“The Comedy of Terrors” to “The Competition”
The Comedy of Terrors (1964) As funny as The Raven (1963) is, this one tops it at every turn, again with writer Richard Matheson providing the script, and directed by Jacques Tourneur. Vincent Price has villainously married into aged Boris Karloff’s funeral business to support his drinking habit, while he blackmails Peter Lorre into slave labor. With all the money going to booze, though, a year’s rent has never made it landlord Basil Rathbone. When times are especially hard, Price and Lorre “drum up business”, and it’s a short step from that to drumming up the landlord. And it only gets funnier from there. “What place… is this?” (KCL)
Comfort and Joy (1984) Off-beat Bill Forsyth movie about warring Glasgow families in the ice cream industry (based on a true story) in which a local radio presenter (Bill Paterson) becomes involved. Like all of Forsyth’s movies (Gregory’s Girl, Local Hero), a mixture of eccentricity, charm and wry humor. All this, plus Clare Grogan. (KT)
The Commitments (1991) Im black and Im proud. Based on Roddy Doyles brilliant novel, the first in his Barrytown trilogy, the film stars a charismatic cast of relative unknowns and a generous serving of irresistible 60s soul music. There are nice set pieces throughout showing off Dublin and its citizens. Engaging from beginning to end. (GS)
Company of Wolves (1984) There’s more going on with this Li’l Red Riding Hood than meets the eye, and you will not find a bigger, badder wolf. But keep your eye on Granny… (KCL)
The Competition (1980) A wonderful blend of music, romance and comedy plus the chemistry between Amy Irving and Richard Dreyfuss make this gem well worth searching out. (GS)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)