2022 Watches
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- DirectorGeorge SidneyJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsFrank SinatraKathryn GraysonGene KellyA pair of sailors on leave try to help a movie extra become a singing star.Jan. 1 - PBS - good way to start off the year.
- DirectorMelville ShyerStarsHenry B. WalthallJohn HarronPhyllis BarringtonWhen a city councilman is murdered while investigating allegations of drug dealing going on a a somewhat disreputable sideshow, the daughter of the chief suspect teams up with a newspaper reporter to find the real killer.January 2
Incredibly bad ... just plain stupid type bad. Watched it to see Henry B. Walthall who seemed to be the only trained actor in the cast. It seemed much older than 1934 as far as movie making technology. Bad bad why am I finishing watching this mess ? bad ! - DirectorAlfred L. WerkerAnthony MannStarsRichard BasehartScott BradyRoy RobertsThis film-noir piece, told in semi-documentary style, follows police on the hunt for a resourceful criminal who shoots and kills a cop.Jan.3 Not too bad bordering on pretty good straight forward police procedural that moves right along with no side shoots into irrelevancy. Small part by Jack Webb and trivia tells us that this film led him to the development of Dragnet,
Good cast including a quiet performance by Richard Basehard. No explanation for the crime spree is ever given (not that it matters), - DirectorGeorge CukorStarsRonald ColmanEdmond O'BrienSigne HassoA celebrated actor struggles to distinguish his own life from that of his most recent stage role, Othello.Jan.6. Pretty good. Watched it based solely on the cast and was pleasantly surprised. Probably being more familiar with Othello would help. Shelley Winters in possibly her first credited role as a character type she was stuck with for a good deal of her career.
- DirectorJohn CromwellStarsCarole LombardJames StewartCharles CoburnWhile on a business trip, an ambitious young lawyer meets and immediately falls in love with a stranger. They wed the following day, and tragedy soon strikes.Jan. 6. Disappointed. With it starring Jimmy Stewart and Carole Lombard was expecting a comedy and instead got Jimmy in a role reminiscent of It's A Wonderful Life plus nagging mother and sick baby. One time watch and almost zoomed to the end but stuck it out.
- DirectorDonato CarrisiStarsDustin HoffmanToni ServilloValentina BellèSamantha, a young girl who was kidnapped, resurfaces in shock after being imprisoned and hospitalized.Jan. 7 Should have watched something - anything - other than this mess of a film.
- DirectorGeorge McCowanStarsRay MillandSam ElliottJoan Van ArkA group of helpless victims celebrate a birthday on an island estate crawling with killer amphibians, birds, insects, and reptiles.Jan. 8. Silly silly movie with so much wrongness going against it ... small positive was a younger but rather lackluster Sam Elliot, Yet another embarrassing role by Ray Milland. To top it off, most of the frogs were played by toads !
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsEthel WatersJulie HarrisBrandon De WildeHer older brother's wedding forces preteen tomboy Frankie to face her own immaturity.Jan. 9. Very stagebound but that's not really a problem. Accepting 27 year old Julie Harris as 12 year old Frankie is another matter. Effective moments but too often just want to send Frankie to her room for a year or two. deWilde a favorite but the direction or script was erratic as to how he should behave or project.
Summation: worth watching if only to hear the singing of My Eye is on the Sparrow ! - DirectorJoseph H. LewisStarsGlenn FordNina FochJames WhitmoreTreasury Department agent Frank Warren takes on the case of a mob leader who has evaded paying taxes on his ill-gotten gains.Jan. 9 - Federal agent procedural trying to stop the syndicate lead by THE BIG FELLOW ! Pretty well done even with the preachy patriotic speech translated from Italian by the little girl with the required Hollywood lisp. Debut of James Whitmore.
- DirectorRené ClairStarsFredric MarchVeronica LakeRobert BenchleyA beautiful 17th-century witch returns to life to plague politician Wallace Wooley, descendant of her persecutor.Jan, 10. A disappointment. Veronica Lake was beautiful and fine, Susan Hayward was a beautiful but a cranky, bossy shrew of a fiancee, Fredric March was too old and too stodgey for this so called comedy, Cecil Kellaway was too .... Cecil-y. Dunno ... bottom line, the story was lame and it just did not work ! It's a film I have wanted to see for quite a while ... disappointed that I did not care for it.
