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Bow Talks !
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Wild party girl Clara Bow ( as Stella Ames ) has plenty of fun at the " Winston " college for young women . Parties and roadhouse jaunts are the college girls ' preoccupation . On the train trip to " Winston " , Ms . Bow recalls accidentally climbing into bed with fellow traveler Fredric March ( as James " Gil " Gilmore ) . As it turns out , Mr . March is the school's new Professor of Anthropology . Bow and her housemates see the good-looking teacher arrive , and immediately become interested in anthropological matters . Eventually , Bow and March fall into each other's arms , which threatens their student and teacher status at the college . Bow's first " talkie " was not unsuccessful , although it is sometimes recalled as a failure . Perhaps , detractors are recalling Bow's subsequent talking features . Strangely , she became more unnatural , hesitant , and uneven in later films . Possibly , she was rattled by negative reviews . However , by 1931 , Bow's performances became more assured . By then , unfortunately , it was too late for the huge audiences attending " The Wild Party " to appreciate her efforts . " The Wild Party " is a more than respectable talking film debut ; while undeniably silly , it was a fun " college youth " film . Bow wasn't going to be young forever , obviously ; but , she could still carry out the college hi-jinks . March and the supporting cast perform well . And , Paramount assigned a woman , Dorothy Arzner , to direct the film . Watch for one notably silent word " mouthed " the film . When Bow and the women are in the back seat of the car , they see March walking in the street , and Bow exclaims , " - - - - ! " The Wild Party ( 1929 ) Dorothy Arzner - Clara Bow , Fredric March , Joyce Compton
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453,510 | 15,896,852 | 22,751 | 6 |
The Lion in Spring
|
In New York's Central Park , jobless Joan Blondell ( as Dot ) flirts with unemployed Wallace Ford ( as Rick ) as they ogle unaffordable hot dogs . When a wayward baseball strikes the vendor's window , Ms . Blondell swipes two juicy hot dogs , which she shares with Mr . Ford . The two are mutually attracted , and arrange a more proper date . Ford is acquainted with the park cop Guy Kibbee ( as Charlie ) . Mr . Kibbee has one week of work until he is eligible for pensioned retirement . However , Kibbee is no longer a competent policeman - his vision is failing . . . Blondell is duped , by gangsters , into working undercover in a " Most Beautiful Girl " contest . Ford smells trouble , and gets into danger of his own . Meanwhile , lunatic John Wray ( as Smiley ) escapes from his insane asylum . A former keeper at the " Central Park Zoo " , Mr . Wray causes trouble for everyone by causing the zoo's killer lion ( " Nebo " ) to escape from his cage , and threaten the environs . Henry B . Walthall ( as Eby ) is a Kibbee confidante . Harold Huber ( as Nick ) is the gang leader . Director John G . Adolfi and his cast make this creaky early talkie roar with all their might . Central Park ( 1932 ) John G . Adolfi - Joan Blondell , Wallace Ford , Guy Kibbee
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453,422 | 15,896,852 | 18,927 | 6 |
Corinne Griffith Has Legs
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Impoverished beauty Corinne Griffith ( as Toni LeBrun ) dreams of becoming a famous opera singer . After getting her diploma , Ms . Griffith is accepted for an audition in Budapest . She finds figures more interested in her beauty than her singing ability . Mannish Maude George ( as Madame Bauer ) demands Griffith , " Show me your legs " , then hires her to sing at the " Palais de Paris " . There , leering patrons , like Lowell Sherman ( as Henri D'Avril ) , admire the female form . Griffith bonds with matronly worker Louise Dresser ( as Rosa de Garcer ) , a down-on-her-luck Baroness . When Ms . Dresser's pension check comes in , she takes Griffith on a Cinderella-like adventure ; and , she meets princely Charles Ray ( as Richard Dupont ) . Lewis Milestone ( director ) , John Arnold ( photographer ) , and William Cameron Menzies ( designer ) are responsible for some stunning , stylish work . Especially , savor Griffith's arrival at the squalid " Palais de Paris " , early in the film . Later , watch for the scene with Griffith and Mr . Ray sitting at the grand piano , as the raised lid puts them in a beautiful , reflective " triangle " . Star Griffith receives a lavish , loving production . The cast is very entertaining , especially Dresser and Ms . George , who more often supported Erich von Stroheim . Ray seems a little uncomfortable at times ; a decade earlier , he routinely offered superior performances . Although , the story is rather routine , it's nice to have " The Garden of Eden " around ; thanks to " Flicker Alley " . The Garden of Eden ( 1928 ) Lewis Milestone - Corinne Griffith , Charles Ray , Louise Dresser
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453,442 | 15,896,852 | 27,521 | 6 |
The Unholy Dolls
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Wrongly imprisoned Lionel Barrymore ( as Paul Lavond ; and , later , Mme . Mandelip ) escapes from Devil's Island , after a seventeen years . Accompanying him to freedom is mad scientist Henry B . Walthall ( as Marcel ) . The pair hook up with Marcel's wife Malita ( Rafaela Ottiano ) , and form an unholy trio . Mr . Barrymore wants to get even with three ex-partners , who framed him for their crimes . Mr . Walthall wants to continue his grotesque experiments ; he has discovered a way to shrink human beings into doll-sized slaves . After Walthall expires , Barrymore uses the scientist's doll slaves to enact his revenge , with a little help from widow Ottiano . While attractive , the duo of Maureen O'Sullivan ( as Lorraine ) and Frank Lawton ( as Toto ) are no match for the more seasoned actors . It's a treat to see old D . W . Griffith players Barrymore and Walthall team-up ; and , then join Ottiano , at her most outrageous . Director Tod Browning delivers a slew of additional entertaining performers ; among them , Pedro de Cordoba is chiefly villainous . Sadly , Walthall expires way too soon ! Barrymore was evidently being considered as MGM and Browning's chief replacement for the deceased Lon Chaney . " The Devil-Doll " is a highly derivative film , from the always fascinating Browning . The Browning / Barrymore team had just completed the Browning / Chaney re-make " Mark of the Vampire " , which was not entirely successful . Here , Barrymore is much better ; though , his performance is very evocative of Chaney in " The Unholy Three " - - note the scene with jewels hidden inside a child's toy appears , to better effect , in both " The Unholy Three " ( 1925 ) and " The Unholy Three " ( 1930 ) ; though , it remains a highlight . The penultimate ending sequences are also exciting , while the reason for continuing the father / daughter deception seems strained .
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452,533 | 15,896,852 | 164,052 | 6 |
Out of Sight , Out of Mind
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Adventurous Kevin Bacon ( as Sebastian Caine ) heads up an ultra-secret group of scientists , employed by the US Pentagon ; they have discovered how to turn animals invisible . The group includes Mr . Bacon's beautiful ex-girlfriend Elisabeth Shue ( as Linda McKay ) , and her handsome new bed partner Josh Brolin ( as Matt Kensington ) . After successfully making a gorilla ( " Isabelle " ) invisible , and bringing her back to the " seen " world , Bacon decides it's time for a human to take the invisibility plunge . Bacon swallows the serum , and becomes an invisible man . . . " What would you do if you knew you couldn't be seen ? " asks Kim Dickens ( as Sarah Kennedy ) . Good idea . An updated , darker " Invisible Man " - with Kevin Bacon as the title character , and fantastic special effects - is ruined by a truly absurd storyline . The side effects of Twinkies are astonishing . And , you won't believe the healing powers of Duct Tape . For what it's worth , the scenes with Greg Grunberg ( as Carter Abbey ) show the subject of voyeurism handled well . As usual , Bacon is game . Finally , Rhona Mitra is an eyeful , as Bacon's busty neighbor . Hollow Man ( 2000 ) Paul Verhoeven - Kevin Bacon , Elisabeth Shue , Josh Brolin
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453,078 | 15,896,852 | 22,725 | 6 |
Killing Me Softly with His Song
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Armistice Day 1919 is celebrated by most French citizens , but handsome veteran Phillips Holmes ( as Paul Renaud ) is haunted by the face of a German soldier he killed during the Great War . After consulting with a Priest , Mr . Holmes decides to visit the man's family , in Germany . Holmes intends to confess his act , and clear his Christian conscience . But , the dead soldier's family mistake Holmes for friend of the deceased , after learning he's been bringing flowers to Mr . Holderlin's grave . Eventually , the dead man's father , Lionel Barrymore ( as Dr . Holderlin ) , accepts Holmes as almost a replacement son . Then , Holmes falls in love with pretty Nancy Carroll ( as Elsa ) , the fiancée of the man he killed ? Ms . Carroll and Holmes were more memorable in " The Devil's Holiday " ( 1930 ) ; and , Carroll was runner-up in the " Academy Award " for " Best Actress " for the 1929-30 eligibility period . But , here , Carroll doesn't have anywhere near the screen time or script she needed to make a like impression . The more focal relationship is between " son " Holmes and " father " Barrymore . Holmes is the lead actor ; and , with direction from Ernst Lubitsch , performs in a manner that sometimes seems over-the-top , but was favored by many " serious " actors during the early 1930s . Still , Mr . Lubitsch contributes memorable moments , and the opening montage is terrific . The film's thesis is out of fashion is some ways , but is nevertheless interesting . Broken Lullaby ( / 32 ) Ernst Lubitsch - Phillips Holmes , Lionel Barrymore , Nancy Carroll
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452,754 | 15,896,852 | 2,199 | 7 |
Crossing the Water
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In Palestine , a virgin named Mary ( Gene Gauntier ) is visited by one of God's angels ; subsequently , she becomes pregnant . Meanwhile , an angel of God invites Joseph , a son of David , to wed Mary . The angel explains that Mary's child is the savior Jesus Christ , who will grow up to save his people from their sins . The child grows up without fanfare ; but , as an adult ( Robert Henderson-Bland ) , Christ assembles disciples , and begins performing miracles . He is persecuted for his beliefs ; and , finally , he is crucified . For its time , a very good version of the often told story of Jesus Christ . Director Sidney Olcott and photographer George Hollister do very well ; their scenes with Mary , Joseph , and young Jesus in Egypt are a beautiful example . It's nice to see the scenes with Jesus as a child ; and , note the one where he carries a stick of lumber foreshadows the crucifixion . Mr . Henderson-Bland acts the part very well ; he is subdued , and looks comfortable in the role . Ms . Gauntier , who assisted Mr . Olcott greatly throughout the production , was certainly the film's most valuable player . The miracles scenes are very silly looking , and acted ; although , to be honest , I haven't seen enough people " raised from the dead " to judge the antics on screen . The " walking on water " might have worked if the water was a little calmer . There should have been more story explanation given for it , but the crucifixion elicited passion . Not the first " feature " film , but an important one ; for its lovely Egypt , Palestine , and Ireland location scenes . " From the Manger to the Cross " is the peak production from the early " Kalem " film company . Notably , it omits the resurrection ( some versions add it , from another film ) . From the Manger to the Cross ( / 12 ) Sidney Olcott - Robert Henderson-Bland , Gene Gauntier , Robert G . Vignola
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452,547 | 15,896,852 | 28,203 | 7 |
Parents Just Don't Understand
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Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard play Shakespeare's star-crossed young lovers Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague . As this version of " Romeo and Juliet " is a relatively faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's original play , the ages of the characters are relevant ; thus , Ms . Shearer , Mr . Howard , and others are , obviously , too old for the parts . That being said , this is still somewhat entertaining film , well directed by George Cukor , and expertly photographed by William Daniels . The production , sets , and lighting are extraordinary . Shearer is especially well lighted ; and , she performs Juliet in earnest . John Barrymore ( as Mercutio ) and Basil Rathbone ( as Tybalt ) are more fun than a barrel of Montagues ; hey , you live by the sword , die by the sword .
