Force of Evil (1948)

 

An unethical lawyer, with an older brother he wants to help, becomes a partner with a client in the numbers racket.

Tough and downbeat Noir crime drama astonishes with its stark anti-capitalist stance and some quite memorable scenes.

Halliwell**: "Bleak and powerful melodrama, an attack on capitalism that is here personified by racketeers."

Maltin***: "Rock-solid film noir...Beautifully photographed (by George Barnes) and lit; this has become something of a cult item." 

Dr. Cyclops (1940)

A mad scientist working in the South American jungle miniaturizes his colleagues when he feels his megalomania is threatened.

Nicely produced, but quite harmless Technicolor mad scientist drama is actually well played; however, the main attraction are the effective miniature trick sequences.

Halliwell*: "Splendid special effects and an appropriately sombre atmosphere are mapered by a slow-paced narrative in this minor horror classic."

Maltin**1/2: "...the story is just OK, but the elaborate special effects (in color) are worth seeing."

Michael Weldon/Psychotronic: "It's in Technicolor and is a lot of fun to watch."