Golden Boy (1939)

Another of the films highlighted in Majestic Hollywood, The Greatest Films of 1939 is Golden Boy, a boxing drama starring Barbara Stanwyck, Adolphe Menjou, and---in one of his earliest film appearances---William Holden. Based on Clifford Odets' 1937 play, this Reuben Mamoulian film, which features Lee J. Cobb, Joseph Calleia, and Sam Levene in support, garnered a Best Music Academy Award nomination.

Joe Bonaparte (William Holden) is a sensitive young violinist, who lives with his father (Lee J. Cobb), sister, and brother-in-law above the family's grocery store.  Although Joe plays the violin beautifully and could possibly have a future in music, he wants to make money quickly and, therefore, begins boxing for Tom Moody (Adolphe Menjou).

Joe becomes an overnight sensation in the boxing ring, but since a violinist needs his hands and he could possibly injure his hands boxing, he talks about backing out.  Moody knows that he has a money-maker in Joe, though, so he's not about to let him walk away and, therefore, instructs his secretary/mistress, Lorna Moon (Barbara Stanwyck), to change Joe's mind. Joe has fallen in love with Lorna, and after she leads him to believe she loves him too and that there can be a future for them, Joe returns to the boxing world, much to the disappointment of his father.

Because Joe is such a sensation, he quickly attracts the attention of another promoter, one who promises him bigger and better things.  Joe jumps at the opportunity and leaves Moody's organization, which infuriates Moody and sends Lorna, once again, to Joe's side in an attempt to change his mind.

Joe soon becomes disillusioned with boxing....but does he quit?  Does he return to the violin?  Does he really love Lorna?  Does she really love him?  Those are the questions which play out in the balance of the film.



Though Golden Boy is not one of my favorite Bill Holden films (or even one of my favorite boxing films), it is a solid, interesting, well-acted drama, and it gives an opportunity to catch Mr. Holden before his star had begun to rise.  Although it's easy to see why he went on to become the star that he did, at the outset, it would have appeared that Holden's career was over even before it began. The seemingly-endless boxing lessons, violin lessons, and dramatic coaching were exhausting to Holden; according to Majestic Hollywood, "It was a dreadful period for the young actor, and he expected to be replaced at any time. However, Barbara Stanwyck believed in Holden and went to bat for him.  Telling Columbia boss Harry Cohn that he hadn't given the young man a chance, she promised to work with him. With Miss Stanwyck coaching him, Holden regained his confidence and was able to take direction from Mamoulian; after Golden Boy, Holden was suddenly in demand and on his way to a successful, Academy Award-winning career.  He never forgot Barbara Stanwyck's support and help; in years to come, he would always send her flowers on April 1, the anniversary of Golden Boy's first shooting day."  [1]

Beyond Bill Holden's performance, is that of Lee J. Cobb.  He is absolutely terrific!  He would reprise his role in 1952, when Golden Boy, again, played on Broadway.  Interestingly, in that production, one of my other great loves---John Garfield---would take on the Joe Bonaparte role.

Barbara Stanwyck is my #3 gal (sometimes even #2), and William Holden is one of my "terrific 10," so even though Golden Boy isn't a favorite, I do enjoy their pairing here.  They have great chemistry together.  I'm calling this 3 stars, but it's more like 3.5

Out on DVD, Golden Boy should be quite easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

[1]  Majestic Hollywood, The Greatest Films of 1939, by Mark A. Vieira, Running Press, 2013.

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

In honor of William Holden's birthday, I decided to revise and expand one of the very first reviews I did here at They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To---1950's magnificent Sunset Boulevard. Directed by the fabulous Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard is a mature, hard-hitting drama, which features totally stellar performances by its two stars...Gloria Swanson and William Holden, both of whom were nominated for Oscars for their roles.  Featuring the Academy Award-nominated support of Erich von Stroheim and Nancy Olson, this terrific movie is my favorite William Holden film, my 2nd favorite film of the 1950's, and among my 5 favorite films of all-time.

The story begins when Joe Gillis (William Holden), a down-on-his-luck, unemployed Hollywood screenwriter receives a visit from the men who have financed his car. (Actually, this isn't where the story begins, but it is the point from which I am starting.) With no payment in hand, and no job on the horizon, Joe attempts to evade the finance guys, and in so doing, he races down Sunset Boulevard in said car. After blowing a tire and realizing he needs to hide the car from the men who want to repossess it, Joe pulls off the road and into the garage of a dilapidated, abandoned-looking old mansion.

