Best Film Discovery for January---I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

New for 2014---the "Best Film Discovery of the Month" series, in which I will highlight the best "new to me" film I watch each month.  For January, that film is 1932's I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, starring Paul Muni and featuring Glenda Farrell and Helen Vinson in supporting roles. Not only is this pre-code drama the best "new to me" film I saw in January, it is also my first 5-star film "discovery" of the year.  Based on Robert Elliott Burns's autobiography, I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang, this Mervyn LeRoy film received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Mr. Muni.

After being convicted of a crime he did not commit, WWI veteran James Allen is sentenced to 10 years of hard labor on a Southern chain gang.  When he is unable to cope another minute with the horrid conditions and the brutality of the guards, James convinces another inmate to break his chains, then he sets out on the run.

Escaping to Chicago, James changes his name to Allen James and eventually becomes a successful, respected businessman.  When his landlady (Glenda Farrell) discovers his past, she blackmails him into marrying her; it's a union void of love, however, and a few years later, in a fit of jealousy because Allen/James has fallen in love with another woman (Helen Vinson), the wicked woman turns him in to the authorities.

Although Allen/James had not committed any crime and has been a model citizen for years, he is returned to the chain gang, with the promise that his sentence will be for a period of only 90 days. Because he had spoken out about the inhumanity of the chain gangs, however, the "establishment" has no intention of honoring that promise, and once again, the man is forced to break his chains and live a life on the run.  How everything plays out is the balance of the film.



I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang is a masterpiece of a film.  It's gritty, meaty, powerful, deeply troubling and features an absolutely brilliant performance by Paul Muni...and the final line of the film is about as haunting an ending line as there ever was.

This film is out on DVD; however, I believe it is only available as part of the Controversial Classics Collection, which is a spendy $79.98.  Adding to the nearly cost-prohibitive price, TCM doesn't seem to air Chain Gang very often, so it might not be an easy film to catch.  Keep your eye out for it, though, as it is a spectacular must-see.

Happy viewing!!

Bachelor Mother (1939)

First up in my focus on the films highlighted in Majestic Hollywood, the Greatest Films of 1939, is Bachelor Mother, a sweet romantic comedy starring Ginger Rogers and David Niven. Co-starring Charles Coburn and Frank Albertson, this delightful movie, which received a Best Writing Academy Award nomination, garners 4-stars from me.  The film was remade in 1956, as the musical Bundle of Joy, with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher in the starring roles.

The movie begins with Polly Parrish (Ginger), being let go from her job as a seasonal salesclerk for the John D. Merlin & Sons Department Store. While walking home after her final day at work, Polly passes by the local foundling home, where she sees a woman leaving a baby on the doorstep. After ringing the bell of the home, the woman turns to leave, but Polly scolds her for abandoning her baby. Denying that the child is hers, the woman rushes away, leaving Polly with the baby in her arms as the foundling home door is opened. Of course, the directors of the home assume that the baby belongs to Polly, and though she tries to convince them otherwise, they don't believe her and keep insisting that she not abandon her baby.

When the directors of the foundling home learn that Polly was recently let go from Merlin's Department Store, they assume her lack of employment is why she wants to give up her child, so they approach the store owner David Merlin (David Niven) about giving Polly her job back. Of course, David is happy to enable Polly to keep her baby and offers her full-time employment.

Satisfied that Polly will now be able to keep "her baby," the foundling home directors deliver said child to Polly's apartment, letting her know that because Mr. Merlin gave her her job back, she can keep "her baby." However, knowing it's not her baby, plus having plans that evening, Polly delivers the child to Mr. Merlin's home, telling his butler that "Mr. Merlin got her into this mess and that the child is his responsibility." The young man Polly is with overhears her words to the butler and assumes that David Merlin is the father of Polly's baby, and in a moment of jealousy, lets the senior Mr. Merlin (Charles Coburn) know that he has a grandchild.

As the movie continues, senior Mr. Merlin is convinced his son is the father of the baby, and junior Mr. Merlin is convinced that the baby really is Polly's. How everything plays out is the balance of the film.



Bachelor Mother is not a profound film---and it's totally predictable---but it really is very sweet and lots of fun, plus it gives Ginger Rogers an opportunity to show that she was much more than just a dancer. She's lovely here, and delightfully funny, clearly establishing herself in "a new career as a comedienne." [1]  My husband quite adores Ginger---she's his #1 gal---and this is the film which began the love affair.

