Recapping Claudette Colbert Month

Wow, the months are flying by at an alarming pace.  It seems like September began only yesterday, and now here it is, the middle of the afternoon on the 30th.  I enjoyed having Claudette Colbert as my star of the month, and while I didn't review (or even watch) as many of her films as I had originally intended, it was still a good month.  I enjoyed re-watches of some tried and true faves, plus I discovered some terrific "new to me" films.  Here's how everything panned out.

Over 75% of my readers (76%), count It Happened One Night as their favorite Colbert film. I am not at all surprised by that.  After all, it's Claudette's Academy Award-winning role, not to mention a best picture winner.  I figured it would probably be the most popular of all her films. In the far distant second place, with 12% of the vote, is Since You Went Away; Drums Along the Mohawk took third place, with 8%; and The Egg and I got a single vote to take fourth place, with 4% of the vote.  Garnering zero votes in the poll were Cleopatra and Imitation of Life.

No votes for Imitation of Life?  Say it isn't so!  I love that film, and I count it as my favorite of Miss Colbert's films.  It Happened One Night, however, is very beloved to me as well, and it can sometimes be my favorite of her films---if I am in a comedy mood that is.  Most of the time, though, Imitation of Life (reviewed HERE) takes the top position, with It Happened One Night (reviewed HERE) in second place.

Rounding out my list of 5 favorite Claudette Colbert films are:

3.  Tomorrow Is Forever  (1946---reviewed HERE)  Also starring George Brent and Orson Welles, this very touching war-time drama always brings me to tears.  After learning that husband Orson Welles has been killed in WWI, Claudette marries George Brent and raises a family.  Alas, Orson wasn't really killed, and he re-enters Claudette's life.  A definite sobber for me.

4.  Three Came Home  (1950)  Also starring Patric Knowles and Sessue Hayakawa, this WWII-era drama tells the story of American author Agnes Keith, who, along with her husband and young son, was living on a South Pacific island when the Japanese Army invaded.  Agnes and her son were sent to one prison camp, while her husband was sent to another.  An inspiring story, revealing the fortitude of the human spirit.

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5.  Remember the Day  (1941---reviewed HERE)  Also starring John Payne, this touching, sentimental film was one of my "discoveries" this month.  After only one viewing, it went immediately to my "5 favorites" list.  The film features Claudette as a schoolteacher reminiscing about one of her former students on the eve of his hoped-for presidential nomination.

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Thanks to everyone who joined me this month in celebration of Claudette.  Beginning tomorrow, Montgomery Clift will be moving front and center.


NOTE:  Unless otherwise noted, all photos were obtained from Doctor Macro (HERE)

Remember the Day (1941)

When was the last time you found yourself thinking about that middle school teacher you had such a crush on?  You know, the teacher you adored so much that you wished the entire school day belonged to English (or math, or whatever) class, just so you could be in his (or her) presence...the teacher you so wanted to impress that you worked your tail off in his (or her) class, knowing he (or she) would be proud of your efforts and accomplishments...the teacher who, in the fantasy world of the "tween," you imagined might "like you back."  Never mind that we now know it would be foolhardy, not to mention illegal, for a teacher to get involved with one of his students; in the dream world of a 1970's middle schooler, a love affair with the teacher was possible. For me, the teacher who inspired those things was 6th grade English teacher, Richard Barnett---oh, was he dreamy! Though the man hasn't crossed my mind in close to 40 years, after watching the very charming, heartwarming, and sentimental Remember the Day last night, I found myself thinking about him, even vividly visualizing his handsome face and friendly smile.  One of the "new to me" films I had on my agenda for Claudette Colbert month, this lovely 1941 romantic drama also stars John Payne and features Douglas Croft, Ann Todd, Anne Revere, and Jane Seymour in supporting roles.  If you are anything like I am, this Henry King-directed film will take you on a trip down memory lane, bringing those crush-inducing teachers to your mind front and center.

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Mostly told in flashback, the story begins in the present day, as presidential nominee Dewey Roberts (John Sheppard, aka Shepperd Strudwick) prepares to  speak at a Washington, D.C. event. Among those in attendance is a somewhat-older-looking woman, Nora Trinell (Claudette Colbert), who hopes for an opportunity to meet with Mr. Roberts.  After handing a note to the bellboy, Miss Trinell allows her mind to travel back to April, 1916, when she first met little boy Dewey (Douglas Croft).