Before long, though, Joe realizes the house is not abandoned. Someone is peering at him from an upper window, and a butler is standing at the door as if he had been expecting Joe's arrival. Joe is whisked to a second-story bedroom, where he comes face to face with an eccentric middle-aged woman and her deceased chimpanzee. After assuring the woman he is not the undertaker she had been expecting, Joe attempts to leave, but then he realizes that he actually recognizes the woman...she is Norma Desmond, a major star from the silent era of movies (Gloria Swanson).

Norma lives in the past, surrounding herself with her old movies and dozens of photos from her "golden years." Stating that she is planning a "return" and not a "comeback," Norma mentions to Joe that she has written a script (in which she will star), and after discovering that Joe is a screenwriter, she requests that he do some editing for her. Not really wanting to be in the presence of this strange lady and her even stranger surroundings, Joe's initial response is to turn down the job offer; however, knowing that he really needs the money in order to keep his car and pay his back rent, he accepts the position...and is soon living in a room above Norma's garage and then eventually in a room adjoining hers in the main house.  Also living in the house is Norma's devoted, ever-present butler (Erich von Stroheim).

It's not long before Joe is quite unnerved by the situation in which he finds himself. Norma has become extremely possessive and controlling, barely allowing Joe out of her sight. She is buying all his clothes and paying his back rent. In short, he is a "kept man"...kept by a woman nearly twice his age...and he is uncomfortable to the hilt. Finally, on New Year's Eve, when he discovers that the "party" he thought Norma was having is just for the two of them, he storms out...ending up at a party a friend is having. Free from Norma's clutches, he enjoys a time of partying with people his own age. Joe's freedom is short-lived, however, as Norma's butler tracks him down and tells him that Norma has attempted suicide. Feeling guilty that Norma has attempted to kill herself due to her unrequited love for him, Joe returns to her house and ultimately begins an affair with her.

Since Norma continues to be determined to make a return to the screen, she and Joe make a trip to Paramount Studios, where she can visit with movie producer, Cecille B. DeMille. While at the studio, Joe runs into a girl he had been talking to at his friend's New Year's Eve party. She tells him she wants to re-write one of his scripts, and the two begin meeting together in the evenings to do that. In time, they begin to fall in love, but Norma, desperately jealous, will stop at nothing to keep Joe to herself.  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.



An amazing movie, Sunset Boulevard was one of the most honored films of 1950.  In all, it received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and both supporting categories.  In the end, as 1950 was also the year of All About Eve, Sunset Boulevard came away with only 3 wins, one of which was for Best Music (Franz Waxman).  Much as I like All About Eve, I think Sunset Boulevard was the superior film.  I also believe this to be the absolute best performance of William Holden's career (and he had many great performances, including one which won him an Oscar).  Since I grew bored with Cyrano de Bergerac and turned it off after less than 20 minutes, I have been unable to determine how Jose Ferrer snagged the Lead Actor win that year.  Although I'm not familiar with any of Gloria Swanson's other works since she was mostly from the silent era, I was beyond impressed with her performance in Sunset Boulevard. After seeing the works of each actress that year, I readily admit the Academy had a tough job in choosing the winner, for they all were fantastic.  In the end, though, I have come away believing that Eleanor Parker ought to have won for Caged, with Miss Swanson only a tiny breath behind her.  Her acting is completely and totally brilliant!

Out on DVD, Sunset Boulevard should be quite easy track down.  Additionally, TCM airs it very regularly---seems like about four or five times a year.  Definitely try to see it when you can.  It's not a feel-good movie, but it takes an honest look at not only the Hollywood climate, but at how most of us feel about growing older in a youth-oriented culture.

Happy viewing!!

Happy Birthday, William Holden!!!

Happy 95th birthday to one of my most beloved actors...my #1 guy---the sensational William Holden!!  (April 17, 1918 - November 12, 1981).  Five more years and I will throw him a centennial blogathon like I did for John Garfield last month.

As regular readers of this blog already know, the incredibly talented, fabulously good-looking Mr. Holden---who was born with the name William Franklin Beadle, Jr.---is one of my two #1 guys.  I completely adore this man!!   He has occupied #1 status for about four years now (though he shares that status with Robert Ryan).  I have Audrey Hepburn to thank for bringing him into my life, as my introduction to classic movies began with Roman Holiday.  As I sought out more of Miss Hepburn's works, naturally, I discovered Sabrina...which led to my discovery of the gorgeous Mr. Holden.  Completely taken with the incredible smile he flashed several times in that film, I simply had to see more of his works, and as I did, I fell more and more in love with him.

