.
This video is dreadful would switch people off the film.
Marlene Dietrich looks horrible in this. She is old, old, old at this point. Billy Wilder was horrible at casting in the late 50's. Dietrich is 56 years old, and Tyrone Power is 43 years old. And they both look it. Wilder did the same thing with Gary Cooper in Love in the Afternoon. Casting old time great actors, who are too old for the characters they are playing.
Yes movies should only cast actors under 30. Washed up after that.
Don’t forget Ruta Lee!