Rufus Cruickshank Movies
- 1950
The Naked Heart was also released as Maria Chapdelaine, which also happened to be the title of its source, a novel by Louis Hemon. Adapter-director Marc Allegret has fashioned the material into a vehicle for one of his most successful discoveries, Michele Morgan. This is the story of a young woman whose romantic fantasies begin spilling over into actuality. The film's novelty value is its setting: a remote village in Northern Canada. Filmed simultaneously in French and English-language versions, The Naked Heart was produced independently on a tiny budget; while the seams begin to show towards the end, for the most part the film works. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michèle Morgan, Kieron Moore, (more)
- 1950
This wartime drama recounts the training process of the British Tank Corps. The story concentrates on two recruits: Englishman Philip (Edward Underdown) and American David (Ralph Clanton). After a grueling training period and a long, frustratingly uneventful encampment on British soil, Philip and David are shipped to the Front. Both men have a rendezvous with destiny during the German offensive at Ardennes. R.S.M. Brittain etches a chilling portrayal of a merciless drill sergeant, while the splendidly mustached Michael Trubshawe is equally effective as a by-the-book major. Since there must be a romantic subplot, it is fortunate indeed that the heroes' ladies are played by two charming and talented actresses, Helen Cherry and Stella Andrews. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward Underdown, Ralph Clanton, (more)
- 1951
Lilli Marlene was inspired by the popular wartime German ballad. Lisa Daniely plays a French songstress who achieves radio fame during the Nazi occupation. She is spirited out of France by an American radio broadcaster (Hugh McDermott), but is recaptured by the Nazis and forced to make "Axis Sally" style pro-German propaganda speeches. After the war, the girl is tried for treason, but is cleared by the American who'd earlier gotten her out of France. Distressingly shoddy, Lilli Marlene was nonetheless a hit, thanks to the built-in popularity of the title song. It was followed by a less successful sequel, The Wedding of Lilli Marlene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hugh McDermott, Lisa Daniely, (more)
- 1952
In this comedy, a newlywed couple head out for their honeymoon. Unfortunately, their mother-in-law follows close behind. Later, in Scotland, they encounter a helpful ghost who takes care of the meddling mother. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1955
This British comedy pokes fun at the rigors of army life as it chronicles the exploits of an army surplus salesman who must serve two weeks in the reserve. There he must contend with a tough old sergeant-major whom he despises. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
