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7:00 PM Turner Classic Movies
The Breaking Point (1950 USA): John Garfield plays a fisherman who charters his boat to some shady characters in this very good Michael Curtiz feature. Garfield plays Harry Morgan, a salty seadog whose boat is far more shipshape than his bank account. When the opportunity to make some easy money by smuggling Chinese immigrants pops up, Harry jumps at the chance, only to find himself sucked into a whirlpool of criminal activity that threatens to destroy his family and his livelihood. Based on a story by Ernest Hemingway, this top-rate actioner co-stars Patricia Neal, Phyllis Thaxter, Victor Sen Yung, and the great African-American actor Juano Hernandez.

Sunday 8/7/11

6:00 AM Flix
The Adventures of Hercules (1985 ITA): Everyone loves a Hercules movie, right? Well, this is the one that will test your endurance and dedication. The Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, stars this time as our amiable hero, and whilst Lou was never an actor of much subtlety, the fact that a voice actor dubbed his lines is a bridge too far for this writer. The story, penned by director Luigi Cozzi (also responsible for Starcrash, perhaps the worst Star Wars rip-off of them all), sends Herc on a mission to reclaim the Seven Thunderbolts of Zeus, which have been nicked from the Main Man by some of the lesser gods. The film’s primary saving grace is William Berger (Superfly TNT) as King Minos, but even that’s a pretty thin straw to grasp. If the mighty mythical movie muscleman floats your boat regardless of quality, however, by all means check out The Adventures of Hercules.

8:55 AM Showtime Extreme
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006 GB): Ken Loach's superb tale of Irish brothers torn apart by war returns to the small screen this evening. Penned by perennial Loach collaborator Paul Laverty, the film is much more than a simple-minded paean to Irish Republicanism, with emphasis placed squarely on the fratricidal struggles between aspiring doctor Damian (Cillian Murphy) and dedicated IRA soldier Teddy (Padraic Delaney), who find themselves on opposite sides after the Irish Free State comes into being. Sticking closely to his humanist guns, Loach is unafraid to criticize the abject cruelties of either side, with depictions of Black and Tan sadism ably balanced by scenes of Republican torture, whilst reserving his harshest assessment for the Free State's new masters, who disdained the radical socialism of the IRA rank and file in favor of reactionary religious fundamentalism. Though not Loach's best film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is an insightful and beautifully made picture that has important and timeless things to say about the lessons learned by the occupied from those who occupy them.

Monday 8/8/11

1:30 PM Turner Classic Movies
Trent’s Last Case (1952 GB): Here’s a bit of an oddity: a British "B" picture "starring" Orson Welles! His Rotundity is cast as the delightfully named Sigsbee Manderson, a wealthy American whose suspicious death is being investigated by Police Inspector Trent (Michael Wilding). Perhaps "suspicious" is an understatement: Sigsbee has been shot between the eyes, and Trent must locate and charge the party responsible for the heinous deed. Perhaps it’s mistreated wife Margaret Manderson (Margaret Lockwood)...or perhaps the butler did it! Based on a novel by E. C. Bentley - already filmed twice in the silent era - Trent’s Last Case isn’t particularly good, but it’s fun to see Orson cash a pay check by playing a corpse. Look for Miles Malleson’s amazing disappearing chin in a supporting role.

6:00 PM HBO
Superheroes (2011 USA): I haven’t pre-screened this new HBO doc yet, but who could resist a film about real-life folks who dress up as super heroes and stalk big city streets in an effort to protect truth, justice, and the American way? Apparently there are hundreds of people who actually do this. How long before a real bad guy decides to go the tight and capes route? Also airs at 9:00 PM and throughout the month.

A note to regular readers: I will be taking a brief refueling break over the next few weeks. See you again at the end of August!

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