Rugs Movie Reviews

Expected more from this flick by reading reviews. Couldn't find a place to rent it so I bought it, I was beat out of 10 bucks. You won't miss a thing.

I just recently watched this film and found it very boring and extremely fake. The acting was basically non-existent and it seems that every bloke in this film is only out to get into the lead ladies pants. The only appealing feature of this film was the nude scenes.

The opening rape scene was particularly distasteful but really gets the viewer primed for the ultimate revenge by the Necromancer (Lois Masten). One of Elizabeth Kaitan's, (aka Cayton), less nude-filled roles. Filmed on the Pepperdine campus in Malibu this movie is a must see if you like horror flicks.

"Slaughter" may not be exactly a first-rate action film, but it still can be proud of its own energy and Stella Stevens. Its quickly-made sequel has none of them; instead, you got Ed McMahon as a villain. Oh no....

This time again some crime syndicate tries to kill Jim Brown aka. Slaughter by shooting from a flying airplane. Instead, his friend got killed, so again Slaughter begins his own vendetta to get the man behind the killing. As usual, FBI got involved, and as usual, he has a girlfriend (Gloria Hendry) to protect.

Though action scenes themselves are not bad, McMahon of "Tonight Show" as baddie is as incredible casting as Demi Moore in "Scarlet Letter." Well, Jim Brown is as cool as ever, but there's nothing exciting about he film. The actions come too few and far between to raise the film's tension too the level of other blaxploitation films. Too ordinary.

Try to spot Valda Hansen (credited as Hanson), remembered by some movie fans as one of the friendly circle surrounding Edward Wood Jr. -- fondly called "the worst movie director" -- and herself star of his unbelievable "Night of the Ghouls."

I bought a VHS tape, but it MAY contain a different soundtrack from CD's or DVD's. As I have not listened to or seen either CD or DVD of "Slaghter's Rip-Off," I'm not quite sure, but the IMDB site shows the existence of the alternate take of the film, which uses a different soundtrack. Some part of the soundtrack of VHS tape, interestingly, clearly uses the same songs you can hear in "Coffy," including the instrumental version of that famous theme song. Very curious.

Though the original is preferred if only for some stunning Stella Stevens nude scenes, this is pretty entertaining on its own terms. Unfortunately, Ed McMahon (!) plays it straight in the bad guy role, when I was really hoping for some of the ol' "John P. Ryan As the Fake Nathan White" scenery chewing.

A lot of people feel that the original "Slaughter" is the best one, but "Rip Off" is a much superior sequel. This is still a "revenge flick", but the characters are far more intersting. Jim Brown gets to have alot more fun and alot more sex. The added bonus is Dick Anthony Williams portrayal as a Pimp/Burgular who helps Slaughter bring down the Mob. The only downside to this one is that most of the songs from James Brown's classic soundtrack are missing from the movie.

This Russ Meyer classic opens with a disclaimer heralding the importance of free speech- a movie that David Lame and cobbers will abhore. Which is GOOD for us "jackbooted liberals" "lacking in moralistic backbone". (YOU'RE reading this, so you must be. Right? ha ha ha)
As expected, Russ has filled every possible frame with shots of tight female buns and big bouncy jubblies. One wouldn't expect any less from the "titular" Grandmaster of sexploitation.
CHERRY, HARRY AND RAQUEL's threadbare plot is supposed to center around marijuana smuggling in a small town in the Arizona desert. It's good to see Meyer is clearly anti-drug, which will annoy my other fave people, The NZ Green Party.
Scripted by Meyer and author Tom "Bonfire Of The Vanities" Wolfe from Meyer's story, the movie stars Charles Napier ( later better known as Murdock from RAMBO 2) as Harry, Larissa Ely as Raquel and Linda Ashton as Cherry the nurse; who early on gives a dirty old man a bed bath. Lucky Gramps. As you'd guess from the title, this is a love triangle with lots of hetero and lesbian sex scenes. Meyer also tosses in a scattering of gore; though personally what I found most disturbing was the brief full-frontal of Napier running along a beach with his wobbly bits bouncing left, right and centre. Crikey Russ, people don't pay to see your movies to be subjected to gratuitious salami shots!
That's my sole complaint, but that will give women a reason for watching this. Anything to help spread the disease,so to speak (How un P.C of me). As with his earlier movie BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS Meyer concludes the film with a philosophical, moralistic narrative, which is more sensible than anything the SPCS can attempt to force down the NZ public's throats (This movie was made in 1969. Just goes to show how out of date NZ is). But don't worry guys, Russ has generously insterspersed his moral reasoning with a montage of T&A shots from the movie, just to help jog your memory. This is the most fun you can pack into 70 minutes. Eat your black heart out, David Lame.

