THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE (1959)

Set during the American Revolutionary War, THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE tells the story of a quiet preacher (Burt Lancaster) who, despite the war getting closer and closer to his small town, lives a chill life with his annoying wife (Janette Scott).  On the opposite side of the coin you have Kirk Douglas who is the local bad boy...although we never actually never see him being naughty.  Anyway, once the British (lead by Gen. Laurence Olivier) show up, things get a little more exciting...but not by much.

Being a huge fan of the three leads, I really wanted to enjoy THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE, but sadly, since the four main characters were all so badly constructed, I straight up didn't give a shit about any of them.  Even worse is Lancaster's wife screeches and wails nearly the entire movie.  It was Hell.  At one point Lancaster tells her to "Stop howling, woman!", but it didn't slow her down for a second.

Poorly written script, great actors with nothing to work with, zero tension, one really goofy fight scene, Lancaster standing still during an explosion, slow pace.  Not a bad film, but other than wanting to see Douglas, Lancaster and Olivier in action together there's little reason to watch it.

EXECUTIVE ACTION (1973)

Now here's an interesting movie.  Released for the 10-year anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination, EXECUTIVE ACTION tells the story, from the conspirators point of view, of the justifications and preparations for JFK's murder.  When it was released (Nov. 7, 1973) there was such a backlash that it was quickly pulled from the theaters.  After that it sat unwatched for a number of years before finally being released on VHS in the 80's.

The presentation style is pretty neat because it smoothly blends together old news footage and photographs with acted out scenes.  When the film starts, we're brought into a secret meeting of some government, intelligence and industrial string-pullers talking about the evils of the Kennedys and how if they're not stopped now the entire country is screwed.  Two assassination teams (three shooters each) are put into training.  Now all they have to do is find a fall guy.  Lee Harvey Oswald is selected and a body double is assigned to go around Dallas making memorable impressions of himself at places like a gun store and a shooting range.  Finally the fateful day comes and things go off without a hitch.

I have no opinion on the Kennedy assassination, but this film is thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.  Quick pace, fascinating subject material, great acting by an outstanding cast.  Even four plus decades after it's release, EXECUTIVE ACTION still has the power to get your brain to thinking.  Recommended.