Alligator People – Movie Review

Sometimes the best movies are the older black and white movies from back in the day.  The other day mom was flipping through the television guide and came across a movie that intrigued her.  She told us that we *had* to watch this movie.  We were intrigued so popcorn and drinks in paw, hoof and hand, we bundled together in the living room and watched it.

The movie was called The Alligator People and it was released in July 1959.  It’s a classic black and white starring Beverly Garland, Lon Chaney Jr and Bruce Bennett.  The name sounds interesting, right?  It starts with two psychiatrists talking about nurse, Jane Marvin, in the office.  They administer pentothal to her and put her in a deep hypnosis where she recalls a forgotten past when she was known as Joyce.

Joyce recalls just being married to her love, Paul Webster, and they are on a train for their honeymoon.  They receive several telegrams congratulating them on their nuptials.  But one telegram, Paul opens, reads and immediately starts to panic.  At the next train stop, he leaves the train to make a phone call without a single word to his new bride and never returns.  Of course Joyce gets off at the next time and back tracks to the stop that Paul got off but she can’t find him.  So there she is, newly married but now her husband is missing.  What happen?

Joyce hires private detectives and over the next following months she tries to track down her husband.  One day, she discovers an address for Paul in some college enrollment forms at Cypresses Plantation.  She writes a letter to the plantation but it comes back unopened.  Not giving up, she takes a train to the plantation which is in the middle swamp country in Louisiana.  She gets off the train and the stop is empty except for a large crate that is marked Cypresses Plantation.  Thinking that someone has to come sooner or later to pick up the crate, she waits.  This is when the handyman for the plantation (played by Lon Chaney) shows up to retrieve the box.  She hops a ride back to the plantation with him and the fun starts.

At first, the owner of the plantation and the staff deny knowing Paul Webster.  They tell Joyce that she has to leave but the train doesn’t pick up until the next morning.  The woman over the plantation tells Joyce that she can spend the night but she has to stay in her room and can’t come out.  Of course we know that’s not going to happen, right?  Joyce comes out of the room later that night when she hears someone playing beautiful music on the piano in the parlor.  She creeps down and into the parlor.  She sees a man playing the piano but when she says something to him, he quickly leaves.  This makes Joyce more determined than anything that there is something go on at the plantation.

She confronts the owner of the plantation again the next morning. That’s when she learns that the owner is actually Paul Webster’s mom.  Can you imagine?!  And Paul Webster – where is he?  Well apparently he was in a very bad accident before he and Joyce got married.  But his body was perfect when they got married so who would have thought that.  The mysterious telegram he got on the train?  Well, it was from one of his doctors from when he was in the accident.  That doctor had used a drug that he had created from alligators that made the body whole again.  The downfall that the doctor realized though was the drug would also turn the individual into Alligator People!

This is an awesome movie for sure.  Yes it’s in black and white.  BUT back in the day, they really knew how to write movies and dialogue.  The imaging graphics aren’t as good as the ones today but the story held its own and was good.  I gave it 3 hooves up out of 4.  I would have given it 4 but then I would have tumbled over.  I highly recommend this movie – if you find it, watch it and let me know what you think my friends.

 

Dear Bacon

 

Dear Bacon – oh my dogs!  Help me. I’m a big dog. I admit that. But this time of year, will you hold my paw?  The humans here have some scary stuff they are watching on television. They left me to go to the bathroom and kitchen. Shivers. I don’t think I will make it through the month. Signed Shaky in the South

Dear Shaky in the South – I’m sorry my friend. I feel you more than you know. My humans watch this stuff all year long. And trust me. You never get used to it. No way. Might I suggest hiding under some blankets or pillows. Sometimes that works for me.

---

Dear Bacon – Never trust the humans. I should have known something was up. The master wanted to take me to the park. We didn’t end up at the park. We ended up at the vets office. I swear Ms Vet lady owes me a drink now. Signed Pranked

Dear Pranked – WOW!  The humans can be harsh. I’m sorry pal. I’m sure you will think of a way for pay back. The little guy here has a vets visit in a couple of weeks. I can’t wait to see what my humans do to trick him.