- DirectorDan IrelandStarsVincent D'OnofrioRenée ZellwegerAnn WedgeworthIn 1933 Texas, a schoolteacher and aspiring writer meets a pulp fiction writer, and a relationship soon develops between the two, but it is doomed by his slavishly devotion to his ailing mother and insistence on his freedom.Jan. 11 Perhaps knowing that this was a biopic and knowing who Howard was would have helped, but I doubt it. Pretty film but scattered and ultimately disappointing.. Renee as annoying as usual. Watched it to see Vincent but he seemed to be acting rather than being.
- DirectorWilliam NighStarsBoris KarloffMarjorie ReynoldsGrant WithersA pretty Chinese woman, seeking help from San Francisco detective James Lee Wong, is killed by a poisoned dart in his front hall, having time only to scrawl "Captain J" on a sheet of paper. She proves to be Princess Lin Hwa.Jan, 11 Proof that not all movies made in 1939 are memorable great classics. Second viewing because it was so forgettable. Annoying perky girl reporter, patent leather haired Karloff Wong, convoluted and ultimately insipid plot. Other Wong's have been more fun.
- DirectorRichard RushStarsPeter O'TooleSteve RailsbackBarbara HersheyA fugitive stumbles onto a movie set just when they need a new stunt man, takes the job as a way to hide out and falls for the leading lady while facing off with his manipulative director.Jan 12/13. A re-watch better left to memory. Very odd movie.
- DirectorWilliam Cameron MenziesStarsJohn MillsRene RayRobert NewtonA young girl is travelling to London to find work. Arriving at the station, she meets a man who has been stabbed by a member of a gang of crooks involved with greyhound racing.Jan. 14. Who would have thought that John Mills could sing and dance ? He can ! That aside, this film written by Graham Green and directed by William Cameron Menzies is muddled and ultimately pointless. Lackluster performances (including that by Robert Newton), nonsense plot from the get go and a lot of running up and down staircases abd shadows do not a good movie make. Mills reminded me occasionally of James Cagney at that age but without the spark !
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsRex HarrisonConstance CummingsKay HammondA man and his second wife are haunted by the ghost of his first wife.Jan. 14. I was starting to get worried that I no longer liked movies and fortunately this came along. What a delight it is. Margaret Rutherford and Rex Harrison were the only "knowns" and they did not fail to please. Wonderfully technicolored and a beautifully restored Criterion copy available on line. Funny film worth finding !
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsRobert NewtonCelia JohnsonJohn MillsJust after World War I, the Gibbons family moves to a nice house in the suburbs. They live an ordinary life throughout the years, but everything changes when World War II breaks out.Jan. 15. What nice surprise. Watched this based only on Noel Coward, John Mills and Robert Newton, David Lean. What a GOOD movie it is. Well written, acted, photographed ! Glad I found it !
- DirectorHenry CassStarsDavid TomlinsonHelen CherryMargaret RutherfordThe near-bankrupt Earl of Locharne must contend with a government agent trying to requisition his ancestral Scottish castle, as well as a beautiful American woman who wants to buy the place - to say nothing of the resident ghost.Jan. 16. Another accidental lucky find chosen purely on the basis of Margaret Rutherford. Cute and funny in a silly Sunday afternoon way.
- DirectorAnthony KimminsStarsRonald ShinerMargaret RutherfordA.E. MatthewsA wealthy old man dies and leaves his holdings--including a brothel, a gambling den, racing greyhounds, and a sleazy bar--to his eccentric niece Clara Hilton (Dame Margaret Rutherford). Clara vows to "clean up" her new establishments, but complications ensue when she visits the crooked gambling den just when it's being raided by the Police.Jan. 16. Another newly discovered entertaining little film with Margaret Rutherford. Not as dotty as she sometimes is and no ghosts.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsCharles LaughtonElla RainesDean HarensAn unhappily married man begins a flirtation with a younger woman. When his wife threatens to ruin her, he decides to take action.Jan. 16. Another fun new discovery .... Laughton not at all hammy and very gentle. Suspense with a couple of twists.
- DirectorD. Ross LedermanStarsFrieda InescortPaul CavanaghHeather AngelOccupants of a London boarding house become suspects as a string of murders are discovered.1/17 Not too bad ... mystery with murders and suspects galore and a simple minded detective . Terhun Bey already in a turban in his debut film.
- DirectorFrank LaunderStarsBill TraversAlastair SimPaul YoungGeordie is a very small boy who feels that the girl he loves is ignoring him because of his size. He decides to take a correspondence course in body-building. At 21, Geordie becomes one of the tallest and strongest men in Scotland.1/17 Finally found a copy of a favorite film I have been looking for for forever and it did not disappoint even for a second. Beautifully shot in technicolor, terrific acting, a young Bill Travers and a memorable story. who could ask for anything more ?
