B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - KLONDIKE FEVER (1979)

Canadian director Peter Carter was best known for the B-movie masterpiece Rituals, which, many movie lovers think beat Deliverance at its own game. He died sadly at 49 of a sudden heart attack but not before leaving us with a few other gems like Highpoint with Richard Harris and this sorely overlooked Western drama. Klondike Fever tells the story of Jack London (Jeff East) and his partner (Robin Gammel) as they journey to stake their claim and hopefully take home their weight in gold. It's adventurous, epic in scope with a huge cast and suitable for the whole darn family. Of particular note is Robin Gammel, excellent and funny, Gordon Pinsent who kills it as the crafty "Swiftwater" and an '80's actress who I never tire of mentioning, the lovely Lisa Langlois. It's super cornball along the way and sometimes feels like an afternoon children's special but this is a great film and surprisingly it won a bunch of Genie awards to back that up. Klondike Fever, playing above and on Tubi which recently uploaded a much nicer version than the VHS transfer that they used to have. 2.75 stars/2.75

Monday, August 19, 2024

TOMMY'S TOP FIVE FAVORITE CLINT EASTWOOD FLICKS - #2 - CLINT IS A JOHN HUSTON TYPE MOVIE DIRECTOR 100% OBSESSED WITH KILLING AN ELEPHANT IN "WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART" (1990)

 

Clint plays Wilson, an overbearing John Huston type director. He's about to start shooting a new picture in Africa. Jeff Fahey plays his screenwriter and good friend. Wilson is obsessed with killing an elephant. Before his writing partner, producer or any of the other crew can bat an eye, Wilson has declared the hunt on and everyone else can just stand around all day until he gets his elephant. 

This is easily one of the most (sorry for the cliche words) overlooked, underappreciated but usually not underrated film in Clint's catalog. There is an outstanding piece written by Jonathon Rosenbaum on this movie HERE. 

Shot on location, some great support here. Fahey is outstanding. Timothy Spall has a small support role that's also great. As usual though, it's all about Clint, he is mesmerizing in this role, you won't be able to take your eyes off him. White Hunter, Black Heart is available on VOD.   4.75 stars/5



Jeff Fahey & Timothy Spall, a couple of legends.

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B-MOVIE GAZETTE RATING SYSTEM

5 Stars - Only awarded to the precious few.
4 Stars - Excellent, see by all means.
3 Stars - Very Good, you should like.
2 Stars - Fair, like a frozen dinner.
1 Star - Poor, like a spoiled dinner.

ALL B-MOVIES, DRIVE-IN MOVIES AND TV MOVIES HAVE A MAX AWARD OF 2.75 STARS.