Mighty Joe Young (1949)

 

 

A young woman who has raised a giant gorilla from an infant brings him to Hollywood years later seeking her fortune in order to save her family's ranch.

 

Charming rip-off of King Kong clearly aimed at a younger audience (despite a lot of violent mayhem there seem to be no fatalities) with the same great special effects and a fast-paced, lively plot with a happy ending.

 

Halliwell*: "Rather tired comic-sentimental follow-up to King Kong, with a tedious plot and variable animation but a few endearing highlights."

 

Maltin***: "Updating of KING KONG theme has comparable (and Oscar-winning) stop-motion special effects by Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen, but no matching storyline, and Moore is no Fay Wray. Mr. Young is good, though."

 

 

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..."