THE UNSUSPECTED (1947) was the very first film Michael Curtiz made under his new production company, Michael Curtiz Productions. As such, it’s an important pit stop in our Curtiz journey. In the end, it was a mix of hits and misses; but overall, an important lesson in his life as a filmmaker. With Hal Wallis’s post-CASABLANCA disgruntled exit at Warner Brothers and with Curtiz’s maiden … Continue reading A Little Noir Gem, THE UNSUSPECTED (1947)
We venture forth in our Michael Curtiz adventure with our next film, THE ADVENTURES of ROBIN HOOD (1938). To pivot from 2-strip color Pre-Code horror with cannibalistic themes to the Technicolor swashbuckling men in tights of Robin Hood is a perfect example of the Curtiz versatility. As a reminder, the Pre-Code era (late 1929 – summer of 1934) has ended, and as such Joseph Breen … Continue reading The ADVENTURES of ROBIN HOOD: A Technicolor Dream in Tights
In today’s stop along our grand Bette Davis adventure, we are studying NOW VOYAGER (1941). It is undoubtedly a dramatic tale of romance, but also rooted in a theme of psychiatry and mental health. As a bonus, we are treated to a character makeover. This is a coming out tale. Who doesn’t love a dazzling ‘before and after’ reveal? NOW VOYAGER is based upon a … Continue reading The Background Story: Bette Davis in NOW VOYAGER
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)
Outspoken & Freckled 