Touch of Evil

Touch of Evil

Universal-International

April 23, 1958

Crime Drama

DVD
C-

I didn't care about the story, but I could see how well made this was.  Welles directed, played the police captain, and co-adapted Whit Masterson's novel Badge of Evil (emphasis mine).

Soylent Green

Soylent Green

MGM

May 9, 1973

Sci-Fi

DVD
C-

I've had the ending of the movie spoiled for probably decades, so it was interesting to finally watch a bit of this, especially since it's set in 2022.  Not interesting to stick with it of course, especially with Heston as the lead.  This is based on Harry Harrison's novel Make Room! Make Room! and directed by Richard Fleischer.

The Omega Man

The Omega Man

Warner Bros.

August 1, 1971

Sci-Fi

DVD
D+

Charlton Heston has to survive in a post-apocalyptic dystopia, with nothing but his wits, his eight-tracks, an unlimited supply of gas and cars, a machine gun, and of course those blinding teeth.  I bumped this up a notch or two for the '70sness (including clips from the Woodstock documentary) and sheer WTFery.  This is based on Richard Matheson's novel I Am Legend, and, yes, I gave the Will Smith version a C.  Boris Sagal directed this version.

Midway (1976)

Midway (1976)

Universal

June 18, 1976

War Drama

DVD
C-

This looks like just about every male actor in Hollywood was in it (from Henry Fonda to Erik Estrada), although I tuned out long before most of them showed up.  Still, it's not bad for a war movie.  Jack Smight directed.

Major Dundee

Major Dundee

Columbia

March 16, 1965

Western
DVD
D

I appreciate that this was less violent and racist than I expected for a Peckinpah Western.

Call of the Wild (1972)

Call of the Wild (1972)

Universal

November 30, 1972 (Italian release date)

Historical Drama

DVD
D+

Apparently, Heston disliked this and it wasn't released in the U.S. until '75.  Ken Annakin directed.

The Buccaneer (1958)

The Buccaneer (1958)
Paramount
December 1, 1958
Historical Drama
DVD
C-

I like the use of color film and a bit of humor, but the acting (including of course Heston's) is none too believable.  This is based on the Lyle Saxon novel.  Anthony Quinn directed.