Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXXIII

In this 33rd compilation from the cult TV show, the lone human and a pair of wisecracking robots on a space station continue to spin comedy gold while watching leaden movies, including the inert 1966 spy thriller Agent for H.A.R.M., a lame pretender to Man from U.N.C.L.E.-hood, starring Peter Mark Richman. Daddy-O (1958) is a so-so mix of dope-smuggling intrigue, hot-rod racing, and lounge musical numbers (marking the film-soundtrack debut of John Williams!) that was essentially made as a vehicle for the producer's sexy girlfriend (the producer himself died of a heart attack before the film's release). Earth Vs. the Spider (1958) is one of the better giant-bug B-movies from director and f/x artist Bert I. Gordon. These first three installments are hosted by MST3K creator Joel Hodgson; his successor, Mike Nelson, takes over for the finale, Teen-age Crime Wave (1955), an abysmal tale of delinquent youth holding a farm family hostage, starring Tommy Cook. Also not to be missed: the team spoofs "Alphabet Antics," an old nursery-rhymish short subject that is baffling in both intent and execution. Extras include bonus featurettes and interviews. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)