The 7th Voyage of Sinbad 1958 G, 92 min. Genre: Family / Adventure / Action / Fantasy
Director: Nathan Juran Cast: Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, Richard Eyer, Torin Thatcher, Alec Mango, Danny Green, Harold Kasket, Alfred Brown, Nana DeHerrera, Nino Falanga, Luis Guedes, Virgilio Teixeira
Special effects innovator Ray Harryhausen adds stop-motion to his bag of tricks, resulting in a near-classic. The evil magician Sokurah (Torin Thatcher) has put a spell on Sinbad's (Kerwin Mathews) beloved princess (Kathryn Grant), making her just a few inches tall. The spell can be broken by getting an eggshell from the giant, ferocious, two-headed bird Roc, who is on the island of Colossa. Sinbad must fight all sorts of creatures to reach his goal.
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Affair in Trinidad 1952 N/R, 98 min. Genre: Drama / Thriller / Musical
Director: Vincent Sherman Cast: Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, Alexander Scourby, Valerie Bettis, Torin Thatcher, Howard Wendell, Karel Stepanek, Juanita Moore, Steven Geray, George Voskovec, Walter Kohler, Gregg Martell, Mort Mills, Ralph Moody, Kathleen O'Malley
The husband of cabaret singer Chris Emery (Rita Hayworth) is murdered by a spy believed to be Max Fabian (Alexander Scourby). When Chris' brother-in-law Steve (Glenn Ford) arrives on the scene, he is not pleased that Chris is going along with a story that his brother committed suicide. What Steve does not know is that Chris is working secretly with the police in an effort to get more information on Fabian. Her investigation leads to a plot to set up a rocket launching site within range of the United States. When Fabian realizes what Chris is doing, her life is in danger, but, in the nick of time, Steve comes to her rescue.
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Band of Angels 1957 N/R, 127 min. Genre: Drama
Director: Raoul Walsh Cast: Clark Gable, Yvonne De Carlo, Sidney Poitier, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Patric Knowles, Rex Reason, Torin Thatcher, Andrea King, Ray Teal, Juanita Moore
This is the film adaptation of Robert Penn Warren's epic novel about the Civil War and the personal love story of Hamish Bond (Clark Gable) and Amantha Starr (Yvonne De Carlo) who overcome racial prejudice in their efforts to find happiness.
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The Case of the Frightened Lady 1940 N/R, 80 min. Genre: Drama / Mystery
Director: George King Cast: Marius Goring, Helen Haye, Penelope Dudley-Ward, Patrick Barr, John Warwick, Felix Aylmer, Ronald Shiner, George Merritt, Torin Thatcher, Elizabeth Scott, Roy Emerton, George Hayes
Lord William Lebanon (Marius Goring) and his mother, Dowager Lady Lebanon (Helen Haye), share homicidal tendencies that run in their family. When the murdered body of chauffeur Studd (John Warwick) is found, Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Tanner (George Merritt) and Deputy Sergeant Totty (Ronald Shiner) step in and try to solve a very difficult case. Based on a stage play by Edgar Wallace.
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The Crimson Pirate 1952 N/R, 104 min. Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy
Director: Robert Siodmak Cast: Burt Lancaster, Eva Bartok, Nick Cravat, Leslie Bradley, Christopher Lee, Frederick Leister, Torin Thatcher, James Hayter, Margot Grahame, Frank Pettingell, Noel Purcell, Eliot Makeham, Dana Wynter, Ewan Roberts
This film has developed a cult following for its thrills and laughter as it verges on satire of the action genre. The Crimson Pirate, Captain Vallo (Burt Lancaster) does it all; he intercepts a cargo ship, swings his sword, and wins the fair lady Consuelo (Eva Bartok).
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The Desert Rats 1953 N/R, 88 min. Genre: Adventure
Director: Robert Wise Cast: Richard Burton, Robert Newton, Robert Douglas, Torin Thatcher, James Mason, Chips Rafferty, Charles "Bud" Tingwell, Ben Wright, John O'Malley, John Alderson
Field Marshal Rommel (James Mason) led his "unstoppable" armored tank battalion across North Africa during World War II. This is the story about one successful resistance effort by Australian troops led by British Captain Mac Roberts (Richard Burton).