- DirectorTim WhelanStarsCharles LaughtonVivien LeighRex HarrisonPickpocket Libby gets support from street performer Charles, and her dancing leads to her invitation to theater patron Harley's party which in turn launches Libby's stage career while Charles keeps on struggling in the streets.1/18 A pre GWTW Vivien and a much younger Rex plus Laughton .... took a tad too long to get where it was going but seeing Laughton singing and dancing was worth the wait. Nothing outstanding other than historical interest but good for what it is.
- DirectorHenry KingStarsSpencer TracyKetti GallianNed SparksMarie is kidnapped and taken aboard ship, then thrown off at Yucatan. She winds up singing in a café in the Panama Canal zone. There she gets involved in a plot to destroy the canal and runs into American intelligence officer Crawbett.1/19 Unknown (to me) early Spencer Tracy film with multi cultural detectives and potential sabotage, singing by THE Helen Morgan, a pretty heroine who disappear from the screen as quickly as she came and character actors galore. Worth a "historical watch" if for no other reason.
- DirectorVal GuestStarsMarianne StoneLionel MurtonLisa GastoniAfter heavy fog prevents all aircraft from leaving London airport, a group of passengers take an airline bus to get them to an alternative airport. However, one amongst their number is the mastermind behind a bullion robbery at the airport... and particularly keen to escape the fog.1/19 AWFUL to the point of giving up half way through and fast forwarding to the end awful. Even the presence if Margaret Rutherford and spotting Stringer Davis could not save this boringly stupid mess. Petula Clark unrecognizable but it is on her filmography. Advise to others... skip it !
- DirectorNeil JordanStarsPeter O'TooleDaryl HannahSteve GuttenbergWhen a hotelier attempts to fill the chronic vacancies at his castle by launching an advertising campaign that falsely portrays the property as haunted, two actual ghosts show up and end up falling for two guests.1/19 &20 NOT the Noel Coward story ... this one is a frenetic "comedy" set in Ireland ... too frantic, too busy, too too including O'Toole trying too hard.
- DirectorMario ZampiStarsTerry-ThomasGeorge ColeBrenda de BanzieIn this spoof on crime films, four would-be criminals manage to botch every job they plan. When they try to rob wealthy Billy Gordon (Terry-Thomas) they fail again. But the gang decides to kidnap his daughter.1/20 Funny little Brit-com with Terry Thomas and Sidney James. Goofy inept crooks and a greedy miser.
- DirectorGregory RatoffOrson WellesStarsOrson WellesNancy GuildAkim TamiroffHypnotist uses his powers for revenge against King Louis XV's court.1/20-21 An unknown film with Orson Welles in which he directed HIS scenes and you can see the difference in styles. Sword fights and sumptuous costumes in this Alexander Dumas story. One if the silliest endings ever !
- DirectorErich PommerStarsCharles LaughtonElsa LanchesterRobert NewtonIn the Dutch islands, the sister of a pious missionary attempts to reform a womanizing, drunken beach bum.1/21 Cute but sound muddled because of a lousy copy on youtube. Laughton already using with some of his distracting acting tricks. Interesting seeing Newton NOT using some of his acting tricks.
- DirectorJules DassinNorman Z. McLeodStarsCharles LaughtonRobert YoungMargaret O'BrienThe descendent of a ghost imprisoned for cowardice hopes to free the spirit by displaying courage when under duress.1/22 Well, I've finally seen it ... still hate Mgt (Whiney) O'Brien and Dr Welby. Laughton gets a a list check mark but nothing more. Sadly, totally "meh".
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffMelvyn DouglasCharles LaughtonSeeking shelter from a storm, five travelers are in for a bizarre and terrifying night when they stumble upon the Femm family estate.1/22 Presented with a choice of this or a sci-fi attack by aliens, I opted for this only to find that I had already seen it. Continued watching (being on a Laughton kick) .... what a convoluted, silly, not at all amusing mess ..even for 1932 !
- DirectorPhil RosenStarsFay WrayRalph BellamyMelvyn DouglasA paroled prisoner hits a man who's attacking a woman, then runs away, scared that he killed the man (he did not). From the book "Woman in the Dark" by Dashiell Hammett.1/22-23 Interesting mostly to see the younger versions of the very familiar cast members. Story only so-so with plot holes, flashbacks for no reason, unfunny comic relief and titles (it's aka Woman in the Shadows) that make no sense. Usually light and a hero, Melvyn Douglas is a heavy with no respect for Fay Wray's personal space when talking at her.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerStarsJohn MillsJoan GreenwoodEdward ChapmanWhen the murder of a young woman happens, her next-door neighbor is under suspicion due to his previous stay in a mental hospital.1/24 Finally a REALLY really good movie again. Only familiar face was John Mills ... taut, nail biter mystery of the wrong man variety. Nary a wrong move.
