Stonger Than Desire, from 1939, is a crime/mystery drama starring Walter Pidgeon and Virginia Bruce, with Lee Bowman and Ann Dvorak taking on co-starring roles. It is virtually identical to 1934's Evelyn Prentice, my favorite William Powell/Myrna Loy film. In fact, I turned on the TV at one point and said to myself, "Oh, this must be a remake of Evelyn Prentice." The storyline was exactly the same, and even some of the lines were identical...in my mind I could hear both Loy and Powell in many of the things Bruce and Pidgeon said.
The names were different from Evelyn Prentice. In this film, Walter Pidgeon's character, a prominent defense attorney, is Tyler Flagg. His wife, Elizabeth, weary of his workaholic ways, misses spending time with him. One evening, while Tyler is with a client and she is at a club with friends, Elizabeth catches the eye of married ladies' man, Michael McLain (Lee Bowman). McLain makes it a point to garner an introduction to Elizabeth, and the two begin spending time together...on a strictly platonic basis.
Meanwhile, Tyler's latest client begins to put the moves on him, even following him on a trip to Boston. When it appears to Elizabeth that Tyler is having an affair with his client, she is devastated; hurt, she continues spending time with Michael. Ultimately, though, Elizabeth comes to believe that her relationship with Michael ought not to be; although they aren't doing anything wrong, she doesn't think they should continue to see each other. Michael, however, sees dollar signs in their relationship, and he sets out to blackmail her about some letters she had written to him. The only recourse Elizabeth has is to shoot him, a crime for which Michael's wife (Ann Dvorak) goes to trial.
And that, my friends, is where I will leave off. To find out anything more, you will have to watch this film. As I said, it's nearly exactly like Evelyn Prentice, which I reviewed HERE. Why not watch both films and see which one you prefer.
Happy viewing!!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Back Street (1961)
Back Street, from 1961, is a romantic drama, starring Susan Hayward, John Gavin, and Vera Miles. A remake of the 1941 film of the same name, this version was produced by Ross Hunter, the force behind such melodramas as Magnificent Obsession, Imitation of Life (50's), Madame X, and All That Heaven Allows. TCM aired both versions this past weekend; however, I didn't catch the earlier version, as what drew me to this one was Susan Hayward. She is my #2 actress of all time (just behind Bette Davis), and whenever I see her name on the TCM schedule, I set the DVR. Had I known beforehand that this version was a remake of an earlier film, I would have set the DVR for both, just for comparison's sake. Unfortunately, I wasn't on top of things, so I didn't do that this time, but based on the cast of the earlier film (Charles Boyer and Margaret Sullavan ), I'm pretty sure I would prefer the remake. (Going on the TCM website, I also discovered that there was a 1932 version of this film, which starred Irene Dunne and John Boles.)
Susan Hayward is Rae Smith, a fashion designer who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. While meeting a potential client at a local hotel, Rae runs into Paul Saxon (John Gavin), a Marine on leave. After Paul rescues her from the unwanted attentions of her potential client, the two of them go out for a drink. Within a day, they are deeply in love with one another; however, Paul, who has a wife, is not free to pursue a future with Rae, and the two reluctantly part ways. In an effort to heal her broken heart, Rae moves to New York City, where her career takes off, as she begins working with a big-name designer.
Several years later, Rae and Paul run into one another again, and although he pursues her relentlessly, Rae is unwilling to have an illicit affair with him. In fact, she is so determined to avoid Paul that she travels to Italy with her boss. As it turns out, though, Paul, who is owner of a chain of department stores, happens to be in Italy as well, and Rae's and his paths cross once again...and this time, Paul's wife, Liz, is with him, giving Rae an opportunity to see the life Paul has away from her.
Will Rae ultimately surrender her will and succumb to an illicit love affair with Paul? Or will she continue to resist him? And what of Paul's wife? Does she love Paul? Does she know of his love for another woman? These are the questions that play out in this very soap opera-ish romantic drama. (Warning: The below video will answer those questions, so if you don't want to know those things before viewing this film, don't click on the video.)
Back Street is a definite tearjerker. I think it's also a great "discussion piece," about when divorce is acceptable and when it's not. Susan Hayward gives her usual fabulous performance. Truly, for me, she is/was the second best actress there has ever been. I haven't seen a film of hers in which her acting wasn't brilliant. For me, she definitely made this film. Vera Miles, as Paul's wife, was also brilliant in her performance. And, John Gavin, was very good...very believable...and, oh, so handsome. I definitely cared about and felt for his character.
This film, unfortunately, is not out on DVD (at least, not that I've discovered); however, it is on VHS, so if you have a working VCR (I don't), you could catch this movie that way. Definitely, though, try to see it, as it is a very moving film...kind of the ultimate "chick flick" kind of movie. I give it 4 stars, but it is more like 4.5...and very close to 5!
Happy viewing!!
Susan Hayward is Rae Smith, a fashion designer who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. While meeting a potential client at a local hotel, Rae runs into Paul Saxon (John Gavin), a Marine on leave. After Paul rescues her from the unwanted attentions of her potential client, the two of them go out for a drink. Within a day, they are deeply in love with one another; however, Paul, who has a wife, is not free to pursue a future with Rae, and the two reluctantly part ways. In an effort to heal her broken heart, Rae moves to New York City, where her career takes off, as she begins working with a big-name designer.
