THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE IFFY (10)

THE GOOD:   "DOCTOR ZHIVAGO"    Another David Lean masterpiece with an all-star cast that includes Omar Sharif in the title role, and Julie Christie as Lara (his love).  Geraldine Chaplin plays his wife and other outstanding roles are filled by Alec Guinness, Rod Steiger, Tom Courtenay, Ralph Richardson and Rita Tushingham.  Nominated for ten Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director, it won five among them Best Score and Best Cinematography (both well deserved).  The scope of the film is magnificient touching on the Russian Revolution and subsequent Civil War but, more that that, it is an enduring love story and absolutely beautiful in the telling.


THE BAD:  "TROG"  A preposterous vehicle for Joan Crawford whose career was at an end (This was her last film.)  She plays a scientist who tries to domesticate a living troglodyte discovered in a cave in the English countryside.  The film was universally panned and became a laughing stock in some circles.  Too bad for such an end to an auspicious career.

THE IFFY:  "CAPRICE"   Doris Day and Richard Harris star in this comedic tale of espionage and mayhem and it is enjoyable at times.  But every time I see it (which is not often),  I long for Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant and that "Charade" chemistry.  Alas, Ms. Day and Mr. Harris are lacking in that department which is a detriment to the movie.  It's not bad, just not what it could have been.

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