The Sound of Music (1965)

In Austria 1938, Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower, runs his home like the ship he once commanded although, that changes when Maria arrives from the abbey to be his seven children's new governess. She is surprised to learn she's the latest in a long line of governesses seen off by the children, but Maria soon finds that all they need is a little love to change their attitudes. She helps reintroduce them to singing, and through her, music is brought back into the hearts and home of the Trapp family. The Sound of Music is undoubtedly one of the most significant musicals of all time and the most beloved. It has not only firmly remained a classic after all these years but still looks phenomenal now. Its visuals are breathtaking with a superb direction that brings us countless beautiful shots. Whether it be the sweeping shots of the luscious mountain landscapes or even the mere stills of such grandiose locations as the villa and festival stage, this film is inundated with stunning imagery worthy of a theatrical presence. Further shaping the movie are those in the foreground, Maria and the Von Trapp family. We follow Maria who leaves her life in the abbey as a nun to aid the family of Captain Von Trapp. I adored these characters whose interactions and moments together were extremely captivating and brought to such life by their respective actors/actresses. Julie Andrews (Maria) has such a magnificent singing voice that elevates every scene to peak delight which, only blossoms greater when combined with the children, Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. There are a plethora of songs throughout in which to hear their exquisite voices with so many memorable classics from 'My Favourite Things', 'The Sound of Music', 'Do-Re-Mi', 'The Lonely Goatherd', 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen', 'So Long, Farewell' and more. The songs have even surpassed the movie becoming so universally known that people who haven't even seen it likely know them. Plus, there are plenty more songs featured like those from the Nuns and Mother Abbess with 'Maria' and 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'. However, the ones I was most captivated and surprised by were from that of Christopher Plummer (The Captain). He has such a voice I was simply blown away by his performance and subsequent songs, with my favourite being the somewhat emotional 'Edelweiss'. As well as being so captivating in terms of the music, each was equally so in the story. Now, the movie is based upon the real story of the Von Trapp family singers, however, naturally, there have been alterations to the cinematic telling, which comes in at a pretty lengthy timestamp. Although, when I watched it again recently I hardly noticed. There wasn't any feeling of it dragging or taking too long. So it comes as no surprise when I say I loved the story. I most enjoyed watching Maria attempt to connect with the children who make the matter difficult as they try scaring her off like previous governesses as they hope to gain their father's attention. However, she finally gets through to them rejuvenating that sense of joy as they come to share an unbreakable bond that also befalls the Captain, who had suffered the worst from the incident. However, the Captain is now engaged to the Baroness, which causes some conflict inside Maria who, without meaning to, has grown a liking to him also. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this movie is its setting. Anyone who noticed the year would immediately make the troublesome connection. Underlying a constant background feeling of dread with the imminent takeover by the Nazis looming. There are hints of this change throughout with it being a topic brought up gradually until it consumes the picture leaving the family to make a difficult decision. Overall, The Sound of Music is a production I and many others consider to be flawless. It manages to convey countless emotions through varying elements like its songs, acting and story, which is tremendously visceral. It is a feature perfect for the whole family certain to captivate you, make you sing and warm your heart. An integral movie to the world of cinema, everyone should experience.

Runtime: 2h 52m

Director: Robert Wise

Genre: Biography / Drama / Family / Musical / Romance

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Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)

