“Bowery at Midnight” (1942)

Bowery at Midnight

Brief Description:

Kindly soup kitchen operator and professor of criminology Brenner uses his soup kitchen as a front for a criminal gang who commit a series of daring robberies and murders.

Date: 1942

Genre: American horror film

Running time: 1 hour

Cast: 

Bela Lugosi (Professor Brenner)

John Archer (Richard Dennison)

Wanda McKay (Judy Malvern)

Tom Neal (Frankie Mills)

Vince Barnett (Charley)

Anna Hope (Mrs. Brenner)

John Berkes (Fingers)

Dolan J. Farrell MacDonald (Capt. Mitchell)

Dave O'Brien (Peter Crawford)

Lucille Vance (Mrs. Malvern)

Lew Kelly (Doc Brooks)

Wheeler Oakman (Stratton)

Ray Miller (Big Man)

Bernard Gorcey (Clothing Shop Proprietor)

Director: Wallace Fox

Production/Distribution Company: Banner Productions & Monogram Pictures

Wikipedia Page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

No notes, really. Felt very 1940s. I enjoyed the secret staircases and sliding doors. 

Characters: 3/5

The only likeable person throughout was Judy, and my favourite—Peter Crawford, the detective who wants to settle down and get a family. 💙 I felt sorry for Mrs. Brenner though, of course. And Fingers was fascinating, if awful. 

Plot: 2/5

Tubi, which seems to have a thing of really bad blurbs, completely confused me by listing this as, "A seemingly kindly criminology professor secretly runs gang operations out of a soup kitchen. Anyone who gets in his way winds up dead—and zombified." The zombification barely figures. It's never explained. And it's extremely confusing. Brenner's double life and criminal activity was interesting, anyways, and Dennison's sociology experiments. 

Romance: 3/5

Cute little romance between Dennison & Judy, though I wasn't his biggest fan sometimes. 

Content: 3/5

1 kiss. 

Violence: 2/5

Mild violence & death. 

Overall: 2.5/3

Just kinda dumb? I feel like I wasted my time. 

“Franklin & the Turtle Lake Treasure” (2006)

Franklin & the Turtle Lake Treasure

Also Known As: “Franklin & le trésor du lac,” “Benjamin & le Trésor du lac”

Brief Description:

Granny falling ill during a visit from Aunt Lucy, who knows about a special talisman that may cure the illness. She joins Franklin on a quest to find it, along with his friends Bear, Beaver, and Snail, and Aunt Lucy's goddaughter, Samantha.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 2006

Genre: children's animated adventure drama film

Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes 

Cast: 

Cameron Ansell as Franklin

Marc McMulkin as Bear

Leah Cudmore as Beaver

Tajja Isen as Samantha & young Granny Turtle

Kristen Bone as Snail

Doug Murray as Grizzly

Corinne Conley as Granny Turtle

Shauna Black as Aunt Lucy

Hannah Endicott-Douglas as Little Crow

Elizabeth Saunders as Mrs. Turtle

Richard Newman as Mr. Turtle

Bryn McAuley as Harriet

Patricia Gage as the Old Turtle

Mari Trainor as Dr. Bear

Helen Taylor as Mrs. Falcon

Isaac Pustil, Emma Pustil, & Joshua Isen as the Baby Chicks

Director: Dominique Monféry

Production/Distribution Company: Alphanim, Les Studios DSO, Nelvana, StudioCanal, Europool, LuxAnimation, & Mars Distribution

Based On: Franklin the Turtle by Paulette Bourgeois & Brenda Clark

Wikipedia Page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5 

I watched this once many years ago and remembered nothing except that it was sad. Rewatching it this time, I liked how it captured the Franklin atmosphere (even if it's way too computer animated–y). I loved the classic Canadian summer family time this showcased 💙 

Characters: 3.5/5 

Because not all of the voice actors are the same as in the original Nelvana show, I did feel like some of the characters are different—Bear, for example, felt less wholesome (he's my favourite in the show, so I missed that!). Franklin is pretty good; Harriet sounds a bit too old but she barely shows up so it's fine; Snail is well done too; Beaver feels really lacking but she also has little screen time. Little Crow was super cute; and Samantha was okay... not my favourite, but I didn't dislike her. 