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452,732 | 15,896,852 | 33,076 | 7 |
Carrying a Torch for Joan Bennett
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Some surprisingly glorious scenery and set direction highlight " The Count of Monte Cristo " . Louis Hayward cuts a fine Count ( aka " The Torch " ) . Joan Bennett is the beautiful queen - attracting the attentions of both Mr . Hayward and a deliciously wicked George Sanders . They , and the supporting players work very well together , and keep the movie interesting . My favorite of the many nicely envisioned scenes is when Ms . Bennett , in a garden prison , releases a bird from its cage . Cleverly symbolic . I also like the " graveyard " hiding place - decorated with skeletons . The film's ending is terrific . With a tightening of its script and a little more budget , this might have attained classic status . It's a great example of a cast and crew making the absolute most of what they were given by a studio . The Son of Monte Cristo ( 1941 ) Rowland V . Lee - Louis Hayward , Joan Bennett , George Sanders
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453,352 | 15,896,852 | 39,041 | 7 |
Thinly Disguised
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Sharp , well-produced variation on the frequently filmed " Enoch Arden " plot . Herein , Claudette Colbert ( as Elizabeth MacDonald ) is informed that husband Orson Welles ( as John Andrew MacDonald ) is a Great War causality . Ms . Colbert is devastated , and pregnant with his son , who grows up to be Richard Long ( as John " Drew " Andrew ) . Colbert marries comforting boss George Brent ( as Lawrence " Larry " Hamilton ) ; and , they have a happy life . But , first husband Welles really didn't die - - he was only badly wounded . After two decades , Welles goes home - - but , he has a surgically altered face , and walks with a limp . Directed by Irving Pichel , Colbert and Welles are great fun to watch ; with their fine performances , you can read some ambiguity into the film's ultimately flawed storyline ( which has to do with recognition ) . Mr . Long is quite impressive , in his film debut ; he had a long , successful , and far too under-appreciated television career . Eight-year-old Natalie Wood is cute as Welles ' foster daughter " Margaret " . If only it were more plausible . . .
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453,273 | 15,896,852 | 13,085 | 7 |
Elmer Clifton's Fantastic Voyage
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They that go down to the sea in ships , that do business in great waters ; these see the works of the Lord ; and his wonders in the deep . - - Psalm 107 In the whaling town of New Bedford , Massachusetts , pretty Marguerite Courtot ( as Patience Morgan ) plays with her dolls ; an adult , she longs for her girlhood days with " the boy next door " . Happily , her objectification , Raymond McKee ( as Thomas Allan Dexter ) , returns , after some years in college . Soon , Mr . McKee opens a mill , and begins to court Ms . Courtot . McKee asks her father William Walcott ( as William Morgan ) for Courtot's hand in marriage . But Walcott , a strict Quaker , won't allow his obedient daughter to marry outside her religion . McKee offers to convert , but finds another challenge almost insurmountable : " Patience is a whaleman's daughter , " Walcott explains , " Unless thee has thrown a harpoon into a whale , take thy story of love elsewhere . It can never be - - never ! " So , McKee goes directly to the next whaling ship , hoping to harpoon a whale ; instead , he is abducted , and put to work aboard . Mixing it up in the waling ship is mischievous stowaway Clara Bow ( as Dot Morgan ) , Walcott's grand-daughter ; she has an eye for cabin boy James Turfler ( as Jimmy ) . Meanwhile , Patrick Hartigan ( as Jake Finner ) and Jack Baston ( as Samuel Siggs ) are plotting to steal both Walcott's ship , and his daughter's virtue ? The main story , and performances of the principals are thoroughly unconvincing ; although McKee does well whaling , while Courtot , the film's feminine lead , sits at home playing with her dolls . There are disturbing religious and racial undertones in the plotting . Ms . Bow , in her second film , and Mr . Turfler easily steal the attention . The Elmer Clifton direction , and photography by A . G . Penrod with Paul H . Allen are outstanding , however ; and , their seafaring scenes are thrilling .
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453,187 | 15,896,852 | 23,814 | 7 |
The Title is a Dead Giveaway
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Barbara Stanwyck ( as Megan Davis ) arrives in Shanghai , to marry missionary Gavin Gordon ( as Bob Strike ) . Instead , she falls in love with a sexy Chinese warlord , Nils Asther ( as General Yen ) , who is winds up holding her prisoner . Frank Capra's " The Bitter Tea of General Yen " isn't as offensive as it appears , on the surface ; although , the story is , ultimately , unsatisfactory . Still , it's a fine looking production , with beautiful direction and photography ( Joseph Walker ) . Ms . Stanwyck and Mr . Asther perform their sexual attraction marvelously ; their characterizations are worthy of " Best Actress " and " Best Actor " consideration . And , supporting actress Toshia Mori ( as Mah-Li ) makes it a passionate threesome - when the three of them share a scene , on Asther's train , every movement sizzles . The Bitter Tea of General Yen ( 1933 ) Frank Capra - Barbara Stanwyck , Nils Asther , Walter Connolly
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453,342 | 15,896,852 | 15,289 | 7 |
William Powell Marries the Gish Sisters
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In Florence , Italy , during the Renaissance , Lillian Gish ( as Romola ) lives with her blind father Bonaventura Ibáñez ( as Bardo Bardi ) , who is a friend of Savonarola , Michelangelo , and Leonardo da Vinci . Although they are not too wealthy , the Bardis have one of the world's best libraries . Young sculptor Ronald Colman ( as Carlo Bucellini ) is interested in the lovely Lillian , but she is interested in more scholarly pursuits ; this makes her an easy mark for shipwrecked sham scholar William Powell ( as Tito Melema ) . Before Mr . Powell cleans up for his meeting with Lillian , he meets simple street maid Dorothy Gish ( as Tessa ) . Dorothy is quite taken with the dashing Powell ; then , so is Lillian . Can he marry them both ? Henry King's " Romola " makes a fine silent film , thanks to lavish location production values , and a winning cast . The title notwithstanding , the film focuses on the intermarrying three characters played by Lillian Gish , William Powell , and Dorothy Gish . Close to the film's end , the three have some great on screen conflict time together ; and , Lillian performs a cathartic moment exceptionally well . An exciting ending follows . Curiously , Powell's " Tito " character seems to be the story's main protagonist , arguably , until the end ; surely , the original George Eliot novel was more focused on " Romola " .
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453,570 | 15,896,852 | 561,192 | 7 |
Smoke from a Distant Fire
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After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) goes into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard must adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tries to be fatherly , he only opens old wounds . Howard wants his real father . That is not possible , but could Howard have a dog ? Mr . Holliman turns his stepson's request down , as a dog's presence would disrupt Holliman sheep ranching business . When Howard finds a " wild dog " , wounded in the woods , he is defiantly determined to keep the animal . This puts young Howard at odds with his stepfather ? " Smoke " is a great story ; it's one of those symbolic animal tales Disneyland favors , and can do well . This one surely benefits from William Corbin's original book ( adapted by John Furia Jr . ) - the young man's transference of love to , and identification with , the wounded animal is nicely done . But , the story's more subtle symbolism ( like the " fox in the hen-house " ) is even better . Howard and Holliman are outstanding , as the disconnected son and stepfather . Of course , Howard uses his acting education from years of appearing in Andy Griffith's " Mayberry " ; still , this is a strong , individual characterization . With Jacqueline Scott , Pamelyn Ferdin , and Andy Devine in the cast , " Smoke " is cute and irresistible . Smoke , pt 1 ( / 70 ) Vincent McEveety - Ron Howard , Earl Holliman , Jacqueline Scott
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453,565 | 15,896,852 | 561,193 | 7 |
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
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After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) went into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard had to adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tried to be fatherly , he only opened old wounds . Howard wants his real father , which is not possible . Mr . Holliman turned down his stepson's request for a dog - but , in part one ( last week ) Howard found his dog " Smoke " . He is defiantly determined to keep the animal , but the real owner has other plans ? " Smoke " is a great story ; it's one of those symbolic animal tales the Disney studio favored , and often did so well . This one surely benefits from William Corbin's original book ( adapted by John Furia Jr . ) - the young man's transference of love to , and identification with , the wounded animal is nicely done . But , the story's more subtle symbolism ( like the " fox in the hen-house " ) is even better . The climatic , heavy-handed " rescue from fire " isn't as satisfying ; but , this is mainly due to TV budget restraints . " Smoke " could have stood up as a first class feature presentation . Howard and Holliman do well , as the disconnected son and stepfather . Of course , Howard , uses his acting education , from years of appearing in Andy Griffith's " Mayberry " ; still , this is a strong , individual characterization - and , it shows Howard to be very capable between his two long-running typecasts ( " Opie " and Richie " ) . Jacqueline Scott ( as Fran Long Fitch ) makes the most of the more minor mother / wife role , lifting the picture with a couple of very strongly performed dramatic scenes . With Pamelyn Ferdin and Andy Devine in the cast , " Smoke " is cute and irresistible . Smoke , pt 2 ( / 70 ) Vincent McEveety - Ron Howard , Earl Holliman , Jacqueline Scott
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452,640 | 15,896,852 | 2,054 | 7 |
Mary Pickford and the Beast
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Mary Pickford is quite taken with Edwin August ; in fact , he is her " ideal " . But , Mr . August's refusal to get mixed up in a street brawl makes him look like a coward to Ms . Pickford . Meanwhile , convict Alfred Paget has escaped from prison ; and , he is " A Beast at Bay " . While Pickford and August go for a ride in her nifty 1900s automobile , criminal Paget ambushes one of his guards , taking the man's clothing and gun . Next , Pickford drops off August , still arguing he is a coward , and drives off . Alone , Pickford gets out of her car to retrieve a fallen garment ; then , on-the-lam Paget moves in to carjack her . From a distance , August witnesses Pickford being taken at gunpoint - - can he save his girl , and prove he's not a coward ? Another D . W . Griffith film with a criminal invading an otherwise unrelated situation ; this time , the interest is heightened as August's cowardice does play well against the danger offered by convict Paget . August seems , possibly , a little more reasonable than cowardly , given the circumstance depicted ; however , the characterizations are interesting and believable . The " parallel " stories have a structural reason to juxtapose . The engine pursuit is genuinely thrilling - - Griffith and his crew continue to offer great , innovative movie excitement . Mae Marsh is the best of the always fine Biograph supporting troupe ; she's Pickford's best girlfriend . Pickford is fine as the demanding damsel ; she plays the heroine with a relatively high level of resourcefulness - - and , it's nice to see Mary Pickford in the " driver's seat " ! Paget steals some acting honors , with his portrayal of the desperate convict . Look for a great scene between Paget and Pickford - - at about 11 : 00 minutes in - - Paget will touch Mary Pickford's curls , finger her lapel , and reach down to open her coat , suggesting sexual violation ; it's creepily well-played .
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453,628 | 15,896,852 | 21,861 | 7 |
The Importance of Being Ernest
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In Missouri , during the Civil War , " high , wide , and handsome " Gary Cooper ( as Clint Belmet ) gets a little jail cell shut-eye . Awakening , he moseys over to the local saloon , where he is held at gunpoint by the town's drunken sheriff . Mr . Cooper's guardians , Ernest Torrence ( as Bill Jackson ) and Tully Marshall ( as Jim Bridger ) , secure his release by convincing French lass Lili Damita ( as Felice ) to pretend she is Cooper's wife . Then , the quartet join a caravan to California . A real romance begins to bloom between Ms . Damita ; but , Mr . Torrence and Mr . Tully want Cooper's bachelorhood preserved . Along the way , Indians ( Native Americans ) lurk ? Old pros Torrence and Marshall are " Fighting Caravans " main attraction . They were responsible for many memorable character roles ( mostly ) in silent films ( mostly ) ; and they are in excellent form , reprising their " Covered Wagon " roles . Cooper obviously enjoys working with them . Ms . Damita is cute and effective . The production levels are relatively high , leading to the obligatory ending battle ; but , the performances make it entertaining . Unnecessarily re-made as " Wagon Wheels " ( 1934 ) , with stock footage and Randolph Scott .