One year after the destruction of Dracula, Monsignor Ernest Mueller visits the village to ensure that all is well. He learns that the locals no longer attend mass because the shadow of Dracula's castle touches the church. They feel the castle still contains evil. To alleviate their fears, the Monsignor performs an exorcism of the castle to rid it of all evil. The local village priest, however, accidentally reawakens the frozen Dracula, who now seeks revenge on Monsignor Mueller, targeting his niece Maria. Risen from the Grave is the fourth instalment in the Hammer Dracula franchise, set a year after the events of Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966). The movie begins, however, with a short segment acting as a flashback, although never actually put across as such. The scene shows one of Dracula's victims' fate, which plays heavily into the later reasoning for the villager's abandonment of the church. We are introduced to our semi-protagonist, the Monsignor, who is shocked to discover the attitude shared towards the church and the power the castle still holds over them. There are many parallels here with Prince of Darkness, even the part where he knows Dracula is no longer there despite everybody still believing so and he shames them all. The Monsignor puts in motion a plan to exorcise the castle in hopes of alleviating their fears, taking a large golden cross with him, accompanied by the local priest. Whilst the Monsignor performs the act, the priest (yes, that's all he's called) accidentally falls during an immense storm, where he comes face to face with the frozen Dracula. The resurrection scene is always a fascinating sequence, as we await to see how he will return, though I found this one to be somewhat far-fetched, personally. Nevertheless, our badly dubbed priest has unwillingly brought back Dracula, and Christopher Lee again but this time, with a new notable difference. He talks! Not only do we finally, get to hear the masterful voice of Lee, but it's the most he has spoken so far, even featuring some lines during his beast-like state. Taking hold of the priest, Dracula makes him his servant in a revenge-centered mission he hunts the man who barred him from his home. Whilst Dracula regains his strength, we meet our main protagonist, Paul, a baker at the pub who happens to be the boyfriend of Maria, the Monsignor's niece. The pair share some great chemistry and likely hold the place as one of my favourite couples we encounter in this series. It is this very night Maria plans to introduce Paul to her family, which doesn't go completely as planned as Paul's habit of telling the truth causes him to admit he is an atheist, displeasing the Monsignor. Whilst this could be overlooked as a throwaway scene, albeit a fantastic one, this plays well into the theme and focus of the film, religion. Dracula's existence has always been an attack on religion and this movie thoroughly explored this, especially on a physical level with him attacking the Monsignor, turning the priest into his servant, desecrating the church and so forth. It was equally fascinating to see his main adversary be an atheist who is sent into the turmoil of figuring out his own beliefs, shown tremendously in the staking sequence. It is a highly regarded scene among fans, where due to his lack of religion, the act doesn't quite go as you would expect, exploring a whole new aspect to the staking scenes. Dracula is phenomenal in this film, continuing to deliver an imposing presence aided by the creative lens shots of director Francis. There are a tons of brilliant moments from Dracula who leaps across rooftops and crashes through windows. Equally notable are his biting scenes, like his first victim and later follower, waitress Zena, to his attempts at getting Maria. However, Paul does all he can to prevent Maria's taking, culminating in a frantic battle, resulting in a truly astounding demise. Overall, Risen from the Grave is another superb sequel in the series that so aptly named, rises the Count once more for a frightful vengeance-driven endeavour, battling religion whilst being fought by a non-beliver. I truly loved how creative this film's story was, making for a notable entry. See the next production, Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970). 

 

Runtime: 1h 32m

Director: Freddie Francis

Genre: Drama / Fantasy / Horror / Romance

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Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)

