Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Years after being Shanghaied and held prisoner on a ship, Don Ricardo returns to 1830s California and learns his cousin, Jose, arranged for him to be both kidnapped and murdered. Believing Ricardo is dead, Jose has laid claim to Ricardo's ranch and has his eyes set on Ricardo's love, Dorothea. With his skills with a sword deteriorated and needing proof of his cousin's deception, Ricardo disguises himself as a peasant and pairs up with another man, Lugo, who once saved him when he was a boy. Who's in it? The movie stars Fred Coby, Lita Baron, Paul Newlan, Anthony Warde, David Leonard and Martin Garralaga. Review: I added Don Ricardo Returns to my library a few weeks ago because I am a big Zorro fan and this movie was written by Zorro author Johnston McCulley. Unfortunately, while there were some similarities to The Mark of Zorro and other Zorro-related films, this did fall a bit short of my expectations. I am going to start out by saying there were things ...

Synopsis: After falsely being accused and disciplined for a bad landing, pilot Jim Clark goes into business for himself, shuttling couples to Las Vegas to be married. Honeymoon Air is a success, thanks mostly to Jim's stewardess girlfriend, Shirley. However, their relationship becomes strained when Shirley realizes Jim is reluctant to marry her because he thinks she won't want work anymore. Adding to their problems is Jim's former co-pilot, Rocky Drake, who is now working for a spy ring attempting to steal a top-secret military transformer and, along with help from his partner, hijacks one of Jim's flights in an attempt to get out of the country and to Mexico. Who's in it? The movie stars Richard Arlen, Jean Parker , Roger Pryor, Nils Asther , Eddie Quillan , Dick Purcell and Marie Wilson . Review: I didn't have any clear idea about what movie I wanted to watch this morning and mostly picked Flying Blind because it was the first film I came across that soun...

I guess I wouldn't describe the weather outside as cold, at least not compared to how it can get in Wisconsin, but it certainly isn't as warm as I would prefer either. However, I stopped letting weather be an excuse and finally got out for a walk with my camera for the first time this year.  I am more than a little rusty (though also in a bit better shape than expected after not being out of breath walking up that hill) so the photos I was able to get aren't among my best. There are a few OK ones though and here are some of them. ___________________________________________________________________ Here are some of my past photos: Lunchtime Walk Photos (4/30/2025) You Can't See Me, I'm Hiding Another Deer Photo Lunchtime Walk Photos (10/9/2024)

Synopsis: Former United States Marshal Buck Roberts is looking forward to retirement on his cattle ranch but is called into action one more time when stagecoaches are robbed outside Mesa City, Arizona and threaten to put stagecoach owner Ruth Masters out of business. Roberts suspects local saloon owner Steve Taggart of being behind the robberies in an attempt to seize control of Ruth's business but before he can find proof, is framed and arrested. Fortunately, Roberts has reinforcements already in Mesa City. Who's in it? The movie stars Buck Jones, Tim McCoy, Raymond Hatton, Luana Walters and Tristram Coffin . Review: I didn't get an opportunity last night to pick out a movie for this morning, so I ended up just choosing the first one that could be watched in about an hour. That turned out to be Arizona Bound. While it wasn't my favorite classic western, it still turned out to be a decent choice. The plot itself was fairly simplistic. There was no attempt to create ...

Synopsis: Born in 1902, Lyle Talbot had a long career in entertainment, starting as a hypnotist's assistant, traveling with a carnival and theater troupes and eventually becoming a lead actor in Hollywood movies and television. This book, written by his daughter, tells his story while also providing a history of American entertainment. Review: I am familiar with Lyle Talbot because I've seen probably at least a dozen of his films. In fact, I have chosen films in part because I saw his name in the credits. So, when I came across The Entertainer: Movies, Magic and My Father's Twentieth Century at my library, I decided to check it out. I finished reading the book yesterday evening and thought it was a good pick. Even though I recognize the name, I honestly didn't know a whole lot about Talbot outside his movie roles, and I think I am safe saying this book was a real eye-opener as far as his life goes, just because it seemed so unique from the typical Hollywood fame stor...

  I went to the grocery store this evening with no real idea about what to have for dinner. My wife had suggested bratwurst so, with no better plan, I decided to get a pack (along with a pack of hotdogs for our daughters). As luck would have it, Piggly Wiggly happened to have Sheboygan Sausage Company Bratwurst on sale, a pack of 10 for $7.99.  I had heard of this brand but had never tried it until tonight. After finally doing so, I have to admit it was pretty good. As a life-long Wisconsinite, I can tell you there is a difference between bratwurst brands. This includes quite a few that are not much more than a bunch of fat shoved into a casing. This is one of the better brands from a quality standpoint, with plenty of meat. This made them more filling and a lot less greasy than some of the lower-priced brands we've purchased. The outer casing was decent as well. Some casings are very tough to bite into and chew. This brand wasn't one of them. I was able to enjoy the brats wit...