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsCelia JohnsonTrevor HowardStanley HollowayMeeting a stranger in a railway station, a woman is tempted to cheat on her husband.1/25 YES! Another WINNER ! Kleenex required !
Reminded me of a more chaste The Bridges of Madison County. - DirectorMichael CurtizStarsWilliam PowellMary AstorEugene PallettePhilo Vance, accompanied by his prize-losing Scottish terrier, investigates the locked-room murder of a prominent and much-hated collector whose broken Chinese vase provides an important clue.1/26 Wm Powell as Philo Vance ... Routine locked door suicide ? murder ? Nothing special BUT may look for more anyway.
- DirectorEdwin L. MarinStarsBela LugosiDavid MannersAdrienne AmesMurder during film shoot sparks search for a killer.1/27 Interesting mostly for the re-union of Dracula, Van Helsing and Harker in a pretty routine pretty muddled who dunnit on a movie set during the filming of a death scene. The amateur detective handles and hides evidence, obligatory idiot real cops abound. Ending is so dark that it is not clear who DID dunnit other than by eliminating the characters who are still standing around laughing as THE END rolls.
- DirectorFrank TuttleStarsWilliam PowellFlorence EldridgeUllrich HauptAt the end of each year, the extremely wealthy but odious Greene family gets together at the spooky old family castle to establish terms of a will, though they despise each other. This year, they start being mysteriously murdered one by one, and the police use Philo Vance to examine the clues and suspects.1/28 Another Wm P Philo Vance, a young Jean Arthur, dialogue worthy of Ed Wood and a laughable ending... skip it.
- DirectorMalcolm St. ClairFrank TuttleStarsWilliam PowellJean ArthurJames HallA beautiful showgirl, nicknamed 'the Canary', is a scheming nightclub singer. Blackmailing is her game and soon ends up dead. But who killed 'the Canary'. All the suspects who knew her had been used by her. The only witness to the crime was also killed. Only one man, debonair detective, Philo Vance, might be able to figure out who silenced 'the Canary'.1/28 Slightly better than Greene. Noteworthy as a chance to see Louise Brooks and to read that it was filmed as a silent and then dubbed.
- DirectorFrank TuttleStarsWilliam PowellWilliam 'Stage' BoydEugene PalletteA ruthless, crooked stockbroker is murdered at his luxurious country estate, and detective Philo Vance just happens to be there. He decides to find out who killed him.1/29 At least I am not the only one expecting to see Hopalong Cassidy in this and being disappointed when he didn't turn up. Routine Philo Vance film .. not engaging ... watching only to complete the list.
- DirectorRobert DayStarsBoris KarloffAnthony DawsonDerek BirchA researcher investigating a notorious serial killer who was hanged 20 years earlier seemingly becomes possessed by the long-dead strangler.1/29 Svengoolie ... Karloff in makeup in a faux Jekyll and Hyde role. Moments of almost scary but more of "that's just silly" and too much can-can dancing !
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsSpencer TracyRobert RyanAnne FrancisA one-armed stranger comes to a tiny town possessing a terrible past they want to keep secret, by violent means if necessary.1/31 Spencer Tracy et al ...
- DirectorHarry d'Abbadie d'ArrastStarsJohn BarrymoreMyrna LoyReginald MasonAn honest and naive schoolteacher gets a lesson in how the world works outside the classroom, when a rich Baron and his mistress use the teacher's name and outstanding reputation in a crooked business scheme.2/1 Odd little movie with youngish Myrna and off kilter school teacher / scientist Barrymore ... some pretty funny pre-code lines and situations. Worth a watch.
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsBill MurrayAndie MacDowellChris ElliottA narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day.2/2 so of course... what else would do ? Actually LOL'd at the "I'm not going to play by their rules any more!" segment !
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsWarner BaxterMyrna LoyWalter ConnollyA runaway heiress and her sister's husband join forces to race the latter's fast horse, Broadway Bill.2/3 Surprised to see this was a Capra film because it was an unknown Myrna Loy pick ...it's a little too long and heavy on the rush to bet and figuring the odds scenes BUT it was pretty good otherwise.A Loy/Baxter friendship more than the roaring romance on the poster.
