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1922

★★½ Watched 23 May 2025

A Jack Hoxie western that could easily be a template for every 1930s B-western ever made. Everything about it is set at such a brisk pace that you expect the horses to take flight as they race across the plains in search of the slight plot. Hoxie's an undercover ranger who pins his badge under his chest pocket flap. Riders of the Law can boast one memorable moment in which our heroes hide underwater by breathing through their rifles - not sure that's even possible, but kudos for originality. Gets quite cute at the end.

1922

★★★ Watched 22 May 2025

A fast-paced genre mish-mash that takes you to some places you wouldn't expect a film called The Kentucky Derby to take you. Reginald Denny is the son of wealthy racehorse owner Emmet King, who disowns him upon discovering he has a secret wife in the city. As if that's not bad enough, he's shanghaied by Walter McGrail, who is planning to scam King out of his money. An enjoyable flick that doesn't take itself too seriously. Throws too many characters at you in the first ten minutes, but an easy watch after that.

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1932

★★½ Liked 1

Hell’s House is an independent picture which has the feel of a Warner Brothers product, not only because it stars Warner refugees Bette Davis and Pat O’Brien but because of the crime and prison – or reform school – subject matter. Although Davis and O’Brien headline, it’s the ill-fated Junior Durkin, playing a good kid who ends up in reform school, who has most of the screen time. A pacey and tough drama that stands up well to the second-tier features churned out by the majors.

1940

★★★ 1

The Invisible Man Reappears would seem to be a more appropriate title but, as Claude Rains’ character failed to survive past the first movie’s end credits, a new character must relive his ordeal. Step forward a young Vincent Price, whose tones are even more distinctive than his predecessors, and who descends into madness with camp flamboyance. He’s ed by a decent cast that is led by Cedric Hardwicke and Cecil Kellaway, two thorns either side of the rosy Nan Grey,…

300

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