Several years later, Rae and Paul run into one another again, and although he pursues her relentlessly, Rae is unwilling to have an illicit affair with him. In fact, she is so determined to avoid Paul that she travels to Italy with her boss. As it turns out, though, Paul, who is owner of a chain of department stores, happens to be in Italy as well, and Rae's and his paths cross once again...and this time, Paul's wife, Liz, is with him, giving Rae an opportunity to see the life Paul has away from her.
Will Rae ultimately surrender her will and succumb to an illicit love affair with Paul? Or will she continue to resist him? And what of Paul's wife? Does she love Paul? Does she know of his love for another woman? These are the questions that play out in this very soap opera-ish romantic drama. (Warning: The below video will answer those questions, so if you don't want to know those things before viewing this film, don't click on the video.)
Back Street is a definite tearjerker. I think it's also a great "discussion piece," about when divorce is acceptable and when it's not. Susan Hayward gives her usual fabulous performance. Truly, for me, she is/was the second best actress there has ever been. I haven't seen a film of hers in which her acting wasn't brilliant. For me, she definitely made this film. Vera Miles, as Paul's wife, was also brilliant in her performance. And, John Gavin, was very good...very believable...and, oh, so handsome. I definitely cared about and felt for his character.
This film, unfortunately, is not out on DVD (at least, not that I've discovered); however, it is on VHS, so if you have a working VCR (I don't), you could catch this movie that way. Definitely, though, try to see it, as it is a very moving film...kind of the ultimate "chick flick" kind of movie. I give it 4 stars, but it is more like 4.5...and very close to 5!
Happy viewing!!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953)
All the Brothers Were Valiant, from 1953, is an action/adventure film, starring Robert Taylor, Stewart Granger, and Ann Blyth. Based on Ben Ames Williams' 1919 novel of the same name, this film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography. A remake of the 1923 Lon Chaney film of the same name and the 1928 Ramon Novarro/Joan Crawford film Across to Singapore, it's the story of a pair of 1850's brothers, whalers on the high seas.
As the film begins, Joel Shore (Robert Taylor) returns to his Massachusetts hometown, having been gone on a three-year voyage. Upon his return, he learns that his brother Mark (Stewart Granger) did not return with his ship from his last voyage. It was assumed that he had died, possibly at the hands of some South Pacific islanders.
Joel is given command of Mark's old ship and is to set off on another voyage; however, before doing so, he marries his long-time love, Priscilla (Ann Blyth), a woman who has also had feelings for brother Mark. Not wanting to leave his new bride behind for two or three years, Joel has Priscilla accompany him on the voyage, and she takes immediately to sea life.
When they reach the Gilbert Islands---the place where Mark was last seen---it is discovered that he didn't die after all. In fact, Mark tells Joel the story of how he had discovered a fortune in black pearls but ended up losing them in a lagoon. He requests that Joel join him in searching for the lost treasure, a request which Joel refuses. Mark, though, used to getting his own way and used to pushing Joel around, will not take "no" for an answer; he will do whatever it takes to get those pearls, and if that means creating a mutiny and turning Priscilla against Joel, then that is exactly what he will do.
This film is exciting and entertaining and features good performances by all. It's a solid 3 stars for me, and rather close to 4...definitely a film I enjoy and recommend. I do think the idea of a newlywed wife having a "honeymoon" aboard a whaling vessel is a bit off, but, you never know, some women might have done just that.
The film is out on DVD, and it also happens to be on TCM's schedule quite often, so it should be fairly easy to track down. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day-Time Wife (3 stars)
Day-Time Wife, from 1939, is a sweet little romantic comedy starring Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell. This film made its TCM premiere last month...I think it was on Linda Darnell's day on Summer Under the Stars. Since I had been wanting to see it, I set the DVR.
Power and Darnell play Ken and Jane Norton, a couple just celebrating their second wedding anniversary. As the film begins, Jane has planned an anniversary party, inviting all their friends. Ken, however, doesn't make it to the party; his secretary calls Jane to inform her that Ken had something come up and will be working late at the office. Jane and the party guests decide that if Ken can't get to the party, the party will go to him instead. Alas, though, when they arrive at his office, Ken is not there.
Although Jane's friend hints that she believes Ken is having an affair, Jane doesn't believe it...until Ken arrives home that evening and maintains that he had been at the office all night. Since she had been to the office and knows Ken is lying, Jane begins to believe that he is, in fact, having an affair.
Wanting to find out "what a secretary has that a wife doesn't," Jane takes a job as a secretary to an architect. Turns out that her new boss, who tells her that wives are rather routine, is a business associate of Ken's, and he wants himself, Jane, Ken, and Ken's secretary to have dinner together. Of course, the results of that dinner are quite comical.