Plot: (2.5/5)

Granny's backstory was super interesting to see, since we saw Franklin's other grandma's backstory in Franklin's Magic Christmas. Unfortunately, this one has more magic involved. When Granny thinks of her lost time capsule and falls ill, the kids decide to go find the time capsule to make her feel better. Aunt Lucy suggests visiting "Old Turtle," whom Franklin's father calls a witch and Aunt Lucy calls a mystic, and that she has a talisman that turtle ancestors made and that they thought held life force. When they meet up with Old Turtle, who sends a bunch of butterflies to find them, she tells them she lived so long because of the talisman and that Granny's father had one too. She undergoes a sort of vision where she tells them how to find the talisman. This later comes true, and the talisman is returned to Granny. She doesn't react, but when a picture of her parents is put in her hands, she wakes up from her fever. Franklin's mother says the talisman really did help her; but Franklin says she was helped by "something stronger than magic." 

In short, though I enjoyed the rest of the film, the magical part was just too prominent. 

Romance: 4/5

Bear insinuates that Samantha might be Franklin's girlfriend. 

Content: 5/5

Mild euphemisms. 

Violence: 5/5

Baby chicks try to eat Snail. 

Overall: 2.5/5

It had so much potential but I just can't get past the magic. 🫤 

“One Hundred & One Dalmatians” (1961)

One Hundred & One Dalmatians

Also Known As: 101 Dalmatians

Brief Description:

When a litter of Dalmatian puppies are abducted by the minions of Cruella De Vil, the owners must find them before she uses them for a diabolical fashion statement.

Date: 1961

Genre: American animated adventure comedy film

Running Time: 1 hour 19 minutes

Cast: 

Rod Taylor (Pongo)

J. Pat O'Malley (Colonel/Jasper/Mechanic)

Betty Lou Gerson (Cruella De Vil/Miss Birdwell)

Martha Wentworth (Nanny/Queenie/Lucy)

Ben Wright (Roger Radcliffe/Man)

Cate Bauer (Perdita)

David Frankham (Sgt. Tibbs)

Frederick Worlock (Horace/Inspector Graves)

Lisa Davis (Anita Radcliffe)

Tom Conway (Quizmaster/Collie)

Tudor Owen (Towser/Percival Fauncewater)

George Pelling (Danny)

Ramsay Hill (Television Announcer/Labrador)

Sylvia Marriott (Countess)

Queenie Leonard (Princess)

Marjorie Bennett (Duchess)

Mickey Maga (Patch)

Barbara Beaird (Rolly)

Mimi Gibson (Lucky)

Sandra Abbott (Penny)

Thurl Ravenscroft (Captain)

Bill Lee (Roger Radcliffe's singing voice)

Max Smith (Pongo's barks)

Bob Stevens (Narrator)

Paul Wexler (Car Mechanic)

Mary Wickes (Freckles)

Barbara Luddy (Rover)

Lisa Daniels (Perdita)

Helene Stanley (Poodle dog owner)

Don Barclay (Truck Driver)

Dal McKennon (Barking Dogs)

Jeanne Bruns (Radio Singer)

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, & Clyde Geronimi

Production/Distribution Company: Walt Disney Productions & Buena Vista Distribution

Based On: The Hundred & One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Wikipedia Page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Aw, I love the 1950s London aesthetic!! Also, the snowstorm made me more incredibly sad than I've felt for characters in a long time. Also, the marriage scene is GORGEOUS.

Characters: 4/5

Roger, though he shows spine when Cruella shows up, wasn't my favourite. Anita's sweet though, like Perdita. Pongo was definitely my fav, and I enjoyed meeting all the other animals—dogs, cats, and cows. 😉 Naturally, the villains are awful; but Nanny is fun! 

Plot: 4/5

Nice and exciting! Even though I'd already seen the film once and read the books several times, I was still excited by the chase and watched anxiously for the dogs to get home. Also, the scene where they almost lose a newborn pup and Roger keeps it alive was so surprisingly sweet and poignant 💙 

Romance: 4/5

Cute :) 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking—I can't think of anything else. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Cruella wants to kill the dogs; Nanny gets knocked around. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall, this was a fun little vintagey Disney film that I quite enjoyed! 

“Bulldog Drummond’s Peril” (1938)

Bulldog Drummond’s Peril

Brief Description:

Captain Bulldog Drummond finds himself searching for a serial killer who has chosen his targets based on a priceless diamond in high demand.

Date: 1938

Genre: American adventure crime mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 6 minutes

Cast: 

John Barrymore (Colonel Neilson)

John Howard (Captain Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond)

Louise Campbell (Phyllis Clavering)

Reginald Denny (Algy Longworth)

E.E. Clive (Tenny)

Porter Hall (Dr. Max Botulian)

Elizabeth Patterson (Aunt Blanche Clavering)

Nydia Westman (Gwen Longworth)

Michael Brooke (Anthony Greer)

Halliwell Hobbes (Professor Bernard Goodman)

Matthew Boulton (Sir Raymond Blantyre)

Zeffie Tilbury (Mrs. Weevens)

David Clyde (Constable McThane)

Clyde Cook (Constable Sacker)

Austin Fairman (Roberts)

Director: James P. Hogan

Production company: Paramount Pictures

Based on: The Third Round by Herman C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Very 1930s in feel, with an interesting change from a Swiss hotel to busy London to a quiet neighbourhood. 

