Most of you know that I’m a spirited defender of Disney Princesses, but I wasn’t always. I had grown up with Mulan, Belle, Pocahontas and Esmeralda, so I was a bit dismissive of the older heroines, save for Aurora. I’ve always loved her. I think I absorbed much of the messaging about how a female…… Continue reading Favorite films: Cinderella (1950)
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
I’ve been working on a twitter thread of spooky movies that are similar to each other. And I decided to post them here, with synopses of all the films. Frankenstein (1931) | Frankenweenie (2012) Tim Burton’s 2012 feature is one of my favorites, and though different in tone to James Whale’s masterpiece, the films are…… Continue reading Halloween movies: double feature
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)
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
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 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…… Continue reading Marathon of Stars: Dolores del Rio