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A student at Auburn Grammar School, the school where Nora has just begun teaching, Dewey Roberts is a bright and friendly young man.  In very short order, a special bond is formed between the boy and his teacher, with Miss Trinell even stopping by Dewey's home when he is absent due to a knee injury and with Dewey naming his model ship the Miss Trinell. Although Dewey's plan has long been to attend his father's old prep school the following year, because of his attachment to Miss Trinell, he changes his mind.  Telling his beloved teacher that she's beautiful, Dewey informs her that he is going to stay on at Auburn and play football under Mr. Hopkins (John Payne).

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A fellow teacher at Auburn, Dan Hopkins coaches the baseball and football teams.  He and Nora fall in love, yet with their positions at the school to be considered, they don't publicly declare their love. Both Nora and Dan are quite close to Dewey, and through postcards they each send him, their relationship comes to the attention of the school principal.  Mindful that his teachers need to be setting a good moral example for the students, Mr. Steele requests a resignation.  (I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I won't reveal more than that.)

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The years go by...Dewey Roberts grows to be a successful man with presidential aspirations...Nora Trinell gets older, touching the lives of countless other students along the way.  Now, here in 1941, will they have a chance to speak with one another?  And if they do, will Dewey even remember the teacher he used to love so dearly?  These questions will play out in the remainder of the film.

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Remember the Day is a charming, extremely sentimental movie, with enjoyable performances from all. Miss Colbert and Mr. Payne have terrific chemistry together, and Ann Todd (Ann E. Todd, not British actress Ann Todd) is her usual delightful self.  Douglas Croft, who would grow up to be Gary Cooper in Pride of the Yankees and James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy, is another child actor I enjoy watching.  He does a great job here.  Incredibly heartwarming, this film didn't just get me misty-eyed---it had me heartily weeping.

The film was released shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, in December, 1941, so, obviously it did much more than simply entertain; with its nostalgic, patriotic tone, I'm sure it inspired audiences as well.  It definitely worked its nostalgia on me, reminding me of one of the most wonderful, inspiring (and crushable) teachers I ever had---6th grade English teacher, Richard Barnett. I think now is a good time to pull those boxes of yearbooks out of the far recesses of the garage!

Remember the Day is out on DVD (and available through Classic Flix); it used to be available on YouTube, but I can't find it there anymore.  I do hope you get a chance to see it, as it is a lovely, heartwarming story and, easily, a 4-star film for me.

Happy viewing!!

Sleep, My Love (1948)

Though Douglas Sirk is mostly known for romantic melodramas, he did venture into other genre...including film noir.  One such example is 1948's Sleep, My Love, which stars Claudette Colbert, Robert Cummings, and Don Ameche.  Another of those "wife being driven to madness" films, Sleep, My Love features Queenie Smith, Hazel Brooks, Rita Johnson, and George Coulouris in supporting roles.

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Wealthy Allison Courtland (Claudette Colbert) awakens in the sleeper car of a New York-to-Boston train, hysterical because she has no recollection of how she got there. Despite the fact that witnesses claim to have seen her in Grand Central Station before departure, Allison insists that she did not board the train and had, in fact, gone to bed in her own home.  After phoning her husband, Richard (Don Ameche), to tell him where she is, Allison boards a plane for the flight back to New York. Although panicked by the situation in which she finds herself, Allison does manage to strike up a friendship with her seat-mate, Bruce Elcott (Robert Cummings).

Richard Courtland is relieved to have his wife back home; however, after informing her that she shot him the previous evening and reminding her that she has disappeared on other occasions, he convinces her that it's time to see a psychiatrist.  Allison reluctantly agrees, and Dr. Rinehart (George Coulouris) is called in---but Dr. Rinehart isn't a doctor at all. He is actually a man in cahoots with Richard Courtland, and the plan is to drive Allison to suicide and then cash in on her wealth.  Allison's only hope lies in new friend Bruce.  Will he figure things out in time to rescue her?  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.

While solid and interesting, Sleep, My Love fell a bit short for me. Although all the leads are fine in their roles, since I had been expecting something the caliber of Gaslight, I was letdown by this.  I found Miss Colbert and Mr. Cummings to be a rather strange pairing, plus the storyline was a bit too farfetched for me.  Also, the scene with the Chinese wedding seemed rather pointless.  Still, though, I enjoyed the film and deem it a solid 3-stars.  Another 3-star Claudette Colbert "woman being driven insane" film is The Secret Fury, which pairs Miss Colbert with (the wonderful and under-rated) Robert Ryan  (reviewed HERE).

To my knowledge, Sleep, My Love is not out on DVD; however, it is available on YouTube (HERE), plus, through instant streaming on Amazon.

