Movie-up with the Best Classic Movies

Witness to Murder, 1954

2011-06-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Barbara Stanwyck brought significant skill to most of her movie roles. In this movie, playing a witness to a murder that can't be proved, the role could be over done with angst but Stanwyck makes it appropriately tense and harrowing. George Sanders played a Nazi in Man Hunt and plays a supposedly ex-Nazi in Witness to Murder. He's one of the best bad guys in moviedom.

It's nice to know that Stanwyck was known as a kind woman and professional on the movie set. In addition to this movie, some of Stanwyck's best and varied roles can be found in Double Indemnity, Ball of Fire and The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.

The Tall T (1957)

2011-02-13T19:49:00.000-06:00

Is Randolph Scott a great cowboy...or what? He's at his best bouncing lines off Arthur Hunnicutt and sparring with ultimate bad guy, Richard Boone. Chink, played by Henry Silva, is a cold one but deadpans a good line early in the movie: "He's a talker, Frank."(you have to see it). The Tall T is an often overlooked cowboy classic, based on a...you guessed it, an Elmore Leonard story. I shows up on television in small waves, typically Encore's Western Channel. Catch it the next time around. The only odd thing about the movie is that a young boy is killed - you don't see it happen, you just find out about it later. It does make you hate the bad guys which bodes well for the good guy.

Room for One More, 1952

2010-12-08T21:07:00.001-06:00

Norman Taurog, Director

Sentimental? Yes ! - but an enjoyable use of Cary Grant's comedic capabilities. His real-life wife (at least for some time), Betsy Drake, plays his kindhearted wife that takes in homeless pets....and children that are unwanted by others. They sort of play the couple we wish we could be; regular families that are real heroes that accomplish difficult tasks turning around lives with little fanfare.

Take the opportunity to watch this whenever it's on television as it is not often shown. It's a great family-time movie that has great lessons for kids.....as well as adults.

Room for One More

Man Hunt, 1941

2010-11-26T12:34:00.000-06:00

Fritz Lang, Director

The delightful Walter Pidgeon makes the ideal loyal Englishman who, pre-war, must run from Hitler's henchmen after they caught him with a rifle near Hitler's lodge. Pidgeon's character is privileged and wealthy, but that apparently has not affected him too much. During the chase, he must depend upon common, even lowly people to treat him with kindness and trust. Roddy McDowell and Joan Bennett are those people.

Man Hunt

This is a great movie for all ages with the emphasis on courage and trust worthiness.

Hombre, 1967

2010-11-26T11:42:00.000-06:00

Martin Ritt, Director

Paul Newman makes full use of his stoic capabilities. His character, John Russell, raised by Indians, is held in contempt by his fellow stagecoach passengers (once the snootiest woman realizes he lived as an Indian), but when they get into trouble, he becomes the reluctant go-to guy. There are several great character actors in the movie, some you don't see quite so often.

Hombre

Those who are corrupt and self-absorbed are the characters John Russell must help, goaded by a world-weary, but relatively wise woman who really just wants some security in life. Hombre doesn't quite have the classic feel of John Ford's Stagecoach with John Ford. It's fine for teens, probably wasted on anyone much younger.

The Kid from Left Field, 1953

2010-10-24T20:21:00.000-05:00

Billy Chapin and Dan Daily are a wonderful father - son team, reminiscent of Jackie Cooper and Wallace Beery in The Champ. Don't worry, though, it's not as much of a tear jerker. The last line of the movie comes from Ray Collins' (remember Lt. Tragg on Perry Mason?) character -- something like: "I can't believe the Bison's are in the World Series." Well, you can relate to that if you are a Texas Rangers fan.

The story revolves around Chapin's character, his hopefulness and resourcefulness. He makes full use of his Dad's baseball knowledge, though Daily's character is a "washed-up" former player, now down and out.

Definitely enjoy this with your kids and grandkids. It's a great one and I don't think you can get it on DVD, so watch for it on TV.

No Highway in the Sky, 1951

2010-10-15T22:38:00.001-05:00

Jimmy Stewart as a preoccupied, single-minded, kind-hearted engineer with a young, precocious and self-sufficient daughter, is very convincing. The object of his obsession is the study of airplane structure failure through the use of mathematics. You know he must be right in his prediction, but will he prove it? Marlene Dietrich is well-cast also as a movie star and Glynis Johns personifies the ideal flight attendant.