Day-Time Wife is definitely a predictable movie, but I think it's loads of fun. (Predictable doesn't bother me at all...I rather like it.) Ty Power and Linda Darnell, paired for the first time here, are great together. I think their chemistry was fantastic. Add to that, they both are totally gorgeous at this point in their careers. Combining all that together, Day-Time Wife is really an entertaining film.
This film is available on DVD, as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection. Additionally, it is available on You Tube, so you have a couple options if you'd like to watch it. Happy viewing!!
Power and Darnell play Ken and Jane Norton, a couple just celebrating their second wedding anniversary. As the film begins, Jane has planned an anniversary party, inviting all their friends. Ken, however, doesn't make it to the party; his secretary calls Jane to inform her that Ken had something come up and will be working late at the office. Jane and the party guests decide that if Ken can't get to the party, the party will go to him instead. Alas, though, when they arrive at his office, Ken is not there.
Although Jane's friend hints that she believes Ken is having an affair, Jane doesn't believe it...until Ken arrives home that evening and maintains that he had been at the office all night. Since she had been to the office and knows Ken is lying, Jane begins to believe that he is, in fact, having an affair.
Wanting to find out "what a secretary has that a wife doesn't," Jane takes a job as a secretary to an architect. Turns out that her new boss, who tells her that wives are rather routine, is a business associate of Ken's, and he wants himself, Jane, Ken, and Ken's secretary to have dinner together. Of course, the results of that dinner are quite comical.
Day-Time Wife is definitely a predictable movie, but I think it's loads of fun. (Predictable doesn't bother me at all...I rather like it.) Ty Power and Linda Darnell, paired for the first time here, are great together. I think their chemistry was fantastic. Add to that, they both are totally gorgeous at this point in their careers. Combining all that together, Day-Time Wife is really an entertaining film.
This film is available on DVD, as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection. Additionally, it is available on You Tube, so you have a couple options if you'd like to watch it. Happy viewing!!
Virtue (3 stars)
Virtue, from 1932, is a pre-code drama starring Carole Lombard and Pat O'Brien. The lovely Miss Lombard portrays Mae, a young woman arrested for prostitution as the film begins. After being told to high-tail it back to her hometown, she is released. Before long, she meets cab driver Jimmy Doyle, and after a bad first impression, the two are soon smitten with each other. Without telling Jimmy about her past, Mae marries him and seeks to live an honorable life.
As always, though, secrets can't be hidden forever, and in short order, Jimmy discovers the truth about Mae. He is extremely upset and even contemplates walking out on her; however, since he loves her, he gives her another chance. Deep down, though, he never forgives her, nor does he really trust her, so when circumstances indicate that Mae has reverted back to her old life (even though that is not the case), Jimmy believes the worst and walks out.
Will Mae and Jimmy get back together? Will Jimmy ever fully forgive Mae? Does he ever begin to trust her? These are the questions that will play out in this film.
Although Virtue isn't a spectacular movie and the acting isn't the best, I do think it's an interesting and entertaining film. I'm not sure if it's out on DVD, but TCM airs it periodically, so you could catch it there.
Happy viewing!!
As always, though, secrets can't be hidden forever, and in short order, Jimmy discovers the truth about Mae. He is extremely upset and even contemplates walking out on her; however, since he loves her, he gives her another chance. Deep down, though, he never forgives her, nor does he really trust her, so when circumstances indicate that Mae has reverted back to her old life (even though that is not the case), Jimmy believes the worst and walks out.
Will Mae and Jimmy get back together? Will Jimmy ever fully forgive Mae? Does he ever begin to trust her? These are the questions that will play out in this film.
Although Virtue isn't a spectacular movie and the acting isn't the best, I do think it's an interesting and entertaining film. I'm not sure if it's out on DVD, but TCM airs it periodically, so you could catch it there.
Happy viewing!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Crime of Passion (3 stars)
Crime of Passion, from 1956, is a crime/drama starring Barbara Stanwyck and Sterling Hayden, with Raymond Burr taking on a co-starring role. Always on the lookout for a Barbara Stanwyck film I haven't seen, I was excited to discover this on Net Flix instant viewing. It's an interesting story and features the usual stellar performance of Miss Stanwyck.
Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) is an ambitious newspaper columnist in San Francisco. While covering a murder, she meets Los Angeles policeman, Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden), and the two quickly fall in love and get married. Kathy leaves her job and makes the move to Los Angeles, to Bill's very suburban home.
While Kathy loves Bill very much, she soon grows bored with their extremely middle-class life. Adding to Kathy's struggle is the fact that Bill is quite content with being just a police officer. He sees the value in what he's doing and has no desire to climb the ladder of success to obtain a more prestigious job. Kathy, however, wants more for him, so she manipulates and schemes to get Bill in tight with the commissioner and to estrange him from his friends. Eventually, sure her actions will get Bill promoted, she begins an affair with the commissioner (Raymond Burr). The commissioner, though, has his own plans, and promoting Bill is not among them. What will Kathy do when she discovers that her affair has been for nothing?
Barbara Stanwyck is one of my top five actresses (#3 on my list), and I think her films are always worth watching. She was an extremely capable actress, and I think she aged beautifully and gracefully. This film is definitely interesting and entertaining, so I hope you get a chance to see it. Happy viewing!!
Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) is an ambitious newspaper columnist in San Francisco. While covering a murder, she meets Los Angeles policeman, Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden), and the two quickly fall in love and get married. Kathy leaves her job and makes the move to Los Angeles, to Bill's very suburban home.
While Kathy loves Bill very much, she soon grows bored with their extremely middle-class life. Adding to Kathy's struggle is the fact that Bill is quite content with being just a police officer. He sees the value in what he's doing and has no desire to climb the ladder of success to obtain a more prestigious job. Kathy, however, wants more for him, so she manipulates and schemes to get Bill in tight with the commissioner and to estrange him from his friends. Eventually, sure her actions will get Bill promoted, she begins an affair with the commissioner (Raymond Burr). The commissioner, though, has his own plans, and promoting Bill is not among them. What will Kathy do when she discovers that her affair has been for nothing?
Barbara Stanwyck is one of my top five actresses (#3 on my list), and I think her films are always worth watching. She was an extremely capable actress, and I think she aged beautifully and gracefully. This film is definitely interesting and entertaining, so I hope you get a chance to see it. Happy viewing!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Patch of Blue (4 stars)
A Patch of Blue, from 1965, is a bold, powerful drama starring Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, and Elizabeth Hartman. Probably considered quite controversial for its time, this hard-hitting film contains both ugly, explosive scenes and incredibly beautiful, tender ones. I found myself lightly misty-eyed by the end of the film.
Selina D'Arcy (Elizabeth Hartman) is a young woman who, since being blinded at the age of five, has lived in a world of isolation and loneliness. Sharing a dingy, one-room apartment with her drunken grandfather (Wallace Ford) and prostitute mother, Roseanne (Shelley Winters), Selina knows no love or warmth. She is little more than a servant to the two elders and is continually verbally abused and told how worthless and ugly she is.
Yearning for some fresh air and sunshine, Selina escapes the prison-like apartment one day, when an acquaintance is willing to escort her to the local park. She intends to spend the day there and then be escorted back home by her grandfather later that night. While in the park, Selina meets Gordon Ralph (Sidney Poitier), a kind and caring man who comes to her aid after she is startled by a caterpillar falling down the back of her dress. As Gordon spends time with Selina, he realizes that not only is she blind, but she has never been taught how to function in her blindness. His heart goes out to her, and for the first time in years, Selina has kindness and caring lavished upon her.
Every afternoon, Selina meets up with Gordon at the park; before long, she is in love with him. The only thing is, Gordon is a black man, and her mother has forbidden her to ever have anything to do with black people. When Roseanne discovers Selina's relationship with Gordon, a violent, ugly scene results, and Gordon is more determined than ever to help Selina escape the ugliness and unhappiness of her home life. Gordon, however, is getting the "stay away from the white girl" attitude from his brother. So, what can he possibly do to help this young woman he has come to really care about?
The acting in A Patch of Blue is terrific. Elizabeth Hartman (who I never heard of prior to this film) gives a very touching performance as the vulnerable, love-starved blind young woman. She received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her work here. Shelley Winters, who won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role, was quite sensational. And Sidney Poitier, always fantastic, was very solid and believable in this film. He is becoming one of my favorite actors...I definitely want to see more of his work.
This film was actually quite bold for its time, and that is another reason I am giving it 4 stars. While interracial romance is totally a non-issue to most all of us nowadays, in 1965, it was definitely unacceptable. To make a movie in which a white girl falls in love with and kisses a black man had to really unsettle audiences. I did read on Wikipedia (which means I don't know if I deem the information totally trustworthy) that when the film was released in Southern U.S. cities, the kissing scene between Poitier and Hartman was removed. Even without the kissing scene, though, to have a white woman telling a black man she loved him in the mid 1960's was quite bold, and such boldness gives me an even greater appreciation for this film.
A Patch of Blue is a beautiful, tender story...a definite must-see film. It's out on DVD, so it should be quite easy to track down. Happy viewing!!
Selina D'Arcy (Elizabeth Hartman) is a young woman who, since being blinded at the age of five, has lived in a world of isolation and loneliness. Sharing a dingy, one-room apartment with her drunken grandfather (Wallace Ford) and prostitute mother, Roseanne (Shelley Winters), Selina knows no love or warmth. She is little more than a servant to the two elders and is continually verbally abused and told how worthless and ugly she is.
Yearning for some fresh air and sunshine, Selina escapes the prison-like apartment one day, when an acquaintance is willing to escort her to the local park. She intends to spend the day there and then be escorted back home by her grandfather later that night. While in the park, Selina meets Gordon Ralph (Sidney Poitier), a kind and caring man who comes to her aid after she is startled by a caterpillar falling down the back of her dress. As Gordon spends time with Selina, he realizes that not only is she blind, but she has never been taught how to function in her blindness. His heart goes out to her, and for the first time in years, Selina has kindness and caring lavished upon her.
