Tag: Comedy

Classic Film, Westerns

The Unexpected Delights of DESTRY RIDES AGAIN (1939)

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)

Unknown's avatarkelleeprattLeave a comment
Adventure, Classic Film

The ADVENTURES of ROBIN HOOD: A Technicolor Dream in Tights

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

Unknown's avatarkelleeprattLeave a comment
Classic Film, classic film review, PreCode

Tallulah Bankhead Exposes THE CHEAT (1931)

One of the captivating traits found in a Pre-Code film is a dark tone, that often reflects a discernible note of danger. I suppose it’s a flair for the dramatics that draws many to the dark side of Pre-Code cinema. There are many such themes of sins and malice found in George Abbott’s The Cheat (1931) . The alluring Tallulah Bankhead is Elsa Carlyle, an extravagant spender who lives beyond … Continue reading Tallulah Bankhead Exposes THE CHEAT (1931)

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt2 Comments
Classic Film, Comedy, Horror Classics

A Spooky Study: ARSENIC and OLD LACE

Today we’ll meet Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster, a very different sort of ‘challenged married man’ than we met in his prior film, PENNY SERENADE. In contrast, Frank Capra’s ARSENIC and OLD LACE is madcap macabre whirled into a hilarious, bigger-than-Brooklyn tale. Before being made into a film, ARSENIC and OLD LACE was a huge hit on the Broadway stage. Playwright Joseph Kesselring was said … Continue reading A Spooky Study: ARSENIC and OLD LACE

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt3 Comments
Classic Film, classic film review

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

Unknown's avatarkelleeprattLeave a comment
Classic Film

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

Unknown's avatarkelleeprattLeave a comment
Classic Film, Comedy

Christmas in Connecticut – Holiday Classic or Feminist Screwball?

For classic film fans, the holiday season represents a time to wax nostalgic over those classic films that pop up this time of year. Everyone has his or her own must-see favorites. Perhaps you prefer a mainstream flavor like WHITE CHRISTMAS or IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, or perhaps you go for something a bit under the mainstream radar like HOLIDAY AFFAIR or IT HAPPENED ON … Continue reading Christmas in Connecticut – Holiday Classic or Feminist Screwball?

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt5 Comments
Classic Film, Comedy

Surviving Holiday MayhemWith These Ladies of Screwball Comedy

Dan (Ralph Bellamy): “I certainly learned about women from you.”Aunt Patsy (Cecil Cunningham): “Here’s your diploma.” (As she hands him Lucy’s break-up letter) In The Awful Truth (1937), Ralph Bellamy as wealthy cowpoke Dan does indeed learn a great deal about the risks and foibles of falling for a glamorous socialite (Irene Dunne), still in love with her soon-to-be-ex husband (Cary Grant). In the 1930s and 40s, the Screwball Comedy … Continue reading Surviving Holiday MayhemWith These Ladies of Screwball Comedy

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt1 Comment
Blogathon, Classic Film, Comedy

PAUL LYNDE: Sardonic Clown

It’s difficult to say what role I first discovered Paul Lynde. I was born in the winter of 1966, and throughout my childhood in the late sixties and seventies, he was everywhere. Never a leading man, yet he was a standout in small roles in the most popular films, tv shows, and game shows. For a comedic actor who always got the minor roles, he … Continue reading PAUL LYNDE: Sardonic Clown

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt15 Comments
Comedy, Modern Film, Streaming

Celebrating Life, Death, and Ricky Gervais in GHOST TOWN (2008)

  Brit funny man Ricky Gervais is known for his brutal humor, as the controversial host of the Golden Globes, as the creator/writer/star of the original (2001 British version) “The Office,” and for his outspoken stances on atheism and animal rights. On his comedy styling, he never holds back and everyone is equally vulnerable to his verbal barbs. For a man who has very firm … Continue reading Celebrating Life, Death, and Ricky Gervais in GHOST TOWN (2008)

Unknown's avatarkelleepratt8 Comments