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452,781 | 15,896,852 | 41,928 | 7 |
Stewart and Allyson Hit it Out of the Park
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James Stewart and June Allyson look twice as old as the roles they are playing ! Still , " The Stratton Story " is enjoyable . In the early scenes , Mr . Stewart's frame , and natural acting style , make him somewhat believable as a boy interested in baseball . Ms . Allyson doesn't try to play too " girlish " ; instead , she wisely acts her part as a woman complimenting ( by being in love with ) Stewart's character . Allyson , and her character , save the film ? the moment she appears , the focus is on the pair's relationship , and not on baseball . The Stewart / Allyson relationship is really what makes the film work , I thought - - the Stewart character could have been a golfer , doctor , whatever ? The scenes beginning with Stewart and Allyson in separate beds , backs turned , and unable to sleep , have an understated dignity . Stewart and Allyson's nice performances are enhanced by : Frank Morgan , aka " The Wizard of Oz " ; and Agnes Moorehead , Endora from " Bewitched " . The later baseball scenes are more realistic , and fun to watch . It's strange to see the older baseball style ; today , many of the players would be pumped up with steroids . I wish the sport would return to being more based on fun and skills . Love is not something a surgeon can cut . The Stratton Story ( 1949 ) Sam Wood - James Stewart , June Allyson , Frank Morgan
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453,610 | 15,896,852 | 37,094 | 7 |
The Patience of Job Skeffington
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Desirable , flirtatious Bette Davis ( as Fanny Trellis ) fends off many male admirers ; daily , they arrive at her posh New York estate , to repeatedly propose marriage . Vain , selfish , and very attractive ; Ms . Davis prefers to string her suitors along . During one cocktail hour gathering , Davis discovers her ne'er-do-well brother Richard Waring ( as Trippy Trellis ) has been embezzling funds from Jewish banker Claude Rains ( as Job Skeffington ) . To shield her beloved brother from prosecution , Davis endeavors to wed the ultra-wealthy Mr . Rains . Rains , like most men , has worshiped Davis from afar ; but , she is unable to change her coquettish lifestyle . " The most difficult aspect of the character Fanny was ( that ) she was a famous beauty of her day , " Davis observed , " I was far from being beautiful . " Yet , Davis , with her strength of personality and acting prowess , pulls off the role ; she is , as always , a great one to watch . Rains also performs well ; but , his is more of a supporting role , despite playing the title role . Walter Abel ( as George Trellis ) gets a lot of good camera time , also . And , George Coulouris is exceptional , as Davis ' astute psychoanalyst . " Mr . Skeffington " is a relatively long film , in its " restored " length . Davis and Rains were nominated for " Academy Awards " in the " Best Actress " and " Supporting Actor " categories . The film might have been cited for its decade spanning make-up work , if the category had existed back then . Mr . Skeffington ( 1944 ) Vincent Sherman - Bette Davis , Claude Rains , Walter Abel
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452,736 | 15,896,852 | 43,812 | 7 |
Bartenders Know Everything
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Broderick Crawford is terrific as a police detective going undercover as a longshoreman . The film begins with Mr . Crawford , while off-duty , investigating a shooting ; when he arrives , he's told to watch the victim by another detective - only to be left holding the victim ( so to speak ) . After his " error " , he is assigned to undercover as longshoreman at a mob-infested dock , and locate dangerous mob boss " Blackie " . On the docks , the film really takes off - the story gets very exciting , with hardly a misstep . The camera is a sharp match for the players and script . Note , Ernest Borgnine throws a swell party . Broderick says " Oh , please ? " like he was born yesterday . " The Mob " has enough twists and turns to keep the interest brewing . . . to a tight ending . The Mob ( 1951 ) Robert Parrish - Broderick Crawford , Richard Kiley , Ernest Borgnine
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453,303 | 15,896,852 | 37,101 | 7 |
Private Dick Powell Gets Tough
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Good looking film version of Raymond Chandler's " Farewell , My Lovely " , with Dick Powell taking a great career turn as private detective Philip Marlow . Claire Trevor and Anne Shirley are perfect ( and sexy ) as the two women who become involved with the storyline , and Mr . Powell . Though very well written , and adapted ( by John Paxton ) , this is still a sometimes confusing film . Mainly , it's the flashbacked story which begins the piece - - Powell is hired by burly Mike Mazurki ( as " Moose " Malloy ) , fresh out of prison , to find his old girlfriend , Velma . Director Edward Dmytryk and photographer Harry J . Wild give the film a fantastic look , despite a limited 1940s budget ; a surrealistic , drug-induced sequence fits the film perfectly . The supporting performers , like Otto Kruger , Ralf Harolde , and Esther Howard are great . Ms . Howard is particularly memorable as sobering drunk Jessie Florian ; she provides an essential clue to the film's main mystery .
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453,258 | 15,896,852 | 891,527 | 7 |
Pigs at the Trough
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Three interlocking stories - The FIRST has college Professor Robert Redford ( as Stephen Malley ) involving bright , but approaching apathetic , Andrew Garfield ( as Todd Hayes ) in intellectual warfare . The teacher / student discussion takes place in Mr . Redford's office . Flashbacks help tell the story of Michael Peña ( as Ernest Rodriguez ) and Derek Luke ( as Arian Finch ) , two former students Redford inspired ? to fight in George W . Bush's " War on Terror " . - The SECOND has soldiers Peña and Luke , struggling to stay alive , during a battle in Afghanistan . - The THIRD has journalist Meryl Streep ( as Janine Roth ) being fed a scoop , by Republican Senator Tom Cruise ( as Jasper Irving ) , revealing the military initiative involving the fate of Redford's former students . . . The BEST part of " Lions for Lambs " is the stellar " Best Supporting Actress " - caliber performance , and negligent " Media " storyline , involving Ms . Streep . With a focus on Streep's character , the film might have been a classic . Imagine the story with Streep starring - still as the reporter covering Senator Cruise , but with her own son having left Redford's classroom to join the Army . The apathy , patriotism , and politics covered by director Redford and writer Matthew Michael Carnahan is not revelatory . The real story is abdication of responsibility , by what is commonly called " The Mainstream Media " . This ( Streep's story ) is what the public needed to be hit with ? hard . Lions for Lambs ( 2007 ) Robert Redford , Meryl Streep , Tom Cruise
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452,943 | 15,896,852 | 118,698 | 7 |
Unlucky Charms
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Nazi-era playboy Clive Owen ( as Max ) and his dancer lover Brian Webber ( as Rudy ) are pursued by Nazis , after Mr . Owen is picked up by blond hunk Nikolaj Waldau ( as Wolf ) , in a gay club . After being captured , Owen and Mr . Weber are tortured , on a train to Germany's first concentration camp , at Dachau . Also on the train , Owen meets Lothaire Bluteau ( as Horst ) . Mr . Bluteau wears the " Pink Triangle " identifying him as a homosexual , which is considered an especially low form of human life , by the Nazis . To avoid being beaten to death , Owen pretends to be Jewish , and is given the identifying " Yellow Star " . At the concentration camp , prisoners Owen and Bluteau fall in love ; but , they must avoid any physical contact . The opening club / orgy sequence is presented in a disjointed , confusing fashion . It's hard to figure out what is going on - - you should , if possible , play the opening ( up until the Nazis bust into Owen's pad ) twice . The cast is enhanced by cross-dressing Mick Jagger ( as Greta ) , and the original 1979 stage production's " Max " , Ian McKellen ( as Uncle Freddie ) . Mr . Jagger also sings the haunting theme " Streets of Berlin " . Director Sean Mathias and supporting actor Webber make excellent first impressions ; it's strange to see so little work ( film credits ) immediately followed this production . This film version of Martin Sherman's " forbidden " love story is far from perfect ; but , it's still quite captivating . The extent of " man's inhumanity to man " is , as always , horrifying . The film's non-physical sex scene , performed at the concentration camp , is extremely touching . Bent ( 1997 ) Sean Mathias - Clive Owen , Lothaire Bluteau , Mick Jagger
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452,542 | 15,896,852 | 427,470 | 7 |
He Blew His Mind Out in a Car
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High School hockey star Joseph Gordon-Levitt ( as Chris Pratt ) is a reckless driver . To watch fireflies , he turns off his car's headlights , while out on a double date with four friends . He seriously crashes . Of the foursome , two are killed , one loses a leg , and Mr . Gordon-Levitt is mild-to-moderately brain-damaged . He has trouble " sequencing " . Four years later , Gordon-Levitt has successfully mastered independent living . He receives assistance at Kansas City's " Life Skills Center " , and works nights as an evening bank janitor . Blind roommate Jeff Daniels ( as Lewis ) dreams about opening a restaurant with Gordon-Levitt . Frustrated by the limitations resulting from his head injury , Gordon-Levitt is recruited to be " The Lookout " in a bank robbery , by asthmatic ex-con Matthew Goode ( as Gary Spargo ) . Mr . Goode is plotting to rob the " Noel State Bank & Trust " , where Gordon-Levitt works . Seductive Isla Fisher ( as Luvlee Lemons ) helps to reel Gordon-Levitt into Goode's gang . The power of sex and money threatens to derail Gordon-Levitt's life . Debuting director , and acclaimed writer , Scott Frank makes a favorable debut ; shots involving doors and windows are especially effective at enhancing mood and increasing tension . Gordon-Levitt deftly refrains from overplaying the leading character's disability . Interestingly , co-stars Daniels and Goode are also disabled ( blindness and asthma ) . The performances , and story , are excellent . " The Lookout " is a film , however , which should have been improved upon . Many movies deserve to be cut , but this one could have stood some lengthening . In particular , the relationships Gordon-Levitt has with Ms . Fisher and two other women leave you wanting , and wondering . More information regarding Gordon-Levitt's brain condition could have been given ; apparently , he has a restricted driver's license ? More importantly , the struggle between Daniels and Goode , for Gordon-Levitt's soul , is too subdued . Despite what's lacking , it's a fine film . The Lookout ( 2007 ) Scott Frank - Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Jeff Daniels , Matthew Goode
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452,666 | 15,896,852 | 34,946 | 7 |
All the King's Horses and All the King's Men
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Robert Cummings ( as Parris ) , from the small town of " Kings Row " , grows up to be a doctor of psychiatry - which winds up helping childhood friends like Ronald Reagan ( as Drake ) and Ann Sheridan ( as Randy ) . . . The Good : Mr . Reagan and Ms . Sheridan are terrific . Reagan has an actor's " dream event " which is played well - but , really , he's as good ( if not better ) from the introduction ( after the kids grow up ) until the end of the movie . He and Sheridan pull the acting rug out from everyone else ! The photography is beautiful , and the opening cute . The music is swell . The Bad : Mr . Cummings has the pivotal role ; and , he doesn't have quite the right edge to put it over . He may not be entirely at fault , though ; it's not really his performance ability - more the casting , direction , and writing of this central role . For example , Cummings ' relationship with the other characters is a little hard to fathom , especially Reagan / Sheridan . The soapy stuff works in some films , but not so much in this one . No ugly . Kings Row ( 1942 ) Sam Wood - Robert Cummings , Ronald Reagan , Ann Sheridan
