We get it. Life is busy. It seems every day is full of work and personal obligations. Given the fast pace of our society it’s only natural that some things are going to fall to the wayside. We can’t help you manage your time better, but we certainly can make your leisure hours more enjoyable by giving you some viewing recommendations. Here there are five recent releases that you may have missed. Check them out…whenever you find the time!
Based on a true case, this fine film noir details the Los Angeles Police Department’s search for a technically adept but mentally unbalanced thief who killed a policeman. With Richard Basehart, Scott Brady, Whit Bissell, and Jack Webb, who supposedly based his “Dragnet” radio show on this movie; directed by Alfred Werker and (uncredited) Anthony Mann.
Back on the street five years after a rigged manslaughter rap cost him his badge as well as his freedom, ex-San Francisco cop Steve Rollins (Alan Ladd) headed for the docks for a lead on the proof he needed to clear his name. Unfortunately, the waterfront was still the dominion of racketeer Vic Amato (Edward G. Robinson)…and he’s prepared to close Rollins’ case permanently. Long-sought noir opus co-stars Joanne Dru, William Demarest, Fay Wray; keep an eye out for Rod Taylor, Jayne Mansfield.
Johnny (Jimmy Clanton) is an aspiring rock ‘n’ roll singer who records a song that gets noticed by famed disc jockey Alan Freed (as himself). There’s just one problem: Freed has no idea who Johnny is and must launch an exhaustive search to find him as the record gets massive airplay. Sandy Stewart co-stars, with early rock greats Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, Ritchie Valens, Eddie Cochran, and more, appearing–and performing–as themselves. Songs include “Johnny B. Goode,” “You Better Know It,” “Teenage Heaven,” and others.
One of Elvis Presley‘s finer acting roles came in this drama based on a novel by Harold Robbins. Elvis plays Danny Fisher, a high school dropout who takes a job at a New Orleans nightclub owned by gangster Maxie Fields (Walter Matthau). When Danny’s talent as a singer gets him hired at another joint, Fields wants him back–and he might not take “no” for an answer. With Carolyn Jones, Dolores Hart, Vic Morrow; songs include “Hard-Headed Woman,” “Crawfish,” and the title tune.
Garment district steno Flo Denny (Loretta Young) was told flat out that her job description now included entertaining the clientele…although her co-worker/fiancé Tommy Nelson (Regis Toomey) assured her these “customer relations” would all be on the up-and-up. What’ll her response be when major–and insistent–buyer Danny Drew (Lyle Talbot) looks to close the deal? Eye-opening pre-Code potboiler co-stars Winnie Lightner, Hugh Herbert; first directing credit for Busby Berkeley.