No Highway in the Sky is set post WWII. The wife of Stewart's character perished in the bombing of London, hence he and his daughter have only each other.

The movie has a little bit of documentary flavor to it -- or at least historical/scientific informational value. Great for kids and adults.

No Highway in the Sky

Dangerous Crossing, 1953

2010-10-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

I have watched so many movies - classic era movies - that I am delighted to find one here and there to watch for the first time. Dangerous Crossing with Jeanne Crain and Michael Rennie is a recent film that I finally made an effort to see. At first I thought Jeanne Crain was a bit over the top in her angst, but got used to it, much like getting used to Jodie Foster's angst in Flightplan (2005). The movies are similar in feel if not completely so in plot.

Some of you will, before the end of the movie, figure out what happened to Crain's husband. It's not real mind-bending, but it did surprise me. But, I'm a simple woman.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to watch Dangerous Crossing as it is a Fox movie and Fox Movie Channel shows their films over and over. That's good when they are good films.

Dangerous Crossing (Fox Film Noir)

The Gunfighter, 1950

2010-09-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

Gregory Peck, Millard Mitchell, Karl Malden

Directed by Henry King, The Gunfighter is not just a western; it is part love story, part redemption, part regret -- and a really great movie. The fastest gun is now an older-than-his-years, likable though still fearsome fellow that has some personal connections that he has difficulty severing.

There are many things which make this a worthwhile movie: The great character actors like Millard Mitchell and Karl Malden and an early scene with soon-to-be great character actor, Richard Jaeckel. Oh, yes, and Skip Homeier that you should also see in The Tall T. The horse that comes to his master's whistle. Busybody women.....and men. Gregory Peck. There's some gunfighting, but that's not the emphasis of the movie. Enjoy and appreciate.

The Gunfighter [DVD]

Re-make Bad Day at Black Rock?

2010-09-07T21:10:00.000-05:00

It's fun to think about current actors that could skillfully slip into a classic role and make a re-make worth watching. A recent re-make was 3:10 to Yuma. I don't think Russell Crowe's Ben Wade was as charming as Glenn Ford's and Christian Bale's portrayal of the unappreciated Evans is something less than Van Heflin's. Get the picture?

So, back to Bad Day at Black Rock. It might not be so hard to cast the bad guys, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin, but casting the Spencer Tracy role could be a bit tricky. You could even cast it in modern day, with an officer attempting to deliver a war medal to the Arab-American family of a deceased veteran. Well, maybe you could; maybe it's best to keep it a post WWII movie.

In any case, I'd vote for Viggo Mortensen for the Spencer Tracy part, John Macreedy.

Act of Violence, 1948

2010-09-07T20:28:00.000-05:00

As this movie progresses, director Fred Zinnemann, causes you to doubt what you thought about the characters when the movie began. It takes place, and is filmed, on the heels of WWII and pokes at some fresh wounds experienced by some American P.O.W.'s.

The capable cast includes Van Heflin, Robert Ryan and Janet Leigh. While watching, you wonder if the truth of the main characters' war experiences will be revealed. The darkness, the angst and the morbid secrets make this a classic film noir that does not disappoint.

Act of Violence / Mystery Street (Film Noir Double Feature)

The Wrong Man, 1957

2010-08-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

The Wrong Man

Hitchcock-directed
with Henry Fonda and Vera Miles

Try not to get accused of a crime you didn't commit. If you have any trouble sympathizing with people, watch this. You'll sympathize with Henry Fonda's character, Manny. As a matter of fact, if you are dating anyone, watch this movie with them. If they have no feelings for Manny, dump 'em.

This may be considered an unusual Hitchcock film, but there is plenty of tension, nonetheless.

The Stranger, 1946

2010-08-20T07:27:00.000-05:00

The Stranger
Director: Orson Welles

Actors:
Orson Welles as Franz Kindler aka Prof. Charles Rankin
Edward G. Robinson as Wilson
Loretta Young as Mary Longstreet-Rankin
Richard Long as Noah Longstreet
Billy House as Mr. Potter

Will the Nazi melt into America, escaping his war crimes and live to revive the Nazi's once again? From the beginning you know who and what Charles Rankin really is; but you will wonder if he will get away with his crimes.

Edward G. Robinson improves every movie in which he acts. He interacts with the other characters just as his character requires. Ultimately, though he is attractive, he is most watchable. He is on the post-WWII war crimes commission and he is committed finding the evil Franz Kindler and bringing him to justice.