Happy viewing!

Happy Birthday, Claudette Colbert!!

Happy 110th birthday to one of the classiest gals of Hollywood's golden era (or any era!)---the lovely Miss Claudette Colbert (September 13, 1903 - July 30, 1996).

Born Emilie Lily Chauchoin (or Lily Emilie, depending on the source) in Paris, Claudette Colbert was one of those actresses who could do it all---comedy, drama, stage, silents, talkies, TV.  Having moved to New York with her family when she was nine years old, Lily---who had changed her named to Lily Claudette---began her show business career on the Broadway stage. The stage would remain a love, and it would draw her back regularly through the years.

In a career spanning over six decades, Claudette made 62 films, earning a Best Actress Academy Award for her work in Frank Capra's It Happened One Night.  She would be nominated two more times for that award.  Her appearance in the 1987 TV mini-series, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, garnered her an Emmy Award nomination (Best Supporting Actress) and a Golden Globe win.  Her stage work brought a Tony Award nomination her way.  Not many actresses can boast of having Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominations, but this "can do it all" gal did.  Over the course of her long career, Miss Colbert was paired with a variety of leading men, including Don Ameche, Clark Gable, and, for seven films, Fred MacMurray.

The lovely, classy Claudette came into my life through It Happened One Night.  It was close to seven years ago, when, having long-loved It's a Wonderful Life, I went on a quest to see more of Frank Capra's works and discovered the completely charming "bus movie."  I promptly fell in love with Miss Colbert, and she has been among my 20 favorite actresses ever since.  I think she's classy, elegant, sophisticated, and feminine.  She's always a delight to watch!

So, Miss Claudette Colbert, here's to you on your 110th birthday.  You were a wonderful actress, and you will always be one of my favorites.  Thank you for making so many terrific movies, including two (It Happened One Night and Imitation of Life) which are among my 20 favorites of all time.

Torch Singer (1933)

While I'm very familiar with Claudette Colbert's "code" work, with the exception of Imitation of Life and It Happened One Night---both of which were from the year the code went into effect---I've not seen any of her pre-code films.  I decided that during her reign as star of the month here at They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To, I would make it a point to expose myself to some of her pre-code works.  The first of those is Torch Singer, a 1933 drama also starring Ricardo Cortez, with David Manners, Lyda Roberti, and Charley Grapewin also making appearances.

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After giving birth to a baby girl, unmarried, unemployed Sally Trent (Claudette Colbert) tries to make it on her own.  When the friend she is living with loses her job and moves away, Sally finds herself in dire straits---she's behind on her rent, locked out of her apartment, and unable to find a job.  With no ability to support herself, let alone a child, Sally approaches the wealthy aunt of her former boyfriend, Michael Gardner (David Manners, though you won't see him until 45 minutes into the film), hoping that the woman will take her little girl. Although Sally promises to give up all claim to the child, the older woman will have no part of it; in fact, she's not even sure the child is that of her nephew

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With nowhere else to turn, Sally returns to the hospital where she gave birth, putting her child into the hands of the kindly nun who had helped her months earlier.  Although warned by the sister that things will be permanent, that she'll be giving up her daughter forever, Sally knows she has no choice.

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Now without a child, Sally changes her image and takes on the name Mimi Benton, finding success as a nightclub singer and garnering an unsavory reputation.

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A few years later, Sally/Mimi helps a friend out of a bind by stepping up to the mike when the storyteller of his children's radio program bails on him.  Although she is Mimi Benton---torch singer---and not the wholesome Aunt Jenny she is slated to be, children all over the country love her.  With ratings soaring, Sally is given the role permanently.

By now, Michael has returned from his trip to China, and he sets out to track down the woman he left behind and whom he still loves.  Upon locating Sally, he is disconcerted by both her attitude towards him and the change in her demeanor. Gone is Sally Trent, he says, and in her place is a selfish, hard woman. Michael vows to do what it takes to win his love back.  Sally, too, desires to do some winning back---she intends to use her radio show to track down the little girl she gave away.  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.




This film is the youngest I have ever seen Miss Colbert, and I think she is beautiful. Her performance in this role is terrific.  She is one of those stars who shines as readily in drama as she does in comedy.  Oh, and she gets an opportunity to belt out a few tunes here.  Who knew she could sing? The other stars, as well, do a great job in their roles.  In fact, this film had the potential for being a 4-star gem; in the end, though, because  the ending is lame, rushed, unrealistic, and leaves a lot of unanswered questions, I downgraded to 3 stars---but it's more like 3.5. Definitely, Torch Singer is a solid, very enjoyable film.

