Tarantula (1955)

A spider escapes from an isolated desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.

Classic 50s monster movie is still fun and in so many ways much better than its present-day clones.

On renewed viewing: A guilty pleasure since my childhood, I rewatch it every view years.

Halliwell  (no star): "Moderate monster hokum with the desert setting which became a cliche; the grotesque faces are more horrific than the spider, which seldom seems to touch the ground."

Maltin ***: "One of the best giant-insect films, with fast-pacing, convincing special effects, and interesting subplot detailing formula's effect on humans. That's Clint Eastwood as the jet squadron leader in final sequence."

Rebecca (1940)

A self-conscious bride is tormented by the memory of her husband's dead first wife.

Perfect Hitchcock adaptation of a Gothic melodrama-mystery has excellent settings and atmosphere, a great cast and lots of memorable scenes.

Halliwell****: "The supreme Hollywood entertainment package, set in Monte Carlo and Cornwall, with generous helpings of romance, comedy, suspense, melodrama and mystery, all indulged in by strongly-drawn characters, and directed by the English wizard from a book which sold millions of copies. It really couldn't miss, and it didn't."

Maltin****: "...sumptuous David O. Selznick production...Stunning performances by Fontaine and Anderson..."

Tarantula (1955)

A spider escapes from an isolated desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.

Classic 50s monster movie is still fun and in so many ways much better than its present-day clones.






On renewed view: I still enjoy this movie, one of the best B pictures ever, and a favourite from my childhood on.

Halliwell  (no star): "Moderate monster hokum with the desert setting which became a cliche; the grotesque faces are more horrific than the spider, which seldom seems to touch the ground."

Maltin ***: "One of the best giant-insect films, with fast-pacing, convincing special effects, and interesting subplot detailing formula's effect on humans. That's Clint Eastwood as the jet squadron leader in final sequence."

The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)

A depiction of the love/hate relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex.