THE AVENGERS (2012)

May 5, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. The concern coming in was that this would be like an All-Star game, which as any sports fan will tell you, is typically a massive letdown. Assembling so many super heroes and colorful characters into one movie: Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Loki … would probably lead to either mass confusion, a 4 hour movie, or short straws for a couple of characters. Somehow director/co-writer Joss Whedon has avoided the pitfalls and delivered a huge action film that is loads of fun for everyone, including the fanboys.

Whedon does a remarkable job of giving each character their fair share of screen time, and somehow manages to make the interaction between the characters the best part of the movie. There is some terrific dialogue and the number of quick-witted exchanges are too numerous to recount. While this would be expected from Robert Downey, Jr‘s Iron Man, I must admit to being pleasantly surprised at Chris Hemsworth‘s Thor and especially Mark Ruffalo‘s Dr Banner/Hulk. I found Ruffalo’s take on the role very interesting since he is the third actor to tackle this in the past nine years (Eric Bana 2003 and Edward Norton 2008). The movie contains quite a few laugh outloud moments, which is pretty impressive in a filled theatre.

 If you are going to combine six super heroes in a movie, you need a bad guy. A villain. Actually, a super villain. Tom Hiddleston as Loki (The God of Mischief from Asgard, and Thor’s brother) is up to the task. For me, he was a weak link in Thor, but here is a full-fledged, powerful evil mastermind looking to gain power by stealing the global power of Tesseract (Cosmic Cube), commanding an alien army, and ruling earth. Hiddleston is clearly having fun and it shows. For the movie to work at all, his plan and power must stand up to the impressive line up of good guys he is fighting. That is certainly the case.

 Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow has come a long way from her brief work in Iron Man2, and we really get to know more about Natasha the Russian spy … although her accent fades in and out. Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye seems a bit out of place, but Renner is so cool, we don’t really care. Chris Evans as Captain America does a wonderful job of taking control of the band of misfits and displays the leadership expected of a super-soldier. We even get a good dose of Agent Coulson (Phil to his friends) and Clark Gregg‘s deadpan deliver is a great addition. Samuel L Jackson (as Nick Fury) will be adding hundreds of millions more to his current record of being the highest-grossing actor of all-time.

Gwyneth Paltrow is back as Pepper Potts. Since last we saw her, she has evidently been shopping for short shorts and helping design the new Stark Tower. Natalie Portman makes a creative cameo, reprising her awful role in Thor. Stellan Skarsgard is back as a believable scientist. Powers Boothe appears as a member of the Council that Fury reports to. The great Harry Dean Stanton(at 85 yrs of age) has a comical scene as a security guard who stumbles onto Hulk’s mess. And of course, Stan Lee makes his well-deserved cameo appearance – a tradition in the Marvel movies.

Much of the credit for this must go to Joss Whedon. He may finally be out of his “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” shadow, as this movie is quite an accomplishment. Entertaining and funny for the masses, yet detailed enough for the comic book fan boys. I was thinking how much fun this would be for a 10-12 year old, and how my mind might have exploded if something like this existed in my childhood. Even comparing this to the Christoper Reeve Superman movies will help you realize just how far super heroes movies have come.  There are some holes in the story and a couple of things will have you scratching your head if you think too hard … but this one’s not about thinking.  Just sit back and enjoy!

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you want to see the most Academy Award nominees ever assembled for a super hero movie OR you just want to have fun watching a big old summertime blockbuster with comedy, action and colorful characters

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you have already decided you’ll hate it … otherwise, you might actually like it

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

WINGS (1927)

May 3, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. This film holds the prestigious position of forever being the answer to a favorite Academy Awards trivia question: Name the first Best Picture winner. Of course, there should be an asterisk attached as the film officially won Most Outstanding Production. There was no Best Picture award that first year. It was also the first and last Silent Film to win the award until The Artist won this year (2012).

