Greed - 1924 - USA

Greed - 1924 - 7/10

 
Post Gold Rush, McTeague works one of the mines, still trickling ore.
He decides to become a dentist, sets up practice.
When a friends brings his betrothed, McTeague soon desires her.
The girlfriend, Trina, marries our poor dentist, then wins a lottery.
The winnings, she refuses to share, even to spend, but clutches tight to the money.
Greed, in various forms, plays out over and over.
Watching this, as I have numerous times over the years, requires tremendous commitment.
The 1999 Turner restoration is the best print, although running time is 4 hours.

The Bloody Judge - 1970 - Italy

The Bloody Judge - 1970 - 5/10
AKA - Il Trono di Fuoco

 
The original Hanging Judge, highly active during the time of James II, the Monmouth Rebellion and Bloody Assizes.
Judge Jeffreys tries, sentences and executes witches, and those suspected of being witches.
Along with those implicated in the Monmouth Rebellion, or suspected of being involved.
Or those accused, rightly or wrongly.
Period costume drama looks fine (except cheap battle sequences).  Courtroom theatrics overblown.
Director Jess Franco adds nudity, bloody torture, sex and cannibalism to liven up things.
Christopher Lee delivers a hammy performance (during one scene, stunt hands are used).