This classic was co-directed by Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack and while some of its effects might seem rather rudimentary by today's standards it's still a cracker. The basic story has been filmed countless times in one form or another but "The Most Dangerous Game" still knocks its competitors for six. Set in one of those exotic South Sea Islands so beloved of filmmakers in the 1930's, (you know, the kind of place where King Kong hung out), this is the one about the big game hunter, (Joel McCrea), becoming the hunted, victim to the monstrous Count Zaroff, (a splendidly over-the-top Leslie Banks). There's also a woman involved, (a screaming Fay Wray, naturally), and it's both exciting and superbly designed, (Zaroff's 'fortress' home could just as easily have housed Dr. Frankenstein or Count Dracula). Clocking in at just 63 minutes, this is a B-Movie with A-Movie credentials and is hugely enjoyable.I have been reviewing films all my life, semi-professionally in the past and for the past 10 or 12 years on imdb and more recently in letterboxd and facebook. The idea of this blog is to get as many of those reviews gathered together in one place. I have had a great deal of support and encouragement from a lot of people throughout the world and I hope that continues. Now for the ratings. **** = not to be missed. *** = highly recommended. ** = recommended. * = of interest and no stars = avoid..
Thursday, 2 April 2020
THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME ***
This classic was co-directed by Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack and while some of its effects might seem rather rudimentary by today's standards it's still a cracker. The basic story has been filmed countless times in one form or another but "The Most Dangerous Game" still knocks its competitors for six. Set in one of those exotic South Sea Islands so beloved of filmmakers in the 1930's, (you know, the kind of place where King Kong hung out), this is the one about the big game hunter, (Joel McCrea), becoming the hunted, victim to the monstrous Count Zaroff, (a splendidly over-the-top Leslie Banks). There's also a woman involved, (a screaming Fay Wray, naturally), and it's both exciting and superbly designed, (Zaroff's 'fortress' home could just as easily have housed Dr. Frankenstein or Count Dracula). Clocking in at just 63 minutes, this is a B-Movie with A-Movie credentials and is hugely enjoyable.
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