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453,487 | 15,896,852 | 514,912 | 7 |
Janitorial Eloquence
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New York janitor Gene Lockhart ( as Pat Cosgrave ) spends his advanced years dreaming about his home in Ireland , and playing the " Lucky Dollars " newspaper game . If he matches the paper's daily serial number with a bill , Mr . Lockhart will win the $500 . 00 jackpot . Then , he could afford a return to Ireland once before he dies . Lockhart has developed a grandfatherly interest in young stockroom worker James Dean ( as Joey Frazier ) , and his poor family . Mr . Dean's baby son has asthma , which keeps him up at night , and , unfortunately , earns him " dock time " at work . Heavily in debt , Dean can't afford to fill a $9 . 00 prescription for his son . When the time comes for the men to collect their pay , Lockhart rushes to match his dollars ' serial numbers to those in the paper . Meanwhile , hoping for a lucky break , Dean risks his wages in a poker game , with and the other workmen ? " The Bells of Cockaigne " is a short , simple , and sweet little drama . Lockhart ( actress June's father ) is an absolute delight , and Dean plays his role exceptionally well . They are helped by writer George Lowther's excellent , well-paced story ; the little " heart tug " at the end reaches just the right level of sentimentality . Versatile Vaughn Taylor ( as Jonesy ) excels in support . Karl Lukas ( as Kreuger ) , John Dennis ( as Rivnock ) , and future " Mod Squad " boss Tige Andrews ( as Sam ) can be seen among the stockroom workers . And , if you're looking for a fit young Dean in shirtless scenes , this kinescope's a good bet . The Bells of Cockaigne ( / 53 ) James Sheldon - Gene Lockhart , James Dean , Vaughn Taylor
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453,036 | 15,896,852 | 240,772 | 7 |
All Bets Are Off
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The promotional material inarguably reads : " The skill of Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh combines with enough starpower to light up the Las Vegas strip in this classy caper . George Clooney plays Danny , defying the odds in a split-second heist of three Vegas casinos - all owned by a magnate ( Andy Garcia ) who is dating Danny's ex-wife ( Julia Roberts ) . A fixer ( Brad Pitt ) , a pickpocket ( Matt Damon ) , a blackjack dealer ( Bernie Mac ) , a flimflammer ( Carl Reiner ) and others in well-defined roles are with Danny . Are you in or out ? " You're " in " for smooth , star-studded entertainment . The main actor is Mr . Clooney , who has developed a great , almost Cary Grant-like persona . Highlights include Mr . Damon donning a Ripley-type manner , and his well-played " confrontation " with Mr . Mac . Alan Colmes is quite an unexpected boxing fan . In sum , if you think a film can be too slick , " Ocean's Eleven " should prove it inarguably . Ocean's Eleven ( 2001 ) Steven Soderbergh - George Clooney , Brad Pitt , Matt Damon
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452,377 | 15,896,852 | 457,572 | 7 |
Bright New World
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Due to the invention of a " The Domestication Collar " , flesh-eating zombies are brought under control , and become productive members of society ; however , they perform menial tasks . The servile dead attend to those living in fenced US 1950s-styled small towns , while untamed zombies roam around in " The Wild Zone " . In the town of " Willard " , pre-teen K'Sun Ray ( as Timmy Robinson ) lives with parents Carrie-Anne Moss and Dylan Baker ( as Helen and Bill Robinson ) . Alas , the Robinsons are the only family on their street who do not own a zombie ; their new neighbors , the Bottoms , have six . So , to keep up , the Robinsons obtain zombie Billy Connolly ( as Fido ) . Unfortunately , Mr . Connolly's " Domestication Collar " is damaged by an old lady's walker , and he eats her ; then , new and hungry zombies infest the town . Meanwhile , young Ray has grown attached to Connolly ( the boy and his zombie are like TV's " Timmy and Lassie " ) and , the Robinson family find it difficult to cooperate with the controlling " Zomcom " authorities . " Fido " doesn't go far enough into its own intriguing " Wild Zone " ; but , it is a colorful , stylish , and amusingly satirical addition to zombie film lore . Ray and the cast perform well , individually ; with nubile zombie Sonja Bennett ( as Tammy ) and owner Tim Blake Nelson ( as Theopolis ) the most memorable pair . Director Andrew Currie and crew , including Rob Gray ( design ) , Jan Kiesser ( photography ) , Don MacDonald ( music ) , and James Willcock ( design ) , deservedly won awards . Fido ( 2006 ) Andrew Currie - K'Sun Ray , Carrie-Anne Moss , Billy Connolly , Dylan Baker
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452,549 | 15,896,852 | 30,418 | 7 |
Start the Revolution without Marie
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Indulgent MGM version of the life of " Marie Antoinette " , as portrayed by Norma Shearer . The production is very beautiful looking , and well-performed . It is , however , excruciatingly long , and is without enough story embellishment to sustain interest ; an even more fictionalized account might have been a wiser course of action . Ms . Shearer must be credited with crafting an vivid character ; it's difficult , however , to feel much sympathy for her predicament , in this presentation . Robert Morley ( as Louis XVI ) elicits more sympathy , due to an almost oafish , but sensitive , portrayal ; he is impressive , in his first feature film . John Barrymore ( as Louis XV ) and Gladys George ( as du Barry ) are among those delivering expert support . Particularly recommended for viewers with a longer life span than Marie Antoinette . Marie Antoinette ( 1938 ) W . S . Van Dyke - Norma Shearer , Tyrone Power , Robert Morley
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453,361 | 15,896,852 | 23,590 | 7 |
A Match Made for Ann Dvorak
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Unevenly distributed story of three school girls who cross paths again , as adults . Ann Dvorak ( as Vivian Revere ) is , arguably , the film's star ; she plays a sensible , dark-haired beauty who seems to be on the receiving end of life's luckier breaks , but remains unsatisfied . Joan Blondell ( as Mary Keaton ) receives almost as much attention ; she's a " bad girl " who becomes an actress after a stint in reform school . Ms . Blondell contrasts Ms . Dvorak by turning from " bad " to " good " . Bette Davis ( as Ruth Westcott ) rounds out the trio ; she's a sweet and sexy blonde , who fills in both swimsuit and secretarial pools . Dvorak's unfulfilled , desperate housewife steals the high acting honors ; her drug and alcohol drenched characterization is a triumph . Her 1932 performances in " Three on a Match " and " Scarface " might have earned Dvorak some " Best Actress " notice , if times were different . Interestingly , Ms . Davis ' performance is adequate , but bland ; while Blondell is heartfelt and likable . The three actresses illustrate perfectly how essential it is for a capable performer to get the good part ; this is a lesson Davis learned very well - - she wasn't going to let the kind of distribution of roles evident in " Three on a Match " go on for long . The men are almost as much fun as the women . Warren William is natural ( and unrehearsed ) as Dvorak's " perfect " husband , and tempting Lyle Talbot proves himself a sexy lure . Great gangsters include Humphrey Bogart as an intuitive " Harve " , Allen Jenkins as a solid " Dick " , and Edward Arnold as a sure " Ace " . However , Buster Phelps ' " Junior " is dreadfully out-of-place ; as his performance belongs in a Shirley Temple film , not here ; otherwise , Mervyn LeRoy's direction is outstanding . The film seems to put itself on " fast forward " much of the time , giving some of its flawed story elements an even more disjointed feeling . Thankfully , the movie's title is explained therein : " The saying ' Three on a Match means one will die soon ' did not originate in the war , where it was said that to hold a match burning long enough for three lights would attract enemy fire . It did originate with Ivar Kreuger , the Swedish match king , who wanted the world to use more matches . It is reported that the saying brings his companies $5 , 000 , 000 more revenue annually . " You'll see which actress gets the third match .
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453,321 | 15,896,852 | 12,839 | 7 |
Oh Danny Boy , the Pipes Are Calling
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The disclaimer opening doth protest too much , methinks : " Since the days of Plato and Socrates there have been many men of wisdom , but none sage enough to solve the struggle eternal between Capitol ( Business ) and Labor . We do not do not seek to work out the problems of their issue but desire to show the story of the lives of two men as a story and nothing more . " Of course , " The Whistle " unashamedly deals with workplace safety , despite its claim of " nothing more " . Laborer William S . Hart ( as Robert Evans ) lives in the New England town of Chappleville , which is owned and operated by his wealthy boss , Frank Brownlee ( as Henry Chapple ) . Mr . Hart lives with his adolescent son , Will Jim Hatton ( as Danny Evans ) ; " Mrs . Evans " having died during childbirth . Mr . Brownlee lives with wife Myrtle Stedman ( as Mrs . Chapple ) and baby Richard Headrick ; later , baby grows into boy Georgie Stone . Hart regular Bob Kortman ( as Scardon ) has a pivotal role . Hart and company make a bold statement picture , which is also shamelessly emotional entertainment ; and , the star is so effective in the " non-western " lead role , it's a shame he saddled up so much more than not . Hart and Hatton are so convincing as father and son , you can't help but sympathize with Hart . His face shows his son's soul being ripped from Hart , after his gut-wrenching workplace incident . Hart conscientiously carries the remainder of the film well ; but , given the melodramatics , the ending is unnecessarily a downer for one cast member . The Whistle ( / 21 ) Lambert Hillyer - William S . Hart , Frank Brownlee , Myrtle Stedman
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453,298 | 15,896,852 | 32,383 | 7 |
A Wish for Walsh's Last Command
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John Wayne ( as Bob Seton ) stars in a Civil War-era film wherein he runs for Marshall of a Kansas town , against wicked schoolteacher Walter Pidgeon ( as Will Cantrell ) . Of course , they are rivals for the attention of a woman - beautiful Claire Trevor ( as Mary McCloud ) . Roy Rogers adds additional charm as brother McCloud . The story is rather more ordinary than intriguing , but the western scores on several fronts ? First , the direction by Raoul Walsh is outstanding . The production is well-mounted ; it includes the expected exciting climax , but that's not all . . . Even better than the climatic ending is a spectacular sequence involving a stagecoach . Don't miss it ! The indoor scenes are great , too . Watch the scenes in the Barber Shop , for example : witness the sets , direction , and photography . The placement of characters and objects , along with the great street outdoors , provide terrific visual depth . The story doesn't do the production justice , however . And , some of the performances are merely adequate ; and , sometimes they seem unfocused . Mr . Pidgeon's is probably the most consistent of the main players . Mr . Wayne and some of the players might have improved with some additional worked on their characterizations ; and , if the story was sharper , " Dark Command " might have been a truer classic . Dark Command ( 1940 ) Raoul Walsh - John Wayne , Claire Trevor , Walter Pidgeon
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453,186 | 15,896,852 | 66,387 | 7 |
Where There's Smoke , There's Fire
