Cary Grant Builds Trust Issues in NOTORIOUS (1946)

By the Autumn of 1945, Cary Grant, along with our global allies, surely breathed a collective sigh of relief. Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945. After the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan followed by surrendering on September 2, 1945. The second world war was over, but this was the deadliest global conflict in human history, with an estimated 50 to 85 … Continue reading Cary Grant Builds Trust Issues in NOTORIOUS (1946)

Beautiful Tearjerker: PENNY SERENADE (1941)

Get your hankies ready. Today, we’re discussing George Stevens’ PENNY SERENADE. This is the third feature film pairing of Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. While audiences had seen both Dunne and Grant in some dramatic roles in the 1930s, each had gained their biggest successes via comedies. This film takes a dramatic turn to melodrama. Director George Stevens (December 18, 1904 – March 8, 1975) … Continue reading Beautiful Tearjerker: PENNY SERENADE (1941)

Cary Grant Steps Out in MY FAVORITE WIFE

In my last entry, we discussed Cary Grant’s first feature-length film, Frank Tuttle’s THIS IS THE NIGHT. That year, Cary starred in many Paramount films, under the first year of his contract. Today’s session, we’ll cover MY FAVORITE WIFE (1940). From 1932 to this film in 1940, Cary worked in 35 films. By the late 1930s, Cary finished up his Paramount contract, signed onto a … Continue reading Cary Grant Steps Out in MY FAVORITE WIFE

A Cary Grant Pre-Code-THIS IS THE NIGHT

More than likely, if you are a Cary Grant fan, your first introduction came via films like NORTH BY NORTHWEST or another Hitchcock classic, or perhaps one of his earlier films co-starring Kate Hepburn. Less likely, you probably didn’t receive your first glimpse of Old Hollywood’s legendary leading man via his first feature length film, THIS IS THE NIGHT. As we mentioned in our overview … Continue reading A Cary Grant Pre-Code-THIS IS THE NIGHT

CARY GRANT, a Film Study of the Man and the Myth

In the Golden age of Hollywood, few names are as infamous as Cary Grant. He was the very definition of dapper sophistication on the big screen. He could do drama, comedy, and was the most desired of romantic leads. Fans either wanted to be him or be with him. But the truth was far from the popular image on the screen. Cary Grant was born … Continue reading CARY GRANT, a Film Study of the Man and the Myth

THAT TOUCH OF MINK (1962)

Doris Day was 40 years old when Delbert Mann’s THAT TOUCH OF MINK (1962) premiered, cementing her ridiculous (yet popular) reputation as the “world’s oldest professional virgin.” At this point, she was flourishing in her career within a string of crowd-pleasing sex comedies and rom-coms from the late 1950s that continued into the 1960s. THAT TOUCH OF MINK followed a sure-fire formula with successful films … Continue reading THAT TOUCH OF MINK (1962)

5 Reasons Why THE AWFUL TRUTH is my Classic Comfort Movie

May 16th was National Classic Movie Day! On that date we celebrate those films we love from the golden era of Hollywood. To list just one film that brings me joy or comfort like an old friend is frankly impossible. But one of many that I have seen countless times and brings me laughter without fail, even on the bluest of days, is Leo McCarey’s … Continue reading 5 Reasons Why THE AWFUL TRUTH is my Classic Comfort Movie

Why SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1933) defines SEX

What defines sexy in film? Is it watching a couple make out? Adonis and goddess bodies of perfection? Is it showy shots of skin? Is it something more taboo? If you ask, most people define sexy as not something so gratuitously obscene as pornography, but rather the suggestion of sex. What’s most hot, is usually what’s not. In other words, why let the camera do all … Continue reading Why SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1933) defines SEX

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)