My five favorites of his films have changed only slightly since last year's birthday post (HERE). Still at #1 is Sunset Boulevard (with Gloria Swanson---reviewed HERE). Not only is this my favorite William Holden movie, but it is my second favorite film of the entire 1950's and among my top 5 movies of all-time.

Rounding out my five favorite William Holden films are:

2.  Stalag 17  (Mr. Holden's Academy Award-winning performance---reviewed HERE)

3.  Born Yesterday  (with Judy Holliday and Broderick Crawford---reviewed HERE)

4.  The Bridges at Toko-Ri  (with Grace Kelly and Fredric March---reviewed HERE)

5.  Picnic  (with Kim Novak---reviewed HERE)

Sabrina is pretty much neck and neck with Picnic, but in the end, thanks to that beautiful, sensual dance scene Mr. Holden shares with Kim Novak, Picnic grabbed the #5 slot---but only by the narrowest of margins.

It is my goal to see Mr. Holden's entire filmography, and I am well over halfway there.  (I've got about 13 films left to go.) Given that he was making films in the 70's and even into the 80's, and given that he also made many Westerns, I realize that if I want to complete his filmography, I am going to have to watch films I wouldn't ordinarily choose to watch.  Such is the life of a #1 fan!  My hope is to be able to track down and view all the remaining films by the time I observe Mr. Holden's centennial in five years.

So, here's to you, Mr. William Holden, on your 95th birthday.  You were a wonderful actor who always gave a terrific performance.  I completely adore you and will always consider you one of my #1 guys.  And, in the words of George Eliot, "Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them."  Since we have not forgotten you (nor will we ever!), you do, indeed, live on! Thanks for enriching my life with so many incredible films!!

Meet the Stewarts (1942)

In need of a William Holden fix and, also, wanting to show my co-#1 guy some love in the midst of my John Garfield mania, I recently tracked down one of his lesser-known films, Meet the Stewarts. From 1942, this romantic comedy, also starring Frances Dee, is from very early in Mr. Holden's career---when he was just a mere 24-years old.

Socialite Candy Goodwin (Frances Dee) yearns for her hardworking, yet minimally paid, boyfriend, Mike Stewart (William Holden), to propose to her.  Much as Mike loves Candy, however, he refuses to pop the question, sure that his salary wouldn't be sufficient to keep her living in the style to which she's accustomed.  Additionally, he doesn't want to be seen as the fortune hunter Candy's dad thinks he is, so until such time as he can afford to support a wife on his own, he will not marry her.

Determined to snag her man, Candy promises Mike that she will live on a budget, while her father insists that there will be no financial help from him if the two do get married...that Candy will go to the marriage with nothing more than a few personal belongings.  Of course, those are exactly the words Mike wants to hear, so he and Candy tie the knot.

Returning from their honeymoon, the couple discovers that they are over-budget on the furniture for their house.  Determined to live within their means, they realize they will have to return some of their purchases...but just what they'll return remains to be seen, as everything is a "must have" for Candy.  Also, although Candy is used to a maid and a cook, those things are not in the Stewart's budget, so she will have to learn to get along without them.  The film chronicles the couple's attempts to live within their modest means.



Meet the Stewarts is not a terrific movie, but it's clean, fun, and enjoyable...a solid 3 stars.  It's very dated (with such cringe-inducing lines as "All wives have to be smacked around a little.") and there are a few slapstick moments, but overall it's very sweet, with some lessons about debt and spending that our current "have to have it now, so I'll buy it on credit" society would do well to put into practice.

Out on DVD, this film is available through Classic Flix.  It is also available in its entirety on YouTube.  HERE is the link to part 1.  I hope you get a chance to see it.

Happy viewing!!

Escape from Fort Bravo (4 stars)

Escape from Fort Bravo, from 1953, is a romantic Western adventure film starring William Holden, Eleanor Parker, and John Forsythe.  Directed by John Sturges, this color film features William Demarest, Richard Anderson, and Polly Bergen in supporting roles.

The story begins in 1863, at Fort Bravo...a remote Union prison in Arizona Territory.  One of the soldiers stationed at Fort Bravo is Captain Roper (William Holden).  A hardened, unkind, cynical man, Roper performs his duties with an iron hand.

