I reviewed Paris When It Sizzles (1964) over on Fairy Hepburn but I have more to say. The movie has such a bad reputation for no reason at all. This is not going to be a nuanced take. Maybe some people find the film enjoyable and flawed, but I’m not one of those people.…… Continue reading The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower
Nicholas Ray’s The Lusty Men shares traits with some of his finest films; it’s tough, bleak, tender, and unexpectedly poetic. The devastation of this one film is swift and total. It’s one of the films being shown as part of Susan Hayward’s 24 hour marathon for Summer Under the Stars. Indisputably one of the greatest…… Continue reading First time at the rodeo: The Lusty Men (1952)
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)
Audrey Hepburn. The name conjures up so much. Elegance, glamour, grace. She’s become a symbol of all that is refined and stylish. But to watch her onscreen is to watch a real woman, glittering magic, all warmth and brightness. It’s easy to forget that, among the little black dresses, sunglasses, and diamonds dripping from…… Continue reading Audrey Hepburn’s Habits
I have just returned from a marvelous adventure. I journeyed through Middle- Earth and have made it safely back home, sad, content, and happy all at once. My history with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series began when I was ten years old. My cousin gave it to me as a Christmas gift.…… Continue reading David Lean’s Middle-Earth
It’s hard to believe that today is the 100th anniversary of Robert Walker’s birth. I was up precisely on the stroke of midnight and wished him a happy birthday, quietly. This day is important to me because Bobby is so important to me, for reasons almost too personal to share. There’s an overwhelming sadness…… Continue reading Robert Walker: a 100th birthday tribute
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)
Nothing reminds me of my joy quite like Roman Holiday. That’s why, even with its moments of melancholy, it’s one of my comfort movies. It’s actually the number one comfort movie for me, as well as my all time favorite. Each time I watch is like the very first time – and that was ten…… Continue reading Today’s gonna be a holiday.