Out on DVD as part of a Pre-code Hollywood collection, Torch Singer should be fairly easy to track down.  It is also available on YouTube, in parts.  HERE is the link to the first part. If you enjoy pre-code films, or if you'd like to catch Claudette Colbert in her very young years, you'll definitely want to see this.

Happy viewing!

Claudette on "What's My Line"

It's always fun catching the great classic film stars when they appeared as the "Mystery Challenger" on that wonderful little '50's and 60's game show, What's My Line.  Here's Claudette Colbert's appearance.  That delightful little giggle of hers would betray her anywhere.

Enjoy!

Imitation of Life (1934)

Regular readers of They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To know that I am a sucker for tearjerker dramas. The more touching a film is, the more I like it.  One such heart-tugger is 1934's Imitation of Life, which I reviewed back in the very first week of this blog's existence. What I have deemed a "mommy movie," Imitation of Life is one of four films I always watch during Mothers' Day weekend.  (The others being Stella Dallas, Madame X, and Penny Serenade) Loving this film as I do, I decided a revision and expansion of my earlier review was in order during Claudette Colbert's reign as star of the month.

Based on Fannie Hurst's novel of the same name, Imitation of Life stars Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers, with Rochelle Hudson, Fredi Washington, and Warren William taking on supporting roles. Nominated for three Academy Awards (including Best Picture), Imitation of Life is not only a 5-star film for me, but it is one of my 5 favorite films of the entire decade of the 1930's and among my 20 favorite films of all-time.  I absolutely love this movie.

As white widow Bea Pullman (Claudette Colbert) tries to balance the responsibilities of running her late husband's maple syrup business and taking care of her young daughter, into her life comes Delilah Johnson (beautifully portrayed by the wonderful Louise Beavers), a black woman---also a widow---with a similar-aged daughter of her own. After Delilah convinces Bea to hire her as her maid, she and her little girl, Peola, move in with Bea and daughter Jessie.

Upon tasting Delilah's delicious pancakes one morning, Bea realizes that with her maple syrup and Delilah's pancake recipe, the two of them could join forces and go into business together. Bea sets out to snag a building and all the necessary equipment for them to do so. The business is a great success, and before long, they have gone beyond just a restaurant...in fact, they are packaging Aunt Delilah's Pancake Mix and selling it to grocery stores all across the country. Although, Delilah is a partner and earning a good living through the business, she continues to stay on as Bea's maid, since they have also become good friends.

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Daughters Jessie and Peola, who are now school age, attend a nearby school, but the extremely light-skinned Peola, does not want her teacher nor any of her classmates to know she is black. Able to pass as white because of her fair complexion, she seeks to hide her blackness; when Delilah shows up at the school one day---claiming to be Peola's mother and thereby ending the masquerade---Peola is furious with her.

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The years go by....the women's business becomes more and more successful, Jessie (now Rochelle Hudson) heads off to school, Bea falls in love, and Peola (now Fredi Washington) grows more and more angry at her skin color and tries even harder to sever ties with her black heritage and to live in a white world. She even, at one point, disowns her mother, who keeps showing up in her life and ruining things for her.  How everything plays out is the remainder of the film.

As you can imagine, this is a sobber!!! Yes, Peola will see the error of her ways and seek to make amends; the scene in which that happens is particularly poignant and touching. If you are anything like I am, the tears will be pouring down your face then.

While Claudette Colbert gets top billing in this movie and is completely wonderful and charming in her role, for me, the real star is the amazing Louise Beavers.  Miss Beavers' portrayal of Delilah is totally delightful and full of love and grace and faith.  I was in love with her from moment one. Fredi Washington is terrific in her role as well.  She brings Peola's tortured soul brilliantly to life.  

Even more than the racial situation, Imitation of Life is the story of a mother's love for her child. Both Bea and Delilah loved their daughters unconditionally and sacrificially and would give anything---even her own life---for her.  As a woman who has devoted over two decades of my life to motherhood, I find that stories like this quite resonate with me.