Every afternoon, Selina meets up with Gordon at the park; before long, she is in love with him. The only thing is, Gordon is a black man, and her mother has forbidden her to ever have anything to do with black people. When Roseanne discovers Selina's relationship with Gordon, a violent, ugly scene results, and Gordon is more determined than ever to help Selina escape the ugliness and unhappiness of her home life. Gordon, however, is getting the "stay away from the white girl" attitude from his brother. So, what can he possibly do to help this young woman he has come to really care about?
The acting in A Patch of Blue is terrific. Elizabeth Hartman (who I never heard of prior to this film) gives a very touching performance as the vulnerable, love-starved blind young woman. She received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her work here. Shelley Winters, who won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role, was quite sensational. And Sidney Poitier, always fantastic, was very solid and believable in this film. He is becoming one of my favorite actors...I definitely want to see more of his work.
This film was actually quite bold for its time, and that is another reason I am giving it 4 stars. While interracial romance is totally a non-issue to most all of us nowadays, in 1965, it was definitely unacceptable. To make a movie in which a white girl falls in love with and kisses a black man had to really unsettle audiences. I did read on Wikipedia (which means I don't know if I deem the information totally trustworthy) that when the film was released in Southern U.S. cities, the kissing scene between Poitier and Hartman was removed. Even without the kissing scene, though, to have a white woman telling a black man she loved him in the mid 1960's was quite bold, and such boldness gives me an even greater appreciation for this film.
A Patch of Blue is a beautiful, tender story...a definite must-see film. It's out on DVD, so it should be quite easy to track down. Happy viewing!!
The Lady Is Willing (4 stars)
The Lady Is Willing, from 1942, is a romantic comedy starring Marlene Dietrich and Fred MacMurray. While the film is primarily a light romantic comedy, it does have a few dramatic moments, and I even found myself getting slightly misty-eyed at one point.
Marlene Dietrich plays Elizabeth Madden, an unmarried stage actress with financial problems. As the film begins, Elizabeth arrives home at her posh apartment, a baby in her arms. The baby had been abandoned, so Elizabeth took her, fully intending to adopt her. When she calls in Dr. Corey McBain (Fred MacMurray) to examine the child, she discovers that the dressed-in-pink child isn't a girl after all. No matter, though...Elizabeth still wants the child and sets out to adopt him.
Adopting the little one isn't as easy as Elizabeth had hoped or expected, though. It seems that all her debt is working against her. According to the court, Elizabeth must either be solvent or married in order to make the baby hers. Since becoming solvent isn't easily accomplished, she must locate a husband...and Dr. McBain fits the bill nicely.
Elizabeth and Dr. McBain's marriage is supposed to be a marriage of convenience. Will it stay that way? What happens when Elizabeth's leading man kisses her? What happens when a couple shows up, claiming to be the baby's real parents? And what about the sudden presence of Dr. McBain's ex-wife? These are the questions that will play out in this delightful film.
The Lady Is Willing is totally predictable, but it's also completely sweet and adorable. I found myself smiling through the entire film and commenting over and over how much I was enjoying it. As a side note, I will mention that I'm not a huge Marlene Dietrich fan; while I don't hate her, I just don't consider myself a fan of hers. Despite that, though, I enjoyed this film immensely and really found Dietrich to be delightful in her role. This is a film I will watch over and over. Definitely, highly recommended!
While I don't believe the film is out on DVD, I know it is available through You Tube. Try to catch it there or on TCM. Happy viewing!
Marlene Dietrich plays Elizabeth Madden, an unmarried stage actress with financial problems. As the film begins, Elizabeth arrives home at her posh apartment, a baby in her arms. The baby had been abandoned, so Elizabeth took her, fully intending to adopt her. When she calls in Dr. Corey McBain (Fred MacMurray) to examine the child, she discovers that the dressed-in-pink child isn't a girl after all. No matter, though...Elizabeth still wants the child and sets out to adopt him.
Adopting the little one isn't as easy as Elizabeth had hoped or expected, though. It seems that all her debt is working against her. According to the court, Elizabeth must either be solvent or married in order to make the baby hers. Since becoming solvent isn't easily accomplished, she must locate a husband...and Dr. McBain fits the bill nicely.
Elizabeth and Dr. McBain's marriage is supposed to be a marriage of convenience. Will it stay that way? What happens when Elizabeth's leading man kisses her? What happens when a couple shows up, claiming to be the baby's real parents? And what about the sudden presence of Dr. McBain's ex-wife? These are the questions that will play out in this delightful film.
The Lady Is Willing is totally predictable, but it's also completely sweet and adorable. I found myself smiling through the entire film and commenting over and over how much I was enjoying it. As a side note, I will mention that I'm not a huge Marlene Dietrich fan; while I don't hate her, I just don't consider myself a fan of hers. Despite that, though, I enjoyed this film immensely and really found Dietrich to be delightful in her role. This is a film I will watch over and over. Definitely, highly recommended!
While I don't believe the film is out on DVD, I know it is available through You Tube. Try to catch it there or on TCM. Happy viewing!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Adam and Evalyne (3 stars)
Adam and Evalyne is a 1949 romance, which stars real-life couple Stewart Granger and Jean Simmons. Made the year before the two married, Adam and Evalyne is the first of three pairings between Granger and Simmons. I discovered this film over the weekend on Net Flix instant viewing. I had never heard of it before.
