Category: classic film review

Blogathon, classic film review

Nuances of Antisemitism in GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947)

Despite urgings from industry colleagues to avoid predicted controversy (especially when three political figures are called out for their well-known antisemitism by name), producer Darryl F Zanuck fought hard to bring Elia Kazan’s GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947) to the big screen. With a love story mixed in, this film tackles the subject of American antisemitism as a cultural experience, much more directly than had been endeavored … Continue reading Nuances of Antisemitism in GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947)

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Blogathon, classic film review

Billy Wilder’s SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

To honor Billy Wilder’s birthday (today would have been his 109th birthday), I’m sharing my thoughts on one of his most beloved comedies of all-time, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959). Written (along with long-time writing partner IAL Diamond), produced, and directed by Billy Wilder, this film is a comedy that’s both classic and contemporary. Then and now. It was a slight change of pace for Wilder who … Continue reading Billy Wilder’s SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

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Blogathon, classic film review

The Great Katharine Hepburn Blogathon: STAGE DOOR (1937)

How can a film from 1937 seem relevant and impressive today? It can when it’s Gregory La Cava’s STAGE DOOR. Based on the popular stage play written by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, the film version takes a detour with a large ensemble cast of characters. It’s essentially based on the struggles and pursuits of the all-female tenants at the Footlights Club, a residence … Continue reading The Great Katharine Hepburn Blogathon: STAGE DOOR (1937)

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classic film review

The Cost of Success in EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE (1933)

“There’s no room for sympathy or softness – my code is smash or be smashed!”… Warren William as Kurt Anderson In the heart of the Great Depression of 1933, Roy Del Ruth’s EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE was released just a few months prior to the election that ousted stock-market-crashing President Hoover and ushered in economic-rebuilder President FDR. The political and economic climate of desperation and uncertainty in … Continue reading The Cost of Success in EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE (1933)

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classic film review

Salacious Sins in I’M NO ANGEL (1933)

Mae West was an original. Her personality was bigger than life and her sexuality was a powerful force of nature. In West’s second writing credit on film, Wesley Ruggles’ I’M NO ANGEL stands out as a definitive Pre-Code. Following the success of SHE DONE HIM WRONG released earlier that year, the even greater popularity of I’M NO ANGEL as the top grossing film of 1933 … Continue reading Salacious Sins in I’M NO ANGEL (1933)

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classic film review, Film Festivals

Silents In The Cathedral presents: THE BAT (1926)

On a beautiful Autumn night in Topeka, KS a week prior to Halloween, and for the 17th year, the Grace Cathedral was home of the silent film event, SILENTS IN THE CATHEDRAL. This year’s spooky spectacular included 3 shorts and the main feature, Roland West’s THE BAT (1926). Sponsored by The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library with the cooperation of the Kansas Silent Film … Continue reading Silents In The Cathedral presents: THE BAT (1926)

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Blogathon, classic film review

Jaws- The Smell, The Speech, and the Fair Spanish Ladies

“This post is part of the SPIELBERG BLOGATHON hosted by Outspoken & Freckled, It Rains… You Get Wet, and Citizen Screenings taking place August 23-24. Please visit these host blogs for a full list of participating blogs.” I’ve always had vivid memories of my early years. The first time I saw Jaws was at a drive in in the back seat of my parents’ station wagon. I know… back … Continue reading Jaws- The Smell, The Speech, and the Fair Spanish Ladies

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Blogathon, classic film review

A DAY AT THE RACES

With the enormous success of Sam Wood’s A NIGHT AT THE OPERA (1935) under their belts, the Marx Brothers trio of Groucho, Chico and Harpo proved they were a box office hit post-Paramount and ready for their next MGM hit, continuing on without brother Zeppo.  Directed again by Sam Wood, A DAY AT THE RACES (1937) brought the hilarious Marx Brothers threesome and a talented … Continue reading A DAY AT THE RACES

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Blogathon, classic film review

STALAG 17 (1953)

Billy Wilder was an Austrian born filmmaker/writer/director… and all-around cinema genius. Born Samuel Wilder on June 22, 1906 in Sucha, Austria, Wilder went from being a Viennese reporter to a free-lance writer in Berlin where he started working on film scripts in 1929. As Hitler rose to power, Wilder moved to Paris to direct his first film, as he feared his Jewish ancestry would threaten … Continue reading STALAG 17 (1953)

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classic film review

THE THIRD MAN (1949)

Carol Reed’s innovative classic THE THIRD MAN (1949) is one of my favorite films. It stands apart from many films of its time and still remains a unique cinematic experience. A very different film to reflect a very different time and place… post WW2 war, ally occupied Vienna. This aesthetically beautiful film noir was photographed by cinematographer Robert Krasker and written by novelist Graham Greene. … Continue reading THE THIRD MAN (1949)

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