The team of Ross Hunter and Douglas Sirk got their hands on this story in 1959, remaking the film with Lana Turner and Juanita Moore in the Claudette Colbert/Louise Beavers roles and Sandra Dee and Susan Kohner as their respective daughters.  Despite the fact that I adore Lana Turner and count her among my top 5 favorite actresses, I definitely prefer the earlier version. The remake is moving and heart-tugging and I do enjoy it and deem it a 4-star film, but for a couple of reasons, it just doesn't top the original for me. Yes, Lana is gorgeous and her acting is terrific, and Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner are both sensational; however, in the remake, Turner's character is extremely selfish.  She can't hold a candle to Claudette's Bea. Also, Juanita Moore's character is always just a maid---the women don't go into business together. Finally, the white daughter is more whiny and selfish in the remake, making it hard to really like her. The one upside to the Sirk version is that the downward spiral of the black daughter gets more attention and is much more graphic than in the earlier film, making it, therefore, all the more heartbreaking.

Out on DVD, this film ought to be fairly easy to track down.  One of the ways it is available is in the 2-disc Imitation of Life collection, which includes both films, along with bonus feature commentary.

Happy viewing!

NOTE:  Unless stated otherwise, all photos were obtained from Doctor Macro  (HERE)

September Means Claudette...and a Few Other Things

The classy, elegant Claudette Colbert begins her reign today as They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To's star of the month.  This lovely lady provided one of my earliest introductions to classic films---through It Happened One Night---and I've counted her among my top 20 favorite actresses since that very first viewing.  Two of her films---It Happened One Night and Imitation of Life---are among my 10 favorites of the 1930's and among my 25 all-time favorites. I look forward to highlighting this lovely lady, and I extend a hearty welcome to her.

Additionally, September will find me participating in two exciting events---the Gish Sisters blogathon hosted by Movies Silently and The Motion Pictures and the Journalism in Classic Film blogathon hosted by Comet Over Hollywood and Lindsay's Movie Musings.  Additionally, I'll be re-capping Maureen O'Hara month, revealing my readers' favorite O'Hara film, as well as my own top 5.  (I had written such a piece yesterday, but, somehow, someway, minutes before I intended to publish, I lost every single word through a flukey Blogger glitch. With my day's calendar already quite full, I wasn't able to reconstruct the article at the time, so I'll be getting at it this first week of September.)

It should be a busy, exciting month, and I look forward to having y'all along for the ride.  Please be sure to weigh-in with your favorite Colbert film by taking part in the poll on my sidebar.  I realize, of course, that since it's not feasible to include Claudette's entire filmography in the poll, your real favorite (perhaps The Palm Beach Story or So Proudly We Hail) may not be listed.  I tried to include a cross-section of genre, leading men, and era with the voting choices.

Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (3 stars)

Bluebeard's Eighth Wife, from 1938, is a romantic comedy starring Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper, with Edward Everett Horton and David Niven taking on supporting roles.  Falling into the "screwball" genre, this film's screenplay was written by director Billy Wilder, with its directing duties going to Ernst Lubitsch.

At a department store on the French Riviera, American millionaire Michael Brandon (Gary Cooper) is shopping for size 42 pajamas.  Although the salesman attempts to sell cologne, neckwear, and other items to him, the man is in the market for only pajamas...and not just any pajamas...rather, he wants only the top, because, as he tells the clerk, he doesn't use---or need---the pants.  Since the salesclerk will not sell him only the top, a woman customer, Nicole de Loiselle (Claudette Colbert) steps in and offers to buy the trousers, as she doesn't want---or need---the top.

Although Michael assumes the pajamas are for Nicole's husband, she assures him she isn't married, which makes him wonder who in the world she is purchasing pajama pants for.  Without an answer to his wondering, the two go their separate ways.

Unable to sleep, and quite sure it is because of his room, Michael insists that he be moved to the fanciest suite in the hotel.  However, when he moves in, he finds that the previous tenant, Marquis De Loiselle (Edward Everett Horton), has not yet moved out.  To his surprise, the man is dressed in striped pajama pants---pants which are much too long for him, which causes Michael to realize that the Marquis is wearing the other half of his recently-purchased pajamas.  He soon discovers that the Marquis' daughter bought them for him.  Thus, the beautiful lady from the department store makes a re-entry into Michael's life.

Though Michael and Nicole's "courtship" starts off on a less than satisfactory note, in due time, they have fallen in love and are planning to be married.  However, only hours before the ceremony, Nicole discovers that Michael has been married before---seven times!!---and she calls off the wedding.  However, with a pre-marriage agreement in place, the cash-strapped Marquis urges his daughter to go through with the marriage---just so she can get a divorce and obtain the $100,000 settlement.

Michael, though, adopting a stubborn, tenacious streak, has no intention of granting Nicole a divorce...no matter that they have separate bedrooms and separate lives or that she is trying to make him think she is involved with another man.  How it all plays out---in very screwball fashion---is the balance of the film.





