Chris-268

I watched this film with high hopes, for I had heard that it was one of Marilyn's best performances. I was deeply disappointed, and "Bus Stop" rates in my Bottom Ten Worst Films. Monroe went to the Actors Studio for a year to study, and then made this film. Why? Her character is one of the weakest, most shallow women ever portrayed on film. This role was even more anti-feminist than the gold digging bimbos that Marilyn played in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "How To Marry A Millionaire." At least those women were smart.

I wonder if Marilyn made this film for a contractual obligation, or she actually chose the role. I do admit that she gave a good performance, and it helped to prove she was a real actress. However, her accent came and went, and was a bit overdone. I think a much better example of Marilyn in a serious role is the film "Niagra" with Joseph Cotten. Coincidentally, the screenplay for "Bus Stop" was written by George Axelrod, who also wrote "The Seven Year Itch" (in my opinion another extremely overrated film.)

I can't finish this without saying how much I hated Don Murray's character. From the moment he first appeared on screen, I wished someone would shoot him in the head. "Bo" has to be one of the stupidest, most irritating characters of all time. The story was weak, and I couldn't have cared less what happened to any of the players. About the only good thing I can say about this film is that Hope Lange was cute.

Don't stand in any lines for this "Bus"!

One of the very few well made TV movies produced in the last 10 years, Peril at End House features the wonderful David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, along with the other regulars from the A&E series (Hugh Fraser as Hastings, Philip Jackson as Inspector Japp, and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon). This film also marks the debut of the divine Ms. Polly Walker (the most beautiful actress that almost nobody has heard of). She plays Nick Buckley, the owner of End House that someone is trying to murder!

I am a huge fan of the Poirot Series, and this two hour installment is truly a delight. It features beautiful scenery, a well paced and engaging story, and solid acting from almost every cast member. Suchet is THE perfect Poirot, even better than Peter Ustinov, whom I also love. There are several plot twists typical to a Christie story, but these will surprise a neophyte to her work.

Finally, how beautiful is Polly Walker! It's truly a shame that actresses like her and Helena Bonham Carter aren't in more mainstream movies. For Polly Walker fans this movie is a must see!