Rarely have a film and director been so perfectly matched. William Wellman was known as “Wild Bill” thanks to his actual WWI flying experience and his penchant for fighting and partying in Hollywood. Wellman handled some of the stunt flights in the film and is also seen as the dying soldier near the end who shouts the “buzzards” line. Much of the film was shot at Kelly Field in San Antonio, and its popularity was certainly assisted by the patriotism of the time and the recent aviation excitement created by Charles Lindbergh‘s transatlantic flight.

The story is based on the WWI Army Air Corps and features some stunning aerial photography and combat flying missions, with an incredible-for-the-times 3500 soldiers, 65 pilots and 165 aircraft. The lead actors are Richard Arlen (David) and Charles “Buddy” Rogers (Jack). They are local rivals battling over the heart of the same woman played by Jobyna Ralston (Sylvia). It’s a pretty interesting love story as Jack thinks Sylvia loves him, Sylvia loves David and David knows it, and Mary loves Jack, and Jack has absolutely no clue.

 Mary is played by the always outstanding Clara Bow (pictured left with Rogers). She truly lights up the film and screen in her scenes. Not only does she have the expressive eyes necessary for silent films, her physical presence is wonderful for such a tiny lady. Other interesting cast members include El Brendel as Herman Schwimpft. His German sounding name and somewhat effeminate manner are constant sources of comic relief. Hedda Hopper plays Jack’s mother. You might recognize her name as the founder of Hollywood gossip columns … she started out doing some acting.

 Beyond the “Wild Bill” fun, there was also some romantic shenanigans on set. Richard Arlen and Jobyna Ralston ended up getting married after meeting during filming. Also, Clara Bow started an affair with a new actor named Gary Cooper. Yes, THAT Gary Cooper (pictured below, standing). It is startling to see such a young Cooper when he makes his first appearance. It’s a small, but vital role in the film. There has been an ongoing debate in the film world about the homosexual undertones between Jack and David. In the famous death scene, we get the first on screen man-on-man kiss on lips. Quite shocking for the times.  From a technical aspect, the Handschiegl Color Process was used for the flames and explosions – dramatic splashes of color in the aerial combat scenes. This was also Costume Designer Edith Head‘s first film. She went on to become the most famous Hollywood costume designer and worked on hundreds of films.

 The theatrical re-release of the film coincides with its 85th anniversary and celebrates 100 years of Paramount Pictures. The opening credits provide a time lapse view of the numerous Paramount logos through the years. There are many reasons to see this film: its ground-breaking action scenes, the history it addresses, its place in Hollywood lore, and of course, if you want to see the inspiration for Betty Boop (Clara Bow). What I won’t do is mention that the love story was copied by Michael Bay in the less-than-stellar Pearl Harbor film. Forget I even mentioned it.

*note: a bit more trivia … the film was released the same year Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs.  That’s the record Roger Maris would break 34 years later.  Also, this film is one of only three to ever win Best Picture without also receiving a Best Director nomination.  The other two films are Grand Hotel (Edmund Goulding, 1932) and Driving Miss Daisy (Bruce Beresford, 1989)

watch a one minute trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

RUBY’S DREAM (aka DEAR MR WONDERFUL, 1982)

May 2, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness.  If you are a movie geek like me, and people know that you watch an obscene number of movies each year, a frequent question you get asked is “Have you seen _____ ?”  I absolutely love this question because there is always the possibility that I am about to be turned on to some obscure, off-beat gem that has somehow eluded me all these many years.  Maybe it’s the early work of a now famous writer or director.  Maybe it’s today’s movie star in a supporting role.  Maybe it’s just a poignant story that struck a chord with your friend.  I recently answered that question about this movie via email from a trusted source.  My only real hint was his statement “Joe Pesci sings“.

It doesn’t take much research to discover that Joe Pesci was a child star and even released an album, appropriately titled “Little Joey Sings”.  Not much happened for Little Joey after that until Robert Deniro noticed him acting in a play, and immediately recommended him to Martin Scorcese for Raging Bull.  That, my friends, is what they call a big break.  Since then, Pesci has had a very solid career.  Quite often he is seen in Scorcese films, but also in comedy roles like My Cousin Vinny, Home Alone and a Lethal Weapon sequel.  But, as far as I know, there is only one movie where he actually sings on-screen.

