Along our Kate adventure thus far, we have explored her upbringing, her early start on the stage, her romances that eschewed marriage, her ups-and-downs in Hollywood in the 1930s, and now we have arrived at her WW2 era films. And more precisely, this is the origin of the ‘Kate and Spence’ era. As we discussed with THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940), the early 1940s represented her … Continue reading WOMAN of the YEAR
Today’s film is likely known to many of you. A fan favorite for a long time, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY offers yet another glimpse of Katharine Hepburn as a wealthy socialite. However, unlike the several screwball comedies that star Hepburn as the spoiled rich girl that preceded it, this film goes deeper in themes and allows a tailored yet more complex character study for Hepburn. When … Continue reading THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
In our next stop along our Katharine Hepburn film study, we remain in the 1930s with George Cukor’s HOLIDAY (1938). Many have considered this film as part of a trio for Hepburn during this time. BRINGING UP BABY (1937) and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) bookend this film, with all three featuring Kate as wealthy socialite who is privileged but with a heart of gold. The … Continue reading HOLIDAY (1938)
As we begin our Kate Hepburn voyage, let’s explore Gregory La Cava’s STAGE DOOR (1937). This film was her thirteenth. All with RKO, as required by her studio contract. She started off strong, with her third film (MORNING GLORY, 1933) bringing her the first of her Best Actress Oscars and the huge success of LITTLE WOMEN (1933). However, by 1937, Kate was starting to feel … Continue reading STAGE DOOR (1937)
Of all the Golden era Hollywood movie stars, it’s impossible not to think immediately of Katharine Hepburn. Her on-screen career spanned decades. The public has been fascinated with her from the very beginning. Truthfully, we still are. A strong-willed and fiercely independent person, she became a feminist icon. It was in her DNA. She grew up in Connecticut to upper class parents- her father Dr. … Continue reading KATHARINE HEPBURN, a Film Study
Hitchcock was in the business of making movies. “The master of suspense” was at the height of his game during his years at Paramount while making VERTIGO, a film that would later become a classic, and many have claimed it as the greatest film of all time. For Hitchcock, his storytelling goes above and beyond a solid murder mystery or a fun whodunnit. With … Continue reading VERTIGO: A Mid Century Modernist View on Symbols, Sounds, Colors… and Obsession
As we discovered through my class, 1939: The Greatest Year in Cinema History, this timeline was an extremely busy year- on screen, in the Hollywood studios, and in the world. Following the discussions of films like CONFESSIONS of a NAZI SPY (1939) and THE MORTAL STORM (1940) which highlighted the rise of Germany’s Nazi party, we transitioned to the Russian side of political arena in … Continue reading A Study Guide of a Classic Comedy, NINOTCHKA (1939)
On October 4, 2025 I had pleasure of meeting the daughter of Vincent Price, the celebrated author Victoria Price. At the Slash and Bash Film Festival in Topeka, Kansas, where all things spooky from classic to contemporary, convened in fandom. She is the author of a biography on her father, “Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography,” (1999), and inspirational memoirs, “The Way of Being Lost: A … Continue reading My Interview with Vincent Price’s Daughter, Victoria Price
For our 2nd film to explore in our journey into “the Greatest Year in Cinema History: 1939,” we’re taking a liberty with the primary goal of our course by discussing a film from 1940. Initially, I had scheduled Anatole Litvak’s CONFESSIONS of a NAZI SPY (1939), starring dynamic Edward G. Robinson. I do highly recommend CONFESSIONS, but I think there is a more finessed approach … Continue reading A Fitting Tale for Our Times… THE MORTAL STORM (1940)
In the Autumn of 2021, we were attempting how to navigate through a major pandemic. My goal was to continue teaching classic film courses; with masks on and social distance spacing, we somehow managed our best to stay safe while enjoying some old movies. That semester, I chose the topic of 1939: The Greatest Year in Cinema History. My intention was to highlight some magnificent … Continue reading The Unexpected Delights of DESTRY RIDES AGAIN (1939)
Outspoken & Freckled 