Film diary: The Petrified Forest (1936)

A couple of months ago, I rewatched one of my favorite movies, The Petrified Forest. I've always wanted to write about it. This is my attempt to capture what I find so extraordinary about it. Originally a stage play, the film feels and looks like it. The action takes place in a diner on the …

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Lena Horne’s Summer Under the Stars debut

I used to wish for Lena Horne to get a day on TCM for Summer Under the Stars. But then I realized that she couldn't; she had only starred in five films after all. And five just isn't enough for a 24 hour marathon. But this year, TCM has granted my wish. I've seen 12 …

Marathon of Stars: Dolores del Rio

I cried watching my first Dolores del Rio movie. The movie itself, a lighthearted comedy called In Caliente (1935) costarring Pat O'Brien and one of the funniest character actors of all time, Edward Everett Horton, didn't involve any tragedy. So why was I overcome with emotion? Because I was seeing a beautiful Mexican actress onscreen …

Film diary: Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)

The phrase make way for tomorrow is a little deceptive. Consider the lyrics to the Jerome Kern song: Let's keep on singing, "Make way for tomorrow!" The sun is bringing a new day tomorrow It can mean the promise of a new day, but 'make way' also means to move out of the way. Move …

2017 Blind Spots: Frankenstein (1931)

To celebrate Halloween, my blind spot for the month is the James Whale Universal horror classic, Frankenstein.     Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) is mad with one singular purpose: to create a man with his own hands, to play God essentially. He has built a man with assorted dead body parts and the brain …

2017 Blind Spots: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel of the same name, Lewis Milestone's All Quiet on the Western Front proves to be as landmark as the book itself. A group of bright and idealistic college students eagerly enlist in the army to fight in World War I, only to find their romantic illusions shattered on the …

The Early Years of Disney Magic (1923-1937)

Animation is not recognized as a serious art form very often. Oh sure, there are exceptions: Pixar, Disney, Ghibli, Laika, and the acclaimed R-rated Anomalisa. But the misconception persists that animation is kids stuff. Animated films are 90 minute diversions for kids with some clever jokes scattered throughout for the grown ups to chuckle over. …