Given the fort's remote desert location and the local warring Mescalero Indians, escape from the prison is hardly likely; however, when one man does try to escape, Roper, intending to make an example of him and, thus, discourage future break-outs, drags the man back to the fort at the end of a rope.  With Roper's rather inhumane methods, his superior, who doesn't approve of such actions, makes the statement that he's glad he and Roper are on the same army.

The Confederate prisoners, of course, despise Roper and even taunt him by whistling "Dixie" as he walks by.  Captain Marsh (John Forsythe) tells a few of his men that they are waiting for the right time and then they will break out....and the right time soon arrives...in the person of Carla Forrester (Eleanor Parker).

A friend of Roper's superior's daughter, Carla has come to the fort supposedly for a visit.

However, in actuality, she is engaged to Captain Marsh, and her purpose in being at the fort is to make arrangements with a Confederate sympathizer for guns and transportation of the prisoners.

Additionally, she is to distract Roper---a job which she does perfectly.

Completely smitten with Carla, Roper's emotionless facade begins to crack.

Totally in love with her, he asks her to marry him and to stay on at the fort.  Carla indicates she loves him too...but does she?

Has her playing at love become real?  Or are her kisses and tender words just an act?

What will Roper do when he discovers that several of his prisoners are gone...and that the woman he loves has deceived him?  And what about the Mescaleros?  As they move in for attack, will anyone be able to survive against them...especially in the harsh desert terrain of Arizona?  These are the questions which will play out in the balance of this film. 




William Holden was totally gorgeous at this point in his career!!  He is ruggedly handsome in this film, and he looks fabulous in the Union uniform.

As always, Mr. Holden's acting was super. He definitely could portray the hardened, cynical, unemotional man to the hilt.  Eleanor Parker was lovely, and although it was a bit unrealistic to think that she would have so many gowns with her (she was just visiting the fort), the gowns were stunning. There was great chemistry between Parker and Holden here---definitely passion in their kissing scenes. While I'm not a huge fan of Westerns, there was enough romance in this film to make it enjoyable for me.  The ending was a bit abrupt, though, and could have been better, so although I'm giving 4 stars, it's more like 3.5...still a very solid, enjoyable viewing experience and one which I highly recommend (even to those who don't ordinarily enjoy Westerns).

The film is out on DVD, so it ought to be fairly easy to track down.  Fans of William Holden and Eleanor Parker ought to especially enjoy it.

Happy viewing!!

Picnic (5 stars)

Picnic, from 1955, is a romantic drama starring William Holden and Kim Novak, with Betty Field, Arthur O'Connell, Cliff Robertson, Susan Strasberg, and Rosalind Russell taking on supporting roles.  Winner of the Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Art Direction, Picnic features one of my favorite film scenes of all time---the one scene which I would love to have been a part of myself!!

 

As the residents of a small Kansas town are preparing for the annual Labor Day picnic, handsome drifter, Hal Carter (William Holden), blows into town on a freight train.  A college buddy of local rich boy, Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson), Hal is a braggart and a showoff, and also somewhat of a bad boy, it's not long before he makes an impression on several of the town's women.  First, there's Flo Adams (Betty Field), a divorcee obsessed with getting her daughter, Madge (Kim Novak), married off to Alan Benson.  Much to her mother's disappointment, though, Madge doesn't love Alan and is drawn to the exciting newcomer.

Madge's younger sister, Millie (Susan Strasberg), a bookworm, is accompanied by Hal to the picnic; though he is friendly and kind towards her, his interest is in the more beautiful Madge, which causes Millie heartbreak.

Rosemary Sidney (Rosalind Russell, in a spectacular performance) is the old maid schoolteacher who rents a room at the Owens' home.  Desperate to lose her "spinster status," Rosemary begs local store owner, Howard Bevins (Arthur O'Connell, in an Oscar-nominated supporting performance), to marry her, something he really has no desire to do.  Feeling trapped by her status, and bitter towards those beautiful and youthful, Rosemary lashes out at Hal after he and Madge share a dance at the picnic.  Her actions---which include lies against Hal---stir up the simmering passions of everyone.  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.





Picnic is one of those films which really must be viewed through the lens of its time, otherwise, it seems laughable to us.  Today, there are many options open to women, and few women see marriage as the basket in which they must put all their eggs; however, in 1955, this was largely how things were, and we have to remember that before we roll our eyes and shake our heads over Madge and Rosemary's behaviors.

