Change Your Image
digger437
Reviews
Dragnet 1967: A.I.D.: The Weekend (1970)
Friday Breaks Character
There are two instances in this particular episode where Friday breaks character. The first one is where Gannon wakes up from a nap and asks what time it is. When Friday says it's 4 o'clock, Gannon answers "Well Joe, what in the world is the matter with you? Friday is barely able to get the line out, "Well nothing, not a thing." He is obviously trying not to laugh.
The second instance is in the kitchen when Gannon realizes he has to defrost a duck for dinner. Gannon says "I don't know why I talk to you anyways. You don't know a thing about cooking." Friday bursts out with a genuine laugh. I think Harry Morgan's portrayal of a hysterical homemaker took Jack Webb by surprise.
This interesting as Morgan has stated in interviews that Webb was very cost conscious, and wanted everything in one take. On more than one occasion Webb chastised Morgan for joking around on the set, as a waste of time and film.
Holiday Affair (1949)
Gordon Gebert was up to the task along with a stellar cast.
This movie is a must see every Christmas. It's charm is due in large part to actor Gordon Gebert, who plays Timmy Ennis. There are movies that are good, but you just hate the kids. For example Mitchum's son in River of No Return or the boy in Last Action Hero. Were they the producer's nephews? You just don't like them and it taints the movie. Gebert however is as lovable as Peter Billingsly (Ralphie) in Christmas Story.
While Mitchum was terrific as always, I was also very impressed with Wendell Corey's performance and wry wit. His "Is that so?" scene with Mitchum was genius.
The writing was excellent. If I had to find a flaw with this film, it would have to be the directors reluctance for retakes. There were scenes where Timmy did flub a line or two, but were left in.