Characters: 3/5

A new fiancée for Hugh, with Phyllis Clavering the (lucky or unlucky?) lady. Bulldog was all right; Algy was the right amount of stupid; and Gwen was sweet, while the villains were nicely scary. I was annoyed by the colonel, but he wasn't so bad. 

Plot: 3/5

I felt like the story switched directions in the middle, when the synthetic diamonds storyline was taken over by a rival academic storyline. Then again, I had a hard time following this plot in general, and it didn't interest it me much. 

Romance: 3/5

It was fine; kinda cute, nothing more. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence. 

Overall: 3/5

It was okay, and I'm not sorry I watched it, but I doubt I will again. Just kinda blah... 

“North & South” (2004)

North & South

Brief Description:

The love story of Margaret Hale, a middle-class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton.

Date: 2004

Genre: British television serial historical drama book adaptation

Running time: 3 hours 52 minutes

Cast: 

Daniela Denby-Ashe (Margaret Hale)

Richard Armitage (John Thornton)

Sinéad Cusack (Hannah Thornton)

Brendan Coyle (Nicholas Higgins)

Tim Pigott-Smith (Richard Hale)

Pauline Quirke (Dixon)

Jo Joyner (Fanny Thornton)

Kay Lyon (Mary Higgins)

Tom Charnock (Williams)

William Houston (John Boucher)

Emma Owen (Edith Lennox)

Lesley Manville (Maria Hale)

Anna Maxwell Martin (Bessy Higgins)

Brian Protheroe (Mr. Bell)

Jane Booker (Mrs Shaw)

John Light (Henry Lennox)

Will Tacey (Mr. Latimer)

Lucy Brown (Ann Latimer)

Tim Faraday (Watson)

Rupert Evans (Frederick Hale)

Caroline Pegg (Mrs Boucher)

Travis Oliver (Captain Lennox)

David Crellin (Slickson)

Spencer Wild (Tom Boucher)

Director: Brian Percival

Production company: BBC

Based on: North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I have heard about this show from several friends in the most glowing terms, and I am so happy I finally watched it, because it's amazing! I loved the book so much and this show complements it so well. I absolutely love the setting and gorgeous outfits; I could watch this over and over to enjoy the background. 💙 

Characters: 5/5

Daniela Denby-Ashe is a perfect Margaret Hale. She's so beautiful and innocent and sweet, and yet so fiery! I never thought of John Thornton as broody, but Richard Armitage plays him so well. Sinéad Cusack makes a most striking Mrs. Thornton; Brendan Coyle is the most charismatic and loveable Nicholas Higgins despite the character's flaws; and Mr. + Mrs. Hale are better than in the book, while Dixon is so sweet. I hated Fanny SO MUCH but the Higgins girls were sweet and so is Mr. Bell!

Plot: 5/5

I honestly don't really remember the plot of North & South but I think this changes the story just a tiny bit. I really don't care, though. It captures the reality of Victorian England well and mixed grief, humour, and sweetness so well. 

Romance: 5/5

While I HATED the misunderstandings and pride that kept them apart so long, the last few minutes of the last episode made up for everything. I never understood why everyone talks about The Hand Flex™️; but the Offering a Hedge Rose when she was grieving the fact that they were missing is The Sweetest Thing Ever and I grinned like a fool over it 💙 this story reminds me of Pride & Prejudice, kind of like a sort of retelling! Also, either this book or Jane Eyre has a very mouthy kiss. I forget which. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Just like the book, there's a lot of great thoughts about the mills and strikes. 

Content: 5/5 (low)

I think there's a few instances of swearing. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence when a mob tries to attack Thornton; a man is found suicided by drowning; mention of children starving.  

Overall: 5/5

This was such a beautiful experience and I love it so, so much 💙 

“The Mystery of the Thirteenth Guest” (1943)

The Mystery of the Thirteenth Guest

Brief Description:

Thirteen years after a dinner party in which the thirteenth guest failed to arrive, the remaining guests are being murdered one by one, and their bodies being placed at the same dinner table in the appropriate seats they occupied thirteen years prior.

