CAT-WOMEN OF THE MOON

Susan Morrow, Suzanne Alexander, Carol Brewster

CAT-WOMEN OF THE MOON (1953). Director: Arthur Hilton. Colorized. 

A rocket ship heads for the first ever moon landing. Aboard are the commander, Laird (Sonny Tufts of Serpent Island), second-in-command Kip (Victor Jory of The Shadow), radio operator Doug (William Phipps), Walter (Douglas Fowley of Freddie Steps Out) and biologist Helen (Marie Windsor). Helen seems to not only know that they should land on the dark side of the moon, but exactly where they should go once they disembark. Helen leads the men to an air-filled cavern complete with giant spiders and a bevy of beautiful, black-clad "cat-women." These women are not only able to maintain mind control over Helen, but plan to murder the men and take over the Earth! 

Victor Jory and Marie Windsor

Originally released in 3D, Cat-Women is a middle of the road "babes in space" movie, better than Queen of Outer Space but not nearly as much fun as Missile to the Moon (which is basically a remake). The colorization process is done well in this version, and increases the limited enjoyment level. Some parts of the screenplay were never filmed, and the climax almost occurs off-screen! A decided asset is the score by Elmer Bernstein, who would go on to far superior pictures. The acting in this is possibly better than the movie deserves, with everyone giving it their all no matter how ridiculous the situations. Carol Brewster plays Alpha, the leader of the cat-women; Suzanne Alexander is Beta; and Susan Morrow plays the sympathetic Lambda, who falls in love with handsome Doug and vice versa. Arthur Hilton also directed The Big Chase.

Verdict: Dig that giant spider! **1/2. 

FREDDIE STEPS OUT

Freddie Stewart and li'l cutie

FREDDIE STEPS OUT (1946). Director: Arthur Dreifuss. 

In the second "Teen Agers" film from Monogram studios, Whitney High School student Freddie Trimball (Freddie Stewart) winds up in hot water when he is mistaken for his double, a crooner named Frankie Troy. Troy has run away from everyone because he wants some peace and quiet, but a rumor is started that Freddie is actually Frankie -- which infuriates his gal Dodie (June Presisser) when "his" wife and baby -- actually Frankie's -- show up. Things are further complicated when the principal, Professor Townley (Milton Kibbee), comes to the mistaken conclusion that the baby belongs to Dodie. 

High School kids? Frankie Darro and Noel Neill

Freddie Steps Out is a cute if minor musical comedy with at least one fairly memorable production number, "Patience and Fortitude." Also on hand are Jackie Moran as Freddie's rival, Jimmy; Frankie Darro as Jimmy's pal, Roy; Noel Neill as Roy's on-again/off-again girlfriend and Dodie's sister, Betty; Belle Mitchell as teacher Miss Hinklefink; Warren Mills as the jittery Lee; and Anne Rooney, now playing Dodie's other sister, Addie. Douglas Fowley [Lady in the Death House] plays Troy's anxious manager, Mr. Adams. There's also an un-credited but very adorable baby. Whitney is probably the only high school in history that has its own dormitory! 

Verdict: Actually has a few good chuckles. **1/2.   

LADY IN THE DEATH HOUSE

Jean Parker

LADY IN THE DEATH HOUSE (1944). 

Director: Steve Sekely. 

Psychologist Charles Finch (Lionel Atwill) tells a group of associates the story of Mary Kirk (Jean Parker), who was fated to die in the death house. Finch had originally encountered Mary at a nightclub, when her dress accidentally caught on fire and Finch assisted her, along with Dr. Dwight Bradford (Douglas Fowley), with whom she becomes romantically involved. When a man who knows that her father was a criminal tries to blackmail her, he winds up dead and Mary is accused. Even after she is convicted and as the time of her execution draws very near, Finch suspects that her younger sister, Suzy (Marcia Mae Jones) may know more than she's telling. Will the real killer be discovered before it's too late? 

Douglas Fowley, Lionel Atwill, Jean Parker

The most interesting -- if very contrived -- aspect of the story is that Dr. Bradford, who wants to 
marry Mary, is employed as the executioner at the prison, and when she gets to death row, will get the job of killing her, even though he could easily refuse considering the circumstances. Early in the movie Bradford explains to Finch that he only works at the prison so that he can continue his research into reviving dead animals. But if you're hoping Bradford will kill Mary and then revive her, that whole aspect of the story is completely forgotten, making one wonder why it was ever brought up in the first place.

Although there is an attempt to create some suspense at the climax, Lady in the Death House is less than nail-biting. It's padded and dull and its running time of less than an hour seems twice as long. Atwill is fine but completely wasted, while Parker makes a competent leading lady. Byron Foulger and Cy Kendall have small roles and I believe I heard the voice of Lyle Talbot as a radio announcer. Director Steve Sekely's best-known feature is probably Day of the Triffids. 

Verdict: A very cheap P. R. C. production with little to recommend it. *.