Spotting a blond Lucille Ball as a one line phone operator is a highlight as well as Auntie 'Em and Ward Bond a "henchman". Missed seeing Bess Flowers. Will keep an eye out for the remake. - DirectorFrank R. StrayerStarsJohn MiljanIrene WareIris AdrianA famous detective is invited to a swanky party at an elegant mansion, but before the night is over he finds himself involved with gangsters, blackmail and murder.2/3 aka The Murder at Glen Athol.. totally forgettable as for plot and cast and title.
- DirectorAlexander HallStarsMelvyn DouglasJoan BlondellClarence KolbKenny Williams, a lieutenant on the homicide squad, is engaged to Maxine Carroll, the Mayor's secretary--or is he married to his job? For every time he has a date with his longtime fiancée, he is prevented from keeping it by his devotion to duty. Maxine, in desperation, decides to take action and bring Kenny to the altar. Who will win, Maxine's curves or the glorious fight against crime?42/3 Fun police department based screwball comedy with good plot and cast. Silly enoughto be amusing.
- DirectorRichard HaydnStarsJohn LundWanda HendrixBarry FitzgeraldAfter an idiot heir's accidental death, a stuntman is hired to impersonate him when the family gathers to determine the disbursement of Miss Tatlock's fortune. But complications soon line up to stand between a lucky lookalike and easy money.2/4 Scheme / scam that turned out to be more trouble than it was worth. Familiar title, good cast, lousy only copy on youtube.
- DirectorRobert AldrichStarsDan DuryeaGene LockhartPatric KnowlesIn Singapore, a private detective and the British authorities are on the trail of a crime syndicate that kidnaps a nuclear physicist with the aim of selling him to the highest bidder.2/5 Just so-so YouTube lists it as a noir -- it is NOT a noir. Kidnapped scientist - lots of running around. Duryea looking haggard.
- DirectorJoseph M. NewmanStarsJune HaverWilliam LundiganFrank FayTwo married New Yorkers purchase an old, run-down building full of colorful tenants.2/5 Harmless bit of fluff film spoiled by bickering and unfounded jealousy. Appearances by M. Monroe and Jack Parr make it historically interesting but other than that, not memorable.
- DirectorHarmon JonesStarsMonty WoolleyThelma RitterDavid WayneA 65-year-old printer hatches an elaborate scheme to avoid forced retirement.2/6 Cute - retired against his will Monty Wooley schemes to get his job back. Early Monroe still allowed to be a smart and efficient secretary and not just the dumb blonde.
- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsAdele JergensMarilyn MonroeRand BrooksA chorus girl falls in love with a wealthy young man, but their relationship is jeopardized by her mother's fears about the reaction of his family.2/7 Very young Marilyn in a big role. Singing and dancing and a surprisingly entertaining plot. Myron Healy as the boy's cousin. Other than that an unknown to me cast. Worth watching.
- DirectorF. Hugh HerbertStarsJune HaverLon McCallisterWalter BrennanIn 1948 rural America, two stepbrothers compete for the same gal and the younger brother buys two untamed mules for work projects while the older brother tries to sabotage him.2/8 A kid buying a team of mules and dealing with bullies, and ONE very brief shot of Marilyn !
- DirectorMaurice ElveyStarsClaude RainsFay WrayMary ClareA fake music-hall clairvoyant meets a woman, and suddenly his predictions seem to come true ...2/8 Surprised to find another nail biter gem. Better than one might guess from its early date and lack of fame. Suspenseful story, talented cast.
- DirectorGil KenanStarsMitchel MussoSam LernerSpencer LockeThree teens discover that their neighbor's house is really a living, breathing, scary monster.2/9 Second viewing. Kids dealing with bullies. Frantic mayhem and faux sentiment that makes no sense.
- DirectorLionel BarrymoreEdward BuzzellStarsBarbara StanwyckRicardo CortezMonroe OwsleyMen pay a dime to dance with Barbara and her fellow taxi dancers. She marries Eddie and plans to quit dancing. Before she does, she meets a handsome and rich gentleman.2/9 A tad too long, a tad too melodrama, good performances, 1931 costumes and autos ... am terrible at spotting Bess Flowers ,,, missed her again ! !
- DirectorHarold FrenchStarsClaude RainsMichael NightingaleFelix AylmerA Dutch company's owner bankrupts his own company, burns the incriminating ledgers and plans to run to Paris with the company funds but he is caught in the act by his accountant who challenges his actions, leading to a reversal of roles.2/11 Found this quite by accident on Tubi and watched to see Claude Rains and Herbert Lom , It's a little slow and a little muddled but it's very watchable.
