The Professionals (1966)

A great genre cast make Dir. Richard Brooks' ensemble Western better than it might otherwise have been. The task that the four specialists undertake is to ride into Mexico and liberate a rich ranch owner's kidnapped wife (Claudia Cardinale) from former revolutionary leader Jesus Raza (Jack Palance).
Each man is in it for the money, but there's a clash of moral interests, regardless. Lee Marvin stands out as the team's unofficial leader, but there's excellent support from both Woody Strode and Robert Ryan. The only character that I really disliked was Lancaster's, a cynical, tough-talking mercenary, portrayed in the actor's usual hardened style.

3½ recent crosses out of 5

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Maggie and her husband Brick have relationship problems and in a house with no locked doors privacy is impossible. They're gathered with the rest of the family for Big Daddy's birthday, a man who knows that such gatherings are a boiling pot of arrogance and resentment.
Big Daddy (Burl Ives) thunders his way through every scene; it's a joy to watch. Taylor and Newman are on fire. Hell, even the pathetic fallacy is welcome.
The third act is essential viewing for any lover of good drama.

4 shouty Mississippians out of 5