Four English travellers arrive at a tiny hamlet in the Carpathian Mountains and ignore warnings from the locals not to travel to Carlsbad, the domain of Count Dracula. A dark, driverless carriage arrives to take them to the sinister castle, but they discover too late that they have been lured there to provide the blood which will allow Dracula to rise from the grave once more. Following on from the story of Dracula (1958), Prince of Darkness finally brings back the titular vampire to the big screen. Whilst a sequel to the first film, there was also the release of The Brides of Dracula (1960), which continued the story albeit focusing more on Van Helsing with Peter Cushing's reprisal. It too held the title as sequel to 58's Dracula but was lacking one major component, Dracula himself, or more importantly, Christopher Lee's presence in the role. However, after an 8-year gap both would make their tremendous return with an all-new thrilling horror. This film cements itself as a definitive sequel with its opening of a replay account of the final events of Dracula with Van Helsing's defeat of the Count, which is revealed to have occurred 10 years ago. Despite his demise, locals still fear his power, continuing to perform all their old rituals much to the disapproval of Father Sandor, abbot of Kleinberg Monastery. Sandor tries to convince everyone that Dracula is truly gone but he is not ignorant to the power that may still dwell in his fortress. We then meet our main group, four travellers consisting of brothers Charles and Alan Kent and their wives Diana and Helen who are passing through a local inn. Whilst they may look older and respectable they act more like teenagers, most of all Charles who is seen chugging down beer, carefree, joking and being told off frequently by his sister-in-law. It is further clear they have a lack of superstition too making them very vulnerable in this area and Sandor tries to make them aware of such. However this warning becomes increasingly difficult to follow when their coach breaks down outside the very castle and with night approaching, they choose to shelter there. From here the growing sense of unease and dread sets in as the castle appears prepared for their arrival by the mysterious servant, Klove. As night falls, Klove sets in motion his plan, beginning the ritual to bring back his master. This act would feature one of the most brutal kills and goriest sequences in the series, alongside a truly spectacular effect of the reformation of Dracula's body. With that, Christopher Lee is back once more as Dracula who wastes no time in building up his strength with more victims. One interesting aspect of this portrayal, which becomes increasingly obvious as the film progresses, is the lack of speech. Yes, that's right, Dracula doesn't utter a single word for the entire film. There are many reasons out there, with the main being Lee's distaste for the dialogue presented, he chose not to say them, but some say otherwise. I found this to be an interesting new take on the character and that returning immediately to his beast-like state, it is reasonable to imagine he would not say anything or have a reason to. Our remaining travellers try to flee the clutches of evil fighting back before merely escaping. They stumble upon Father Sandor who keeps them safe but Dracula is hot on their trail seeking his escaped victims. I further loved this movie's use of many themes from the book and folklore. For instance, the scene where Dracula forces Diana to drink the blood from his chest is a memorable inclusion inspired by the novel. Furthermore, this film features quite an unusual ending that shows a lesser-seen method of defeating a vampire, which I was so intrigued by. Whilst it may be one of the weaker defeats out of the films I applaud it for doing something different and rarely seen. Overall, Prince of Darkness is a fantastic sequel to both its predecessors though admittedly not my favourite in the series. Whilst, I was extremely entertained there are simply others I prefer, but I have come to appreciate this one more. It experiments with new and old ideas whilst continuing the style, scares and storytelling that Hammer made so popular. Check out the next movie, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968).

 

Runtime: 1h 30m

Director: Terence Fisher

Genre: Horror

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The Brides of Dracula (1960)

Young teacher, Marianne Danielle, is heading to a small village in Transylvania to teach French at a girl's school when she is welcomed to stay overnight at a castle. It is here where she inadvertently unleashes the horrors of the undead once again on the populace, including those at her school. Fortunately, Dr. Van Helsing is already on his way but can he stop this evil from spreading? Brides of Dracula is the follow-up to the widely successful Hammer Horror production of Dracula (1958), which has since held the title as one of the most definitive depictions of the character and story. Naturally, a sequel was planned to follow after the stupendous hit however one component would be lacking in this continuation, that being the leading villain. Christopher Lee, who played the iconic Dracula, turned down the opportunity to appear in this sequel. It is unclear exactly why although there are many rumours out there. The one I heard most was that he was afraid of becoming typecast though if that is true is uncertain. His absence certainly feels like a detrimental blow to the film however it rose above and delivered an equally exceptional movie amid its flaws. Whilst no Lee, we are at least treated to the return of Peter Cushing as the admirable Van Helsing who continues his story (essentially a sequel to his adventures) and elevates the entire production with all his scenes. Equally lending to this picture is the return of director Terence Fisher, whose style yet again brings an exceptionally atmospheric picture to the Hammer franchise. Simply the opening of a dark night in a forest surrounded by mist and fog sets the tone perfectly for the horror ahead. Another aspect this film masters is setting up a creepy ambience with plenty of scenes, dialogue and moments reinforcing this. Whilst ever present, I feel this came into play at the arrival at  Baroness Meinster's castle where she reveals information about her son, Baron Meinster being locked away there after having gone 'mad'. Even when he is uncovered by Marianne, his, predicament is especially creepy showing his chained state, confining him permanently to the room. Of course, little does she know it is for the good of everyone else but after being manipulated by the handsome man, she unknowingly sets him upon the folk of the village and school. This brings me to our leading villain, the Baron played by David Peel. Now it was always a given fact he would be no match in filling the shoes of Lee's performance and since not being Dracula that is a further given. As a by-the-mill vampire to face off against he is adequate. He is probably not my favourite, naturally that remains firmly with Lee, but I thought it a very fascinating direction to take, giving us a new villain to face off with before a return to the main article. Marianne is a fine character too although not having a great deal to do besides releasing the evil but her interactions with Helsing are truly brilliant and I loved the father/daughter dynamic they shared. Some of the highlight performances have to go to that of the, well, 'brides of Dracula' who have such terrific design and presence. Both of their respective scenes of rising from their resting places, now undead, were phenomenal and probably the best I have ever seen. Nevertheless, Cushing's Van Helsing remains on top delivering the greatest performance. I adored every moment with him from his skills and ingenuity right up to the climactic showdown at the windmill, which was my favourite part. Whilst not topping the first film's this one comes pretty darn close with Helsing even getting bested slightly where he is forced to enact a quick-thinking remedy that I have never before seen done in any vampire picture and it was amazingly acted. Plus the use of the windmill in the fight was just as creative mixed with the other special effects made for a true spectacle of an ending. Overall, Brides of Dracula is a superb continuation of the Hammer Dracula franchise and a promising sequel to the first. Whilst no feature of Dracula, the story delivered is still worthwhile and every other factor only elevates it to a higher standing. This is certainly one you don't want to skip in the franchise. Check out the next instalment in Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966).