This film is a perfect example of how it is possible to make a very passionate---even sensual---film, without the nudity and graphic sex Hollywood feels compelled to throw our way nowadays.  With the exception of William Holden's bare chest, there is no nudity whatsoever. And there is no graphic sex of any kind---yet the film is incredibly passionate and very sensual.   In fact, I think it's one of the most sensual movies I have ever seen!  William Holden, easily one of the best-looking men to ever appear on screen, is positively gorgeous here.  His character is not comfortable to watch---a complete show-off, he's highly embarrassing; however, Mr. Holden's portrayal of him was spot-on.  I think he did an exceptional job in this role.

Kim Novak is beautiful!! The pink dress she wore for most of the movie is stunning. I cannot understand why women threw away dressing like that on a regular basis!!

The dance scene between Mr. Holden and Miss Novak is amazing---it's sexy, sensual, passionate, and beautiful and is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes!!  In fact, if I could transport myself to one classic movie scene, that dance scene would be it!!



And then there's Rosalind Russell---wow, she was completely incredible!! I wouldn't say she stole the show, but she definitely was beyond brilliant in her role!!  Truly, her performance ought to have landed her an Oscar or at least a nomination...not sure why she didn't receive one.

Out on DVD, Picnic ought to be fairly easy to track down.  Additionally, it is on the TCM schedule for Monday, June 4th, at 3:30 p.m. (ET).  Those who love romantic movies ought to really enjoy this one.

Happy viewing!!

Happy Birthday, William Holden!!!

Happy 94th birthday to one of my "beloveds,"  my #1 guy---the sensational William Holden!!  (April 17, 1918-November 12, 1981).

Born with the name William Franklin Beadle, Jr., the incredibly talented, fabulously good-looking Mr. Holden is one of my two all-time favorite actors.  I completely adore this man!!   He has occupied #1 status for about three years now (though he shares that status with Robert Ryan).  I have Audrey Hepburn to thank for bringing him into my life, as my introduction to classic movies began with Roman Holiday.  As I sought out more of Miss Hepburn's works, naturally, I discovered Sabrina...which led to my discovery of the gorgeous Mr. Holden.  Completely taken with the incredible smile he flashed several times in that film, I simply had to see more of his works, and as I did, I grew more and more impressed.  He was terrific in nearly every role he took on; I found that he especially excelled when portraying a cynical, angry, troubled, or difficult to get along with man.

Despite how great he was in complex dramatic roles, Mr. Holden also was more than capable in comedic roles.   While I don't generally lean to comedy, I do enjoy several of Holden's comedy films, and the episode of I Love Lucy in which he guest stars is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.  I  have watched it numerous times and never tire of it.

My absolute favorite of Mr. Holden's films also happens to be one of my top 5 favorite movies period---Sunset Boulevard.  Nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his work in Sunset Boulevard, this incredibly talented actor gave perhaps the best performance of his career in that film.  Now to be honest, I think he gave terrific performances in nearly all of his roles---including Stalag 17, the film for which he did receive his Oscar---however, I really believe Sunset Boulevard was the performance of his career and that he ought to have won that year.  That film, which comes in at #4 on my all-time favorite movie list, is reviewed HERE.

Rounding out my list of five favorite William Holden films are:

2.  Stalag 17  (Mr. Holden's Academy Award winning role---reviewed HERE)

3.  Sabrina  (with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn---reviewed HERE)

4.  Bridges at Toko-Ri  (with Grace Kelly and Fredric March---reviewed HERE)

5.  Born Yesterday  (with Judy Holliday and Broderick Crawford---reviewed HERE)

Incidentally, all five of these are 5-star films for me.  I have a couple other 5-star Holden films, so I had to think long and hard before deciding which ones to include here and which ones to put a bit further down the list.

So, Mr. William Holden, here's to you on your 94th birthday.  You were a truly brilliant actor, and I completely adore you.  You will always be one of my #1 guys.  Thanks for bringing so much viewing pleasure to my life with all your wonderful films.

Breezy (2 stars)

Breezy, an R-rated film from 1973, is a May-December romantic drama starringWilliam Holden and Kay Lenz.  One of the earliest directorial works of Clint Eastwood, this film was one I recently watched for the first time for my William Holden viewing month.  While I rarely watch post-1965 (or R-rated) films, with my desire to see all the works of my #1 guy, I decided to take a chance on this one---and my decision to pretty much avoid those kinds of films was reconfirmed.