I am sure it’s just a coincidence that I have been awakened to this film during its 30th anniversary.  It’s no mistake that The Godfather series, Casablanca and Wings have received special theatre screenings for their anniversary, yet this film lives on in anonymity.  Though it’s directed by well-known German director Peter Lilenthal (David, 1979), and filmed by famed cinematographer Michael Balhous, the movie has the look and feel of a 1970’s home movie recorded by your eldest uncle suffering from poor eyesight.  Even worse, I believe it was edited by someone’s great-grandmother who only had a pair of scissors and roll of scotch tape.  Despite these handicaps, there is a certain sweetness and likeability to the film and its lead character, Ruby Dennis, played by Joe Pesci.

 Ruby is a part owner of a bowling alley/lounge.  He is part owner with the mob.  He is nice.  They really aren’t.  Ruby has a stage act as a lounge singer … yes, he sings while people bowl!!  Ruby’s big dream is to head off to Vegas or Chicago and sing in a classy joint.  Yet, he seems to be in on the gag that he really isn’t too talented.  He lives with his sister and her son.  The sister is played by Karen Ludwig, who also played Meryl Streep’s partner in Manhattan.  His nephew is played by Evan Handler, recognizable from his role as Harry in Sex and the City.  Ruby’s girlfriend is played by Ivy Ray Browning, whose character is also an aspiring singer.  This was Ms. Browning’s only TV or movie credit.  And no, that’s not Deniro as the piano player (despite the facial similarity).

 Frank Vincent (pictured above) plays Louie, the mob liaison who tries to get Ruby to take the easy way out.  But for a guy sporting multiple gold chains, a terrible toupee and a 70’s style moustache, Ruby isn’t always the smartest guy … though he does have a good heart. The script was written by Sam Koperwas and it’s also his only writing credit.  There are so many things working against this film, yet Pesci is strong enough to make you care just enough about his Ruby, that we feel his humiliation during the film’s best sequence.  Tony Martin (pictured left) makes a cameo appearance as himself visiting Ruby’s establishment. Things don’t go so well.  Mr. Martin had quite a career as a singer and actor from the 1930’s through the 1950’s.  He married and divorced Alice Faye, and later was married to the great Cyd Charisse for 60 years.  Martin’s scene in the film is even better than the early one where Pesci is handling a live fish in the bathtub.  He later kills it off-screen with a baseball bat.  Not the last time Pesci makes use of a baseball bat in a movie.

While this is certainly not a movie that falls into the hidden gem or highly recommended category, it does have some redeeming value if you are able to ignore or chuckle at the horrendous production value … and the very mediocre singing by Joe Pesci (who also co-composed the songs in the movie).  So, embrace the opportunity when your friends ask, “Have you seen _____ ?”

 

4 Comments | Comedy, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

TMI (4-25-12)

April 25, 2012

TMI (Today’s Movie Info)

Director Sacha Gervasi is currently filming a script based on the Stephen Rebello book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.  The first images of Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock have been released:

 

 

 

 

Compare Hopkins to the real deal:

 

 

 

 

 

The film will also star Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, Jessica Biel as Vera Miles and James D’Arcy as Anthony Perkins.  This is not intended to be a remake of Psycho, but rather a display of HOW the film was made.  It may turn out to be fantastic, but my initial reaction is …. hands off my Hitchcock! … so to speak.

3 Comments | TMI Dailies | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

MARLEY (2012)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Kevin Macdonald is one of those rare directors who has had commercial success with both documentary and mainstream films. His The Last King of Scotland featured a powerful performance from Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin, and in Touching the Void, he chronicled a perilous mountain climbing trip in the Andes. Here, he takes on the fascinating life of reggae musician and humanitarian, Bob Marley.

This extraordinary film features some wonderful, never before seen home video, concert footage, and still photography.  We also get some very insightful and forthcoming interviews from friends, family, bandmates, and others who were present during that time. We see the poverty stricken area of Jamaica where Marley was born to his mother (a local teenager) and his father, a 60-something white man who evidently worked for the forest department.