- DirectorRené ClairStarsDick PowellLinda DarnellJack OakieA young turn-of-the-century newspaper man finds he can get hold of the next day's paper. This brings more problems than fortune, especially as his new girlfriend is part of a phony clairvoyant act.2/12 Cute fantasy film with nice cast of character players ... spotted Bess !
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsHumphrey BogartIngrid BergmanPaul HenreidA cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.2/12 Again !
- DirectorLouis J. GasnierStarsWilliam PowellMarion ShillingNatalie MoorheadJohn Nelson, a well-to-do businessman, is escorting a woman he knows as Ethel Barry to the door of her apartment suite when a man steps out of the shadows and angrily demands to know where she has been. The embarrassed Nelson excuses himself and goes to his rooms in the same hotel. The woman rushes into his apartment followed by the man who met her in the hall. The man threatens her with violence and Nelson comes to her defense. In the ensuing fight, the man is knocked out of the window and falls to his death to the pavement many stories down. He is charged with the killing and his only witness that can prove self-defense for him has disappeared, and can not be found.2/14 Wm Powell .. Les Mis type film of innocent man who escapes and makes a new life. Quite good. Aka The Quarry -
- DirectorErnst LubitschStarsCarole LombardJack BennyRobert StackDuring the German occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.2/15 - sad to say, a disappointing "meh" ! Hilight was a very young and handsome Robert Stack !
- DirectorJean NegulescoStarsBette DavisShelley WintersGary MerrillWhile awaiting a delayed flight, a lawyer who has left his unfaithful wife, befriends three fellow passengers. After the plane crashes and he is among the few to survive, he feels compelled to contact the families of his dead friends.2/16 Lots of flashbacks , good cast , interesting story. Bette Davis only turns very close to the end .
- DirectorVictor SjöströmStarsVilma BánkyEdward G. RobinsonRobert AmesMiddle-aged Napa Valley grape-grower Tony posts a marriage proposal to San Francisco waitress Lena, enclosing a photo of his handsome younger brother Buck. When she gets there, she overlooks his duplicity and marries him. Then she falls in love with Buck.2/17 Wretched - EG Robinson as a whiney stereotypical Italian ... over played over wrought .. awful !
- DirectorSydney PollackStarsTom CruiseJeanne TripplehornGene HackmanA young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover that it has a sinister dark side.2/19 Better than I remember it being. Great cast, nailbiter story. Well done !
- DirectorMark StevensStarsMark StevensKing CalderFelicia FarrIn Arizona, a train's baggage car is robbed of a large payroll, prompting an investigation led by a railroad official-insurance investigator team.2/18 Nice heist gone wrong picture found by accident.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsJames CagneyAnnabellaRichard ConteWhen spy chief Bob Sharkey finds out one of his agents-in-training is actually a Nazi double agent, his strategic decision not to arrest him results in tragedy.2/19 Good Cagney God guys spies Nazies film, A first viewing.
- DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsAdolphe MenjouPat O'BrienMary BrianA crusading newspaper editor tricks his retiring star reporter into covering one last case.2/20 Am sure that this would be better if I had located a better copy BUT initial impression was that My Girl Friday was more enjoyable. This was just frantic chaos with little real humor and Pat OBrien ... yawn as a romantic hero.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsCary GrantRosalind RussellRalph BellamyA newspaper editor uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife from remarrying.2/21 MUCH more enjoyable than The Front Page (1931) ... movie moves along without so much muddle. Recognizing the same lines in both movies adds to the fun.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsWilliam PowellAnnabellaHelen WestleyA butler gets elected to the Hungarian parliament where he opposes his master's government.2/21 Political fluff and the nearly un-intelligible debut of Annabelle. Wm Powell in butler mode. Nothing special and a tad long with too much politics and bowing to the aristocracy.
- DirectorJean NegulescoStarsJohn GarfieldMicheline PresleLuther AdlerOn the run from gamblers he double-crossed, expatriate jockey Danny Butler tries to justify his son's faith in him as a winner.2/23 John Garfield as a crooked steeplechase jockey on the run .. his usual tricks and quirks are as interesting as ever to watch ! Skipped the singing in the cafe as they just slowed the story down.
- DirectorRouben MamoulianStarsBarbara StanwyckAdolphe MenjouWilliam HoldenA poor young Italian man who is a virtuoso on the violin wishes to become a champion boxer to make a fortune for his family. But what is the road to success and happiness, and what is the price?2/24 Finally saw this gem from 1939 and it was well worth the wait.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsGeorge RaftVirginia MayoGene LockhartThe former employee of a trucking company, currently in prison for embezzlement, plans his eventual revenge against his former boss.2/25 Revenge film with Perry Mason and Col. Potter vs George Raft. Preachy as all get out and the music box gets a credit in the opening. The finale was not supposed to get a laugh but it did .. and a major eye roll to boot. Not a bad film despite George Raft being the lead.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.2/26 Again ! Really watched Lorre and Cook and actually LOLed ! Such a good movie !