According to Majestic Hollywood, the Greatest Films of 1939, just days before production of Bachelor Mother was to begin, Ginger Rogers complained about the script.  Producer Pandro S. Berman attempted to assure her that the script "was better than 90 percent of Hollywood scripts going into production;" Ginger disagreed, however, and refused to begin the film.  After being put on suspension, she eventually backed down, made the film, and even said she "loved working with David Niven and the precious baby."  In the end, Ginger's hesitancy about doing Bachelor Mother was proven wrong, for audiences were wild about it.  In fact, it was said to be "the best comedy of the year." [1]

Out on DVD, Bachelor Mother should be fairly easy to track down; plus, it's on the TCM schedule for Friday, March 21st, at 10:00 a.m. (ET).  I hope you get a chance to see it.

Happy viewing!!

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

A Classic Film Christmas Gift

Classic Film Santa---in the form of my daughter---gave me this wonderful book for Christmas. It highlights 50 films from Hollywood's most glorious year---1939.  (For me, 1937 is neck-and-neck with 1939 as my favorite film year.)  While I've seen several of the titles highlighted in the book (including beloved favorites Gone with the Wind and Dark Victory), many more I've never seen (The Women and Of Mice and Men to name just two), and there are even a few films I've never heard of (such as Hollywood Cavalcade and Confessions of a Nazi Spy).

One of my film goals for 2014 is to watch all 50 films highlighted in this book.  No, I won't be reviewing them all, but I hope to review at least twelve of them---one per month.

What about y'all?  What is your favorite year for films?  And what is your favorite of the 1939 releases?

Film Finds of 2013

In 2013, I watched many 5-star films.  Most of them were repeat viewings of tried and true faves, and while I always enjoy watching a beloved favorite, I also love discovering "new to me" 5-star, "love it" films.  I came upon eight such films this year, seven of which, I have reviewed. I had intended to showcase the other one during Montgomery Clift's stint as "star of the month;" however, blog burnout prevented me from doing so.  I will try to get at that one sometime in the new year.

Here are my 5-star film "discoveries" for 2013.

1.  Edge of the City  (reviewed HERE)---Starring John Cassavetes and Sidney Poitier, this 1957 racially-charged drama is one I caught during Mr. Poitier's reign as star of the month.  I am always completely and totally impressed by the performance Mr. Poitier gives.

2.  To Sir, with Love (reviewed HERE)---Another fabulously-acted drama discovered during Sidney Poitier month, this film features a beautiful, incredibly touching theme song.  The song, coupled with the sentimentality of the film, took this one from 4 to 5 stars for me.

3.  A Raisin in the Sun  (reviewed HERE)---A meaty, powerful, emotionally-charged racial drama, this film features some of the most incredible acting I have ever seen.  All the leads are spectacular---and Oscar worthy.  I truly believe Mr. Poitier's performance here is even more brilliant than in his Oscar-winning role in Lilies of the Field.

4.  The Red Badge of Courage (reviewed HERE)---Discovered during Audie Murphy month, this film is one I almost failed to watch, simply because I don't care for the novel upon which it is based.  Directed by John Huston, this Civil War drama sees Audie giving perhaps the very best performance of his career.

5.  The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone  (reviewed HERE)---Not a Tennessee Williams fan nor a Warren Beatty fan, I very nearly didn't watch this film.  It was only my desire to see Vivien Leigh's entire filmography which caused me to DVR it when TCM aired it in February.  The acting is stellar (even Mr. Beatty's!), the photography is beautiful, the score is spectacular, and the ending scene is powerful and haunting.  All those things combine to make this a 5-star film experience for me.

6.  Wild River---Starring Montgomery Clift and Lee Remick, this Elia Kazan film is meaty, hard-hitting, and very thought-provoking.  Not a feel-good story at all, it focuses on the Tennessee Valley Authority's need to remove long-time residents from their homes, in order to build a dam which will benefit thousands.  In support is Jo Van Fleet, and it is her amazing performance which takes this one into the 5-star category.  In her mid-40's here, yet playing a woman of 80+, she is positively brilliant.

7.  The Hunchback of Notre Dame  (reviewed HERE)---Discovered during Maureen O'Hara's month, this film is nothing short of spectacular.  A lavish production of Victor Hugo's classic, the film sees Charles Laughton giving what I think may well be the performance of his career.  The man is completely amazing!  The film also features hard-hitting drama, incredible costume design, a gorgeous Maureen O'Hara, and a very young Edmond O'Brien.

8.  The Quiet Man  (reviewed HERE)---Not a John Wayne fan, I have been putting this film off for years.  I decided to see it simply because it was being shown at the Egyptian Theatre as part of Maureen O'Hara's 93rd birthday bash, and it was going to be introduced by Miss O'Hara herself. Wow, what a spectacular first-time viewing experience it was---the big screen of a beautiful vintage theatre, a 700+ crowd, an introduction by the lovely Miss O'Hara; plus, the stunning scenery, the gorgeous musical score, and the beauty of the story itself.  What more could a person ask for?!