It’s truly fascinating to watch Marley’s development as a musician and human being. With little formal education, he relied on stunning life instincts and rose to become the most important Jamaican figure in a time of intense and violent discourse. His personality was one that brought people together, and his music complimented his beliefs and encouraged a unified country and world.

 While he survived an assassination attempt, he was unable to beat cancer. His death at the young age of 36, leaves us asking … what could have been? Watching his Wailers begin by playing for free in small clubs and building to worldwide tours in huge stadiums shows just how much influence he had with his words, music and actions. He was admired globally and revered in Jamaica. So often biographies and documentaries treat their subject as either a saint or villain. Here, we get the descriptions from Marley’s own voice, as well as the voices of his wife Rita (pictured left), his children (including Ziggy), and his girlfriends (including Cindy Breakspeare who was Miss World). We learn he had 11 kids with multiple women. We learn he wasn’t the warmest father to his kids. We learn he was courageous and insightful, and always willing to listen to both sides of an argument.

For most, being an influential musician would be enough. For Bob Marley, it was just the key to the door … his vision was for a peaceful world where we could all “get together and feel alright”. You will notice I have yet to mention marijuana. Marley’s face has become a symbol for Jamaica’s key export, and that’s a shame … more people need to know what this man was all about.  This is an excellent vehicle for that opportunity.

watch the trailer:

Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

BULLY (2012)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. A documentary about a socially vital topic that desperately needs more attention would typically receive rave reviews from me. Writer/director Lee Hirsch delivers a final product that emotes sympathy, empathy, sorrow and outrage. What’s missing? There are no solutions, no action ideas (other than let’s do something), and no examples of what might be working in some schools.

We are introduced to, what I hope is, the world’s worst Assistant Principal. Maybe her attitude and actions are to represent the poor approach by most teachers and administrators. I am just not sure. We see her mediate a handshake meeting between a bully and his target, and she easily falls for the bully’s eagerness to settle, seemingly oblivious to the victim’s emotional pain. Her meeting with parents is almost comical in the lack of understanding she shows … preferring to flash photos of her grandchild rather than address the more serious issue.

We visit Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia and Oklahoma to meet kids and parents who have been affected by bullies. We also see the aftermath of suicide caused by the helplessness victims feel from incessant bullying. It’s not difficult to categorize the kids we meet as “different”. One is physically small, weak and not fully developed as a result of being born more than 3 months premature. Another is a lesbian who hides her pain behind a smile. These “different” kids seem to be that which teachers, administrators, students and even parents are unable and ill-prepared to cope.

 Mr. Hirsch (pictured left) is able to capture some upsetting footage onboard a school bus. The mother of the kid being picked on even states that when she rode the bus as a kid, the driver was in control and kids were required to stay seated and keep still. Today, the kids run the show … at home, at school, and on the bus. Teachers know they will not receive support from parents and likely to be sued for getting involved. It’s a vicious cycle that can lead to tragedy.

It would have been interesting to see something other than blue collar families. Is there a class difference in this subject? What about the preferred schools for teachers … are the results different when the quality of teachers is compared?  How about trying to get the perspective of a bully … even a former bully? The film gives the impression that it had a point to make and would do whatever necessary to make that point. That is the Michael Moore school of documentaries. I am by no means saying this isn’t a vital and important topic. It definitely is. And it needs to be addressed quickly. I just believe an issues-related filmmaker has a responsibility to tell the whole story.

watch the trailer:

Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (2012)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Filmmakers who see the world in an unusual way often appeal to me. Whit Stillman fits that description as evidenced by his Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco. It’s been more than a decade since his last film, and his writing remains strong while his director’s eye may have atrophied a bit. We get a trippy, twisty maze of dialogue that is not double-entendre, but rather double-take.

The film takes place on a fictional campus named Seven Oaks College. We meet a small clique of young ladies led by Violet (Greta Gerwig, Greenberg). She has a noble life mission of “helping” young men who don’t recognize their own potential. She views this as a type of social work. Violet and her troupe are also dedicated to the high causes of perfume and fashion. They volunteer at a Suicide Prevention Center, where they seem to possess no skills other than handing out donuts and teaching tap dancing.

