Gaslight - 1944

Chilling classic mystery thriller! After getting married, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) reluctantly returns to her childhood home where a murder took place years before. This was a very suspenseful film that was so well crafted you will be on the edge of your seat from the first scene to the last. Although the mystery is somewhat altered from its 1940 predecessor, the changes were well written and actually helped flesh out the story. The talented cast gave exceptional performances, particularly Bergman who perfectly portrayed the despair and uncertainty of her character, while Charles Boyer was right on the mark as the charmingly cold and calculating husband. The story would struggle without its supporting cast, however, who were also right on the mark. The filming was superb with excellent sets and costuming, plus an eerie atmosphere that was perfectly balanced with the story. This one is not to be missed. *****

Gaslight - 1940

Chilling classic mystery thriller! A young woman (Diana Wynyard) is slowly being victimized by her husband (Anton Walbrook). This was a very suspenseful film that was so well crafted you will be on the edge of your seat from the first scene to the last. Although the mystery is somewhat different from the ‘44 film, this version was well written and is perhaps even more chilling than the later film. Wynyard gives a perfect portrayal of a deeply troubled and terrified young woman, while Walbrook expertly depicts a villainous husband whose cruelty is frightening. The supporting cast was excellent as well, although their roles do not seem as vital in this version. Excellent filming and costumes that fit well with both the time period and the story. This version is also definitely worth your time!  *****

Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost - 2011

Another enjoyable addition to the films based on Chief Jesse Stone in the books by Robert B. Parker. After being encouraged to retire as Police Chief of Paradise, Jesse (Tom Selleck) is still working to get his life together. Although this film had two different mysteries alternating throughout the story, it moved along at a much slower pace than most of its predecessors. Neither mystery actually had much substance, focusing more on Jesse's reactions to both. The bulk of the film could probably stand alone, but the background story behind Jesse Stone was definitely entered “mid-stream”. Without the earlier “Stone” films, it would be difficult to have much of an emotional connection to Stone or to follow the underlying drama. Selleck is definitely well-suited to the role of Chief Stone but except for the dog, the supporting roles were a little thin this time around. The cinematography and musical score again surpass the usual made-for-tv films. This one ends with a very mild cliffhanger but only in that you know Jesse is not done with Paradise. Even with its weaknesses, this is a great addition to the “Jesse Stone” films. (7th in series)  ***

Jesse Stone: No Remorse - 2010

Another enjoyable addition to the films based on Chief Jesse Stone in the books by Robert B. Parker. While suspended, Jesse (Selleck) works with State Homicide to solve a serial killing. Although fairly well written, this film certainly had a weaker story and moved along at a much slower pace than its predecessors. The bulk of the film could probably stand alone, but the background story behind the characters was definitely entered “mid-stream”. Without the earlier “Stone” films, it would be difficult to follow the underlying drama. The performances by the entire cast continue to be right on the mark. Selleck is definitely well-suited to the role of Chief Stone. The cinematography and musical score again surpass the usual made-for-tv films. As with “Thin Ice”, this also ends with a mild cliffhanger. Not uncommon in films except it’s really just the same cliffhanger restated and consequently comes across a little flat. Even with its weaknesses, this is a great addition to the “Jesse Stone” films. (6th in series)  ***

Jesse Stone: Thin Ice - 2009

Another enjoyable thriller based on the character in the Jesse Stone books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Stone (Selleck) is wounded after being shot during a stake-out. This well written film is the first not based on an actual novel but it is certainly a great addition to both the books and the earlier films. Exceptional performances by the entire cast. Selleck is definitely well-suited to the role of Chief Stone. Beautiful cinematography and a superb musical score that enhance the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. As with its predecessors, this one is definitely worth your time. On a side note, although this film could technically stand alone, the earlier "Stone" films would fill in some of the storyline gaps and make this one more enjoyable. It also definitely has a mild cliffhanger conclusion.  (5th in series) ****

Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise - 2006

Entertaining thriller adapted from the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Jesse Stone (Selleck) is determined to find the killer of a young murdered girl. This addition to the “Stone” tv films is definitely as well made as its predecessors. Superb performances by the entire cast, but especially Selleck as Jesse Stone. His portrayal of the emotionally troubled police chief is right on the mark. Exceptional cinematography and musical score that enhanced the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. Not to be missed! On a side note, although this film could stand alone, we found it enjoyable to have seen the earlier “Stone” films. (3rd in series)  ****

Jesse Stone: Sea Change - 2007

Another great thriller adapted from the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Jesse Stone (Selleck) re-opens a case involving the murder of a bank teller. Although there is a certain predictability with the “Stone” series of films, this new addition is definitely as well made as its predecessors. Selleck is right on the mark with his portrayal of the troubled Jesse Stone, as well as excellent performances by the supporting cast. Outstanding cinematography and musical score that enhanced the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. Enjoyable addition to this series of films. On a side note, although this film could stand alone, we found it enjoyable to have seen the earlier “Stone” films. (4th in series)  ****

Jesse Stone: Stone Cold - 2005

Enjoyable thriller based on the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief of Police Jesse Stone (Selleck) works to solve a series of senseless murders. This was a thoughtful, well written story that involves the viewer in both the plot and the characters right from the beginning. Selleck gives a strong performance as the Chief of Police, perfectly balancing the character’s keen insights into police work as well as his personal problems. Great character development both for the main and the supporting cast. Superb cinematography and musical score! Definitely worth your time! On a side note, although filmed for television, this particular “Jesse Stone” film carries an R rating. We watched this on tv but do not know if anything was edited. All the films in this series seem similar in adult content and are certainly not family friendly regardless of rating. Consider your audience. Note: Although filmed first, this one occurs 2nd chronologically.  ****

Jesse Stone: Night Passage - 2006

Enjoyable thriller based on the books by Robert B. Parker. Former detective Jesse Stone (Selleck) arrives in a small town to be their chief of police. This was a thoughtful, well written story that involves the viewer in both the plot and the characters right from the beginning. Selleck gives a powerful performance as the troubled, alcoholic cop who manages to be commanding in spite of his own personal problems. Great character development both for the main and the supporting cast. Superb cinematography and musical score that surpass most tv movies! Definitely worth your time! Note: Although filmed after “Stone Cold”, this one takes place first. ****