robinmichael-hurley Reviews

Hitler's Circle of Evil: Rise of Antisemitism (2018) Season 1, Episode 4

History Explained

[10/10 · 25 December 2023]

I have read and watched around various topics associated with Hitler and his side kicks for years. This series generally speaking is not telling me anything that I did not know.

However with its emphasis on how the main characters interact I am learning something new.

For instance I knew that after Crystal Night there had been complaints about the amount of damage to property. However I had always assumed that this was part of the reaction by the German public.

That was rather naive of me. In a dictatorship, what matters is who is presenting the information to the dictator.

Apparently this was a plot by Himmler and Goring to bring down Goebbels.

It failed because Hitler backed Goebbels.

This approach does bring out the difference between Goebbels, rabble rousing and Himmler, the decent one, quietly organising horror.

Take Me (2001)

There is a very attractive male and female lead.

[8/10 · 9 September 2014]

I found myself watching bits of the first two episodes on TV. I am recording it so I can watch it later.

There is a very attractive male and female lead. Some steamy scenes that you may remember long after you have forgotten the film.

I am sure I saw it a long time ago.

My memory of the film was that ultimately it was unsatisfying.

Sometimes you can just enjoy things without thinking too much about them. The main criticism seems to be that it is not particularly realistic.

The basic premise that wife swapping leads to unhappiness seems reasonable, which reminds me of another 'better' film - Happy Happy (2013).

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I have now watched episode four, and I am much more impressed. For the first time I watched an episode from beginning to end. To watch six hours of television including adverts is asking a lot. With my PVR (TV recorder) I can fast forward and even go back.

When I first saw it, I got the impression that it was well made but I had difficulty following the plot. A plot over six hours, is difficult to follow. It is well made. Made in 2001 it is interesting to see what has dated. People no longer use photographic dark rooms. Most of the cars are still current.

Lady Caroline Lamb (1972)

A tragic fool in an old film

[4/10 · 27 June 2014]

I have not checked this film for historical accuracy. Lady Lamb comes across as a tragic fool who does not really understand the society around her. She is fortunate to have money, unlucky not to have brains or education.

At one point, against the advice of others, she impulsively throws a way an expensive bracelet. The beggar who gets it, is immediately chased by the other beggars and is killed. She does not seem to have an awareness of the consequences of her actions.

Her husband is portrayed as noble, Lord Byron as a cad who uses her to enter society, and the older women of the era as poisonous.

Because of the age of the film it is no longer a stroll through sumptuous film sets with a sexy subject.