(from Archive)

Date: 1943

Genre: American crime/mystery comedy thriller

Running time: 1 hour 1 minute

Cast: 

Helen Parrish (Marie Morgan)

Dick Purcell (Johnny Smith)

Tim Ryan (Lt. Burke)

Frank Faylen (Speed DuGan aka McGinis)

Jacqueline Dalya (Marjory Morgan)

Paul McVey (Adam Morgan)

John Duncan (Harold Morgan)

John Dawson (Tom Jackson)

Cyril Ring (John Barksdale)

Addison Richards (D.A.)

Lloyd Ingraham (Grandfather Morgan)

Robert J. Anderson (young Harold)

Shirley Jean Anderson (young Marie)

Mike Donovan (Desk Sergeant)

Lester Dorr (Carter)

Dick Gordon (Uncle John)

Herbert Heyes (Dr. Sherwood)

Donald Kerr (Photographer)

Wilbur Mack (Coroner)

Richard Neill (Uncle Wayne)

Dick Rush (Cop)

Fred Toones (Valet)

Director: William Beaudine

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Based on: The Thirteenth Guest by Armitage Trail

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and remembered really liking it, so when I watched it again I allowed my little sisters to watch over my shoulder. 😉 The setting is creepy and dusty and reminds me of Great Expectations, which is fun. 

Characters: 4/5

The only really likeable characters in this whole thing are Marie, Johnny, and Harold, who's an adorable little brother. Burke, though the typical 1930s/1940s American cop in his loudness and rudeness, isn't over the top (especially in comparison to Bill Street) and I enjoyed his banter with Johnny, as well as Speed's comedic relief. Everyone else is pretty nasty, as Grandfather Morgan stated... 

Plot: 4.5/5

Honestly I feel like this should be creepy, but it's got too much comedy to be very creepy. Mostly it's just baffling. I enjoy the whole hidden room aspect, and the murder system itself is very interesting. 

Romance: 4/5

Tiny but cute thread of romance between Johnny & Marie. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

1 kiss. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

A masked killer; attempted strangling; people die onscreen (very staged).  

Overall: 4.5/5

Overall, I'm still a fan. It's fun! Apparently there's a 1930s version, so I want to watch that too at some point.

“The Woman in Green” (1945)

The Woman in Green 

Brief Description:

When several young women turn up dead, each with a missing finger, the trail leads Holmes to a society of hypnotists and a mysterious temptress.

Date: 1945

Genre: American horror mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 8 minutes 

Cast: 

Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes)

Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)

Hillary Brooke (Lydia Marlowe)

Henry Daniell (Prof. Moriarty)

Paul Cavanagh (Sir George Fenwick)

Matthew Boulton (Insp. Gregson)

Eve Amber (Maude Fenwick)

Frederick Worlock (Dr. Onslow)

Tom Bryson (Cpl. Williams)

Sally Shepherd (Crandon)

Mary Gordon (Mrs. Hudson)

Percival Vivian (Dr. Simnell)

Fred Aldrich (detective)

Leslie Denison (barman)

Olaf Hytten (butler)

Boyd Irwin  (detective)

Harold De Becker (shoelace seller)

Alec Harford (Commissioner of the CID)

Director: Roy William Neill

Production company: Universal Pictures

Inspired by: The Final Problem & The Adventure of the Cardboard Box by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I believe this is a pattern with the Basil Rathbone SH films, though I've only seen four; but anyways, these are set in the then-contemporary world of the 1940s—an interesting and enjoyable change. It actually reminded me somewhat of “Lured” (1947) in the setting. 

Characters: 4/5

Basil Rathbone does the cool, efficient, somewhat brusque side of Holmes so well. I'm not a fan of Nigel Bruce as Watson—the doctor isn't stupid, fat, or old. And Henry Daniell is a most un-frightening Moriarty. The Fenwicks, and Lydia Marlowe, are interesting characters, however. I would have liked to see Crandon have a storyline; it almost seemed to me at times as if the dialogue was building up to that. 

Plot: 4/5

It's an intense beginning (once again reminding me of “Lured”) as random girls are found murdered throughout London, minus a digit. The hypnotism angle honestly feels a bit cliché, and I don't like Nigel Bruce's humiliation at the Mesmer Club, but the ending is pretty dramatic, there was some good humour, and I enjoyed the elements from The Final Problem.  Holmes has a spectacular quote at the end, too... 

Holmes: I'm thinking of all the women who can come and go in safety in the streets of London tonight. Stars keep watch in their heavens, and in our own little way, we too, old friend, are privileged to watch over our city. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking, drinking. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Off-screen murder & death. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall, it's not the best SH film I ever saw, but it's entertaining.