MOVIE REVIEWS

Review by barrymost

With an almost innumerable number of subplots, it's not exactly a comedy, but it does have its own moments of "screwballism". Moments that make you want to shake your head in incredulity. Moments that make you wonder, "What on Earth were the writers thinking?" Moments that make you wonder, "What on Earth was Mr. Lionel Barrymore thinking, agreeing to an almost complete loss of his dignity?" Moments that you just have to smile at and laugh off. Either that or grab the remote and click the power button, but I just happen to be one of the former class. It's a very ridiculous entry into the long-running MGM series, and one that might even merit some sneering and a very low opinion on the part of some film connoisseurs. But if, like me, you're inclined to be forgiving toward films like this, then maybe you won't mind. One of the flaws here is that, since the central plot deals with some unfinished business from the earlier film "Calling Dr. Gillespie", the actor who originally played the psycho of the story is replaced by one not nearly as creepy or effective. One of the silliest scenes that stood out to me is when some inmates at a prison decide to riot and make a break for it. Their get-away vehicle is an old pickup truck with an unreasonably small bed. One of their hostages is Dr. Gillespie, and I'd love to know what was going through their heads as they're preparing to make a break for it. Was something like "Oh, great idea! Let's take Gillespie and throw him in the back of the pickup!"? Well, that is what they did, and I hope they left his wheelchair in a handicapped spot! Would I recommend? If you're already a dedicated fan of the series, go right ahead. If not, proceed with caution and an open mind.