A Study Guide of a Classic Comedy, NINOTCHKA (1939)

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)

A Fitting Tale for Our Times… THE MORTAL STORM (1940)

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)

The Fate of Freedom, Ford, and YOUNG MR. LINCOLN

As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day under polarized politics that grows increasingly similar in tension to an era over one hundred sixty years ago when our union was splintered in turmoil, let’s explore a cinematic tale of likely the most iconic of all American figures in John Ford’s YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (1939). In the role of the young Abe Lincoln is Henry Fonda. Fonda … Continue reading The Fate of Freedom, Ford, and YOUNG MR. LINCOLN

John Garfield- The Final Bow

Recently, as I was tuning into TCM, I stumbled across THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE. Even though I’ve watched it countless times, I rarely pass up the opportunity to indulge in this cinematic pleasure. As I was enjoying the incredible performances of Lana Turner and John Garfield, I pondered Garfield’s impressive cinematic career. Like a star that shines brightly and burns out too soon, his … Continue reading John Garfield- The Final Bow