- DirectorBryan ForbesStarsEdith EvansNanette NewmanHarry BairdElderly Mrs. Ross lives alone in her meager flat, scraping by on government assistance even as she claims to have great wealth. After finding stolen money she is victimized, making it necessary to find her support in her declining years.2/27 Odd and slow. Edith Evans and assorted nasty people.
- DirectorPaul HenreidStarsBette DavisKarl MaldenPeter LawfordThe working-class twin sister of a callous, wealthy woman impulsively murders her out of revenge and assumes her identity. But impersonating her dead twin is more complicated and risky than she anticipated.2/28 Bette Davis x 2 but the good news is a bigger than usual role for Cyril Delevante . Noticeably awful as the mid, Janet, was Paul Henreid's daughter. The great dane was good though.
- DirectorHenry KingStarsSimone SimonJames StewartJean HersholtA Parisian sewer worker longs for a rise in status and a beautiful wife. He rescues a girl from the police, lives with her in a barren flat on the seventh floor, then marches away to war.3/2 Accidently watched the remake before the original silent. Very young J Stewart. Sentimental but in a good way.
- DirectorFrank BorzageStarsJanet GaynorCharles FarrellBen BardA street cleaner saves a young woman's life, and the pair slowly fall in love until war intervenes.3/3 Took two tries but found a really nice copy on YouTube. Liked it more than the 1937 remake. First Academy Award winner and finally got to see it !
- DirectorVincent ShermanStarsAnn SheridanLew AyresZachary ScottA Los Angeles socialite kills a man while home alone one night and claims he was an intruder she did not know. It seems like a clear case of self defense until the story hits the papers and people connected to the dead man come forward.3/3 Ann Sheridan and Zachary Scott with wise cracking Eve Arden. Wife had a fling and hubby comes home from war plot .. well enough done.
- DirectorSacha GervasiStarsAnthony HopkinsHelen MirrenScarlett JohanssonThe relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho (1960) in 1959 is explored.3/8 Not too bad as far as bio-pics go.
- DirectorMike JudgeStarsRon LivingstonJennifer AnistonDavid HermanThree company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.3/8 Even better on second viewing. Funny stuff !
- DirectorArthur PennStarsPaul NewmanLita MilanJohn DehnerAfter his employer is murdered by rival cattlemen, a troubled and uneducated young cowboy vows revenge on the murderers.3/9 Pretty awful despite a good cast. Historically inaccurate and way too much over emoting. Check list for Newman only.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsSylvia SidneySpencer TracyWalter AbelWhen a wrongly-accused prisoner barely survives a lynch-mob attack and is presumed dead, he vindictively decides to fake his death and frame the mob for his supposed murder.3/10 Interesting Tracy film with transition from nice guy to revenge seeker. Highpoint : Terry playing Rainbow three years before Toto.
- DirectorPeter YatesStarsRobert RedfordGeorge SegalRon LeibmanDortmunder and his pals plan to steal a huge diamond from a museum. But this turns out to be only the first time they have to steal it...3/12 Not as good as I remember it being other than seeing The Brooklyn Museum and The Towers in progress of being built. Too much planning and then jumping into action without being let in on the plan.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsLon Chaney Jr.Robert PaigeLouise AllbrittonWhen Katherine, a beautiful Southern girl obsessed with thoughts of eternal life, invites Count Alucard to come to her mansion in the U.S., she unleashes a Pandora's box of horror on unsuspecting relatives and neighbors.3/12 Spotted Cyril Delavanti and Jimmy the Crow so the evening was not a total loss. Better than some Universal horrors and despite the crappy bat, it was enjoyable. Some new vampire mythology.
- DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsTom BerengerGlenn CloseJeff GoldblumA group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina vacation home after the funeral of another of their college friends.3/13 Wm Hurt memorial view
- DirectorClive DonnerStarsPeter UstinovJean StapletonConstance CummingsDuring a murder hunt game at a country house, to which Hercule Poirot is invited as an "expert", a real murder occurs.ss3/14 Ustinov TVM - not as lush as the features but serviceable
- DirectorJames L. BrooksStarsWilliam HurtAlbert BrooksHolly HunterTake two rival television reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one producer, female. Mix well, and watch the sparks fly.3/14 Good re-watch.
