HotToastyRag

After Kings Row, it was a cinch that Ronald Reagan would be cast in Stallion Road - although you won't understand why until you watch the movie. And where was Ann Sheridan? Instead, Alexis Smith played the independent, slightly masculine female lead. It was originally slated for Lauren Bacall, and indeed, all three of those ladies could have handled the role.

Reagan plays a horse doctor, and he's obviously at home in his surroundings as he rides, treats, and cares for Alexis's horses. His friend, Zachary Scott, is a visiting author looking for a new idea (Do you think he'll write a book entitled Stallion Road?), and he's quickly smitten with Alexis. She barely pays attention to him, and she certainly doesn't lead him on; she insults his kissing talents and tells him her heart belongs to Reagan. Of course it does - he's going to be President one day! Just kidding. But he's very handsome and loves her animals, so it's no wonder she's taken with him. Zachary's actually a very good sport about it, and his character has a great calm that balances well with the tense moments of the story. This was based off a sweeping novel, after all, so you can expect a lot of heavy drama.

I'm a stickler for not watching movies that show *** against animals, so I was a bit worried about this one. It's not uncommon for a rider to have to shoot her beloved horse after an accident, just to tug on the audiences' heartstrings. But, even though there are tragedies that befall the animals, the humans never harm them, and the audience doesn't have to see them suffering. There's a lot of good to this film, including the adorable child actress Patti Brady. Alexis has a solid love triangle on her hands, since they both have their good points. I'm looking forward to reading the book!

I thought I'd have to grit my teeth to make it through Bedtime for Bonzo. I'd heard it was silly and embarrassing for pre-President Reagan to act alongside a chimpanzee. But it was cute! Granted, I'm a sucker for any animal movie (I actually have a rule that if a film shows *** against an animal, I either turn it off or walk out). I knew it wasn't going to be a serious message movie like Born Free, but for a harmless silver screen comedy, it was enjoyable.

Reagan plays a science professor (isn't he way too handsome to be believable?) engaged to the dean's daughter, but when it's discovered that his father was a criminal, the dean calls off the wedding. He believes in nature over nurture, but Reagan disagrees. To prove his point, he conducts an experiment: he'll raise the chimpanzee Bonzo as a human baby to show that nurture will win out. He feeds him baby food, makes him sleep in a crib, and even hires a human "Mommy" to live in the house. Diana Lynn is very sweet, and it's easy to hope she steals Reagan's heart away from his fiancée. Why didn't she replace June Allyson? She reminded me of "America's Sweetheart", except without a horrible speaking voice and a slightly better actress.

Walter Slezak is Reagan's colleague and sidekick, and everything out of his mouth is funny. Bedtime for Bonzo is just an all-around fun flick. It's light and fluffy, and it has gimmicks like Bonzo throwing food in the future president's face. But if you're looking for light and fluffy, or if you're trying to get your kids interested in black-and-white movies, definitely check it out.

If Hell's Kitchen seems familiar, you might have seen the original version, The Mayor of Hell, starring James Cagney (or the other remake from the previous year, Crime School). It's an extremely sad story, but a timeless one. It was made three times in the 1930s, was obviously inspirational for Boys Town, and could easily be remade today with very little changes. The message is simple: if you treat children like criminals, they will act like it.

The Dead End kids (who were also in Crime School) star as a group of reform school students. They grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, have no positive role models, and see no future without crime and jail time. Stanley Fields is a parolee and tough guy who starts off running the school as a publicity stunt (thought up by his nephew, Ronald Reagan) but then realizes his venture could be a lot more meaningful. At the start, there are terrible men in charge, men who beat the kids, starve them, and lock them in cold storage. In one upsetting scene, one tries to shoot a puppy - but rest assured, the dog gets away. I wouldn't have sat through the movie otherwise.

Although Boys Town is a feel-good flick, these movies are upsetting. The Hays Code was in full swing, but it allowed the film to show the beatings and unusual punishments of the children. Interestingly enough, it received the equivalent of an X rating (in England) due to the violent content involving minors. I've seen the 1933 and 1939 versions, and both are quite moving. I even got a lump in my throat at the end of this one - and I don't even like children! It's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely for the social activists.

Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to upsetting content involving children, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.