The Lineup (1958)

 

In San Francisco, a psychopathic gangster and his mentor retrieve heroin packages carried by unsuspecting travelers. 

Leave it to Don Siegel to turn a regular police investigation story into a tough, tense thriller skillfully photographed on real locations with a highly suspenseful ending.

Halliwell*: "Energetic, polished movie version of a popular TV series, San Francisco Beat." 

Maltin**1/2: "Cult favorite with fans of director Siegel, despite the fact that it's a pretty ordinary police procedural."

Day of the Animals (1977)

A battle for survival ensues after a group of hikers encounters a chemically imbalanced forest.

Ulzana's Raid (1972)

 

After fierce war chief Ulzana and a small war party jump the reservation bent on murder and terror, an inexperienced young lieutenant is assigned to track him down. 

Relentlessly tough and violent Western shows no sympathy for any side of the conflict, which may seem dubious, but rather emanates a quite nihilistic viewpoint.

Halliwell (no star): "Bloodthirsty, reactionary Western with unpleasant shock moments." 

 

Maltin***1/2: "Gritty Western tale...with jarring bursts of violence."

Come Back, Little Sheba (1952)

An emotionally remote recovering alcoholic and his dowdy, unambitious wife face a personal crisis when they take in an attractive lodger.

Quite effective and intense adaptation of a stage marriage drama with a good cast, but Shirley Booth's superb performance is the central point of interest.

Halliwell*: "Stagey but theatrically effective transcription of a popular domestic drama, with one outstanding performance."

Maltin***1/2: "William Inge play is emotional tour de force..."