After a night of passion with a young man named Bruno, kind-hearted, guitar-playing "hippie" teenager, Edith "Breezy" Breezerman" (Kay Lenz), hitches a ride into the valley with a middle-aged man.  Frightened by the things the man has said to her, Breezy dashes from his car, while at a stoplight, and races away from him---and right into the life of another middle aged man---divorced real estate agent, Frank Harmon (William Holden).  Although Frank tells her he doesn't pick up hitchhikers, Breezy climbs into his car anyway and proceeds to chatter non-stop as they make their way to town.  Frank, a loner who enjoys his privacy, finds Breezy rather a nuisance, but seeing something in him she likes and trusts, Breezy isn't put off by his initial coldness.

Having left her guitar in the backseat of Frank's car, Breezy makes a visit to his house to pick it up, and though Frank is rude and somewhat unkind, Breezy's warmhearted nature begins to charm him---he feeds her, allows her to use his luxurious walk-in shower, and, at her request, provides her with her first-ever view of the Pacific Ocean.  Before long, Breezy is in love with Frank and has moved in to one of the guestrooms of his home.

Returning home from a party one night, Frank discovers Breezy waiting for him in his bed, asking him to make love with her.  As the two of them embark on a sexual relationship, Frank begins to struggle with the age difference between them---he is mistaken as her father when he takes her clothes shopping, and he is highly embarrassed when he takes Breezy to a movie (Clint Eastwood's High Plains Drifter, no less!) and runs into friends at the theatre.  Telling his friend he feels like a child molester, Frank determines that the best thing to do is break things off with Breezy.  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.





Breezy was a total turn-off to me for a number of reasons.  First and foremost---the nudity.  While such a view is out of sync with most movie-goers nowadays, I am unashamed to admit that I don't prefer nudity in the movies I watch.  I find it completely unnecessary.  Especially when you consider that earlier decades gave us passionate---even sensual---films, and they did so without nudity or graphic sex, you realize that those things are SO unnecessary to make a point.  (A Place in the Sun, From Here to Eternity, and Picnic being just a few examples of that.)  Sadly, as society's moral standards changed through the 60's and into the 70's, Hollywood's offerings reflected that change, and while a decade earlier, things would have been left to the imagination, by the time Breezy was made, nudity was not only accepted, but expected as well; here in Breezy, there were three or four nude scenes (female), all of which could have been left out.  Instead of adding to the romance or passion, those scenes only made the film trashy to me.

Another turn-off for me was the Holden/Lenz romance.  While I have no problems with May-December romance and even really love other May-December romance movies (Middle of the Night and Ten North Frederick being among my ten favorite movies), this particular older man/younger woman romance was quite unappealing to me.  Breezy was filmed in late 1972, when my beloved Bill was 54 years old; however, much as it pains me to say it since I completely adore this man, he looked to be about ten years older than that.  On the other hand, Kay Lenz, though 19 here, looked much younger...perhaps 15.   For me, a 15 year old girl and a 65 year old man is pushing the envelope, so I just didn't find myself rooting for them.  While he was thought to be her father in one scene, quite honestly, he looked more like her grandfather.  (This film was released when I was 12 years old; even if I had been allowed to see an R-rated movie at that age, I can assure you, I would have been "grossed out" by this relationship.)

Finally, I'm not a fan of "hippie" movies.  I quite hate that time period and the things which go with it.  To be honest,  William Holden---and my desire to see all of his films---is the only reason I chose to watch Breezy.  Had another man had the lead part, I would never have given it even a minute of my time, and it is only my love for Mr. Holden which keeps this film at 2 stars rather than 1. (Mostly because I feel, nudity aside, this film had to be a rather bold and courageous career move for him, and I am rewarding him for that.)

Since I want to have something positive to say about this film, I will acknowledge that the acting of both William Holden and Kay Lenz was very good (as is always the case for Mr. Holden).  Miss Lenz also consistently offered an incredibly bright and beautiful smile. Clint Eastwood's direction was very good, and although I found the love scenes a turn-off and even fast-forwarded through them, they appeared to be filmed well.  William Holden's son, Scott, makes an appearance in the film...as the veterinarian.  Father and son shared a scene together.