Tensions run deep in The Stranger - in a small, enjoyable American town where there is really no reason for tension. Loretta Young is great at being nervous and, at times, seemingly clueless.

This is a great movie. Don't miss it. It will be one of thos movies that, if you happen to see that it is on TV, you won't be able to help but sit down and watch it again.

Movie Poll: What's Your Favorite Steve McQueen role? | MovieFanFare

2010-08-17T21:56:00.000-05:00

Movie Poll: What's Your Favorite Steve McQueen role? | MovieFanFare

Zulu, 1964

2010-08-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

Zulu

Director: Cy Enfield
Actors:
Michael Caine
Stanley Baker
Jack Hawkins

Even if you are not particularly fond of period movies, or war movies, Zulu gives you the opportunity to like at least one. It is based on an actual 1869 battle shortly after the British were utterly defeated by the Zulu at Isandlhwana. 140 Welsh soldiers were left guarding a supply dump when 4000 Zulu warriors advanced on them.

This is very early movie role for Michael Caine as Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. He had done quite a bit of British TV prior to this.

The Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard (who came to the area to build a bridge) must quickly come to terms with their situation and deal with it though they have very different points of view.

Zulu has a most interesting ending. You may find yourself wanting to learn more about this event in history. Of course, movies tend to bend history a bit, but this one will likely perk your interest.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, 1945

2010-08-17T21:13:00.001-05:00

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Director: Elia Kazan

Actors:
Peggy Ann Garner as Francie Nolan
Ted Donaldson as Neeley Nolan
Dorothy Malone as Katie Nolan
Joan Blondell as Sissie Edwards

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a must-see for children - and adults for that matter.

Francie (Peggy Ann Garner) deals with poverty in early 1900's Brooklyn in a resourceful and hopeful way. She connects with her delightful but ne'er-do-well talented father, but she and her mother can barely come to terms.

Elia Kazan tells the story wonderfully - no particular plot, but a series of events in the family's life and Francie's desire for a better education.

To Have and Have Not, 1944

2010-08-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

To Have and Have Not

Director: Howard Hawks

Actors:
Humphrey Bogart as Harry 'Steve' Morgan
Lauren Bacall as Marie 'Slim' Browning
Walter Brennan as Eddie
Hoagy Carmichael as Cricket

"You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve. You just put your lips together and blow". This is the movie with that famous Bacall line. Based on an Ernest Hemingway novel and set in war time French Martinique, it is similar to Casablanca in that the main character attempts to remain out of the war while making a living.

Watch every minute of it, because it can be difficult to follow if you are not paying attention. There is wit, intrigue, suspense and some great acting. If you have noticed Walter Brennan much, watch this and then watch My Darling Clementine with Henry Fonda....completely diffent characters.

Margaret O Brien

2010-08-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

Margaret O Brien Actress Won Wide Praise | Moviematics.com

Enjoy Margaret O'Brien day on TCM. One of the most enjoyable child actors ever, Margaret could act with the best. Our Vines Have Tender Grapes with Edward, G. Robinson, who makes every movie he is in better, is a a favorite. The interesting actor in this one is Agnes Moorehead who plays a fairly nice and wise Mom.

Some Like it Hot, 1959

2010-08-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

Director: Billy Wilder

Actors: Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk
Jack Lemmon as Jerry - 'Daphne'
Tony Curtis as Joe - 'Josephine' / 'Junior'
George Raft as Spats Colombo
Joe E. Brown as Osgood Fielding III

Billy Wilder, known also for great drama, i.e., Sunset Boulevard, is accomplished at comedy, so much so that some consider Some Like it Hot the best comedy ....ever - which is a great reason to watch it. Wilder uses parody (note George Raft), mistaken identity, misunderstanding and panic as the base for great actors to deliver the goods in a delightful, fast-paced comedy.

Some Like It Hot

Think about how you might re-cast this movie.

Pro-Life Actress Patricia Neal of "Hud" Fame Dies, Regretted Her Abortion

2010-08-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

Pro-Life Actress Patricia Neal of "Hud" Fame Dies, Regretted Her Abortion

The Quiet Man, 1952

2010-08-08T21:24:00.001-05:00

Director: John Ford

Imagine John Ford directing John Wayne in a film other than Western period. It is beautiful (and in color) and makes you wish you could have seen it in a theater on a really big screen. Besides that, the connection between John Wayne's Sean Thornton and Maureen O'Hara's distrustful, beautiful character, Mary Kate Danaher, and the delightful characters that Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond and others bring, make the time investment worthwhile.

