Comments | strange_complex: 28 and 29. Two classic films

strange_complex

28 and 29. Two classic films

Dec 11, 2010 22:39

I'm rolling two reviews into one here, because they are both for classic films which I saw with my fellow aficionado, ms_siobhan, as well as planet_andy and (in the latter case) big_daz

28. House on Haunted Hill (1959), dir. William Castle

I saw the abysmal 1999 remake of this in the cinema with mr_flay when it came out, and we both agreed that it had stolen precious hours from ( Read more... )

films, films watched 2010, vincent price, comedy, horror films

Comments 7

ms_siobhan December 12 2010, 10:26:48 UTC

I want to be like Mrs Wilberforce when I get older - but with cats rather than parrots.

ms_siobhan December 12 2010, 10:27:26 UTC

And ideally without a water system that needs banging with a big hammer and of course with Mr Pops :-)

strange_complex December 12 2010, 11:02:50 UTC

I think you would pull the role off with great aplomb. I would hope to be one of the friends who came round for tea and a bit of a sing-song. (And I love how matter-of-fact she is about the hammer! Such a lovely touch.)

ms_siobhan December 12 2010, 11:47:01 UTC

Oooh thank you sweetie and you could be guest of honour in your lovely purple frock, it might be a teeny bit threadbare by then but it would still be very glamorous. What would we sing though? I'm not very good at singing and only really know Smiths songs.

We're still hoping to head to the Vintage Fair but as we are still undressed and still unbreakfasted and have somewhere to be at 3.30 it's not looking as likely but will text you if we do.

strange_complex December 12 2010, 12:16:21 UTC

OK, well let me know if you do - I'll be happy either way. I am proud of myself today, as I have already been out and driven my car to the tip to get rid of about a million glass bottles and to the garage for fuel and a car-wash. But could always use another excuse for an afternoon drive. :-)

xipuloxx December 13 2010, 14:30:26 UTC

The Ladykillers is one of my all-time favourites too. Though I have no problem with "adult content", it's nice (and pretty much unheard-of nowadays) to see a film that treats its audience like adults but doesn't feel the need to include swearing, sex or graphic violence. Basically, it's a movie I can enjoy with my parents! And I totally agree with your assessment of Mrs. Wilberforce (well, I'm not sure she's quite a feminist icon, but I suppose she's as close as you were likely to get in 1955).

I haven't seen the modern remake, but I can't imagine it would be a patch on the original. Alec Guiness, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, even an appearance by Frankie Howerd -- these men are legends, and with good reason. And I reckon Katie Johnson deserves to be a legend too. What does the remake have to match this?

strange_complex December 13 2010, 14:39:38 UTC

Yeah, I read a couple of reviews of the remake after we'd seen the original recently, and it does not sound promising. I wondered if it might be interesting to see how it had been updated, but after reading up on it I changed my mind, and am now planning on staying the hell away! Some things do not need updating.