A Film Study: CASABLANCA (1942)

I’m shocked, shocked to find any evidence of a cinematic soul that isn’t in love with the film we’re discussing today, CASABLANCA. It’s not only a film that many a classic film fan would describe as their favorite, but it’s easily a film that could be described as an essentially perfect film. In many ways, with the experience of working within a wide variety of … Continue reading A Film Study: CASABLANCA (1942)

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)

Murder On the Orient Express (1974)

In a startling intro, we hear eery, jagged chords as shocking headlines of a baby kidnapping starkly flash onto the screen. Headlines of names (baby Daisy Armstrong and her famous parents) that are unmistakably a mirroring of a real event, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. Cut to five years later to the introduction of the eccentric and colorful cast of characters on board the Orient Express, … Continue reading Murder On the Orient Express (1974)

Day 2: ACTORS Week of the 31 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON

Times may change, but some things stay the same. The Oscars has remained essentially a grand celebration to honor the best of the best in the film industry. TCM marks this tradition every February via the popular ’31 Days of Oscar’ and your humble co-hosts Aurora, Paula and I once again bring you the 31 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON. As we kick-off our second day … Continue reading Day 2: ACTORS Week of the 31 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON