Jose Noguero Movies
Some people are born with good luck, but others try to attain it however they can -- and at any cost -- in this offbeat psychological thriller from Spain. Samuel Berg (Max Von Sydow) is an elderly man who lives beneath a gambling casino on an island off the Spanish coast. In Berg's world, good fortune is a commodity that can be acquired from others, and while would-be gambler Federico (Eusebio Poncela) has a genuine talent for taking good luck from those who have it, Berg's gift is even stronger, and after a long day of absorbing positive vibrations from winning gamblers, Berg steals the day's "take" from him, leaving Federico to plan his revenge. Federico becomes aware of Tomas (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a man who recently survived a plane crash, and is convinced he has even more luck than Berg can overcome; the two become partners, and Federico enters Tomas in an underground tournament designed to determine who Lady Luck smiles upon most sweetly. After Federico and Tomas win a handsome home from Alejandro (Antonio Dechent), a former bullfighter, the pair seems poised to go up against Berg and claim his luck as their own, but Sara (Monica Lopez), a police investigator, is convinced Federico and Tomas are up to no good and begins exploring their bizarre secret world. Intacto received its American premiere at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leonardo Sbaraglia, Eusebio Poncela, (more)
- 1952
Monsieur Fernandel plays the sheep-shearer, who makes a decision to say goodbye to the little lambs and to concentrate on the beautiful mademoiselles. Sacre bleu! It is tres funny (almost like the Jerry Lewis film, yes?) when Fernandel becomes the hairdresser, and begins clipping the ladies much in the manner of the sheep. And Fernandel's wife, she is not so happy over the many ladies that Fernandel is shearing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fernandel, Blanchette Brunoy, (more)
- 1934
Accused by his critics of ignoring the social ills of the world, director Rene Clair responded with Le Dernier Milliardaire, a "relevant" satirical comedy somewhat reminiscent of the much later Being There and Forrest Gump. Max Dearly stars as Monsieur Banco, the richest man in the world. On the verge of revolution, the bankrupt kingdom of Casinaria begs Banco to pay a visit and offer financial advice. Alas, upon his arrival our hero is accidentally hit on the head, and he later awakens as a babbling imbecile. But the parliamentary leaders of Casinaria, seeing only the man and not his condition, regard Banco's lunatic ramblings as pure genius -- and act upon them accordingly! A sheer delight when seen today, Le Dernier Milliardaire was an enormous flop when first released, forcing Rene Clair to go into a lengthy professional exile. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sinoel, Marthe Mellot, (more)
- 1930
The first of Maurice Tourneur's two 1931 films, Maison de Dance is the story of dime-a-dance girl Gaby Morlay. Plying her trade in a Spanish port town, Morlay is lustfully pursued by her boss, as well as by two brothers, both local fishermen. Eloping with one of the siblings, Morlay touches off a violent confrontation between her new husband and his married brother. Her boss joins in the fray, threatening to kill both husband and wife. Suddenly the husband's brother knifes the boss, allowing Morlay and her chosen mate to escape to a new life together. It's a sordid story, elevated to artistry by the inimitable Tourneur touch. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charles Vanel, Gaby Morlay, (more)
- 1930
La Tendresse was adapted from a play by Henry Bataille. Jean Toulout plays Paul Barnac, an aging, highly respected French playwright who resides with a much-younger actress named Marthe (Marcelle Jefferson-Cohn). Secure in the belief that Marthe is above suspicion, Barnac is in for a shock when he discovers that she's been cheating on him for months. He casts her out of his house, but when he lies ill in the hospital, she proves that she's truly in love with him, and only him. The casting of opera singer Mme. Marcelle Jefferson-Cohn as the heroine necessitated the inclusion of several songs, including the title tune. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Toulout, Andre Dubosc, (more)