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Great Expectations 1946 N/R, 118 min. Genre: Drama
Director: David Lean Cast: John Mills, Bernard Miles, Finlay Currie, Martita Hunt, Valerie Hobson, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons, Francis L. Sullivan, Freda Jackson, Torin Thatcher, Tony Wager, Ivor Barnard, George Hayes, Hay Petrie, John Forrest
Charles Dickens' classic–in the hands of Director David Lean–is a "must see." The story is about poor orphan boy Pip (Tony Wager as young Pip and John Mills as older Pip) who is raised by blacksmith Joe Gargery (Bernard Miles) and his wife (Freda Jackson). As a young lad, Pip rescues and becomes a friend of escaped prisoner Magwitch (Finlay Currie). Pip falls in love with his playmate Estelle (Jean Simmons) who is being raised by bitter Miss Haversham (Martita Hunt) to have higher expectations in life than those of Pip. Later, Pip gains wealth through the help of a mysterious benefactor who, it turns out, is Magwitch repaying Pip for his friendship. Now, Pip can attain "gentleman" status and do well in the Victorian world of the social elite.
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Hawaii 1966 N/R, 186 min. Genre: Drama
Director: George Roy Hill Cast: Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow, Richard Harris, Carroll O'Connor, Gene Hackman, Jocelyne LaGarde, Elizabeth Ashley, Torin Thatcher, Heather Menzies, Lou Antonio
Hawaii's beautiful scenery enhances James Michener's epic story of the development of America's 50th state. Exploitation of the natives by the early 1800s missionaries along with their love interests are pivotal points in this story.
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Helen of Troy 1956 N/R, 118 min. Genre: Adventure
Director: Robert Wise Cast: Rossana Podesta, Jacques Sernas, Cedric Hardwicke, Stanley Baker, Niall MacGinnis, Nora Swinburne, Robert Douglas, Torin Thatcher, Harry Andrews, Janette Scott, Brigitte Bardot, Marc Lawrence
The Trojan Prince, Paris (Jacques Sernas), abducts the willing Queen Helena (Rossana Podesta) from Sparta and sails away with her; thus, begins the Trojan War. 1 User Review
| User Review |
| | an underrated classic | gene43 04/25/2007 | | I first saw HELEN OF TROY as a 13 year old and was enthralled. After viewing it recently on DVD I find it has lost none of it's magical powers. It was the only 'ancient spectacle' of the '50s that possesed not only spectacle and charm but also a highly romantisized atmosphere of this ancient world. And without Max Steiners PERFECT score, this couldn't have been achieved. |
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Houdini 1953 N/R, 105 min. Genre: Drama
Director: George Marshall Cast: Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Torin Thatcher, Angela Clarke, Ian Wolfe, Sig Ruman, Connie Gilchrist, Stefan Schnabel, Michael Pate, Frank Orth
This fictionalized biography about the great escape artist Houdini (Tony Curtis) is entertaining as it recreates many of Houdini's famous illusions and escapes.
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Jack the Giant Killer 1962 G, 94 min. Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Director: Nathan Juran Cast: Kerwin Mathews, Judi Meredith, Torin Thatcher, Walter Burke, Roger Mobley, Don Beddoe, Barry Kelley, Dayton Lummis, Anna Lee, Robert Gist, Tudor Owen, Ken Mayer
Jack (Kerwin Mathews) slays the giant sent by evil wizard Pendragon (Torin Thatcher) in an attempt to kidnap Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith). Now, Jack is assigned the task of protecting Elaine from future spells cast by Pendragon.
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The King's Pirate 1967 N/R, 100 min. Genre: Adventure
Director: Don Weis Cast: Doug McClure, Guy Stockwell, Jill St. John, Mary Ann Mobley, Kurt Kasznar, Richard Deacon, Torin Thatcher, Diana Chesney, Ted de Corsia, Sean McClory
This remake of "Against All Flags" stars Doug McClure in the role of a swashbuckling hero who manages to enter a pirate fortress and romance a female pirate (Jill St. John).
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Love Is a Many Splendored Thing 1955 N/R, 102 min. Genre: Drama
Director: Henry King Cast: Jennifer Jones, William Holden, Torin Thatcher, Isobel Elsom, Murray Matheson, Richard Loo, Virginia Gregg, Soo Yong, Philip Ahn, Donna Martell
Yes, the story is pure soap, BUT the film is worthwhile. This story of racial bigotry develops when a Eurasian doctor (Jennifer Jones) falls in love with an American journalist (William Holden). Love triumphs, as did the title song, which won an Oscar. The film won two other Oscars and was nominated for an additional five, including Best Picture and Actress.