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After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) goes into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard must adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tries to be fatherly , he only opens old wounds . Howard wants his real father . That is not possible , but could Howard have a dog ? Mr . Holliman turns his stepson's request down , as a dog's presence would disrupt Holliman's sheep ranching business . When Howard finds a " wild dog " , wounded in the woods , he is defiantly determined to keep the animal . " Smoke " is a great story ; it's one of those symbolic animal tales the Disney studio favored , and often did so well . This one surely benefited from William Corbin's original book ( adapted by John Furia Jr . ) - the young man's transference of love to , and identification with , the wounded animal is nicely done . But , the story's more subtle symbolism ( like the " fox in the hen-house " ) is even better . The climatic , heavy-handed " rescue from fire " isn't as satisfying ; but , this is mainly due to budget restraints . " Smoke " could have stood up as a first class feature presentation . Howard and Holliman do well , as the disconnected son and stepfather . Of course , Howard uses his acting education , from years of appearing in Andy Griffith's " Mayberry " ; still , this is a strong , individual characterization - and , it shows Howard to be very capable between his two long-running typecasts ( " Opie " and Richie " ) . Jacqueline Scott ( as Fran Long Fitch ) makes the most of the more minor mother / wife role , lifting the picture with a couple of very strongly performed dramatic scenes . With Pamelyn Ferdin and Andy Devine in the cast , " Smoke " is cute and irresistible . Smoke ( - ) Vincent McEveety - Ron Howard , Earl Holliman , Jacqueline Scott
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453,147 | 15,896,852 | 4,181 | 7 |
Griffith Makes it Reels
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Upon release , the said to be the longest film feature ever - the biblical-era " Judith of Bethulia " . Notably directed by D . W . Griffith , it's really not as good as some of his previous releases ; in hindsight , its length is perhaps its most remembered feature . The story centers on Judith ( Blanche Sweet ) courageously figuring to save her city ( Bethulia ) from the invading army of the conqueror Holofernes ( Henry B . Walthall ) . To wit , Ms . Sweet dresses herself up in order to seduce Mr . Walthall . She looks more ridiculous than seductive , with what looks like a peacock on her head . Walthall's other ladies , and eunuch ( ! ) , look more fetching . A marvelous actor , Walthall doesn't have much to do in " Judith " . The acting honors are stolen , early on , by Mae Marsh and Robert Harron , perhaps because they were directed to walk around without over-emoting . There are some exciting battle sequences . Judith of Bethulia ( 1914 ) D . W . Griffith - Blanche Sweet , Mae Marsh , Robert Harron
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453,455 | 15,896,852 | 32,366 | 7 |
Tod Slaughter Slays ' Em
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A deranged man murders another man in order to assume his identity and take over a recently inherited estate . Soon after arriving at the estate , the psychotic man finds he must continue his murderous tendencies in order to keep his charade from being exposed . As the number of victims increase , along with his deepening madness , it becomes a matter of time before all is revealed and the man's true identity is exposed , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Thespian Tod Slaughter ( posing as Percival Glyde ) receives a rude awakening when he discovers the man whose head he hammered to death , " Sir Percival " , was penniless . In order to keep the man's estate , he goes ahead with an arranged wedding to pretty Garbo-light Sylvia Marriott ( as Laurie Fairlie ) . After a tearful wedding night , Ms . Marriott tries to distance herself from the repulsive Mr . Slaughter , who is trying to get her to sign over her fortune . When Marriott won't cooperate , Slaughter has her locked in a cell as " The Woman in White " , a ghostly apparition seen around the family mansion . Slaughter must also contend with cast members he hasn't been able to murder , like wormy Hay Petrie ( as Isidor Fosco ) . " Crimes in the Dark House " isn't very successful at adapting the Wilkie Collins novel , but it makes a great vehicle for Tod Slaughter - a thoroughly delightful actor in peak performance mode . Crimes at the Dark House ( 1940 ) George King - Tod Slaughter , Sylvia Marriott , Hay Petrie
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453,389 | 15,896,852 | 43,625 | 7 |
John Garfield's Last Shot
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After a heist goes wrong , cop killer John Garfield ( as Nick Robey ) is on the run . Taking cover in a public swimming pool , Mr . Garfield meets plain Shelley Winters ( as Peg Dobbs ) . Flattery gets him everywhere ; and , Garfield uses Ms . Winters for getaway cover . Starved for the manly affection , Winters mistakes his advances for interest . Soon , Winters has Garfield in her apartment , to meet the family . When he feels the police closing in , Garfield holds up in Winters ' apartment , holding the family hostage . Desperate hours ensue ? It's difficult to understand Winters ' continued naivety ; and , the " family held hostage " plot doesn't ring quite true . Still , Garfield's paranoia , and Winters ' character development make it well worth watching . Sadly , this was Garfield's final film ; he died within a year , at age 39 . Director John Berry and photographer James Wong Howe make it look great . " He Ran All the Way " boasts a fine supporting cast , led by Wallace Ford . And , the ending grows with an exciting , thought-provoking intensity .
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452,555 | 15,896,852 | 39,216 | 7 |
The Bowery Boys Go West
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While Huntz Hall ( as Horace Debussy " Sach " Jones ) reads " Hair Trigger Western Yarns " , sweet shop proprietor Bernard Gorcey ( as Louie ) sings " Louie , the Lout " to Bobby Jordan ( as Bobby ) , William " Billy " Benedict ( as Whitey ) , and David Gorcey ( as Chuck ) . Wrapped up in his western pulp stories , Mr . Hall daydreams about the days of " Cowboys & Indians " , and " Louie " hints about a western past . . . Suddenly , a sheriff enters the scene , on horseback ; he claims " Louie , the Lout ' is a WANTED outlaw . Then , Bowery leader Leo Gorcey ( as Slip Mahoney ) arrives to find ( his real-life father ) the elder Gorcey hiding from the sheriff . Gorcey takes " The Bowery Boys " out west , to solve the case of the falsely accused " Louie " . The New York City group meet up with Cowboys and Native American Indians , in an old-fashioned western setting . Bowery chum Gabriel Dell ( as Gabe ) arrives in the town ( " Hangman's Hollow " ) , undercover as " The Klondike Kid " , to help the " Bowery Buckaroos " clear " Louie " and locate a gold mine . This is one of the cleverest movies in the " Bowery Boys " series . Gorcey delivers some of his best " malaprops " ( a nude baby picture is " Exhibition A " ) ; and the rest of the cast is uniformly smooth . The story is very nicely plotted , with Mr . Hall figuring prominently . " Marshall " Minerva Urecal and " Indian " Iron Eyes Cody are terrific . Regulars Bernard Gorcey and Gabriel Dell have good roles , too . And , this is the last appearance of Bobby Jordan , who was in the originally named " Dead End " ( 1937 ) group . In the early 1940s , Mr . Jordan was featured much more prominently in these films - the stories were often about his character - but , as the comic antics of Gorcey and Hall took center stage , Jordan was derailed by both " Uncle Sam " and injury . In " Bowery Buckaroos " , Jordan leads the secondary " Bowery Boys " in making the most out of their supporting roles . It's a shame the producers couldn't work Jordan into more stories , perhaps in spin-offs Mr . Benedict's " Whitey " character ( they have some good " bits " herein ) . In future films , Jordan will be missed . Bowery Buckaroos ( / 47 ) William Beaudine - Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , Bobby Jordan
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453,074 | 15,896,852 | 138,304 | 7 |
Pray for Rosemary's Babies in Orbit
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Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron star as courageous NASA astronaut Spencer Armacost and his beautiful schoolteacher wife Jillian , a seemingly perfect couple whose lives are momentarily shattered when Spencer's mission mysteriously loses contact with Earth for two minutes . But neither Spencer nor Jillian know that those 120 seconds of terror will ultimately threaten their sanity , their future and their lives in this heart stopping psychological thriller the critics call , ' One scary edge-of-the-seat nightmare ' , according to the film's official synopsis . Everything you see about this movie gives away the story ; the trailer makes the plot obvious , and every other critic compares it to " Rosemary's Baby " ( 1968 ) . Indeed , it is an updated version of Roman Polanski's classic , with Aliens substituted for Satan - the old devil has clearly been replaced as top villain , after his 1960s-1970s heyday . Although nothing is outlined , anyone with rudimentary knowledge about plotting will figure out what's happening in " The Astronaut's Wife " ; its flaw is that it takes no real risks . Even the swipe has been done . Ms . Theron is the lead . She and Mr . Depp look great ( eyebrow and hair color are perfect ) , but Theron only has a couple of scenes approaching the level of Mia Farrow's characterization in " Rosemary's Baby " . She looks almost too good during her pregnancy , whereas Ms . Farrow looked more and more sickly . Director Rand Ravich shows promise more as a director than writer . Allen Daviau's photography is excellent . The film is so derivative it dims the impact of some excellent supporting performances , led by a dazzling Joe Morton ( as Sherman Reese ) . The moronic ending should be chopped off and sent to deleted scenes hell . . . before that , the film's strengths outweigh its weaknesses . The Astronaut's Wife ( / 99 ) Rand Ravich - Charlize Theron , Johnny Depp , Joe Morton
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452,498 | 15,896,852 | 2,350 | 7 |
Indian Giver
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Important early film , directed by D . W . Griffith . Stephen ( Wilfred Lucas ) wants to marry his young ward Blanche Sweet and raise a family . She thinks it's a good idea - until she meets young Charles West . Of course , Mr . Lucas wants to kill Mr . West for coming between he and Ms . Sweet . Lucas , however , decides her happiness is more important ; he gives the couple his blessing ( and home ) ; then , he re-joins the Army . Years pass . Sweet , West , and baby join a Wagon Train . When the Wagon train is attacked by Indians ( Native Americans ) , Lucas arrives to serve as its military escort . Watch for some great shots - like , the distant Wagon Train moving along with a bear in the foreground . The battle scenes are as exciting as you'd expect them to be in a Griffith production . In fact , the battles in " The Massacre " look more realistically fought than in thousands of subsequent westerns . Also noteworthy is Griffith's presentation of the " Indians " . Watch some of the Indians ' body movements , and the way the camera lingers over some of their dead bodies - characters previously introduced sympathetically . Griffith presents Native American characters in a far more sympathetic manner than is usual for the time ( and director ) . The film loses this characterization as the film progresses . The Indians ' point-of-view is dropped . The " love triangle " of characters from the beginning end up only remotely involved in each others ' lives ; and , " The Massacre " misses out on some obvious dramatic possibilities for Sweet , Lucas , and West . The Massacre ( 1914 ) D . W . Griffith - Blanche Sweet , Wilfred Lucas , Charles West
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453,112 | 15,896,852 | 439 | 7 |
The Greatest Parting Shot
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Masked bandits enter a railroad office , and tie up the telegraph operator ; they are planning " The Great Train Robbery " . When the approaching train makes its pit stop , the robbers jump aboard . The bandits find their booty in a box , which they blow up , after a bit of shooting . Next , the bandits force the train passengers to lineup , and loot their valuables . Meanwhile , the railroad operator has recovered , and rounds up a posse ; then , they go after the robbers ? A landmark Edwin S . Porter film , with future western star Gilbert M . " Broncho Billy " Anderson . The lasting image , and film highlight , however , is Justin D . Barnes firing away , in the film's closing seconds . It still packs a punch , since the final shot is so unexpectedly different from the rest of the film .
