ON THE VIDEO SHELF
Section A

A Face in the Crowd
    First off, if you know the impact Will Rogers had on America and think of a twisted version of Rogers unleashed, then you’ll really appreciate this movie.
    However, even if you don’t remember much about Rogers, you can still enjoy this movie immensely. It spotlights the power of early television as a country hick is transformed from country bumpkin to the consciousness of American. What we also see is the transformation of a simple man to an egomaniacal demagogue.
    The performance by Andy Griffith is amazing, a once in a lifetime performance that most actors can only dream of. I know, I know...Andy Griffith? But this was before his Mayberry days and he was a fine actor. In fact, Griffith’s popularity is underestimated by most of today’s audience.
    This is one of those movies that is a must see...not only for the story of Lonesome Rhodes, but for the manipulation of the media and how it can be relevant even today.

Once Upon a Time in the West
   Directed by Sergio Leone, known for the Man with No Name westerns that launched the career of Clint Eastwood into the big time (also known as the Spaghetti Westerns as they were produced in Italy but mainly shot in Spain). This is the opus of those Westerns even though Eastwood didn’t star. A long movie that sometimes gets over-blown but for the most part, a compelling and fascinating look. The music of Ennio Morricone, who did most of these westerns, is always haunting and is very much part of the narrative structure. Each of the primary characters has a certain melodic underlay when they appear on the screen.
    The story centers on four primary characters and how they interact. The first is Charles Bronson who plays a harmonica-playing drifter. The harmonica has a great deal of significance and comes to the forefront at the end. Jason Robards plays a rogue villain falsely accused of another crime, Claudia Cardinale plays a widow who has inherited some kind of mysterious plan, and most surprisingly, Henry Ford plays a vicious killer. Ford’s presence on screen is terrifying and we can see his career could have taken some interesting turns if he played more roles like this one.
    From the long opening segment of three men waiting for Bronson, to the flashback scenes which tell the past of Bronson and Fonda, to the final epic showdown, this film weaves through the different stories that are based in the power of the railroad coming to town and the power struggles involved.
    An epic movie that will likely stay with you. If you like this, you have to check out the trilogy of Eastwood’s "man with no name" which is Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and one of the best westerns ever, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Eastwood can also be seen in Hang ‘Em High, Outlaw Josey Wales, High Plains Drifter, Joe Kidd, Pale Rider, and his academy award winner, The Unforgiven.

Big Carnival
   Kirk Douglas gives an amazing performance in this film as he plays a former top-notch journalism who has his career curtailed because of alcoholism. Isolated in the dusty areas of New Mexico, Douglas realizes he won’t be getting any big breaks here. However, when a mine collapses, Douglas seizes the opportunity. As a great media buzz swarms over the mine over the plight of a trapped miner, Douglas milks the tragedy for all its worth as he is the contact between the miner and the wife. The rescue attempt becomes a carnival atmosphere as goods are sold for all the onlookers that arrive to watch the race against time to save the miner. However, Douglas knows that the rescue could be done in a matter of hours, but that won’t help his cause so he maintains the charade in order to re-establish his career.
Almost banned because of its heavy cynicism and depression, The Big Carnival is a compelling piece to watch. It was too dark for the audience of the early 1950’s and failed in two different releases. Today’s audiences, used to a more cynical approach to life, would probably find it more absorbing and even enjoyable.
    A definite must see to witness the media hysteria that we’re so accustomed to on the nightly news. Highly recommended for the film and Douglas’ fine performance.

Anatomy of a Murder
   James Stewart plays a country lawyer who must defend an Army officer who has killed a man supposed to have raped his wife. Stewart must go up against some high priced lawyers including a memorable debut by a very young, George C. Scott.
    Ben Gazarra plays the officer who almost clinically offers his defense. Lee Remick established herself as a sex kitten in this role as she plays a wanton wife that just oozes sexuality. Her performance easily raises the question of who was guilty of what.
    A great trial scene and investigation into a murder case. Top notch settings and performances make this an excellent feature although some of the language and sexuality of the movie, which were considered shocking at the time, will seem a bit tame.

Ox-Bow Incident
    Although this has a western setting, we get the feeling that it is a picture that could have been made from a dozen different time periods. Three men are to be hanged for committing a crime. Henry Fonda plays a rider who comes across the scene and is caught in the middle. As the story progresses, we find that the men may be innocent but that doesn’t seem to be the point and seemingly, has very little relevance.
    A harrowing view of mob mentality, this picture is disturbing in its somberness and helplessness. Definitely a tale of morality, but how powerful is the message.

The Man Who Would be King
   The classic tale from Rudyard Kipling was brought to screen by director John Huston and starred the very likable duo of Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Christopher Plummer plays Kipling who serves as narrator.
    Connery and Caine are two British soldiers who are constantly in trouble as they decide to set up their own colonial rule in Kafiristan. They make the incredible journey only to find themselves as rulers in the land that reveres them as almost god-like. However, the power that they have obtained begins to infest not only their friendship, but their destiny as well.
    A completely enjoyable movie with a great cast, fantastic scenery, and just plain fun all around.