1946
| Groucho Marx as Ronald Kornblow |
| Harpo Marx as Rusty |
| Chico Marx as Corbaccio |
The Marx Brothers return after a break in film to this hilarious outing. Originally envisioned as a direct parody of Casablanca, it eventually morphed into it’s own storyline.
1937
Starring
Groucho Marx as Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush
Harpo Marx as Stuffy
Chico Marx as Tony
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Upjohn
Classic Marx Brothers fare, this is the second film after the brothers went to MGM, a follow up to A Night at the Opera. The funny flies fast and furious here, though there are a few slow spots (most noticeably during the ballet number in the middle of the film). Has the classic “Toostie Frootsie” Ice Cream skit and the examination scene.
1964
Starring
Ken Utsui as Starman (Super Giant)
Finally, our journey through the Starman saga is coming to a close, as we come to the last of the films made by editing episodes of the Super Giant serials of the 1950s. This one, Atomic Rulers, is the worst of the lot, if that is believable. Not only is it a Starman movie, but he doesn’t even fight aliens, but humans from the fictional country of Magolia (not Magnolia or Mongolia, though either would have sounded better). Basically it is on par with the “Superman vs. random guy” stories where “why is this even a challenge?” repeats in your head as you read. But nevertheless we must press on to complete the series and have closure.
1964
Starring
Ken Utsui as Starman (Super Giant)
Like the other Starman movies, this is edited from episodes of the Super Giant serials of the 1950s. As the story unfolds here, the Salamander Men of Planet Kulimon, deep in the Moffit Galaxy (where else would it be?) are planning to destroy Earth. The Emerald Planet, also in the Moffit Galaxy, has a meeting of the Emerald Council as atomic destruction of Earth would contaminate their atmosphere (The Emerald Council must get their science advice from a guy on LSD) They decide to send STARMAN to Earth to solve the problems. Why Starman can’t just go to close by Kulimar and beat up Salamander Men at home is not addressed. In fact, just don’t think about it, this is a STARMAN show, we expect to see long fight sequences where Starman prances about, not plot. And boy does this movie not disappoint on that front.
1964
Starring
Ken Utsui as Starman (Super Giant)
Like the other Starman movies, this is edited from 3 episodes of the Super Giant serials of the 1950s. (this one being episodes 7, 8 and 9, Suupaa jaiantsu – Uchuu kaijin shutsugen and Zoku suupaa jaiantsu – Akuma no keshin, and Zoku suupaa jaiantsu – Dokuga Okoku) In this exciting Episode, Our Hero Starman from the Emerald Planet must battle an evil Space Brain! Which lives in a suitcase. Because he’s evil! Just like your father who lives out of his suitcase as he is always away on business while you are left alone watching mommy cry. Don’t leave, Daddy! Please don’t go!
1964
| Ken Utsui as Starman (Super Giant) |
This movie is edited from 2 episodes of the Super Giant serials of the 1950s. (this one being episodes 5 and 6, JINKO EISEN TO JINRUI NO HAMETSU and UCHUTEI TO JINKO EISEN NO KEKITOTSU) If you’ve ever seen Invasion of the Neptune Men or Prince of Space then you have a good idea what Starman movies are like, and know to proceed with caution. For those of you who haven’t been to the world of Japanese 50’s superhero sci-fi, it is a frightening journey into madness and shame. Or at least very similar to modern day Power Rangers or Ultraman type shows, except no one grows big, and there is usually only one good guy who is invincible and kills hundreds of evil Bad Dudes. So strap yourself in and prepare for the ride.