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453,091 | 15,896,852 | 37,366 | 7 |
The Johnson Airplane
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Sturdy , determined Spencer Tracy ( as James " Jimmy " Doolittle ) organizes the US response to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor . Mr . Tracy , and the film , make it obvious the Japanese stood no chance of besting our American forces . Note the number of men who respond to Mr . Tracy's repeated invitations to " drop out " of the dangerous mission . Despite Tracy's presence , the film stars Van Johnson ( as Ted Lawson ) . Mr . Johnson's performance is , at times , reminiscent of a younger Tracy ; in context , it's a little distracting . Still , Johnson essays the star-making sacrifice , begun by John Gilbert in MGM's " The Big Parade " , effectively . Despite the big parade of men lining up to go fight in the actual war , MGM was able to find a great cast of available men ; who were , presumably , persuaded to postpone enlisting . Among the servicemen , Robert Walker ( as David Thatcher ) is a clear stand-out . At home , Phyllis Thaxter ( as Ellen Lawson ) is sweet and refreshing . And , making the most of a small role would have to be Robert Mitchum ( as Bob Gray ) . The story is very good , albeit heavily clichéd on film ; it was based on the real Ted Lawson's story . Director Mervyn LeRoy's film version features fine music and photography . The highlight of " Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo " is the exciting , and well-constructed , title event . Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo ( 1944 ) Mervyn LeRoy - Van Johnson , Spencer Tracy , Robert Walker
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452,541 | 15,896,852 | 348,150 | 7 |
Brandon Routh Takes Flight
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After a soul-searching sabbatical , to see what remains of home planet Krypton , " Superman Returns " to Earth . The Man of Steel knew , as most everyone does , that it was destroyed ; but , astronomers thought they found Krypton . Superman took similar trips in the original DC Comics , but for differing reasons ; and , never for five years . Anyway , he returns , first , to Smallville , where widowed Ma Kent ( Eva Marie Saint ) tends the family farm . Then , it's over to Metropolis , where , disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent , he picks up where he left off , at " The Daily Planet " . In his absence , Superman's ( ex - ) Girl Friend , Lois Lane ( Kate Bosworth ) has hooked up with managing editor Perry White ( Frank Langella ) ' s handsome nephew Richard ( James Marsden ) . Lex Luthor ( Kevin Spacey ) has been released from prison . Lois has " moved on " by writing a Pulitzer Prize winning article explaining , " " Why the World Doesn't Need Superman . " Lois and Richard White are parenting a coincidently 5-year-old kid named Jason ( Tristan Lake Leabu ) , who looks suspiciously like " Planet " photographer Jimmy Olsen ( Sam Huntington ) . Well , he does . Super-veterans Marlon Brando , Jack Larson , and Noel Neill have cameos . Bryan Singer's film is mostly successful . Mainly , this is due to the title character being a very well cast Brandon Routh . He not only looks the part , but also evokes Christopher Reeve , the man who remains the standard . Without Mr . Routh's convincing portrayal , there is no movie . The special effects are also worthy . Mr . Singer wisely ignores " Superman III " and " IV " , opting for a partial origin , and sequel to " Superman II " . This is where problems begin ; in an already too long film , why are we re-visiting Superboy ? With thousands of villainous stories available , why re-vamp the old Luthor plot ? The film relies more on prior movies than original source material . There is , also , little " chemistry " between key players . This is especially noticeable in the sexless " Lois & Clark " relationship . Ms . Bosworth seems more like a Lana Lang-type , anyway ; she and Mr . Marsden would be very convincing as friends from " The Legion of Super-Heroes " ( Insect Queen and Ultra Boy , for example ) . Hopefully , future " Superman " installments will explain the asthmatic piano player , and reveal how Superman able to lift a huge chunk of Green Kryptonite into space . Despite the weaknesses , it's an entertaining flight . Superman Returns ( 2006 ) Bryan Singer - Brandon Routh , Kate Bosworth , Kevin Spacey
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453,025 | 15,896,852 | 12,952 | 7 |
Will Success Spoil Rudy Valentino ?
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Impoverished shoemaker's son Rudolph Valentino ( as Juan Gallardo ) wants to be a bullfighter , much to his widowed mother's dismay . Still , toreador Valentino excels in the dangerous sport ; and , later , he is wealthy and famous throughout Spain . Along the way , he marries virtuous childhood sweetheart Lila Lee ( as Carmen ) . For Valentino , temptation accompanies fame , as he falls under the spell of wicked temptress Nita Naldi ( as Doña Sol ) , a slightly sadomasochistic bullfighting groupie . Can Valentino love two women at the same time ? Valentino performs well as an innocent ragamuffin who achieves great fame ; of course , this parallels the idolization of the film's star . Moreover , the Idol proves just as attractive being seduced ( herein , by Ms . Naldi ) as he was the seducer ( in the recent " Sheik " ) . Fred Niblo's " Blood and Sand " is a classic ; however , the story , and disjointed bullfighting footage , do bog things down . Great things happen , after about a quarter hour , when Valentino steps into Naldi's lair . In a neat bit of acting business , Valentino wipes a sweaty hand before greeting his seductress ; then , he and Naldi's servant exchange weird looks as Valentino gets his cigarette lighted . After some crosscutting to innocent Ms . Lee , Naldi's harp-playing gets her man . Writer June Mathis adapts well , for her star ; but , the Ibáñez story should have more streamlined . Combining , or further developing , the characters played by Charles Belcher ( Don Joselito ) and Walter Long ( Plumitas ) might have helped . Mr . Belcher's character is most interesting ; he collects torture devices , and choruses the film's thesis : " Happiness and prosperity built on cruelty and bloodshed cannot survive . " Blood and Sand ( 1922 ) Fred Niblo - Rudolph Valentino , Lila Lee , Nita Naldi
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453,138 | 15,896,852 | 332,452 | 7 |
Brad Pitt's Achilles ' Heel
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Brad Pitt picks up a sword and brings a muscular , brooding presence to the role of Greek warrior Achilles in this spectacular retelling of ' The Iliad ' . Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger play the legendary lovers who plunge the world into war , Eric Bana portrays the prince who dares to confront Achilles , and Peter O'Toole rules Troy as King Priam . Director Wolfgang Petersen recreates a long-ago world of mighty warships , clashing armies , the massive fortress city , and the towering Trojan Horse . Director Peterson does a good job keeping this long , big-budgeted epic rolling ; especially , he is good with the chest-piercing battle scenes . The film's thesis ; a more plausible , historically , version of the mythological " Iliad " , is a good one - if only the ancient Library of Alexandria in Egypt hadn't burned , we'd know so much more about the era ? Although the film is beautifully produced , the computer generated " look " is , at times , distracting ; don't look too carefully , for example , at those mighty warships . During the picture , Brad Pitt was experiencing a second wave of mega-box office popularity ; and , while his on screen presence undoubtedly thrilled millions , he is not entirely successful in the " Achilles " role . The camera treats Mr . Pitt as a drugstore paperback novel cover boy - with biceps and blond mane prominently displayed . He is obviously trying to essay the role , but Pitt most often looks to be simply posed . Consequently , the usually ultra-sexy Pitt appears almost sexless . Rose Byrne's " Briseis " helps , though ? The more sexy story involves Orlando Bloom's " Paris " irritating big brother Eric Bana's " Hector " by taking Diane Kruger's " Helen " as his lover . Of the four " hot " young leads ( if you count Pitt , Bloom , Kruger , and Bana ) , Mr . Bana comes off the best , with Ms . Kruger edging out Mr . Bloom as the prettiest . Peter O'Toole and a strong supporting cast look as good , if not better , than the stars . Worth checking out , for the spectacle ( great art direction / set direction & costume design ) - and for Eric Bana's acting one-upmanship . Troy ( 2004 ) Wolfgang Petersen - Brad Pitt , Orlando Bloom , Eric Bana
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453,013 | 15,896,852 | 27,652 | 7 |
Stretched to the Breaking Point
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Spencer Tracy ( your average Joe ) and Sylvia Sidney ( Katherine ) have fallen in love . Mr . Tracy , who loves to eat peanuts , doesn't feel he is financially able to marry as the film begins . Ms . Sidney gives Tracy the ring that her father gave her mother . After awhile , luck turns for Tracy , and he goes to get Sydney to the alter . On the way through a small town , he is stopped by Walter Brennan ; turns out , Tracy fits the description of a wanted kidnapper . The townspeople don't want to wait for a trial - they want a lynching . You won't believe how the story evolves ? " Fury " has a lot going for it - Mr . Tracy performs supremely . The direction and photography are likewise excellent - by Fritz Lang and Joseph Ruttenberg . Moreover , he film addresses interesting , thought-provoking topics ; and , it makes a good case for justice and the rule of law . On the down side , I did find some of the other performances inconsistent . The biggest problem with the film , however , the stretch you have to make to believe the characters as the movie progresses . It takes a lot of twists and turns , which are entertaining ; yet , the characters Tracy and Sidney play are stretched to the breaking point by a script that goes in so many directions . Fury ( / 36 ) Fritz Lang - Spencer Tracy , Sylvia Sidney , Walter Brennan
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453,440 | 15,896,852 | 4,872 | 7 |
Alias Jimmy Valentine ( 1915 ) Maurice Tourneur - Robert Warwick , Johnny Hines , Alec B . Francis
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Robert Warwick ( as Lee Randall aka " Jimmy Valentine " ) is a respected citizen by day , and a safecracker by night . His main adversary is lawman Robert Cummings ( as Doyle ) , who wants to see Mr . Warwick in prison Sing-Sing . Ruth Shepley ( as Rose Fay ) is the woman who turns Warwick's head , and visa-versa . The situation changes several times over the course of the film ; but , basically , Warwick wants to lead the straight life , as a banker family man - - however , he is haunted by the past . Director Maurice Tourneur makes this a visually exciting silent drama ; many of the images are beautifully done . Warwick is remarkable in the lead role . Johnny Hines ( as Red Joclyn ) and Alec B . Francis ( as Bill Avery ) are also very good - - the story livens up whenever they are on-screen with Warwick ; the three are so good , you'll want them to pull a few more heists ! However , there is no corresponding chemistry with Ms . Shepley ; and , the children perform like wind-up dolls . " Alias Jimmy Valentine " is , unfortunately , not as exciting as it's production or direction . Still , it's quite an achievement for 1915 .