Runtime: 1h 25m

Director: Terence Fisher

Genre: Horror

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The Train (1964)

With the Allies poised to retake Paris from the Nazis, Col. Franz Von Waldheim conspires to sneak out by train all of the art masterpieces looted to bring back to Germany. But museum curator Mademoiselle Villard alerts the French Resistance, and soon railway inspector Paul Labiche is pressed into service. He reroutes the train and cleverly deceives Von Waldheim by renaming each train station along the way. The Train is a tremendous war film loosely based on the true events of the plundering and looting of French art by the Nazis to be shipped to Germany. Whilst holding some other true historical occurrences, like the French Resistance delaying the transport of a train holding art, this movie takes things further with added drama and action. Naturally, these exaggerations are for the appeal of entertainment values, which was quite frankly phenomenal, being much-welcomed implements to this masterpiece. Yes, I consider this motion picture to be one of the utmost greats in the war genre, which, funnily enough, ties equally with another train-oriented story I love, Von Ryan's Express (1965). Quite interesting to think my favourite war movies are centred around trains, even if they use them in very contrasting ways with Von Ryan showing them as a force for good, whereas this movie shows it as a force to overcome, as seen in the tagline. We follow a small group of resistance fighters, Didont, Presquet and the leader of the operation, Labiche who are tasked with delaying the shipment until the Allies arrive in their imminent Liberation of Paris. Labiche is easily one of the most captivating features of this adventure going from disapproving of the mission to being the one hammering it to completion. He is frequently put to the test over a multitude of occasions and not once does he break. He is pushed relentlessly but he's resilient, still coming back fighting even if he would prefer to stop. With France finally slipping through the Nazis' fingers, Colonel Franz Von Waldheim is more than determined to see that his paintings are delivered to Germany as he pushes his superiors to allow him a train. His single-mindedness makes him a force to reckon with for Labiche in his efforts to stop the locomotive's unceremonious journey. His attempts only infuriate him, making him all the more ruthless. His desperation and fury are displayed throughout the constant setbacks of this treacherous task as he mercilessly kills and orders the deaths of those who oppose him. There are plenty of extremely brutal and horrific deaths that initially and continue to shock me on my viewings. Director Frankenheimer uses this to have us question and contrast the value of art with that of human life. Frankenheimer's direction truly made this film the spectacle it is with many directorial choices fundamentally shaping its grand look. The artistic choice of a black-and-white format paid off tremendously, allowing the picture to be so well defined and detailed with a deep focus. Everything just pops and stands out making for an eye-catching product that leaves your eyes darting to every aspect, always noticing something new. Also, being before CGI, there was a much-needed reliance on physical attributes. Ultimately, this meant explosions were real, buildings are blown up and trains rammed into one another in one of the most notable scenes with the train collisions. It was truly an outstanding moment to see train upon train come crashing into one another knowing it was really done and naturally all in one take. Some of my other favourite scenes revolved around the duping of the Nazis aboard the stolen art train being led by Labiche. One scene involves people banding together to aid the resistance in disguising other stations to appear like they are heading to Germany despite really looping back around. Overall, I admire The Train for all it accomplishes. It delivers an engrossing, peak adventure that also happens to be the last black-and-white action movie made. It is heralded by a brilliant director, a stupendous lead and supporting cast, plus a heap of thought-evoking storytelling, with the cherry on top of glorious explosive action. This is a pinnacle work of cinema that I heartedly insist you check out.

