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TARZAN AND HIS MATE from 1934 is arguably the sexiest of the series. Produced during the pre-code era both Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan wear minimal loin clothes and there is even an extended underwater sequence with a totally nude Jane. The production itself is fairly spectacular with some effective special effects. Weissmuller plays the monosyllabic ape man wonderfully. Direction...

In Claude Sautet’s 1960 CLASSE TOUS RISQUES (THE BIG RISK) a ruthless criminal (Lino Ventura) flees from police pursuit, involving more and more casualties. While seeking revenge he must also find a safe place for his two young sons. Rich and complex in its characters and situations it was ignored at the time as the French New Wave was getting more attention but has since been acclaimed as a cla...

1932’s THE BLUE LIGHT was the directorial debut of Leni Riefenstahl. She also played the lead character. Essentially an old folk tale the plot and acting are secondary to the breathtaking visuals. Much of the film was shot in spectacular—and probably very dangerous—mountainous locations. Though there is post synchronized music and dialog, it operates pretty much as a silent film. This is some...

THE VERDICT (1946) was the first full length feature directed by Don Siegel. Frequently paired as supporting players Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre are the leads and essentially the good guys here. Set in 1890 London the film has plush production values. The byplay of the two stars is delightful. Newly released on a Warner Archive blu ray which include two Warner Brother cartoons which par...

Honestly I am not sure what to make of Kristoffer Borgli’s THE DRAMA which I think may well be the intent. The film begins in a light mode following rom-com cliches including a cute meet. A couple (Zendaya and Robert Pattinson) only a few days short of their wedding have their lives and plans knocked wildly eschew when the bride reveals a very terrible secret from her past. From this point on I...