This is one of Russ Meyer's finer films, a late 60's collage of psychedelia, sex and violence occasionally overdubbed with psuedo-scholarly narration about class struggle(?) A bizarre and thoroughly entertaining mix. Charles Napier shines, as usual.

The DVD, on the other hand, is a bit of dissapointment. While it sports the "MINT QUALITY--From Original Negative" tag on the cover, don't be fooled..the picture (full frame) and sound (mono) are pretty much indistinguishable from the VHS edition of the same film. You get an animated menu, chapter stops, and a few trailers from other RM films, but that's about it.

If you already own the VHS, you may want to skip the DVD. Otherwise, go for it.

It's a shame that Richard Lynch so often plays a ruthless killer - but he does it so damn good !. And he's especially nasty in this low-budget production. -I haven't seen him this cruel since "Invasion U.S.A.". There's not much of a story, but who cares; if you're a Lynch fan you'll want it no matter what, ofcourse. It's a crazy price, hopefully it'll go down soon.

Good Grief, over the span of months that Blaze visits the nudist camp her "love interest" (imagine your grandfather with a bad dye job in a tight pair of bermuda shorts) never changes his damn shorts. And he really should never wear shorts. He should always be clothed. This silly nudie flick has nudist camp footage used in "Double Agent 73" as well.

Given the retraints of the time, this is an entertaining enough video. The nudity is very limited, which is awkward given that it is a nudist video. Much better Naturist documentaries are now on DVD, like Mother Naturists and Rituals of Summer both here at amazon. It also doesn't make much sense to have these old titles on DVD as the image quality pales in comparison to the more recent Naturist productions, like the 2 listed above. Overall a fun oldies film but don't expect much nudism.

If you dig early 60s nudist films, this is a fine example. No full frontals, though...that wasn't allowed 'til later.

When I got this movie I was expecting another great Troma classic. I mean, how can you go wrong with a title like that. The main actress is ugly as sin and furthermore there is no nudity. This movie does not deserve the Troma logo on it! DO NOT buy this thing.

Troma is at it again. If you like clay dinosaurs and little dialouge, then step right up. This isn't for the easily disuaded moviegoer. Those who enjoy a few swordfights, puppet-like worms popping from the ground to feast on dogs and human flesh, a severed arm (this happens once),and lizard creatures that make annoying noises, then bring it on. I have to be a little honest, I love horror and it's the simple things that carry me through the hour and twenty minutes this movie has to give. This has one scene of boobage, flat and nothing to do with the plot, and some gore, but it's mostly the adventure that turned me on to buy this thing and keep it in my collection. If you're a true fan, then fork it over, but if you're indecisive and a virgin to the gore industry, then stay away!

People Act like they are shcoked that a TROMA, the creators of toxie, put out a movie that wasn't good enough for the oscars. When you sit down to watch the Toxic Avenger, Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD, or Class of Nukem High do you actually think you are going to be watching a good movie. It's the same thing when you sit down to watch Redneck Zombies, Troma's WAR, or Bugged. My advice to you is if you see a Troma logo, run as far away from it as possible. This movie rules, and I'm not just saying that because I'm good friends with Brett's partner Steven. I don't even know Brett!

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".