1,001 Movies – Week 40

“The Count of Monte Cristo” to “The Crimson Pirate”


The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) – This is a beautifully shot film filled loads of stylish action and elegantly costumed characters. Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Richard Harris all deliver stellar performances. This film is a wonderful throwback to the classic Hollywood swashbuckler of old. (GS)

The Court Jester (1955) – This is my favorite Danny Kaye movie; he stars as a phony jester who ends up involved in court intrigue, murder plots, tongue twisters and a joust! Terrific supporting cast includes Basil Rathbone (in one of the funniest swordfights on film), John Carradine, the lovely Glynis Johns and the equally lovely Angela Lansbury. (GS)

The Cowboys (1972) – The Duke’s best movie that doesn’t also boast of John Ford or Howard Hawks.  And Bruce Dern is even more rattlesnake crazy than usual. If you haven’t seen it, there’s a BIG surprise waiting about ¾ of the way through! (KCL)

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) – Fabulous underwater photography and a wonderfully atmospheric Amazon jungle setting keeps this classic 1950’s monster movie from losing its edge.  (GS)

The Crimson Pirate (1952) – This is Burt Lancaster’s cinematic fan letter to his hero, Douglas Fairbanks. With his circus partner, Nick Cravat, Lancaster literally swings (and rolls and other acrobatic feats) through this Technicolor swashbuckling classic; one of the best pirate films. (GS)

 

Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)