Violet’s followers include Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke), Heather (Carrie MacLemore) and transfer-student Lily (Analeigh Tipton). They could be termed caricatures, but I am not sure of what. Their philosophical meanderings could be considered arrogance, but their hearts seem to be in the right place. And it’s difficult to raise much ire towards Violet when her ambition involves inventing the next international dance craze … Sambola. She even provides an oral argument on the importance of dance crazes within society.  She acts like an adviser, almost a guru … but she ends up needing guidance as much as anyone.

To watch this movie, one must be willing to give Mr. Stillman some slack in the rope. To treat suicide with a touch of glib can be dangerous, but watching Aubrey Plaza defend the importance of “clinical” depression is pretty humorous. Analeigh Tipton acts somewhat as the voice of reason for viewers. She was outstanding in Crazy Stupid Love, and seems to be finding herself as an actress. Zach Woods (The Office) has a couple of decent scenes as the campus editor of “The Daily Complainer”, Adam Brody is the boyfriend who may not be what he seems, Alia Shawkat makes a quick angry appearance, and Taylor Nichols keeps his streak alive of appearing in all of Stillman’s films.

This movie may be best viewed and enjoyed as a glimpse into the mind of Whit Stillman. As a visual film, it’s really nothing special. The interesting part is in the dialogue and delivery of those lines … plus the social commentary offered up by the dialogue. Although, please don’t ask me what point that commentary is making.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF:  you are a fan of Whit Stillman’s previous films OR you are looking for an offbeat filmmaker in the vein of Wes Anderson (minus the visual flair).

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you prefer the story to make a clear point and the characters speak in “normal” thoughts (neither of which happen here)

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (2011)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Well I was not ready for the horror/zombie/slasher genre to be turned on its ear, but that’s exactly what co-writers Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard (also director) have done here. Rest assured that your favorite aspects of horror films will be lampooned, or at least parodied. There are times you will jump and laugh simultaneously, but mostly I found myself checking off the influences/targets of the filmmakers.

There is no way to comment on this film without offering up spoilers, and I will not do that. What I can tell you is that you’ll be reminded of films such as Scream, Friday the 13th, Bubba Ho-Tep, Night of the Living Dead, The Evil Dead, Saw, and dare I say, elements of the classic TV series The Twilight Zone … you know the parts where you know there is more going on than you are seeing, but you can’t quite put it all together.

 The movie starts out with a tongue-in-cheek assembly of generic characters from most horror films: the fun-loving jock (Chris Hemsworth, pre-Thor), the “bad” girl (Anna Hutchison), the “good” girl (Kristen Connolly), the brainiac (Jesse Williams), and of course the comic relief stoner waxing philosophical (a very effective Fran Kranz). This group piles into a borrowed RV and heads to the cabin. And yes, we get the obligatory stop at the run down gas station manned by the straight-from-Deliverance attendant played by tobacco-spitting Tim De Zarn.

 We learn quickly that something odd is going on and our heroes are really playthings in some kind of cosmic game being conducted at an underground lab run by Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford. That much is shown in the trailer and that’s the end of what I will say. After that, the choice is yours … just like in the basement.

I have no idea whether to recommend this movie, and if so, to whom.  The last 15 minutes are pure mayhem, and you will either be fully onboard with this Disneyland ride gone bad, or you will have wanted to leave for the past hour. Filmed three years ago, but caught up in studio legalities, the movie was selected for opening night at SXSW and it truly is a twisted, even demented jab at all things horror. Only you can decide what comes next.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: your twisted, demented movie-watching personality has made you a horror/zombie/slasher expert and you don’t mind Whedon and Goddard poking a little fun at your genre … just don’t blame me.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: I didn’t just describe you in the “See” section

watch this trailer … or don’t, if you are planning to see the movie:

Leave a Comment » | Comedy, Horror | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE GODFATHER II (1974) revisited

April 21, 2012

 Six weeks ago was The Godfather in a theatre setting. This time it was the exceptional sequel, which generated an equal amount of movie bliss. Experiencing these two classic movies on the big screen almost 40 years after release reinforces what great films they are … and how few truly great films get made. We are reminded that a powerful well-written story, world class cast, visionary director, brilliant photographer and stunning composer are all necessary components for movie greatness.