About 16, Evalyne Wallace (Jean Simmons) lives and works at Willby Hall Orphanage. How she got there, and why she bears her mother's name is never explained. (My guess is that she was an illegitimate child.) Letters from her father are what keep Evalyne going. She lives for the day when her handsome, well-to-do father fulfills his promise to call for her at the orphanage and takes her home to live with him.
Unbeknownst to Evalyne, however, is the fact that her father's letters are completely bogus. Instead of using his real name, Chris Kirby, he writes to her using the name of his best friend...Adam Black. The photo of himself which he sends to Evalyne is really a photo of Adam (Stewart Granger). So, upon Chris's death, when Adam, fulfilling his promise to the dying Chris, shows up at the orphanage, Evalyne fully believes he is her father, who has finally come to take her to live with him. Not wanting to hurt Evalyne, Adam cannot bear to tell her the truth, so home with him she goes.
Shortly after learning the truth, that Adam is really not her father, Evalyne is sent to a Swiss finishing school. When she returns, two years later, she is hardly the plain, awkward young lady she had once been, and although she begins to see other men, it is Adam to whom her heart belongs. But can Adam see her as anything except his ward?
Adam and Evalyne is very cute and quite predictable. Really, it's an entertaining and enjoyable film. The chemistry between Granger and Simmons is fantastic, and I'm not just talking the romantic scenes. They were fabulous with one another in every scene. I think it's their chemistry that really made this film enjoyable for me. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!!
About 16, Evalyne Wallace (Jean Simmons) lives and works at Willby Hall Orphanage. How she got there, and why she bears her mother's name is never explained. (My guess is that she was an illegitimate child.) Letters from her father are what keep Evalyne going. She lives for the day when her handsome, well-to-do father fulfills his promise to call for her at the orphanage and takes her home to live with him.
Unbeknownst to Evalyne, however, is the fact that her father's letters are completely bogus. Instead of using his real name, Chris Kirby, he writes to her using the name of his best friend...Adam Black. The photo of himself which he sends to Evalyne is really a photo of Adam (Stewart Granger). So, upon Chris's death, when Adam, fulfilling his promise to the dying Chris, shows up at the orphanage, Evalyne fully believes he is her father, who has finally come to take her to live with him. Not wanting to hurt Evalyne, Adam cannot bear to tell her the truth, so home with him she goes.
Shortly after learning the truth, that Adam is really not her father, Evalyne is sent to a Swiss finishing school. When she returns, two years later, she is hardly the plain, awkward young lady she had once been, and although she begins to see other men, it is Adam to whom her heart belongs. But can Adam see her as anything except his ward?
Adam and Evalyne is very cute and quite predictable. Really, it's an entertaining and enjoyable film. The chemistry between Granger and Simmons is fantastic, and I'm not just talking the romantic scenes. They were fabulous with one another in every scene. I think it's their chemistry that really made this film enjoyable for me. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Forsaking All Others (3 stars)
Forsaking All Others, from 1934, is a romantic comedy/drama starring Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Robert Montgomery. It was one of the films TCM recently aired on Joan Crawford's day during Summer Under the Stars, and since I had been wanting to see it, I made sure to set my DVR that day.
The film begins on the eve of Mary Clay's (Joan Crawford) wedding day. Having been in love with Dillon "Dill" Todd (Robert Montgomery) since childhood, Mary is thrilled to finally be marrying him. Her joy is complete when another dear childhood friend, Jeff Williams (Clark Gable), returns from a trip to Spain just in time for the wedding. What Mary doesn't realize is that while she has been in love with Dill all those years, Jeff has been in love with her. His arrival at her house was to ask her to marry him, not to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage to Dill. In fact, Jeff wasn't even aware of her upcoming marriage. Jeff never has an opportunity to declare his love for Mary, as before he has the chance to do so, he learns of Mary's next-day wedding to Dill. Though disappointed, Jeff puts on a brave face and tries to be happy for her.
On the eve of the wedding, Dill's old flame, Connie, shows up at his door. After having a few drinks together, they decide to run off and get married, and Dill informs Mary of this in a telegram just hours before their planned wedding. Jeff is there to help Mary pick up the pieces, though he never reveals his love for her. Not long after marrying Connie, Dill regrets that action and seeks to reconcile with Mary, putting Mary in the position of having to determine which man will make her happy.
All three stars give a good performance here in Forsaking All Others, making for a very solid 3-star film. The movie is out on DVD, plus it's available on You Tube. Additionally, TCM has it on their November schedule. So there are plenty of ways you can enjoy this cute film.
Happy viewing!!
The film begins on the eve of Mary Clay's (Joan Crawford) wedding day. Having been in love with Dillon "Dill" Todd (Robert Montgomery) since childhood, Mary is thrilled to finally be marrying him. Her joy is complete when another dear childhood friend, Jeff Williams (Clark Gable), returns from a trip to Spain just in time for the wedding. What Mary doesn't realize is that while she has been in love with Dill all those years, Jeff has been in love with her. His arrival at her house was to ask her to marry him, not to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage to Dill. In fact, Jeff wasn't even aware of her upcoming marriage. Jeff never has an opportunity to declare his love for Mary, as before he has the chance to do so, he learns of Mary's next-day wedding to Dill. Though disappointed, Jeff puts on a brave face and tries to be happy for her.
