Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1963)

"Jason and the Argonauts" GcuiHtte IRatc*? GOO Plus Strikingly, imaginatively filmed version of myth will delight young and old. Big summer grosser. This Columbia release has all the elements of a powerful summer attraction. Handsomely produced by Charles H. Schneer in Eastman Color and Dynamation 90, it is certain to delight the young tykes and their imaginative elders as well. Aside from being visually impressive, the mythological tale of Jason's search for the Golden Fleece is told here by writers Jan Reade and Beverley Cross with verve and some wit. And director Don Chaffey keeps the journey of the Argonauts consistently lively, suspenseful, always building towards the spectacular climax. The dialogue is sparse, but sufficient, and the camera work by Wilkie Cooper is eye-filling. However, it's the special effects by Ray Harryhausen that will create the big stir in the audience: on the Isle of Bronze, a gigantic image of Talos suddenly comes alive, chases Jason into the sea, picks up his ship and tosses it into the waters as if it were a toy; Harpies, eerie, batlike gobline descent from the sky to gobble a starved blindman's dinner; a huge Triton materializes from the ocean's depth to hold back an avalanche of boulders; a seven-headed serpent ferociously protects the Fleece and after the snake is slain, its teeth pop open, revealing cadaverous skeletons, armed with swords and shields, who give Jason a merry, grotesque chase. It all, of course, ends happily for those true of heart, with the film winding-up on a touch of sophistication: the hero's outrageous adventures have been the result of a chess game between Greek gods, Zeus and Hera, who have been using mortals for pawns in their amusement atop Mount Olympus. As the hero is newcomer Todd Armstrong, a handsome, lithe, brown-eyed youth, with, for a change, as much brain as brawn. Others prominent in the generally capable cast are Nancy Kovack, as a fetching high priestess, and Gary Raymond, as the chief human thorn in Jason's travels. Columbia. 104 minutes. Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovak. Produced by Ray Harryhausen. Directed by Don Chaffey. "King Kong and Godzilla" Sudute^ IZatuu? GOO Wild, amusing showdown between screen's two prize monsters. Kids will love it and the adults won't mind. Good summer item. King Kong is back and Godzilla's got him. The combination of these two monsters gives this Japanese (Toho) production, strong exploitation values, which Universal, the distributor, plans to capitalize. It will draw all the school-free youngsters, and even the adults won't mind the wild goings-on in view of the Paul Mason and Bruce Howard tongue-in-cheek scripting and the sharply satirical direction of Thomas Montgomery and Inoshiro Honda. Japan's Toho studios must have studied all the ingredients of Hollywoods' bread-and-butter epics of the '40's, stirred well, and come up with this amusing visual stew that occasionally becomes incoherant. Some of the lack of continuity is likely due to the fact that some scenes were added over here to make it more understandable to U.S. audiences. Since Kong's native habitat is Faeroe Island, much of the footage is devoted to luscious jungle scenery, native dances, a smoldering volcano, and an attack on the village by a giant octopus. Don't try to figure out how the octopus got on land — just wait for King Kong to come to the rescue. The giant ape is more lovable than ever and never really hurts anybody. His greatest crime is clumsiness, as when he stumbles over a vacated apartment development or sits on skyscrapers that crumble under the weight. Trouble starts when Godzilla literally explodes from an iceburg and then sinks an American submarine. The final battle between the two monsters also is a dilly, providing alternate thrills and cartoon-like hilarity. Kong, being the "goodie ", is, of course, the victor, with Godzilla presumably buried in the sea under lava from an erupting Mt. Fuji. In the fade-out the ape is seen, via television relay, swimming back home while an American newsman wishes him luck on his long journey. What more could anyone want? Human performances are adequate and Mie Hama, as the girl caressed by Kong, is a standout. Michael Keith is an American UN reported and James Yagi, his oriental counterpart. Harry Holcombe, as an American scientist who illustrates television lectures with excerpts from childrens' preschool books, appears in a clever bit. Major credit though must go to the special-effects staff and to the Technicolor cameramen. Universal. 90 minutes. Michael Keith. James Yagi. Produced by John Beck. Directed by Thomas Montgomery and Inoshiro Honda. "The List of Adrian Messenger" SuMtete 1£*ti*$ O O Plus Well-made murder mystery gets boxoffice lift from bit parts played by 5 top-drawer stars. Should be OK b.o. John Huston, once the master of nerve-ending whodunits, is back again in the suspense business. This time, he is on the trail of a diabolical killer, who has taken eleven lives. If this Universal release is a far cry from the director's superb handling of his classic hair-raiser, "The Maltese Falcon,'' it is nevertheless a better than routine thriller, which should please mystery devotees and viewers who like to have their criminal roundups in the methodical, scientific tradition of Scotland Yard. However, for those who like their chase at a faster pace, the outcome may be too slow in arriving. The boxoffice prospects of "The List of Adrian Messenger" are enhanced by a gimmick — five top flight stars play minor roles in heavy disguise. Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, and Frank Sinatra add a fillip by keeping the audience guessing as to their identities. The key roles in the main melodrama are played convincingly by George C. Scott, as the dogged, well-mannered detective; Jacques Roux as his likeable sidekick; Dana Wynter; Clive Brook; Herbert Marshall, and young Tony Huston. Huston employs the wide-open fields of Ireland's fox-hunting country and dingy corners of London's waterfront to have Scott track down the killer — which he does as the climax of a foxhunt. Universal. 98 minules. George C. Scott. Dana Wynter. Produced by Edward Lewis. Directed by John Huston. "Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory" (The Ghoul in School) Sudinedt IRaUtf O Plus Cfever exploitation may get this fair returns. The clever "Nervo Rama" campaign will help this Italianmade M-G-M release get by in its initial dates, but word-ofmouth will cut into its grossing power before long. While much of the fault can be placed on a poor dubbing job, the film lacks sufficient substance or frightening ingredients to sustain interest. Director Richard Benson has staged the proceedings with little suspense and the script, credited to Julian Berry, is of little help. Plot revolves around a series of murders in a girls' reform school. At first it is thought the victims were attacked by wolves, but faculty member Carl Schell knows better and captures the werewolf who serves as headmaster during die day. Schell, brother of Maria and Maximilian, bears a strong family resemblance and is competent in his role. M-G-M. 84 minutes. Barbara Lass, Carl Schell. Produced by Jack Forrest. Directed by Richard Benson. Film BULLETIN June 10. 1963 Page 23