This sequel explores three time periods: the journey of 9 year old Vito to the U.S., his rise to power in Little Italy, and Corleone life after Vito’s death. Some find the cuts to varying timelines to be distracting. Personally, I find it fascinating and a very effective way to tell the entire story. Watching an almost mute 9 year old Vito land on Ellis Island and transform into a twenty-something community “leader” is one of the more powerful and unlikely events ever seen on screen. Mixing that with Al Pacino holding little back as a power-mongering Michael is downright frightening. If you doubt this, look at it from the perspective of Diane Keaton‘s May, or John Cazale‘s Fredo.

The film received 11 Oscar nominations and won 6, including Best Picture. Robert DeNiro won for his tremendous turn as young Vito, in a performance with very little English. This is early DeNiro … the Mean Streets, Taxi Driver era. DeNiro and Marlon Brando remain the only two actors to have won Oscars for playing the same character. DeNiro’s Supporting Actor competition came from two other cast members: Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth (supposedly based on Meyer Lansky) and Michael V Gazzo as Pentangeli. Mr. Strasberg was the famed acting teacher whose prized pupils included none other than Al Pacino (who talked him into taking this role). Strasberg was also bequeathed 75% of the Marilyn Monroe estate and there was much scandal after his death when his widow auctioned off most of it.  Gazzo’s grizzled look and voice dominate his scenes and leave you feeling uneasy about what’s really going on with him.

 Here are a few other interesting points.  Most of this script was original for the film, though the background story of Vito was drawn from Mario Puzo‘s novel. Director Francis Ford Coppola considered casting Joe Pesci as the young Clemenza, but ultimately decided on Bruno Kirby. Dominic Chianese plays Hyman Roth’s right hand man Johnny Ola. Chianese has been recently seen in both The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. B-Movie mogul Roger Corman plays one of the Senators on the committee interrogating Michael and Pentangeli. Harry Dean Stanton plays one of the FBI bodyguards, and former heartthrob Troy Donahue plays Connie’s (Talia Shire) goofy boyfriend Merle. One of my favorite characters in the film is Don Fanucci, robustly played by Gastone Moschin. His strutting and preening always creeps me out and makes me laugh.

Besides being the first sequel to win a Best Picture Oscar, The Godfather II is simply one of the finest films ever made. At 200 minutes, it requires both a time and mental commitment, but along with The Godfather, Coppola and Puzo have provided us exemplary story telling through expert filmmaking … and a piece of movie history.

here is a link to my comments on the original: https://moviereviewsfromthedark.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/the-godfather-1972-revisited/

below is a link to the trailer, but be warned … it contains 3 plus minutes of actual footage.  If you have not seen the film, I would not recommend watching the trailer:

 

2 Comments | Classics, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

A TRIP TO THE MOON (La Voyage dans la Lune, 1902)

April 18, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness.  If you have seen Hugo, you know that a central figure in the Martin Scorcese film is Georges Melies, the grumpy train station vendor who catches young Hugo stealing from him.  Frenchman Georges Melies was an early innovator in filmmaking and his most famous work was A Trip to the Moon (La Voyage dans la Lune) from 1902.  The film is still studied today because of it’s ground-breaking work in animation and special effects, and is considered the first science-fiction film.  The story goes that Melies went bankrupt after Thomas Edison and his technicians copied the film and distributed it in the U.S. before Melies could.  It is also thought that this started the process of film copyrighting, so that ownership of film rights could be determined.

There are many versions of varying length in existence, but I could not find a complete 16 minute version which features the final parade.  The version below has English narration added (albeit with a heavy French accent), and the famous moon landing is at about the 5:45 mark.

 

 

 

Leave a Comment » | Classics, Sci-Fi, Short film, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

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