Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: A group of New York City bar patrons are being interviewed by a local television reporter about their political views when an enemy attacks Alaska.  As the successful invasion, aided by the use of atomic weapons, spreads to other parts of the country, the patrons find themselves facing the consequences of their apathy and opposition to the government's efforts to build its military defenses. Who's in it? The movie stars Gerald Mohr, Peggie Castle , Robert Bice , Tom Kennedy , Wade Crosby and Dan O'Herlihy . Review : I have come across Invasion, U.S.A on multiple occasions but always found an excuse not to watch it (usually because there was another movie I wanted to watch more). I finally decided to correct that this morning and, while it ended up being what I expected it to be, I was admittedly still entertained. A lot of war movies from the 1950s are basically pro-USA propaganda pitches and this film is most definitely not an exception to that. It's not-so-...

Synopsis: Myra Hudson was born wealthy but is making her own fortune as a successful playwright. While traveling by train from New York to her home in San Francisco, she bumps into Lester Blaine, an actor she fired from her latest play because he didn't look right for the part. They bond on the long journey and, soon after arriving in San Francisco, marry. She believes he loves her until her dictating machine inadvertently records Lester and his secret girlfriend, Irene, plotting to kill her. Who's in it? The movie stars Joan Crawford , Jack Palance , Gloria Grahame , Bruce Bennett and Virginia Huston. Review: I had started out watching a different movie this morning but after discovering that one was in a different language and it was too early to read subtitles, I ended up watching Sudden Fear instead. Overall, I have to say it was a good second choice. The movie's story is well-written. I especially liked how the film took the time to show Myra (Crawford) and Lester...

Synopsis: Still recovering from the mental breakdown caused by her pilot boyfriend's death, Nell is given a second chance when her uncle, an elevator operator, lands her a babysitting job at the hotel he works for. However, things quickly begin to unravel when one of the hotel's guests, also a pilot, mistakes her for a wealthy patron and takes a romantic interest in her. As Nell begins to blend her past with her present, she becomes confused and violent. Who's in it?  The movie stars Marilyn Monroe , Richard Widmark , Anne Bancroft , Jim Backus and Elisha Cook, Jr. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Don't Bother to Knock (1952)

Synopsis: After being orphaned as a child, Philip Ashley was raised by his wealthy cousin, Ambrose. When Ambrose dies under mysterious circumstances while vacationing in Florence, a pair of letters make Philip suspicious of Rachel, the woman Ambrose married prior to his death. Philip invites Rachel to his newly inherited estate, determined to confront her and learn the truth. Only, Rachel turns out to be beautiful and charming, causing him to fall in love with her and sign over everything to her, believing she will marry him. However, when Rachel rejects his proposal, Philip once again grows suspicious of his cousin's widow. Who's in it? The movie stars Olivia de Havilland , Richard Burton , Audrey Dalton , Ronald Squire and John Sutton . Review: After scanning several possible choices, I decided to watch My Cousin Rachel this morning mostly because I'm an Olivia de Havilland fan. After I finished watching it, I was convinced I made the right choice. The thing that impr...

Synopsis: After his father is slain in an ambush in retaliation for standing up to the new Sheriff of Nottingham, a young man takes refuge in Sherwood Forest and becomes the outlaw Robin Hood. Recruiting other persecuted men, he forms a small army and uses it to stand up to the sheriff and Prince John while waiting for the return of King Richard. Who's in it? The movie stars Richard Todd , Joan Rice , Peter Finch , Hurbert Gregg and Martita Hunt. Review: My wife is self quarantining after being exposed to COVID at work and, as a result of that, I wound up keeping myself occupied by watching this movie on Disney Plus. I've seen multiple movie versions of the Robin Hood legend and, unfortunately, this wasn't one of my favorites. There were a couple things about this movie I found I wasn't a huge fan of, especially when compared to other similar films, like the Adventures of Robin Hood. One of the main ones is I feel like the movie spent way too much time focusing on t...