On the eve of the wedding, Dill's old flame, Connie, shows up at his door. After having a few drinks together, they decide to run off and get married, and Dill informs Mary of this in a telegram just hours before their planned wedding. Jeff is there to help Mary pick up the pieces, though he never reveals his love for her. Not long after marrying Connie, Dill regrets that action and seeks to reconcile with Mary, putting Mary in the position of having to determine which man will make her happy.
All three stars give a good performance here in Forsaking All Others, making for a very solid 3-star film. The movie is out on DVD, plus it's available on You Tube. Additionally, TCM has it on their November schedule. So there are plenty of ways you can enjoy this cute film.
Happy viewing!!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Caught (3 stars)
Caught, from 1949, is an interesting soap-opera-ish drama starring Robert Ryan, James Mason, and Barbara Bel Geddes. What drew me to this film was the fabulous Robert Ryan. Though #1 and #2 guys, William Holden and Gary Cooper, aren't in danger of being toppled from their positions, Robert Ryan isn't far behind. Some days I think he's my #5 guy, other days, he's #6. Since he's so high on my list, I'm always on the lookout for a film of his that I haven't seen, and I discovered this one on Net Flix instant viewing.
The film begins with working girl Leonora Ames (Barbara Bel Geddes) enrolling in a charm school. Leonora's hope is to graduate from the school, land a modeling job, and meet (and marry) a millionaire; in short order, it appears that her dream is coming true, because, while modeling a mink coat, she gets invited to the yacht party of wealthy businessman Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan). Feeling cheap and out of her element, Leonora's first thought is to skip the party; however, her roommate manages to convince her that the party would provide a wonderful opportunity to meet great men, so she dons an evening gown and heads to the pier.
Before arriving at the party, Leonora is approached by a man she doesn't know, and upon discovering he is none other than Smith Ohlrig, she agrees to go for a drive with him. It's an uncomfortable drive, with Smith gruff and demanding the entire time; when he pulls up in front of his house, Leonora insists that she is not that kind of girl and just wants to go home, a request to which Smith angrily complies.
Shortly afterwards, Smith visits his analyst, who tells him that his heart attacks and angry outbursts are the direct result of having his will thwarted. He tells Smith that he is a man who wants to control all things and all people, so when anything obstructs his plans, he will be vehemently angry and, perhaps, even have heart attack-like episodes. And, says the doctor, since Leonora was unable to be controlled, Smith has descended into a fit of rage. Furious with the doctor's opinion, Smith is determined to prove him wrong and vows to marry the girl, which is exactly what he does.
Nearly a year later, Leonora, lonely and living on pills, wishes things were different. Telling her friend that she really loves Smith, that she didn't marry him just for his money, she laments that he's never home and doesn't spend any time with her. When he does come home, bringing several business associates with him, Smith expects Leonora to play hostess for him. She does, even willingly, but after Smith is rude to her in front of his guests, she walks out on him...a situation that triggers one of his spells.
Moving from her fancy Long Island mansion to a shabby Eastside apartment, Leonora begins life apart from Smith. Using her maiden name and not wearing a wedding ring, she takes a job as a receptionist for Dr. Larry Quinada (James Mason), a kindly pediatrician. Before long, Dr. Quinada has fallen in love with her, but suddenly, Smith comes back into Leonora's life, pleading for another chance, assuring her that he missed her, promising that things will be different. But will they? Has Smith really changed? Does he really love Leonora? Those questions (and more) will play out through the balance of the film.
Robert Ryan was totally fantastic in his role (as I think he almost always was). His character was supposedly based on the life of Howard Hughes; however, I don't know enough about Hughes to know if that's true or not. Suffice to say, his character was wealthy...and powerful...and totally sadistic. Boy, could Robert Ryan play those kinds of characters to perfection! I found him magnificent here. James Mason, who I am just beginning to discover, was very good in his role. Oh, that voice of his!! Like velvet! As for Barbara Bel Geddes---besides Miss Ellie on Dallas, I have never seen any other of her works. In fact, I didn't know she had ever made movies. She was okay in her role...a bit stiff and not quite believable sometimes, I thought, but for the most part, I liked her.
Caught grabbed me instantly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Quite honestly, I thought I would give it 4 stars; however, the ending was lame and somewhat ridiculous, so I decided to give 3 stars. It's a very solid 3 stars, though, so I definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
The film begins with working girl Leonora Ames (Barbara Bel Geddes) enrolling in a charm school. Leonora's hope is to graduate from the school, land a modeling job, and meet (and marry) a millionaire; in short order, it appears that her dream is coming true, because, while modeling a mink coat, she gets invited to the yacht party of wealthy businessman Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan). Feeling cheap and out of her element, Leonora's first thought is to skip the party; however, her roommate manages to convince her that the party would provide a wonderful opportunity to meet great men, so she dons an evening gown and heads to the pier.