This film, while enjoyable, is absolutely nothing spectacular.  Yes, Coop was his usual gorgeous self, and he looked fabulous in a tux; yes, Claudette was her usual classy, elegant self.  There's no denying that they were two beautiful stars and that the careers of both were on fire in 1938.  With Miss Colbert's Academy Award-winning performance in It Happened One Night only a few years prior and Coop's Oscar-nominated performance in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town two years earlier, it's obvious that they both had a flair for romantic comedy.  However, being totally honest, Bluebeard's Eighth Wife fell short for me.  I think both Coop and Colbert made far better films than this one.  For Coop, it may be that his character was a selfish millionaire...something light years away from his other roles of that time (or the bulk of his career, for that matter).  At any rate, he seemed completely miscast to me.  Oh, and by the way, there was a very brief scene when Coop was sporting a mustache...may I just say "NO WAY!"  Keep that gorgeous face clean-shaven!

So, though I did enjoy the film, it is certainly not a favorite; nor is it one I feel I ever need to watch again.  (However, a repeat viewing might cause the film to grow on me.)  I definitely think this is a must-see for Coop, Colbert, and screwball fans, though.  It is out on DVD as part of the Claudette Colbert Collection, so you ought to be able to track it down.

Happy viewing!!

Tomorrow Is Forever (5 stars)

Tomorrow Is Forever is a tender, heart-tugging 1946 drama starring Claudette Colbert, Orson Welles, and George Brent, with Lucile Watson, Richard Long, and a very young Natalie Wood taking on supporting roles.  I caught the last half of this film about three years ago when a local station aired it.  I totally loved what I saw and definitely wanted a chance to watch the whole movie; however, at that time, it wasn't out on DVD, so I patiently waited about a year for it to get on the TCM schedule, at which time I was able to view the entire film AND record my own copy on disc.  (Good things come to those who wait!!)  This is easily my second favorite George Brent film (just behind Dark Victory), and in celebration of his birthday month, I have recently enjoyed a re-watch.

Claudette Colbert is Elizabeth MacDonald, a recently married woman, whose husband, John (Orson Welles), enlists in the Army and departs for Europe in the final months of World War I.

John is horribly disfigured by a bomb and spends many months in a European hospital.

However, word is sent to Elizabeth that her husband has died.

When it is discovered that Elizabeth is pregnant, Larry Hamilton, the man Elizabeth works for (played by the the VERY dashing George Brent), invites her to come live at his home, where his aunt (Lucile Watson) will be able to care for her.

 Eventually, Larry falls in love with Elizabeth and marries her, raising her child as his own. The child isn't aware that his mother had been married before or that Larry is not his real father.

Fast-forward twenty years, to the beginnings of the second world war. Elizabeth and Larry's son (named John Andrew after his biological father) is all grown-up and wants to join the war effort in Europe. Elizabeth cannot bear the thought of her son going off to war----to lose him would be like losing John all over again.

Meanwhile, Larry's company has hired a new consultant, a newly-arrived European refugee with a young daughter (Natalie Wood, in her first credited role). This man, known as Erich Kessler , is none other than John MacDonald, and he, of course, recognizes Elizabeth immediately.

Will recognition dawn for Elizabeth? What will happen to her marriage to Larry? Will her obsession with the past and her fear of the past repeating itself tie her son to her apronstrings forever? Will Eric/John tell Drew that he is his father? All these questions will be answered by the end of this very touching film.

George Brent is completely wonderful in this film---he's the proverbial knight in shining armor.  And I love that little bit of gray which was added at the temples in order to age him 20 years.

Claudette Colbert is her usual elegant, classy-looking self.  Orson Welles, who I'm not overly familiar with, was very good in this role.  His chemistry with the young Natalie Wood was terrific.  And speaking of Natalie Wood, Robert Osborne said that Irving Pichel, director of this film, had seen her in an earlier uncredited role and when he needed a little girl for Tomorrow Is Forever, he remembered "the little girl with the big eyes" and sought her out.  Although her first screen test didn't "wow" him, at her mother's request, he gave her another test, and "voila!" a star was born.

Tomorrow Is Forever is a very heart-tugging movie. Though it doesn't bring sobs, it definitely gets me misty-eyed a few times. The film is now out on DVD (having been released last summer), so you ought to be able to track it down.  It is also available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE).  Definitely see it if you can---I think it's a beautiful film.

Happy viewing!!