- DirectorRichard QuineStarsJames StewartKim NovakJack LemmonA modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.3/21 Meh to ugh !
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsRonald ColmanJane WyattEdward Everett HortonWhen a revered diplomat's plane is diverted and crashes in the peaks of Tibet, he and the other survivors are guided to an isolated monastery at Shangri-La, where they wrestle with the invitation to stay.3/22 Restored version on Plex. A bit too long and talky but well worth watching.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.3/26 Well, I can say I've finally seen it BUT apparently, according to the synopsis, I fell asleep and missed some key scenes ... hopefully not too many !
3/27 OK .. the rickey ticky silent movie channel only had ONE HALF of the movie so sleeping was not the problem. Found it on YouTube and saw the rest of it. Still a one time watch as it may be innovative for its time but it is just too TOO ! Too many people, a weird to the max city, silent movie acting at its most extreme etc. BUT I finally saw it and don't have to wonder about it ever again. - DirectorLou AntonioStarsPeter UstinovFaye DunawayDavid SuchetAn American movie actress, best known for playing dumb blondes, is Scotland Yard's prime suspect when her husband, Lord Edgware, is murdered. The great detective, Hercule Poirot, digs deeper into the case.3/27 Nice Poirot with Ustinov and Faye Dunaway and David Suchet as Japp !
- DirectorChristopher PetitStarsJoan HicksonDonald PleasenceAdrian LukisWhile on vacation at a resort hotel in the West Indies, Miss Marple correctly suspects that the apparently natural death of a retired British major is actually the work of a murderer planning yet another killing.3/28 So unmemorable I watched this again and did not remember who dunnit (or really care) . Helen Hayes is my least favoorite of several Janes
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJean HarlowLoretta YoungRobert WilliamsA young woman from a very rich family impulsively marries a reporter, but each assumes the other is the one whose lifestyle must change.3/29 Finally saw this .. not bad.. not great !
- DirectorGregory La CavaStarsWilliam PowellCarole LombardAlice BradyA scatterbrained socialite hires a vagrant as a family butler - but there's more to Godfrey than meets the eye.3/30 Cute but a bit strained ... Lombard, it seems, is supposed to be a teen ? Weird at best.
- DirectorArchie MayoStarsWarren WilliamGenevieve TobinPatricia EllisA con man who stages phony "lucky legs" beauty contests and leaves town with the money is found with a surgical knife in his heart by Mason.3/31 Not at all like the Burr Mason ... he's more like a private eye than a lawyer with the usual 30's cast of goofy suspects, cops and helpers.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsWarren WilliamMay RobsonGuy KibbeeA gangster tries to make Apple Annie, the Times Square apple seller, a lady for a day.3/31 Original version remade as Pocketful of Miracles... watched to see Warren William. Better and worse than the remake.
- DirectorJacques TourneurStarsDana AndrewsPeggy CumminsNiall MacGinnisAmerican professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshipper Julian Karswell.4/1 Dana Andrews and not much more. Not scary or particularly intriguing.
- DirectorArthur RipleyStarsRobert CummingsMichèle MorganSteve CochranChuck Scott gets a job as chauffeur to tough guy Eddie Roman; but Chuck's involvement with Eddie's fearful wife becomes a nightmare.4/2 Cornell Woolrich, Peter Lorre, Steve Cochran .. good twisty mystery !
- DirectorDewi HumphreysStarsHenry ShieldsHenry LewisChris LeaskThe Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre brings Peter Pan Goes Wrong to BBC One, narrated by David Suchet and filmed in front of a live audience.4/2 Mayhem and missteps actually LOLville. Clever bits with a few too many serious looking "accidents" but funny stuff and well done !
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsWarren WilliamGail PatrickRalph MorganA prosecutor trying a case where a husband shot his adulterous wife begins to suspect that his own wife is having an affair, and starts to have his own thoughts about killing her.4/2 Over worked, over enthusiastic successful DA has troubles at home and in the courtroom.
- DirectorStuart WalkerStarsHenry HullWarner OlandValerie HobsonAfter botanist Wilfred Glendon travels to Tibet in search of a rare flower, the Mariphasa, he returns to a London haunted by murders that can only be the work of bloodthirsty werewolves.4/2 Second viewing not any more scary than the first!
- DirectorAlfred TraversStarsHerbert LomPhyllis DixeyTerence de MarneyTwin trapezists fall out over a lottery ticket and a worthless woman, but later extract a unique revenge.4/3 Quite good 'who actually dunnit' with two Herbert Loms and a cast of total unknowns.