Before arriving at the party, Leonora is approached by a man she doesn't know, and upon discovering he is none other than Smith Ohlrig, she agrees to go for a drive with him. It's an uncomfortable drive, with Smith gruff and demanding the entire time; when he pulls up in front of his house, Leonora insists that she is not that kind of girl and just wants to go home, a request to which Smith angrily complies.
Shortly afterwards, Smith visits his analyst, who tells him that his heart attacks and angry outbursts are the direct result of having his will thwarted. He tells Smith that he is a man who wants to control all things and all people, so when anything obstructs his plans, he will be vehemently angry and, perhaps, even have heart attack-like episodes. And, says the doctor, since Leonora was unable to be controlled, Smith has descended into a fit of rage. Furious with the doctor's opinion, Smith is determined to prove him wrong and vows to marry the girl, which is exactly what he does.
Nearly a year later, Leonora, lonely and living on pills, wishes things were different. Telling her friend that she really loves Smith, that she didn't marry him just for his money, she laments that he's never home and doesn't spend any time with her. When he does come home, bringing several business associates with him, Smith expects Leonora to play hostess for him. She does, even willingly, but after Smith is rude to her in front of his guests, she walks out on him...a situation that triggers one of his spells.
Moving from her fancy Long Island mansion to a shabby Eastside apartment, Leonora begins life apart from Smith. Using her maiden name and not wearing a wedding ring, she takes a job as a receptionist for Dr. Larry Quinada (James Mason), a kindly pediatrician. Before long, Dr. Quinada has fallen in love with her, but suddenly, Smith comes back into Leonora's life, pleading for another chance, assuring her that he missed her, promising that things will be different. But will they? Has Smith really changed? Does he really love Leonora? Those questions (and more) will play out through the balance of the film.
Robert Ryan was totally fantastic in his role (as I think he almost always was). His character was supposedly based on the life of Howard Hughes; however, I don't know enough about Hughes to know if that's true or not. Suffice to say, his character was wealthy...and powerful...and totally sadistic. Boy, could Robert Ryan play those kinds of characters to perfection! I found him magnificent here. James Mason, who I am just beginning to discover, was very good in his role. Oh, that voice of his!! Like velvet! As for Barbara Bel Geddes---besides Miss Ellie on Dallas, I have never seen any other of her works. In fact, I didn't know she had ever made movies. She was okay in her role...a bit stiff and not quite believable sometimes, I thought, but for the most part, I liked her.
Caught grabbed me instantly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Quite honestly, I thought I would give it 4 stars; however, the ending was lame and somewhat ridiculous, so I decided to give 3 stars. It's a very solid 3 stars, though, so I definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
Friday, September 02, 2011
A Child Is Waiting (3 stars)
A Child Is Waiting, starring Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland, is a touching 1963 drama which focuses on the education of mentally retarded children. It's a great "message movie" about the dignity and worth of all humans.
Dr. Clark (Burt Lancaster) is the director at a school for mentally handicapped children; as the film begins, Jean Hanson (Judy Garland) is hired on as a music teacher. Despite not having experience in either teaching or working with mentally retarded children, Jean's heart is in the right place, so Dr. Clark offers her a position at the school. Almost immediately upon arrival, Jean develops a connection with Ruben, a young boy with whom the school hasn't had much success.
While Dr. Clark is quite an advocate for helping the children, he and Jean butt heads over his methods, especially with regard to Ruben. Jean gives the lion's share of her attention to Ruben and seems to baby him, not really expecting him to obey rules or join in with the other children. Jean's attachment to the little boy eventually causes her to go directly against Dr. Clark's instruction to not contact his mother, an action which brings great heartbreak to Ruben.
The balance of the film chronicles Dr. Clark's and Jean's endeavors to reach Ruben and make him a functioning part of the school. It's a touching and interesting movie, with Burt Lancaster playing a rather paternal role...definitely a departure from other films of his that I've seen. I liked having the opportunity to see him in such a capacity. I found this a solid 3-star movie and definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
Dr. Clark (Burt Lancaster) is the director at a school for mentally handicapped children; as the film begins, Jean Hanson (Judy Garland) is hired on as a music teacher. Despite not having experience in either teaching or working with mentally retarded children, Jean's heart is in the right place, so Dr. Clark offers her a position at the school. Almost immediately upon arrival, Jean develops a connection with Ruben, a young boy with whom the school hasn't had much success.
While Dr. Clark is quite an advocate for helping the children, he and Jean butt heads over his methods, especially with regard to Ruben. Jean gives the lion's share of her attention to Ruben and seems to baby him, not really expecting him to obey rules or join in with the other children. Jean's attachment to the little boy eventually causes her to go directly against Dr. Clark's instruction to not contact his mother, an action which brings great heartbreak to Ruben.
The balance of the film chronicles Dr. Clark's and Jean's endeavors to reach Ruben and make him a functioning part of the school. It's a touching and interesting movie, with Burt Lancaster playing a rather paternal role...definitely a departure from other films of his that I've seen. I liked having the opportunity to see him in such a capacity. I found this a solid 3-star movie and definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!