tvman-3

This episode is clearly a remake of the classic movie "The Wages of Fear," which was remade by William Friedkin as "Sorcerer." Different context, of course, along with different topography, climate, etc., but very much the same premise. In this instance, there are three trucks, and the race against time is to save a group of trapped miners in the middle east, rather than to extinguish an oil well fire in South America. Frankly (no pun intended; okay, maybe a bit), I'm not wild about these stories that take Transporter Frank Martin out of his natural elements of a high-powered car on a stretch of highway or navigating tricky city streets, literally racing the clock. Without offering a quote, it's worth pointing out that Frank himself comments on how this particular "assignment" is taking him out of his element, as he must navigate marginally undriveable roads with slow, cautious, care. That said, if you haven't seen either of the films mentioned above, it ought to be a pretty riveting episode for you to view. There was a scene in "Sorcerer" (not replicated here) where the suspense became so intense I nearly had to get up and leave the theater.

One of my two favorite Martin & Lewis films (the other being Artists and Models), this one was originally released in 3-D. I had the pleasure of seeing it that way a few years ago at the first 3-D fest held at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, but the added depth really didn't make that much difference in being able to enjoy it.

Based on material by Damon Runyon (Guys & Dolls), much of it is typical Martin & Lewis fare, re-teaming them with heavy Robert Strauss and with Sheldon Leonard thrown into the mix for good measure. This may not be their absolute best, but it would be worth seeing if only for the scene that spoofs Cyrano de Bergerac to hilarious effect as Dean croons "I Only Have Eyes For You" before things go off the rails for Jerry.

I'm another one who saw the original production. Embarrassingly bad, though with one or two decent songs, as I recall. At one point, I thought I'd accidentally stumbled into a Chippendale's show. Kilmer can sing acceptably, but the songs are mostly, to say the least, thin and uninspired, and the choreography at times is just plain silly.

I later decided I had to buy a copy (used) of the DVD, just so when I tell people how bad this show was, I'll have proof. When watching the DVD, take note of the unenthusiastic, "polite" applause. And I'm figuring it was probably a conscious choice not to show the audience.

My wife wasn't able to join the rest of us to see the show, so I bought her a souvenir t-shirt, telling her that she got the better deal.