June Allyson is TCM’s star of the day, one of the last as August draws to a close. A perpetually sunny screen personality, most of the movies in today’s lineup reflect that. The one exception is my recommendation, High Barbaree, her second film with best friend and frequent co-star Van Johnson. It is my favorite…… Continue reading High Barbaree (1947): No beginning and no end
A misleading title, preposterous storyline, improbable romance, seriously questionable if not outright morally reprehensible behavior, and ants – The Bride Goes Wild has all that and more! While it’s probably my least favorite Van Johnson and June Allyson pairing, it’s still highly enjoyable to watch. This of course is due to Van and June’s chemistry,…… Continue reading Egads! Van the Cad in The Bride Goes Wild (1948)
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…… Continue reading Lena Horne’s Summer Under the Stars debut
A very happy Van Johnson Day to you all! Today would’ve been the sunny hunk’s 102nd birthday. Today I’m looking at two of his films which feature two versions of Van, one familiar and the other unfamiliar. Join me, and see them for yourself if you haven’t. Scene of the Crime (1949) The boy next…… Continue reading Van’s two sides: Scene of the Crime (1949) and The Big Hangover (1950)
There’s a Korean term for obsessive fans, the ones who stalk kpop idols and violate their privacy; saesang. The stories that come out about saesangs are truly alarming. Know who they remind me of? Bobby soxers. Now you might be thinking that bobby soxers were just harmless Frank Sinatra obsessed teen girls, but you’d be wrong.…… Continue reading A tribute to Van Johnson’s most ardent fans
Peter Lawford and John Hodiak were both charming and handsome. They were not, however, Van Johnson. But why make this distinction? I love all three men. Peter Lawford was a better actor than most people remember and John Hodiak simply isn’t remembered enough. To be honest though, Van was special. He just had that certain…… Continue reading Van Johnson’s big break: A Guy Named Joe (1943)
It’s Eleanor Parker day on TCM today, and my recommendation is The Woman in White (1948). My love for this film simply can’t be overestimated. It airs at 2 am, which is the perfect time for a film as eerie as this one. Based on the 1859 novel by Wilkie Collins, this mystery film also…… Continue reading Summer Under the Stars: Eleanor Parker in The Woman in White (1948)
George Sidney’s The Harvey Girls combines my most beloved film genre – the musical – with my most dreaded – the western. What results is a splendid woman centered story about dreams, romance, civilizing the west (ah), and finding your place in the great big world. The Santa Fe California Limited of the Atchinson, Topeka…… Continue reading I’ve done a lot of dreaming with The Harvey Girls (1946)
The medical profession is one of the most exciting to explore on screens big and small. Hollywood has a tendency to glamorize doctors and emergency rooms. This is not the case with Three Men in White, but it does take a somewhat lighthearted approach to the field of medicine and the lives of doctors. Dr.…… Continue reading Someone call the doctor!: Three Men in White (1944)