Runtime: 2h 13m

Director: John Frankenheimer

Genre: Action / Thriller / War

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What a Carve Up! (1961)

Ernie's uncle, Gabriel Broughton, has just died, but to claim his inheritance he must spend the night in the ancestral home with the rest of his relatives. Before long, the guests begin to drop dead as it appears a murderer is in their midst. What a Carve Up! (also known as No Place Like Homicide!) is a true favourite of mine. It is one my family and I have watched countless times over the years, especially during the Halloween season. It is one of our comfort viewings due to its comedic side making it perfect family entertainment whilst still holding some sinister horror moments. We follow Ernie Broughton (Kenneth Connor) and his mate Syd Butler (Sidney James), who are thrown into this peculiar circumstance. Ernie has a job as a proofreader, checking over a novel before its publication and he tends to get the more terrifying stories that always put him on edge. This sets him up for the scaredy cat routine throughout the film as any little mishap, sound, or sight causes great fear during his stay at the mansion. His friend Syd, on the other hand, is not so easily spooked and much more easygoing, unlike his skittish partner. Both actors have appeared in movies together, mainly in the Carry On film series that both pre-dated and succeded this film, which incidentally almost feels like one of them. It is like a sort of spin-off in a way and also features plenty of other recognisable faces from those flicks. My dad has a great love for the Carry Ons, which naturally led to other films featuring the cast being discovered. I grew up watching all these types of movies, so they hold a special place for me as part of my childhood. The movie kicks off when a mysteriously creepy Mr Sloane arrives at their apartment with the information of Ernie's uncle's passing, subsequently inviting him to the reading of the will at the house. With the thought of a huge inheritance, Ernie is intrigued, yet frightened so he begs for Syd to join him. Making tracks, the pair undergo plenty of mishaps from Ernie seeing things to Syd's luggage being lost in a bog but they eventually arrive at the location. It is here where things really kick off with the door opening by itself to an eerily quiet lobby setting the tone. Both Syd and Ernie are very contrasting people and that only shows in their banter, which is an easy highlight. Syd always mocks Ernie's mannerisms, constantly joking about his fearful tendencies but whenever Ernie needs him or is in danger, Syd always looks out for him. I particularly love Syd's witty comments throughout the story for instance, mounted on the wall in the lobby is a moose head to which Syd says "He must have been going like a bomb when he hit that wall" and I laugh every time without fail. We are swiftly introduced to the Broughton family members Guy, Emily, Malcolm, Janet and Edward as well as the butler Fisk plus the pretty nurse, Linda, who looked after Gabriel. Ernie shows a fancy to Linda and constantly tries to impress her but tends to fail due to his frightful habits. The family spend a lot of time bickering and not getting along, which worsens when it is announced that Gabriel left nothing to any of them. Being unable to leave in the storm and the telephone line cut, everyone is forced to stay but it is here when people start dying and a murderer is obviously among them. Tensions rise and Ernie is a nervous wreck, especially since he is sleeping in the late master's bed (which he died in). Plenty of hijinks and shenanigans ensue with Ernie and Syd exploring the house, uncovering secret passageways across the estate. There are plenty of scares that are mostly experienced by Ernie but that is not without plenty of hilarious jokes too. As many of the family is killed the remaining members come face to face with the killer in a shocking revelation that is well worth the suspense. But will they all make it out alive? Overall, I adore this movie not only for its sentimental factors in my case but because it is all-around phenomenal. There is some outstandingly funny dialogue and banter, a superb story and an intriguing mystery. It is one of my favourite 'haunted' mansions, who dunnits and is one I always bring out during Halloween with the whole family. A must-see for some laid-back spooky fun.