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452,501 | 15,896,852 | 2,795 | 7 |
A Marathon Worth Running
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Interesting early film , directed by D . W . Griffith . Walter Miller and Henry B . Walthall are partners in business , and rivals for the affections of Blanche Sweet . Ms . Sweet chooses Mr . Walthall , and the two are married . Soon , he goes out on the town , leaving her and the baby home alone . Then , Mr . Miller realizes Walthall is stealing from their company to pay off gambling debts ? This film is given great depth by Griffith's use of windows , doorways , and a mirror in background shots The performances are noteworthy , especially Walthall and Sweet , during the film's climax . A contemporary automobile is featured in the exciting race to save Walthall's life . For it's time , this must have been a shocker . The absence of blood is strange , but the performances make " Death's Marathon " worth running . Death's Marathon ( 1913 ) D . W . Griffith - Henry B . Walthall , Blanche Sweet , Walter Miller
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452,944 | 15,896,852 | 67,805 | 7 |
Murray Head Superstar
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Jewish doctor Peter Finch ( as Daniel Hirsh ) and divorcée Glenda Jackson ( as Alex Greville ) are both sharing their beds , and bodies , with bisexual artist Murray Head ( as Bob Elkin ) . Alas , Mr . Head wants to leave London for New York , alone , on a bloody Sunday . But , he promises to return " soon " . Mr . Finch and Ms . Jackson will be very lonely without Head . They will go from sharing " half a loaf " of Head , to going with none at all . Director John Schlesinger's follow-up to his " Midnight Cowboy " masterpiece is , as expected , extraordinarily well-directed . However , the relationships do not excite ; and , they are difficult to understand . Jackson and Head are the more believable . Finch and Head try hard ; but , their man-on-man passion does not come across well ; in fact , there were more sparks between Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in Schlesinger's subtler " Cowboy " . There are many lovingly detailed scenes , beautifully photographed by Billy Williams . Past " Superstar " Bessie Love acts as the answering service lady , and future " Superstar " Daniel Day-Lewis appears as a very naughty boy . Bed-hopping Head co-starred on the " Jesus Christ Superstar " LP play , during " Sunday Bloody Sunday " ; and , his single version of " Superstar " celebrated two runs on the US Pop charts . Everybody's a bloody " Superstar " ! Sunday Bloody Sunday ( 1971 ) John Schlesinger - Peter Finch , Glenda Jackson , Murray Head
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452,675 | 15,896,852 | 492,912 | 7 |
Death Becomes Him
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Unsuccessful student Christian Oliver ( as Adam Schmidt ) is smart enough ; but , he is failing to make the medical school grade . Possibly , this is due to his frequent headaches , and an anti-social disposition . Mr . Oliver explains , " I think I'm allergic to people . " After receiving a " F " on his ethics essay , Oliver decides to " drop out " ; and , quickly , he responds to an invitation from mysterious doctor Dean Stapleton ( as Ethan , aka " Dr . Vick " ) . So , Oliver goes to live with Mr . Stapleton , in an isolated , snowbound cabin . You should know Stapleton has gruesome plans for Oliver . Stapleton wants to murder his house-guest , and bring him back to life . " Subject Two " is quite an intriguing take on the old life-creating " Frankenstein " plot . The film is very bright , and well-photographed . The lonely cabin , set in the vast and sparsely populated mountains , is a worthy setting . Rich Confalone's photography is beautiful . Writer / director Philip Chidel , who also appears as " Subject One " , and the two lead actors are also excellent . The story could have been a little clearer . For example ? well , you'll see ? Still , it's an interesting slice of intellectual gore , and a definite career peak for those involved . Its very weirdness is most welcome . Subject Two ( 2006 ) Philip Chidel - Christian Oliver , Dean Stapleton , Philip Chidel
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453,043 | 15,896,852 | 18,097 | 7 |
From Beyond the Unknown
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As of October 20 , 2007 , " London After Midnight " is a lost film - there is no known surviving footage . Hopefully , a print or portion will be discovered . Until then , TCM's 2002 reconstruction , by Rick Schmidlin , will have to suffice - it was created by referencing the original script and utilizing movie photograph still . Robert Israel provided a representative musical score . Cheers to all involved ! Before viewing the restoration by Mr . Schmidlin , consider watching the other Tod Browning ( director ) , Lon Cheney ( actor ) , and Merritt B . Gerstad ( cameraman ) collaboration " The Unknown " ( 1927 ) ; it may provide the best indication of how " London After Midnight " might have looked on the motion picture screen . Then , see Browning's re-make " Mark of the Vampire " ( 1935 ) ; its script closely follows " London After Midnight " , and it will help explain some story elements limited by the movie stills available . I'm speculating the performances of Lon Chaney ( as Prof . Edward Burke ) and Henry B . Walthall ( as Sir James Hamlin ) were noteworthy , but the story disappointing . Conrad Nagel ( as Arthur Hibbs ) must have been very impressive ; he would shortly co-star with none other than Greta Garbo , in 1928 and 1929 films . And , certainly , Marceline Day was lovely ( as Lucille Balfour ) . London After Midnight ( 1927 ) Tod Browning - Lon Chaney , Henry B . Walthall , Conrad Nagel
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452,504 | 15,896,852 | 65,656 | 7 |
Helmut Berger is Dorian Gray
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The story is familiar - Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray wishes his painting would grow old whilst he remain young . This film version certainly does not equal the production quality of Albert Lewin's " The Picture of Dorian Gray " ( 1945 ) , but it is superior in several other ways . Foremost , the casting of Helmut Berger as Dorian is perfect . Mr . Berger has the " beautiful / handsome " balance necessary to essay the role ; he matches his looks with a fine performance , taking Dorian from youth to decadence . Richard Todd ( as Basil ) and Herbert Lom ( as Henry ) support Berger well . Dorian's decadent slide is more appropriately depicted in this " modernized " version ; however , the sexual situations run on way too long - for a time , the screen is filled with one sexual romp after another ; and , the film loses focus . The sexual situations must have been very risqué at the time , but " Dorian Gray " is not " X-rated " . The film may remain titillating because there are numerous sexual escapades ; and , Mr . Berger and the women are very attractive . The final " confrontation " between Dorian and Basil is used to effectively begin this version with a flashback ; it might have helped to begin the 1945 version in this manner . The passage of time could have been better depicted during the early part ( the 1940s-1950s ) of this 1970 version , but the 1960s look terrific . The aging of Dorian's portrait is much more realistic in this version , and it somehow seems much truer to the spirit of Oscar Wilde's original work . Dorian Gray ( 1970 ) Massimo Dallamano - Helmut Berger , Herbert Lom , Richard Todd
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453,313 | 15,896,852 | 25,610 | 7 |
Down on the Farm
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King Vidor's " The Crowd " ( 1928 ) ended hopefully : James Murray and Eleanor Boardman ( then playing John and Mary Sims ) conquered the industrialized , impersonal City , with a new job and child replacing previous losses . But , the Sims ' luck is , according to this film , cut short by the Great Depression . Tom Keene and Karen Morley ( now playing John and Mary Sims ) are sans job and money . With nothing to lose , the couple moves out to farm some country land owned by Ms . Morley's uncle . Mr . Keene organizes the locals into a communal society ; but , nature and a woman threaten the Sims ' success . Although the lead characters resemble their namesakes from director Vidor's " The Crowd " ; their tale , proclaimed as " Inspired by Headlines of Today " , is derived from a " Reader's Digest " story . The characters do not share factual similarities with the original John and Mary Sims ; for example , no reference is made to their children . Vidor directed , and Keene acted , the " John " role inappropriately . Several of the supporting players are also unsuitable . Morley's Garbo-like " Mary " is a bright spot among the performances , though . Barbara Pepper answers " Garbo " with a Harlow-like " Sally " . It's the closest you'll get to having Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow in the same film . However , the attempted " city girl " temptation of Keene , by Ms . Pepper , is not convincing . Interestingly , Pepper returned to country life in the 1960s , as the wife of " Fred Ziffel " , on TV's " Green Acres " . The irrigating ending is unexpectedly exhilarating . Our Daily Bread ( 1934 ) King Vidor - Karen Morley , Tom Keene , Barbara Pepper
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453,415 | 15,896,852 | 649 | 7 |
Robert Harron Makes an Impression
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Historically important as Robert Harron's first starring feature , " Bobby's Kodak " ( February 10 , 1908 ) also features Biograph cameraman G . W . Bitzer . It was directed by Wallace McCutcheon . Mr . Harron started playing " bit " parts at the studio in late 1907 as an after school job , with future film editor James Smith . Collaborator D . W . Griffith had yet to arrive . " Jim and I were earning five dollars a week , " Harron recalled in a February 8 , 1920 newspaper interview with Louella Parsons , " At that time , five dollars was considered a big salary for a boy . We were proud of ourselves until we started playing regular parts . And then , we used to hold indignation meetings , and say if the company didn't realize our value , we would leave ; a threat which never worried anyone , and which we never carried out . " Happily , the boys stayed with Biograph , and met director Griffith the following year ; thus , with Mr . Bitzer , the ingredients for movie magic were stirred . Unhappily , " Bobby's Kodak " is a lost film . Here is Harron's synopsis : " ' Bobby's Kodak ' was the title . I was the infant terrible , and I snapped my father kissing the maid , mother flirting with the butler , the nurse maid having an affair with the cop . Later , I showed all the pictures ; and , the pandemonium that followed has some of our best slapstick comedies looking lifeless . There was a chase - Edward Dillon played my father , and it was from his irate grasp I had to escape . " Bobby's Kodak ( 1908 ) Wallace McCutcheon - Robert Harron , Edward Dillon
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453,102 | 15,896,852 | 12,752 | 7 |
Fairbanks Fences In
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Impoverished nobleman Douglas Fairbanks ( as D'Artagnan ) ' s greatest ambition is to join the King's royal swordsmen , " The Three Musketeers " . And , after impressing the three best swordsmen in Paris , Mr . Fairbanks becomes their fourth blade . He also finds love , with Marguerite De La Motte ( as Constance ) , and much palace intrigue . Nigel de Brulier ( as Cardinal Richelieu ) makes life particularly irksome , involving Fairbanks and friends in schemes against weak a King Adolphe Menjou ( as Louis XIII ) , and his unfaithful Queen Mary MacLaren ( as Anne ) . Alexandre Dumas ' classic is a perfect vehicle for Fairbanks ; who , after the success of his " Zorro " , struck box office gold with a series of classy audience pleasing productions . While this is not the best " Musketeers " movie , it's certainly true that Fairbanks ' 1920s films had an indelible impact upon subsequent adaptations . Fairbanks , through the force of his personality , didn't so much " play " characters like " D'Artagnan " as much as he made the characters play him . Fred Niblo ( director ) and Arthur Edeson ( photographer ) create a great swashbuckling atmosphere . Nigel de Brulier steals the acting honors , with his cunning , cat-stroking " Richelieu " ; the best supporting player will reprise his role in a trio of additional " Musketeers " films , including the superior Fairbanks sequel " The Iron Mask " ( 1929 ) . Pretty " leading lady " De La Motte ( from " Zorro " ) and others will also return . After all , it is . . . " All for one and one for all . "
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453,282 | 15,896,852 | 12,755 | 7 |
Maid in America
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In Belgium , during the summer of 1903 wealthy widow Gertrude Astor ( as Louise Bodamere ) finds well-heeled second husband Wilfred Lucas ( as Elton Reeves ) at a North Sea resort . While Ms . Astor and Mr . Lucas enjoy the beach , her daughter Jeanne is cared for by loyal nurse Helen Raymond ( as Marie Gaston ) . Lucas says he doesn't like children ; and mother Astor replies , " Don't be unreasonable , dear - - we probably won't see her more than once a day . " Still , husband Lucas has his way ; and , the newlyweds desert little Jeanne for a luxurious life in the United States . Mary Pickford ( as Jeanne ) is raised as a peasant girl in Belgium , by faithful nurse Raymond . " If it were not for New York hotels , were would elopers , divorcées and red plush furniture go ? " Five years later , her mother returns for Pickford But , Raymond can't give her up ; and , she tells Astor her daughter is dead . By 1914 , the beginning Great War ( World War I ) helps Raymond reconsider keeping the now 15-year-old girl ; and , Pickford is sent to America . She enters " Through the Back Door " of Ellis Island . Through the happenstance of film , Pickford becomes a maid in her own mother's household ; there , she discovers a plot to break up her mother's troubled marriage . And , she finds romance with boy next door John Harron ( as Billy Boy ) . There are a lot of stories in " Through the Back Door " - - perhaps , there are too many . The introductory title cards explain : " This is a love story - - A vision seen through the tears of a mother and a forgotten child - - It echoes the story God whispers to each tiny soul before He blesses it with the miracle of Life - - The story of mother-love . " This description is , in hindsight , somewhat deceptive . And , the story of the " mother-love " between Astor and Pickford is one of the story's least satisfying strands . Instead , enjoy the " little girl " Pickford in the post-abandonment scenes ; especially , when Pickford cleans the mud off the floor wearing scrub brushes as roller-skates ; and wipes her muddy feet on a conveyor belt . After she moves to America , Pickford's romance with Mr . Harron is very sweet ; their meeting effectively sexualizes the mud play seen earlier . It was very nice of Pickford to include John Harron as her " leading man " ; his brother , Robert Harron , died of a gunshot wound the preceding year . Undoubtedly , Pickford admired the deceased Harron's work ( they worked together , at " Biograph " ) . " Laugh and your husband laughs with you , weep , and he laughs with someone else . " Another story receiving a lot of screen time is the faltering marriage of Astor and Lucas , due to the presences of flirty Elinor Fair ( as Margaret Brewster ) . The " love triangle " of the three , complicated by Adolphe Menjou ( as James Brewster ) works about as well at the " mother-love " story between story and Pickford - - or , not very well . The characters ' actions are , simply , not always credible . The location and sets are very pleasing . The directorial team of Alfred E . Green and ( Mary's brother ) Jack Pickford works very well . The ending is another strength ; after Pickford and Harron close the curtains on their parents , they look out a window of uncertainty and excitement .
