- Joined
- Jun 20, 2004
- Messages
- 3,527
- Real Name
- Richard W
Regarding the A.C. Lyles westerns, I just watched JOHNNY RENO (1966) on the Paramount DVD.
This is an early 1940s type of programmer script, simple and straightforward, filmed in 1966. It's dated from the get-go. Talkative and overlong at 83 minutes. Perhaps two days on location at the Vasquez Rocks National Park in Agua Dulce -- you know, where Capt. Kirk fought the lizard man -- and the rest of the two weeks on the backlot, either Melody Ranch or Paramount. The actors are all past their prime, playing parts they would have played when they were 25 years younger, BUT -- and this is a big BUT -- they are fine actors, and perform with complete conviction. Dana Andrews looking puffy and painfully sober exudes empathy and authority as the virtuous U.S. Marshal, while Lyle Bettger drives the film with fierce energy as the town mayor up to no good. Their saloon fight is straight out of a Republic serial, and it's great fun. As the saloon owner Jane Russell gives Miss Kitty a run for her money. Lon Chaney Jr is given third billing and plenty of screen time as the town sheriff who wants to do right but is too afraid to try. Chaney appears to have done about 10 of the 14 A.C. Lyles westerns, and he's very good. It's a pleasure to see him work. John Agar, Richard Arlen and Robert Lowery are also on hand. Game stuntmen playing heavily dressed, well-mounted Indians ride in and ride out on cue with flawless timing, being careful not to break up the group shots. The film opens with Dana Andrews riding across the landscape minding his own business and bouncing in the saddle. Andrews can't ride, and from the looks of things his testicles must have taken punishment to get those shots in the can. The color is rich and the widescreen Techniscope frame is put to good use. The transfer is nearly pristine, a superb picture.
I thoroughly enjoyed JOHNNY RENO. This transfer would look spectacular on blu-ray. If this is an indication of the quality of an A.C. Lyles western I would ask Mister Lime to draw the series to the attention of Olive Films. I'll buy every single one.
This is an early 1940s type of programmer script, simple and straightforward, filmed in 1966. It's dated from the get-go. Talkative and overlong at 83 minutes. Perhaps two days on location at the Vasquez Rocks National Park in Agua Dulce -- you know, where Capt. Kirk fought the lizard man -- and the rest of the two weeks on the backlot, either Melody Ranch or Paramount. The actors are all past their prime, playing parts they would have played when they were 25 years younger, BUT -- and this is a big BUT -- they are fine actors, and perform with complete conviction. Dana Andrews looking puffy and painfully sober exudes empathy and authority as the virtuous U.S. Marshal, while Lyle Bettger drives the film with fierce energy as the town mayor up to no good. Their saloon fight is straight out of a Republic serial, and it's great fun. As the saloon owner Jane Russell gives Miss Kitty a run for her money. Lon Chaney Jr is given third billing and plenty of screen time as the town sheriff who wants to do right but is too afraid to try. Chaney appears to have done about 10 of the 14 A.C. Lyles westerns, and he's very good. It's a pleasure to see him work. John Agar, Richard Arlen and Robert Lowery are also on hand. Game stuntmen playing heavily dressed, well-mounted Indians ride in and ride out on cue with flawless timing, being careful not to break up the group shots. The film opens with Dana Andrews riding across the landscape minding his own business and bouncing in the saddle. Andrews can't ride, and from the looks of things his testicles must have taken punishment to get those shots in the can. The color is rich and the widescreen Techniscope frame is put to good use. The transfer is nearly pristine, a superb picture.
I thoroughly enjoyed JOHNNY RENO. This transfer would look spectacular on blu-ray. If this is an indication of the quality of an A.C. Lyles western I would ask Mister Lime to draw the series to the attention of Olive Films. I'll buy every single one.