---

 Dear Bacon – I give up. These mini-me’s own me. There’s no use in fighting them until they leave for college. Any suggestions?  Signed Hands Up

Dear Hands Up – I’ve seen that look before on my moms face. When she gets it, she hangs out in a bubble bath in my bathroom. I don’t see why that couldn’t work for you. You could just lock the door – no bubble bath necessary. I wish you luck my friend.

.

---

Dear Bacon – My Halloween costume is ready. What do you think?  Meows. Signed Tuna

.

Dear Tuna – I love the way you think my friend. I think I could use that costume too.  Bravo on your creativity!

.

.

---

 

Dear Bacon – What?  Have you never seen a dog with his teddy bear before in the car?  We were on a road trip to visit family. I was cool with that as long as I had my teddy. He takes away all of the bad things. Do you have a teddy?  Signed Friends

Dear Friends – YES!  I have a teddy. Well, he’s not actually a teddy bear but a stuffed possum with a long tail. He is my bestie and sleeps with me. He taught me how to play dead. I agree that our buddies are awesome to have. Enjoy and take care of each other.

---

REMEMBER friends.  Dear Bacon can’t happen without YOU.  Please continue to send me your pictures and questions via email.

 

 

I Was Dying

Happy Friday my friends – we made it another week!  This week while surfing the net in my bedroom, I came across this poem titled I Was Dying.  I think it was so appropriate these days where we can be in such a rush with daily life that we don’t stop and smell the roses.  I hope that this touches you the way it did us here at the Hotel Thompson.  Happy Friday and let’s live some this weekend!  

 

Dear Bacon – Cat Special

Dear Bacon,

Do you ever just have one of those days that you just can’t wait to fling yourself into your bed, the masters bed or someones bed? It was a long day for me when my master caught me in this picture. It’s hard work protecting the house, sleeping, running and grooming oneself. Signed Tuckered Tom Cat

Dear Tuckered Tom Cat,

There’s not much slinging I can do with this pot belly but I have seen mom come home from the worky place and sling herself into her bed. Sometimes the day can be long and stressful. Meditate my friend.

 

Dear Bacon,

There’s nothing like getting up in the morning and doing that first stretch of the day. It helps to set the tone of the day and get all of the muscles waking up. Do you stretch? Signed Stretch Arm Cat

Dear Stretch Arm Cat,

You can often find me stretching like that throughout the house. My favorite time is beside mom on the couch. Why? Because she laughs at me and anytime I can make her laugh is a good thing. She says when I stretch on the couch I make stretchy sounds through my mouth. I can’t help it. It feels totally rad!

 

Dear Bacon,

Today Bacon let’s talk about cats and how intelligent *they* are in society. You’re not the only one that is smart. I have a sciene degree in cataology. Notice my theories on the chalk board behind me and take notes my friend. Signed Professor Meow

Dear Professor Meow,

I’m impressed with you, your theory and your little bow tie. You go on my feline friend and teach on. I give you two hooves up (only because if I give you four hooves up I will fall over) for your extended education.

 

Dear Bacon,

Jet power – that is where the future is in transportation. My human says it’s the black beans I had for dinner but I’m sticking with jet power! Signed Flying Kitty

Dear Flying Kitty,

PLOL (Pig Laughing out Loud). I don’t know my friend. I might have to side with your human on this one. I know I myself can relate to those black beans and especially cabbage! Cabbage is *always* the culprit that does ‘jet power’ for me. But it doesn’t matter how much cabbage I eat. I don’t think there’s enough in this world to make this little miniature pot bellied pig fly! Be safe my friend.

 

Dear Bacon,

It all started with our daily inspirational reading last night. We discussed Moses parting the Red Sea and I was intrigued with the humans. If they can do it, why can’t I? I prayed about it and tried. Well, let’s just say the jump and first step was probably the best being camera worthy. After that, I sunk like the Titanic. Signed Wet Kitty

Dear Wet Kitty,

At least you had the faith and attempted. I applaud you for partaking in the daily bread. Keep up the great work and try to stay dry my four legged friend.