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Major Barbara 1941 N/R, 121 min. Genre: Comedy / Romance
Director: Gabriel Pascal Cast: Wendy Hiller, Rex Harrison, Robert Morley, Robert Newton, Deborah Kerr, Stanley Holloway, Emlyn Williams, Sybil Thorndike, Torin Thatcher, Miles Malleson, Marie Lohr, Penelope Dudley-Ward, Walter Hudd, David Tree, Donald Calthrop
This film rendition of the intuitive play by George Bernard Shaw features Salvation Army officer Major Barbara (Wendy Hiller) as the young woman who rebels against her wealthy upbringing and opts to help those less fortunate. Love enters the picture in the person of an intellectual (Rex Harrison).
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The Robe 1953 N/R, 134 min. Genre: Drama
Director: Henry Koster Cast: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Jay Robinson, Michael Rennie, Richard Boone, Dawn Addams, Dean Jagger, Torin Thatcher, Betta St. John, Jeff Morrow, Ernest Thesiger, Leon Askin, Michael Ansara, Cameron Mitchell
This grand-scale film is the story of a Roman tribune, Marcellus (Richard Burton), whose duty is to ensure the crucifixion of Jesus. Later, he wins Christ's robe, and the ownership of the robe affects his course in life. In addition to Academy Awards for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration and Costume Design, nominations were received for Best Picture, Actor (Burton), and Cinematography. First CinemaScope film.
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Sabotage 1936 N/R, 76 min. Genre: Drama / Mystery / Thriller aka: A Woman Alone I Married a Murderer
Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cast: Sylvia Sidney, Oskar Homolka, Desmond Tester, John Loder, Joyce Barbour, Matthew Boulton, Peter Bull, Sara Allgood, Martita Hunt, Austin Trevor, S.J. Warmington, William Dewhurst, Aubrey Mather, Clare Greet, Torin Thatcher
When a secret group hires people to place bombs in London, movie theater cashier Sylvia Verloc (Sylvia Sidney) suspects that her husband Karl (Oskar Homolka) may be involved. Unbeknownst to Sylvia, Karl has led a secret life as a terrorist, and now government agent Ted Spencer (John Loder) has moved in next door. He befriends Sylvia and her young brother Stevie (Desmond Tester), and Sylvia discusses her doubts about Karl with Ted. Karl begins to suspect that his arrest is in the near future, and he sends unsuspecting Stevie on a mission to carry a bag containing a time bomb to the metro. On the way, Stevie is delayed, and now the question is: Will Stevie deliver the bomb and get safely away before it detonates? Alfred Hitchcock–all the way.
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The Sandpiper 1965 N/R, 116 min. Genre: Drama
Director: Vincente Minnelli Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Eva Marie Saint, Charles Bronson, Morgan Mason, Robert Webber, Torin Thatcher, James Edwards, Tom Drake, Peter O'Toole
This story involves the love triangle between a pious, Episcopalian priest (Richard Burton), his wife (Eva Marie Saint), and an adventuresome artist (Elizabeth Taylor). A Best Song Academy Award was received for "The Shadow of Your Smile." Otherwise, this is a pretty weak entry.
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The Snows of Kilimanjaro 1952 N/R, 113 min. Genre: Adventure / Drama / Romance
Director: Henry King Cast: Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava Gardner, Hildegarde Neff, Leo G. Carroll, Marcel Dalio, Torin Thatcher, Helene Stanley, Ivan Lebedeff, Ava Norring, Vincente Gomez, Richard Allen, John Dodsworth, Leonard Carey, Emmett Smith
After suffering injuries on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, Harry Street (Gregory Peck) lies dying and reflects on his past loves–wife Helen (Susan Hayward) and Cynthia (Ava Gardner). While both were very important to him, Cynthia is now dead, and it is Helen who is nursing his wounds and gives him the will to live.