It Happened One Night (5 stars)

In honor of the Academy Awards, last night saw me having my own little Oscar party, which included a viewing of the adorable 1934 romantic comedy It Happened One Night. Starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, and directed by Frank Capra, It Happened One Night cleaned up at that year's Oscars, taking home the Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Writing awards.  This delightful film is easily one of my five favorite films of both stars, and with it being Clark's birthday month as well as the Academy Awards, last night was the perfect time to enjoy this film again.

Socialite Ellie Andrews (Colbert) has made a marriage her father does not approve of and which he intends to have annulled.  Accustomed to controlling Ellie's life, the wealthy Mr. Andrews has taken his daughter aboard his yacht, where he is trying to talk some sense into her.  Ellie, though, will not back down, and before anyone can stop her, she has jumped overboard and made the short swim to the Miami shore, where she purchases a bus ticket to New York.

On the same New York-bound bus as Ellie is New York newspaper reporter, Peter Warne (Clark Gable), who has just been fired from his job. Vowing to prove to his employer just what a fine newspaperman he is, Peter intends to "wow" his editor with the story of all stories...although just what that is, Peter doesn't know yet.

The first meeting between Peter and Ellie is anything but pleasant, as Ellie takes the seat Peter had intended for himself.  Although they bicker with one another for many miles, eventually things calm down between them; when the bus makes a rest stop and Peter obtains a newspaper, which has a headline story of the missing heiress,  Ellie begs him not to get in touch with her father.  Realizing he has come upon that story of all stories, Peter agrees to keep Ellie's secret and help her get to New York (and husband King Westley) in exchange for an exclusive.  Ellie agrees, and the two of them, with little money in hand, continue to make their way north, trying, all the while, to evade the detectives who are now searching for the missing woman.  Posing as a married couple, they take a room at a motor lodge one evening, a blanket strung across the room serving as "the walls of Jericho" between them.

The closer they get to their destination, the more things change between them, until finally, Ellie doesn't want to reach her husband at all.  She would rather stay with Peter.

What are Peter's feelings, though?   Is he interested in Ellie for more than a story?  Or maybe he has his eye on the reward money her father has offered for information about Ellie's whereabouts?  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.

It Happened One Night is a completely adorable, totally delightful film.  Both Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert were wonderful in their roles, and the chemistry between them was fabulous.  Really, they ought to have made more films together.  (To my knowledge, they only made two...this one and Boom Town.)  There are several very comical scenes, especially the one in which they are being questioned by some detectives.  With Clark screaming "Quit bawlin'!" at her, Claudette is brushing her hair down over her face to avoid detection, all the while the police are looking on in confusion.  I get a huge kick out of the very dashing Mr. Gable in that scene.  Also hilarious is the hitch-hiking scene, as the know-it-all Mr. Warne demonstrates the different ways of flagging down a ride.  In the end, his thumb isn't nearly as successful as the shapely leg of his companion.

This film is a joy from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it.  Since it's out on DVD, it should be very easy to track down.  Additionally, it is available in its entirely on YouTube.

Happy viewing!!

Let's Make It Legal (3 stars)

Let's Make It Legal, from 1951, is a romantic comedy starring Claudette Colbert, MacDonald Carey, and Zachary Scott, with Robert Wagner and Barbara Bates taking on supporting roles.  Marilyn Monroe makes a few cameo appearances, for a total of about 3 minutes screen time.

While gambling may not bother some people, it definitely bothers Miriam Halsworth (Claudette Colbert); in fact, it bothers her so much that she is ending her 20-year marriage to Hugh (MacDonald Carey), since he has a penchant for gambling.  As the film begins, Hugh and Miriam's divorce is only hours away from becoming final.

Although Hugh is no longer living in the house with her, Miriam is not alone.  Their daughter, Barbara (Barbara Bates), son-in-law Jerry (Robert Wagner), and baby granddaughter Annabelle reside in the Halsworth home as well.  Though Jerry loves his mother-in-law, he doesn't want to live with her and is constantly trying to convince Barbara that they need a place of their own; however, convinced that her mother needs her and couldn't stand being alone, Barbara refuses to even consider moving out.  Hugh, who never wanted the divorce, would like to get back together with Miriam.  Jerry, too, would like for Miriam to have someone in her life...otherwise, how will his wife ever leave her mother's side?

At this point, millionaire Vic MacFarland (Zachary Scott) arrives in town; a former beau of Miriam's, Vic wants very much to get back into this now-available woman's life, and he begins wining and dining her.  Jerry, of course, is all for any relationship which will get his mother-in-law a husband and, therefore, his wife out of her house.  Hugh, though, who still loves Miriam and is hoping to reconcile with her, isn't going to give up without a fight.  How it all plays out and which man Miriam chooses is the bulk of this fun little film.