Runtime: 1h 27m

Director: Pat Jackson

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Mystery

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Hannibal Brooks (1969)

In WW2, British soldier Stephen Brooks is captured, becoming a prisoner of war. Alongside fellow POW, he is sent to work at a zoo where he comes to care deeply for the elephant, Lucy. Lucy is scheduled to be transported after a bombing evacuation and is escorted by Brooks, Vronia a cook, Willi a friendly Austrian soldier, and Kurt a brutal German soldier to Innsbruck, Austria. However, Brooks has other ideas and makes plans for a journey to the Swiss border and freedom. Hannibal Brooks was a pleasant surprise for me as I went into it knowing practically nothing. My dad had decided to put it on for the whole family and it was certainly quite the adventure. From the opening sequence, the music played instantly gives off a comedic vibe to the story despite being a war flick. Whilst it is a very funny escapade, it doesn't shy away from the harshness of war or its tragedies. There are frequent gun fights, plenty of death (some even quite brutal) and disastrous bombings. However, balancing out the reality of war and the more upsetting moments is a light-hearted adventure centred around the expedition of an elephant across a series of villages and terrain to its destination, which ends up taking a huge detour. The story features plenty of other comical aspects that come in the form of the varying characters, notably, Packy an American escapee. He's always looking for a way out and frequently trying to convince Brooks to join him and his partisans, but he is devoted to caring for Lucy. I think Packy is my favourite character in the film as he constantly shows up throughout the journey, always managing to cross paths with Brooks. He is absolutely hilarious as he is so calm and relaxed during even the most dire situations, really enjoying himself when taking out Nazis. I loved the scene where he tries to use explosives on a train track that doesn't work leaving him and his men bemused. Only for Brooks and Lucy to knock over some logs that accidentally end up derailing the train and exploding, which Packy takes the credit for saying it was a timed explosive. I would look forward to his eventual next appearance as he practically stole the show, in my opinion. Whenever he showed I knew I was in for some all-guns blazing battles that were extremely eruptive fights. Naturally, our main protagonist is Brooks who is equally loveable with his determination to help Lucy and his many witty remarks to the Nazi officers who he eventually outsmarts at every turn. He is very resourceful and although he doesn't want to fight, he does defend himself and those he cares for. He is particularly tested by the horrible soldier, Kurt, who spends his time getting drunk subsequently shouting commands that if not met would result in his killing of Lucy. Tensions rise every time he makes this threat. It comes to a boiling point when Brooks fights with him after he almost makes good on it where he fortuitously kills Kurt. The remaining expedition set on their way to freedom in Switzerland but along the way separate and reunite, enduring their own hardships or problems. Besides Brooks, I also liked Willi who despite being an opposing soldier, aids the two in their mission during the most difficult situations becoming a true hero. Another hero in this story is our other star, Lucy the elephant. She helps to take out Nazis from dropping logs on them to pulling down overhanging beams of a Nazi watchtower close to the Swiss border. Without her help, our protagonists wouldn't have made it to freedom. Throughout the movie, there are plenty of themes that whilst may be extremely varying and contrasting in tone, didn't subtract from my enjoyment. I loved each side of the film from the comedy to the life-on-the-line conflict, not once feeling jarred by the changes in tone. Overall, I was instantly hooked on Hannibal Brooks and I found it immensely powerful. I found each character to be engaging, wanting to see this journey through to the end to see if they will make it past the ever-nearing conflict. I would highly recommend checking out this cult classic especially if you are a war movie fan. Plus, the whole film can be found on YouTube for free making for some easily-accessible viewing.  

Runtime: 1h 41m

Director: Michael Winner

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / War

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