Oh, there were two occasions I found myself laughing hysterically.  First, Breezy has just told Frank that smoking was worse for someone his age than for someone younger.  Right after that, she asks him if he is married.  His response, "No.  There's very little call these days for old, decrepit, one-foot-in-the-grave smokers."  Later, she asked him if he thought God was dead, and he responded, "I didn't even know he was sick."  For some reason, those two exchanges quite hit my funny bone, and I giggled hysterically.

Bottom-line---because of the excessive and unnecessary nudity and the early 70's attitude towards free and easy sex, Breezy is not a film I feel comfortable recommending.  However, should you desire to watch it, the film is out on DVD, plus it is available through Net Flix instant viewing.

Invisible Stripes (4 stars)

Invisible Stripes, from 1939, is a gangster drama starring George Raft, Jane Bryan, and William Holden, with Humphrey Bogart, and Flora Robson taking on supporting roles.  It's a film made before either Bogart or Holden had really hit their stride; in fact, it's only the 2nd credited film appearance of Mr. Holden.

At Sing Sing Prison, two convicts have served their time and are being released.  There's Cliff Taylor (George Raft), a man who has been successfully rehabilitated and who has every intention of going straight from here on out.  With faith in Taylor's ability to readjust to life in the outside world, the prison warden proudly bids him farewell.

Chuck Martin (Humphrey Bogart), on the other hand, is a repeat offender with zero intention of living a law-abiding life.  The warden knows Martin's time in prison has done nothing to change him; in fact, he would hold him longer if he could.

As the two men travel home on the train together, Martin finds Cliff Taylor's determination to go straight quite laughable.  With the "invisible stripes" of his prison record, Chuck insists, Cliff won't be given a chance and, therefore, will end up resorting to crime once more.  Sure that won't be the case, Cliff heads for home...hopes high.

The years in prison having given him an appreciation for freedom and for home, Cliff sees through new eyes the tiny apartment he shares with his mother (Flora Robson) and younger brother, Tim (William Holden).  What he formerly thought a dump now is beautiful to him.

To celebrate Cliff's homecoming, Mrs. Taylor has arranged a dinner party, with Cliff's girlfriend, Sue, in attendance.  It doesn't take Cliff long to discover that Sue doesn't want anything to do with an ex-con.

Unfortunately, Sue isn't the only one not interested in an ex-con.   Because of his prison record, Cliff is unable to get a break in the working world---no one trusts him, and no one wants to hire him.  When he finally does get a job, he is fingered as the "inside man" and arrested after the store is burglarized.

Brother Tim is in love with Peggy (Jane Bryan), and the two of them want to get married; however, due to insufficient funds they have been unable to set a date.  Anxious to be able to support a wife, Tim tells Cliff he has thought about crime.  Of course, Cliff is angered by Tim's talk and is determined to keep his brother from walking the criminal path he did.  Not convinced that honesty is the best policy, Tim informs Cliff that he has to see it in order to believe it.

Desperate to make money and prove to Tim that going straight is the only way, yet unable to get a break for himself, Cliff calls on his old relationship with Chuck Martin.

Though he has, in fact, gotten involved with Martin's gang and is part of a bank robbery, Cliff deceives his family into believing he has gotten an out of town sales job.  With the money Cliff sends home, Tim and Peggy are able to get married and Tim is able to purchase the garage he's been wanting.

Does Cliff's family discover he has reverted to crime in order to keep Tim from following in his shoes?  Does Tim stay on the straight and narrow?  Is Cliff able to break away from Martin's gang and live the honest life he really desires to live?  These are the questions which play out in the remainder of the film.

Invisible Stripes is a terrific film, with a great message about giving people a chance.  Although I watched this for my William Holden birthday month celebration, the film is, in fact, George Raft's.  He is wonderful here---humble, contrite, determined, responsible.  His character is extremely likeable and one I couldn't help rooting for.  He was a man who was devoted to his family, especially his momma, and I found his scenes with Flora Robson beautiful and touching.  In fact, I even got misty-eyed a couple times---not often that happens in a gangster film.

Adding to the great character traits was the sight of Mr. Raft in a suit!

Even in just a white shirt and tie, he was incredibly handsome.

William Holden---only 21 here---has not yet reached that maturity which would make him heartthrob material.  Oh, he's cute here, but in another ten years, he would be gorgeous!!

This film is out on DVD, so it ought to be fairly easy to track down.  Also, it is on the TCM schedule for Tuesday, April 17th at 6:00 a.m. (EDT).  George Raft fans will surely love this...as will William Holden fans.

Happy viewing!!