TV Radio Mirror (Jan - Jun 1963)

Cleopatra 20th century-fox; color, todd-ao I think it's fair to say this: If you go to see it, you'll get your money's worth. As a spectacle, this is the most gorgeous production ever seen. Magnificent sets and extravagant costumes fill the screen with truly impressive splendor. As drama, it's less glorious. Mr. Mankiewicz has written some witty lines, but his scenes lack the passionate give-and-take that sustains interest. Of the actors, Rex Harrison and Roddy McDowall — as the aging and mellow Julius Caesar, and the effete but ambitious Octavian — are the most convincing. Richard Burton receives little challenge from the lightweight script, but in a few moments he shows some of the good stuff he is capable of. Elizabeth Taylor is believable in the boudoir scenes, but not on the throne. The Thrill of It All UNIVERSAL; COLOR In this amiable comedy, Arlene Francis plays a wealthy matron happily awaiting her first baby; Doris Day is an average housewife who suddenly becomes a TV pitchwoman (at $80,000 per) ; and ex-Maverick James Garner, showing a nice comic talent, is the husband who wants Doris back in the nest. The script was written by Carl Reiner, who also appears in some funny bits. Best moment : Garner, sitting at the wheel of his convertible and sinking slowly into the pool that nobody told him about. Toys in the Attic UNITED ARTISTS; PANAVISION Geraldine Page gives a lesson in what acting is all about (and is sure to win another Academy Award nomination) in this interesting melodrama, based on the prize-winning Lillian Hellman play. It's all about a New Orleans ne'er-do-well, his childlike wife, his spinster sisters, and the family tensions that lead to violence and loneliness. The other actresses — Yvette Mimieux, Wendy Hiller and Gene Tierney — are also excellent, and Dean Martin, who's playing in a pretty fast league, holds his own with a good performance as the well-meaning joy-boy. The Girl Hunters COLORAMA FEATURES; PANAVISION Mike Hammer, that humorless and psychopathic private eye (played convincingly by author Mickey T Spillane himself), gets on the trail TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: GEORGE CUTTINGHAM ANSWERS YOUR MOVIE QUESTIONS of a nasty Commie. On the way, he gets shot at, slugged and spoken to harshly, but the hospitality of a bikini-draped Senator's widow helps to make life bearable. At times the film becomes riotously satiric, but I don't think it was meant to be. The Caretakers UNITED ARTISTS An unfortunate mixture of "Dr. Casey" and "The Snake Pit." Polly Bergen is a young wife who has a mental breakdown; Robert Stack is a progressive young doctor; Diane McBain and Susan Oliver are cuddly little nurses who are for him; Joan Crawford is a mannish old head nurse who's against him; and Herbert Marshall is the nice stupid old doctor who mistrusts new ways. Funniest moment : Joan, in her gym suit, teaching judo to her girls. PT 109 WARNER BROS.; PANAVISION, COLOR The World War II exploits of a young lieutenant named John F. Kennedy (played pleasantly, but without attempt at actual imitation, by Cliff Robertson). Familiar war action, well-staged and handsomely photographed. The identity of the hero adds interest to a simple story. 8'/r EMBASSY (ITALIAN, ENGLISH TITLES) Director (La Strada, La Dolce Vita) Federico FellinPs latest — a strange bag of tricks that will delight some and send others home in head-shaking bafflement. The seemingly autobiographical story (a famous director is tormented by doubts and confusion on the eve of beginning a new film) moves from reality to daydreams to recollections of childhood. Lilies of the Field UNITED ARTISTS A drifting young Negro happens upon the barren Arizona farm of an order of nuns, and stays on to build them a chapel. The characters have little dimension, but this sentimental production does have some nice moments of warmth and humor, thanks largely to the honest performing of Sidney Poitier. Gidget Goes to Rome COLUMBIA; COLOR The all-American teenager has some vacation adventures in the city of La Dolce Vita. Pert and wholesome Cindy Carol is the new Gidget and James Darren is her man.