Let's Make It Legal is not a spectacular film, and the acting is mediocre at best.  Still, though, it's cute and enjoyable.  Claudette Colbert fans will love seeing her here in 1951.  Always a class act, she is completely lovely and elegant here (as a grandma).   She is 48 in this film, and in my opinion, she looks nearly the same as she did 17 years earlier in Imitation of Life.

Let's Make It Legal is one of Miss Colbert's last films, as after this, she would make only six more. While she would go on to be active in TV, her film career was nearly at an end.

Robert Wagner fans will LOVE seeing him in this, his third credited film.  He's very young here (just 21) and SO incredibly good-looking.

            

Finally, if any of you are Days of Our Lives fans (which I was from 1976 to about 1997), you will probably have a dejavu moment when you see MacDonald Carey.  You will look at him and think "Oh, that's Dr. Tom Horton."  You might even hear those words "Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives" playing in your mind.  I think he looks exactly the same here in 1951 as he did in the years I watched Days.

For all those reasons, plus the opportunity to see Marilyn Monroe prior to the rise of her star, I recommend Let's Make It Legal.  As I said, it's nothing spectacular, and it is definitely predictable, but I did find it loads of fun.  The film is out on DVD so it should be fairly easy to track down.  Also, it's available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE).

Happy viewing!!

The Secret Fury (3 stars)

The Secret Fury, from 1950, is a slightly suspenseful romantic drama starring Claudette Colbert and Robert Ryan.  Directed by Mel Ferrer, the film begins at the wedding of of Ellen Ewing (Colbert) and David McLean (Ryan).   When the preacher says the customary, "If anyone knows why this woman and this man should not be wed," words, a man stands up and makes the shocking revelation that Ellen is already married---to a man named Lucien Randall.  Although Ellen is astounded by these words and denies their truth, the man is insistent, even going so far as to claim that he had been best man at the wedding.  A quick phone call to the records department of the county in which he claims the marriage took place reveals that, yes, Ellen Ewing and Lucien Randall were married several months earlier.

Since the preacher won't marry Ellen and David until he's certain he would not be getting involved in bigamy, the ceremony is postponed.  Ellen and David set out to disprove the stranger's words, but things aren't that simple.  Arriving at the home of the Justice of the Peace who supposedly married her, Ellen is shocked to discover that he recognizes her...and that he is calling her Mrs. Randall.  Additionally, it IS her signature on the marriage license. 

Distraught, Ellen assures David that she doesn't even know Lucien Randall and that she couldn't possibly have married him that particular day, as she was nowhere in the vicinity.  David believes Ellen and continues to try to figure out what is going on; however, when they arrive at the local hotel and Ellen is once again greeted as Mrs. Randall---this time by a maid wearing a pin for which she thanks Ellen---Ellen begins to become hysterical.  She begins to wonder if she really did marry Lucien and just doesn't remember doing so.  She wonders if she has amnesia...or if she's losing her mind.

A bit later, Randall is murdered, and Ellen is charged with the crime.  After a complete hysterical breakdown at the trial, Ellen is deemed insane and subsequently institutionalized.  David, however, never stops trying to figure out what is going on.

Did Ellen really marry Lucien Randall?  Does she really not remember doing so?  If she didn't marry him, why does everything point to the fact that she did?  And, finally, did she really kill Randall?  These are the questions that play out in this film.

I enjoyed this movie, but that is mostly because of Robert Ryan.  Had it been another co-star, I'm not sure I would enjoy the film as much.   Although I totally love Ryan and think he is beyond fabulous when he is playing nasty, sometimes, I just like the opportunity to see him in a good-guy role.  His acting was good here, though I think the broad range of his talents is better used in a more complex character.  I thought Claudette Colbert was good as well...a little over the top, but when you're playing an hysterical character, over the top is necessary.  I do think the plot is somewhat unrealistic..I mean, not being sure if you got married or not?  It's a bit farfetched to think a woman wouldn't remember that.  Also, the courtrom scene was a bit tedious.  Still, though, this is a 3-star film for me.  I own it (having recorded it from TCM sometime last year), and I will definitely watch it again.  However, to be honest, Robert Ryan being the co-star is the reason why.

The Secret Fury is not out on DVD, nor is it on YouTube.  TCM airs it every once in awhile, so you could catch it there.  (Or just ask to borrow my copy...I'm happy to share with my classic movie friends.)

Happy viewing!!!