fredk_us

My partner and I were watching this film on the Lifetime network and adding its memorable quotes to the empty section here at its IMDb page. We soon started giggling at the audacity in innocence. The film concerns a summer between the 17-year-old daughter of a late-40s drunkard Dad punctuated mostly by an overused Ad Asner as one of the colorful locals. Anyhow, the film totally reads as a very soft porn tape. The father has his girlfriend, and the daughter meets a neighbor boy, but the sexual lives of the two cannot but help to color their moments together: in his trailer, bobbing in the lake, up on a roof, etc. Kudos for the nerve of the writers. Aside from this campy subtext, the story is not at all dull. The guitar is clichéd, but the tale moves tenderly forward!

Another film filled with secrets and surprises. Good set-up of plot and characters, if a bit predictable. Writer, director, producer, actor Tyler Perry (best known for his "Big Momma" franchise) goes for a bittersweet comedy-drama that delivers well. We were quite satisfied with the story and filming. A lot of restraint (no one swears in the film, for example) and non-preachy religious themes. We sat through the credits. Great song sung by Gladys Knight. Woodard's arc is grand. Definitely recommended. Perry is evolving well in his milieu as his empire grows. A fun update of Southern Gothic genre and good performances all round, save for Taraji P. Henson, who is all tics and gestures. Surprised at the IMDb fan-base low rating ( <3/10 ). Perry is a natural to bring our "Hayes Hotel" musical to the big screen or Atlanta and Broadway! - Frederic Kahler

TCM is currently showing a slew of "forgotten" Teddington Studios films (which repeat next Monday), and this one is a template for any intrigue comedy. Black and white never look better in such low-budget parameters.

Who will hook up with whom? Who will be arrested? What will become of the diamonds and other stones (they call them "rocks" for Americanism)?

One note: the absurdly large corsages worn by the women at the lapel is a trend I should like to see reappear.

Jewel thieves and a laconic damsel entwine. The film is never dull, and very fast paced. O, that films today would learn from such minor gems! I am enjoying this feature and look forward to other Teddington productions via Warner Bros.