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Star Trek Original Series, Vol. 11 (Episodes 21&22) 1967 TV, 100 min. Genre: Sci-Fi
Director: Michael O'Herlihy, Joseph Pevney Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Roger Perry, Sherri Townsend, Harry Townes, Torin Thatcher
Two episodes of the series are presented in this DVD. "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" (aired 1/26/1967, stardate 3113.2)-The gravity field of a black star sends the Enterprise back to the 20th century where the Air Force sends out fighter planes to investigate. "The Return of the Archons" (aired 2/9/1967, stardate 3156.2)-The Enterprise is in danger of being absorbed by "The Body" on Beta III. The humans on the planet are controlled by a dictator-Landru-and Kirk and company must save the inhabitants and, then, themselves.
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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 1968 TV, 128 min. Genre: Horror / Drama / Thriller aka: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Director: Charles Jarrott Cast: Jack Palance, Leo Genn, Oskar Homolka, Billie Whitelaw, Denholm Elliott, Tessie O'Shea, Torin Thatcher, Duncan Lamont, Gillie Fenwick, Joe Austin, Rex Sevenoaks, Elizabeth Cole, Paul Harding, Jeanette Landis, Liza Creighton
Jack Palance plays the title roles of both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The story is about the good Dr. Jekyll who turns himself into the evil Mr. Hyde through his experiments in his lab. Dr. Jekyll becomes addicted to enjoying the life of his long-repressed hedonistic personality of Mr. Hyde. Then, he murders his associate after being blackmailed, and this leads to a brutal confrontation with the police at the medical academy.
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Witness for the Prosecution 1957 N/R, 114 min. Genre: Drama / Thriller / Mystery
Director: Billy Wilder Cast: Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich, Elsa Lanchester, John Williams, Henry Daniell, Una O'Connor, Ian Wolfe, Torin Thatcher, Norma Varden, Philip Tonge, Ruta Lee, Francis Compton, Ben Wright, J. Pat O'Malley
This classic Agatha Christie story takes place largely in a courtroom where aging lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) is defending Leonard Steven Vole (Tyrone Power) against the charge of murder. Robarts, who is cared for by aggressive nurse Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester), is convinced that his client is innocent but bases his belief on Vole's sole alibi that is backed up by Vole's wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich). Surprises are in store for Robarts when Christine announces that she is, in fact, not married to Leonard and testifies for the prosecution. And that is only one of the surprises in store for Robarts. Some great performances, and Oscar nominations included Best Picture, Actor (Laughton), Supporting Actress (Lanchester), and Director. 1 User Review
| User Review |
| | Tracey 01/07/2007 | | It was a very well acted movie. It is a stunning courtroom drama with a surprising ending. If you like Hitchcock type endings you'll love this one! |
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Young and Innocent 1937 N/R, 84 min. Genre: Drama / Mystery / Thriller aka: The Girl Was Young
Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cast: Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney, Percy Marmont, Edward Rigby, Mary Clare, John Longden, Basil Radford, George Curzon, Torin Thatcher, Pamela Carme, George Merritt, J.H. Roberts, Jerry Verno, H.F. Maltby, John Miller
After being falsely accused of murder, Robert Tisdall (Derrick DeMarney) escapes from the courthouse with help from police constable Burgoyne's (Percy Marmont) daughter Erica (Nova Pilbeam) who vows to help prove his innocence. During the ensuing manhunt, Erica helps Robert search for the killer–a man (George Curzon) with a twitching eye–and risks her own life as well of the reputation of her father. Another good Hitchcock thriller, this one a rework of "39 Steps."
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| 1. The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
2. Affair in Trinidad (1952)
3. Band of Angels (1957)
4. Blackbeard the Pirate (1952)
5. Brenda Starr (1976)
6. The Case of the Frightened Lady (1940)
7. The Crimson Pirate (1952)
8. The Desert Rats (1953)
9. Great Expectations (1946)
10. Hawaii (1966)
11. Helen of Troy (1956)
12. Houdini (1953)
13. Istanbul (1957)
14. Jack the Giant Killer (1962)
15. The King's Pirate (1967)
16. Lady Godiva (1955)
17. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing (1955)
18. Major Barbara (1941)
19. The Robe (1953)
20. Sabotage (1936) aka: A Woman Alone aka: I Married a Murderer
21. The Sandpiper (1965)
22. The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)
23. Star Trek Original Series, Vol. 11 (Episodes 21&22) (1967)
24. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968) aka: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
25. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
26. Young and Innocent (1937) aka: The Girl Was Young
In The News
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