John Wayne is convincing as a boxer who quietly carries internalized pain and guilt. The Irish landscape and traditions give the movie much of its meaning.

Shadow of a Doubt, 1943

2010-08-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Shadow of a Doubt

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Actors: Teresa Writght as "Charlie"
Joseph Cotten as Uncle Charlie
also
Henry Travers
Hume Cronyn
Patricia Collinge

Small-town USA. What a great place for a serial killer to elude big city FBI. We know what Charlie's favorite uncle did, but will it be too late before Charlie discovers it and comes to grip with it?

Joseph Cotten played in a number of Hitchcock films for good reason. He's good at it. As is so often the case with Hitchcock, the supporting characters provide some side interest, such as Charlie's father and Hume Cronyn's characters being obsessed with figuring out the theoretical perfect murder.

This movie can help you on your way to really being an Alfred Hitchcock fan. Look for his cameo. He somehow puts himself into the picture for a brief moment. And...think about how you would re-cast this movie if a re-make was being filmed today.

Sahara, 1943

2010-08-07T16:55:00.001-05:00

Sahara

Director: Zoltan Korda

Actors: Humphrey Bogart as Sgt. Joe Gunn
Dan Duryea as Jimmy Doyle
J. Carrol Naish as Giuseppe
Bruce Bennett as "Waco" Hoyt
Rex Ingram as Tambul
Louis T. Mercier as Jean Leroux ( "Frenchie")
American Tank as Lulubelle

One of the best WWII movies ever made and it's one of Humphrey Bogart's best; so, if you have been watching fluffy, emotional movies, Sahara will put some sand and grit back into your life.

This movie is a microcosm of the guts and ingenuity that helped the allies to victory. An American tank crew in Libya, separated from it's division, is ordered to retreat, so it they head off by themselves shortly coming across a group of English soldiers and a Sudanese soldier with a captured Italian. They also shoot down an attacking German flier and take him prisoner en route. They come to a place where they can make a stand and slow the Germans, but it will be nearly impossible. Watch the movie to see what they do and how they do it. Guts and ingenuity.

Phone Call From a Stranger, 1952

2010-08-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

Phone Call from a Stranger

Director: Jean Negulesco

Actors: Shelley Winters as Binky Gay
Gary Merrill as David Trask
Michael Rennie as Dr. Fortness
Keenan Wynn as Eddie Hoke
Bette Davis as Marie Hoke

Attorney David Trask sets out on a cross-country plane trip to decide what to do about his marriage - his wife had been unfaithful and forgiveness wasn't on his mind. The trip had several layovers and a group of people, including Trask, became acquainted, in a seemingly superficial way and they exchanged contact information. The group included an alcoholic doctor, a failed actress and an obnoxious salesman.

The plane crashes and Trask is the only survivor. As he recovers, he comes across the contact information for those in their small group. Of course, their families already know of their deaths, but Trask contacts them to share and to listen - he was the last one to see them alive.

Phone Call from a Stranger has the potential to be overly sentimental, but it is cast and acted so well, that any sappiness to the script is quickly overlooked. Director Jean Negulesco may be most famous for being replaced after two months of work as the director of The Maltese Falcon by John Huston. He went on to make some very good films, including Phone Call from a Stranger.

Gary Merrill and Bette Davis were married by this time, but do not spend much time in the film together.

Night People, 1954

2010-08-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Director: Nunnally Johnson
Actors:
Gregory Peck
Broderick Crawford
Buddy Ebsen

Night People is a fast-paced, tense, cold-war movie that keeps you worrying about how things are going to end. Gregory Peck is a great leading man and does not disappoint in this role as a clever, persistent, no-nonsense US military officer in Berlin.

The story begins when a young GI is kidnapped by the East Germans and held for a trade. The GI's father (Broderick Crawford) back in the US is a wealthy and clearly self-important businessman who quickly travels to Germany thinking that he can stir up the action to get his son returned, no matter the consequences. So, he is treated to a glimpse into the difficulty and madness of the spy game with the Communists. The relationship between Gregory Peck's character and Broderick Crawford's character and how it evolves makes for interesting viewing.

There are many other characters that move in and out of scenes, each with their own tasks and agendas. There is not a dull moment in this film, but it is not an action movie; it is, though in its own way, a thriller.