What makes a film a 5-star film for me?  It's a combination of three things...incredible acting, a deeply moving story which touches my heart and/or brings me to tears, and a powerful or bold dramatic story which I just can't get out of my mind.  (For me, comedy, while entertaining, rarely touches my heart...that's why there are few comedies among my favorite movies.)  Usually, all three of those things have to be working together for me to call a particular film a 5-star film.

So there you have my 5-star film discoveries for 2013.  What about y'all?  What 5-star film discoveries did you make this year?

Happy viewing!!

Looking Back and Looking Forward

The end of the year is always a good time to take a look back at where we've been and what we've accomplished, as well as to look forward to what is on the horizon.  Here is what has been going on in my classic film/blogging life this year, with a little glimmer, as well, into what the next year holds.

January--I began 2013 being accepted into the membership of the Classic Movie Blog Association (CMBA).  It is a privilege and honor to be part of a community of classic film writers, and I've enjoyed being a part of the group and having the opportunity to get to know other classic film enthusiasts.  This year also saw me taking on another year of "star of the month" blogging, though instead of highlighting two or three stars each month, I scaled back and began highlighting only one, beginning with Loretta Young, in honor of her 100th birthday.

February---star of the month was the simply sensational Sidney Poitier.  Mr. Poitier excels at meaty, hard-hitting drama, and my "month of Sidney" resulted in three 5-star film discoveries for the year.  Also, I took part in the CMBA-hosted "Fabulous 40's" blogathon, highlighting Sentimental Journey.  Additionally, I caught An Affair to Remember on the big screen of Boise's Egyptian Theatre.  Seeing Cary Grant up close and personal on the big screen made the movie even more wonderful than it usually is.

March---not only was the great John Garfield my star of the month, I hosted a 4-day blogathon in honor of his 100th birthday.  Nearly two dozen other bloggers participated in the event.  This was my first time hosting such an event---it definitely won't be the last.

April---I highlighted Doris Day and baseball films and also took part in the James Cagney blogathon, reviewing that quintessential gangster film, The Public Enemy.

May---Another of this year's centennial birthdays, Stewart Granger was the star of the month.  I devoured his autobiography, Sparks Fly Upward, finding it an interesting, entertaining read.

June---I paid homage to war hero-turned-actor Audie Murphy, which made for my single most meaningful month of blogging ever.

July---I was out of town for 10 days, so I didn't get a lot of blogging done, but I did catch Gone with the Wind on the big screen of the beautiful, historic Egyptian Theatre.  That was right on track, as Olivia deHavilland was the star of the month.

August---star of the month was birthday girl Maureen O'Hara.  I was able to take part in her 93rd birthday bash here in Boise, by attending a showing of three of her films at The Egyptian, including The Quiet Man, which was introduced by Miss O'Hara herself.

September---I highlighted Claudette Colbert and participated in the Gish sisters blogathon.  I also began experiencing the first waves of blog burn-out, which were upon me full force by mid-October.

October---I shared my insight into George Eastman's A Place in the Sun mind in the Great Imaginary Film blogathon.  Montgomery Clift was the star of the month, but blog burn-out was intense, so I failed to really highlight him as I had intended.  Instead, I began a much-needed blog break.

November---On vacation for 3 weeks, I experienced almost nothing classic film related, except for 2 movies on TCM.

December---For the second year in a row, my daughter and I took in White Christmas on the big screen of the beautiful Egyptian Theatre.  I also found my blogging fire being rekindled.

This year also saw me enlarging my "absolute favorite guy" list to 10 guys...I call them my terrific 10.  As this elite group of special favorites grew, Humphrey Bogart found himself included in the group.  Also, Kirk Douglas came on the scene, not only making it onto my top-30 list, but very nearly into "terrific 10" status. Currently, I rank Kirk in my #2 grouping (the #11 through #20 guys), but he's pretty high up in that group---#15.  I can easily see him joining the elite in the not too distant future. His acting is brilliant...it mesmerizes me.

Movie-wise, 2013 gave me eight "5-star film discoveries".  While I have reviewed the majority of them throughout the year, in a future post, I'll reveal them again .

My blog break has been good, and it has served to rekindle the blog fire.  While there were times I considered abandoning blogging altogether, these weeks away have made clear that abandonment will not be happening.  I love sharing classic films too much to do that!  These weeks away----while good and necessary---have made my blogging heart grown fonder.  So, I'll be keeping this blog going, though I will only be writing 3 or 4 articles a month.  Also, I've decided to dispense with the star of the month format; while I enjoyed doing that, I prefer the flexibility of focusing on whatever films and stars strike my fancy on any particular day.  I will, however, be observing Tyrone Power's centennial birthday in May, as well as Richard Widmark's in December.  Other than those two scheduled months, though, it will be random and free around here.

A huge thanks to all of you for joining me in 2013; I look forward to having you along for 2014's ride as well.