drmark7

I watched BUDDY'S MUSICAL Christmas (2014) independent of being a fan or follower of the original movie ELF (I've seen it- but it was never a favorite.), and I thought this to be very reminiscent of the many classic Rankin-Bass specials (RUDOLPH, SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN.) And found it to be very entertaining. Jim Parsons was great. As were Ed Asner (Santa in the original ELF!) and Gilbert Gottfried. The songs weren't as bad as expected. A few were catchy. The animation was interesting (Watch the characters MOUTHS!) I can't wait to see it again next year. Recommended! Perhaps the best, new Christmas special in DECADES!!!

It could be a coincidence, but change the setting and this is 2/3rds a remake of the British Hammer movie SCREAM OF FEAR from 1961. (This Hitch episode is from 1963.) The lead actress even favors, wears a similar sheer dress and her hair just like that films star, Susan Strasberg! There are so many similar elements. The girl entering the scene by mistaken identity. (In a reverse sort of way from SCREAM.) The body popping up here and there. If you've seen both, you'll know what I mean. I couldn't stop thinking this was a covert SCREAM OF FEAR the whole time. That said, this was a VERY suspenseful episode. Recommended!

Found this available in DVD. I had no idea what to expect. The blackmail plot was pretty implausible. Whether by original casting or the passage of time, the "girls" looked far more like college age, than high school. So no real exploitation in that aspect. This had good, crisp, black and white photography and struck me as a missing link, somewhere between THE KNACK (And How To Get It) (1965-UK) and FASTER PUSSYCAT KILL KILL (1965). One woman's outfit reminded me of Tura Satana from PUSSYCAT. I wonder in which order they all were made? There's some pretty brisk nudity and sex, but all soft core. That said, it's a great timepiece, I'm glad I saw it and would give it three stars.