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453,429 | 15,896,852 | 33,677 | 7 |
Intriguing Story with Race Reservations
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Bette Davis ( as Maggie ) and Mary Astor ( as Sandra ) are rivals for the affections of George Brent ( as Pete ) . The main story , and " The Great Lie " , is that Ms . Astor becomes pregnant and gives the baby to Ms . Davis to raise . After the two women believe Mr . Brent has been killed . Brent turns up alive , and Davis says nothing - - that is " The Great Lie " . There are countless films which depict stereotypes and indicate racism - - this film is one of them . " The Great Lie " is a film with very distracting stereotypical portrayals . It is most distressing to see that Hattie McDaniel is playing essentially the same role in this " modern " story that she played during the Civil War ( in " Gone with the Wind " ) . Otherwise , it's an enjoyable story . Interestingly , Astor more than holds her own against Davis , in her role of concert pianist ; it's also an intriguing characterization . The Great Lie ( 1941 ) Edmund Goulding - Bette Davis , Mary Astor , George Brent
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453,305 | 15,896,852 | 22,286 | 7 |
James Cagney Makes an Impression
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The Public Enemy is not a great film , but it features an absolutely incredible performance , by James Cagney . This was Mr . Cagney's first " starring " role ; and he is great throughout . From the time he walks in front of the camera , moving his cap forward , until his final thundering scenes , Cagney is astonishing . The rest of the film is a mixed bag . For starters , filmmakers showed Cagney ( Tom Powers ) and co-star Edward Woods ( Matt Doyle ) as boys Frank Coghlan Jr . ( young Tom Powers ) and Frankie Darro ( young Matt Doyle ) . Although Mr . Woods is directed to wipe his hand with his sleeve when he first appears , it looks like the boys ' roles are mixed up with the adult men - - Mr . Coghlan Jr . ( a fine performance , by the way ) resembles Woods more than Cagney ; and , Mr . Darro more closely resembles Cagney . The appearance of the boys ' sister and brother ( " sissy " Mike ) is also confusing . Of all the strange supporting performances , Jean Harlow ( as Gwen ) takes the cake ( but not the grapefruit ) . Though second billed , she enters the story late , and leaves abruptly . Ms . Harlow was , like Cagney , on her way to major stardom ; but , unlike Cagney , she shows relatively little of her later charms . In fact , Joan Blondell is much more memorable ( as Mamie , Matt's girl ) . And , famously , Mae Clarke receives the halved grapefruit , in the face , from Cagney ; it's still a great scene , but " The Public Enemy " has much better scenes - - Cagney's visit to the tailor , his walk in the rain , and the film's ending are all superior to the " grapefruit scene " . Watch out for Cagney .
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453,101 | 15,896,852 | 25,681 | 7 |
Fairbanks Goes Out in Style
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Legendary lover Douglas Fairbanks ( as Don Juan ) feels the fatigue of advancing years ; so , the ageing lady-killer takes advantage of a misunderstanding , and fakes his own death . After a rest , Mr . Fairbanks tries to return to his amorous ways ; but , nobody believes he's the real Don Juan . Through it all , Fairbanks fans both new ( Merle Oberon as Antonita ) and old ( Benita Hume as Dona Dolores ) flames . A look at the credits of " The Private Life of Henry VIII " ( 1933 ) will reveal what filmmaker Alexander Korda had in mind - - obviously , with " Don Juan " , he hoped to duplicate the success of the earlier " Henry VIII " . Unfortunately , this similarly staged " Private Life " found itself coming up short , and is significantly more lowly regarded . Indeed , it is a flat film . Moreover , the supporting cast is introduced in a confusing manner ; it's difficult to keep track of who's who . In his last film role , Fairbanks is terrific as an ageing " Don Juan " . Interestingly , he succeeds in eliciting the feeling he memorably portrayed " Don Juan " sometime during his 1920s box office reign . Not so , the famed womanizer was played , in fact , by John Barrymore ; and , in spirit , by Rudolph Valentino . Still , Fairbanks makes the role personal ; undoubtedly , his status as an fading film superstar helped . Fairbanks ' best scene occurs about a half hour in , when he is informed of his character's " death " via the sword of Gibson Gowland ( as Don Alfredo ) . Fairbanks pretends to be his character's mourning steward ; then , he offers some interesting , likely personal , observations on fame . This is followed by a nice funeral sequence , revealing much about the famed lady-killer's escapades . Barry Mackay's deftly inept portrayal as a wannabe Juan is worth noting ; his " inability " to leap effectively contracts Fairbanks ' ageing gracefulness .
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452,709 | 15,896,852 | 33,774 | 7 |
Van Heflin Tears it Up
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Robert Taylor ( as Johnny Eager ) is a racketeer on parole ; he is posing an honest taxi driver , but actually runs a successful criminal organization . His companion is Van Heflin ( as Jeff Hartnett ) , an unrequited love-struck alcoholic . Adversarial district attorney Edward Arnold ( as John Benson Farrell ) has a tempting step-daughter , luscious Lana Turner ( as Liz Bard ) , who complicates life considerably . Mr . Taylor is charismatic as gangster " Johnny Eager " and Ms . Turner is lovely as " Liz " ? Van Heflin ( as Jeff Hartnett ) is the actor and performer to watch in this film . Every time he is on camera , Heflin is riveting - whether in the background , staring into space ; or , when seen in close-up , crying his eyes out . Moreover , he never overplays his hand , or goes " over the top " ; instead , he makes the absolute most out of a delicious role . In an otherwise routine production , Heflin delivers an unfolding , landmark supporting performance . Nothing is quite as good as Heflin's performance in " Johnny Eager " , but Taylor's drunken crashing of the " poker party " makes the second half much more entertaining than the first half of the gangster story . Lana Turner watchers should know her clothing choices get sexier during the film's running time . Still , keep an eye on Heflin's " Jeff " - by the end of the film , he is unquestionably Taylor's " leading man " . Johnny Eager ( 1942 ) Mervyn LeRoy - Robert Taylor , Van Heflin , Lana Turner
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452,978 | 15,896,852 | 269,095 | 7 |
Fatherhood
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Homicide detective Robert De Niro ( as Vincent LaMarca ) has a skeleton in his closet . Mr . De Niro's father was executed as a baby killer . However , De Niro " turned his life around " and , with help from a law-abiding father figure , became a respectable police officer . Unfortunately , he left his wife and young son on the wrong side of the tracks . Fourteen years later , De Niro's handsome son James Franco ( as Joey LaMarca ) has become a gaunt Long Beach junkie , with a neglected son of his own . While scoring some junk , Mr . Franco knifes a dealer , in self-defense ( this is the film's opening ) . Then , father De Niro is assigned the task of bringing in his estranged son as a murderer . If you give " City by the Sea " a chance , it should make a good impression , thanks to the skillfully focused cast and crew . De Niro is particularly good at elevating the story ; he keeps everything real . The story is , otherwise , not structurally sound . To give an example ( without giving anything away ) note that Franco's opening " killing " is hardly a crime . Wouldn't the film's theme have worked better if this was a real , however warranted , passionate murder ? This would strengthen the sense of loss / salvation expressed by De Niro and Franco in the final act . There are other puzzling story developments , right up until the final " beach " visit . Director Michael Caton-Jones ' near-ending " auto body shop " segment is exciting , though . City by the Sea ( 2002 ) Michael Caton-Jones - Robert De Niro , James Franco , Frances McDormand
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453,341 | 15,896,852 | 14,605 | 7 |
A Hard Habit to Break
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In Italy , the Lordly volcano Vesuvius " waves his plume of peace to a smiling city in the valley " . Of course , the volcano is , in actuality , " a seething ferment of unrest . " The city is equally dominated by the wealthy Chiaromonte family , who live in a monstrous palace . Among them are half-sisters Lillian Gish ( as Angela ) and Gail Kane ( as Marchesa ) . Ms . Gish is in love with young Ronald Colman ( as Govanni Severini ) ; and , they plan to marry . The sisters ' father Charles Lane ( as Prince Chiaromonte ) , when not focusing on his devotionals , likes to ride horses ; unfortunately , he falls off his horse , and dies . Wicked sister Kane destroys the Prince's will ; and , in the eyes of The Law and The Church , inherits everything . Bad becomes worse when the Catholic church refuses to recognize the deceased Prince's second marriage , which produced Gish ; so the wedding with Colman becomes a not-so-blessed event . Finally , Kane throws Gish out of the palace . Later , poverty-stricken Gish is reunited with her beloved Captain Colman . They plan to wed when he returns from a mission to Africa ; but , he is reportedly killed , fighting Arab bandits . Then , Gish becomes a nun . When her more earthly intended turns up alive , Gish must choose between her spiritual husband , Jesus Christ , and the physical Ronald Colman ? Way too long , and directorially unfocused , Henry King's " The White Sister " does not reach its lofty expectations . There are , however , some extraordinarily beautiful scenes ; and , the lead performances are excellent . The film seems relatively " reverential " , considering the subject matter ; though , Colman rails against , " The tyranny of the church - - enslaving women who should be wives and mothers ! " Undoubtedly , Gish and King were familiar with the original portrayal of " The White Sister " , by Viola Allen , on stage ( 1909 ) and screen ( 1915 ) , and sought to bring the story to more " epic " proportions . It appears as if water replaced the more difficult to film lava , for the less-than-climatic finish .
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452,374 | 15,896,852 | 37,614 | 7 |
Bette Davis Harvests John Dall
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English spinster teacher Bette Davis ( as Lilly Moffat ) arrives to open a school in a Welsh coal-mining village ; she meets opposition from backwards-thinking locals like Nigel Bruce ( as Squire ) , but perseveres . Ms . Davis ' efforts are rewarded as pupil John Dall ( as Morgan Evans ) shows great academic promise . Davis thinks Mr . Dall has what it takes to attend Oxford University . But , breaking Dall free of his socio-economic status proves to be especially difficult , after he has a child-producing dalliance with seductive Joan Lorring ( as Bessie Watty ) . Emlyn Williams ' play " The Corn Is Green " makes an oddly impassionate translation to film ; however , its mannered performances are notable . Perhaps inadvertently , Davis and Dall help by giving the impression something forbidden is simmering beneath the surface of their scripted relationship . An increase in sexual tension would have made the story more interesting . The Corn Is Green ( 1945 ) Irving Rapper - Bette Davis , John Dall , Joan Lorring
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452,535 | 15,896,852 | 76,786 | 7 |
Dancing with the Stars
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American ballet student Jessica Harper ( as Suzy Banyon ) goes to study at a European dance academy , where grizzly murders and hungry maggots reign supreme . " The Tanz Academy " is fronted by elegant Joan Bennett ( as Madame Blanc ) , with stern Alida Valli ( Miss Tanner ) well-suited , as head teacher . Chief among the young leotard set is Ms . Harper's relatively long-lived pal , lovely Stefania Casini ( as Sara ) . As hair-raising events continue , Harper begins to suspect a coven of witches may have infested the dance Academy . The storytelling part of " Suspiria " is relatively weak , with events unintentionally serving to lesson the dramatic impact of the horror . The superb opening scenes , for example , are never really improved upon . Interesting characters are underdeveloped , and should have been more cleverly woven into the plot . Despite its haphazard script , and some obvious budget restraints , director Dario Argento's " Suspiria " remains an excellent film . Mr . Argento's innovative , imaginative direction is the film's greatest strength . His cutting edge camera sense is often striking ; and , the color photography , with Luciano Tovoli , is illuminating . The sharp soundtrack music , by the appropriately named " Goblin " band , is reminiscent of Mike Oldfield's " Tubular Bells " . Ms . Bennett and Ms . Valli are a treat . The usually underutilized Bennett is especially noteworthy , in her only post - " Dark Shadows " feature film appearance . Bennett accepted the project on the strength of the director's reputation , and a chance to visit Rome . When " Suspiria " appeared in the USA , she received some unwarranted poor notices , and professed dissatisfaction with the film's violent content . Still , Bennett was " Saturn Award " - nominated as 1978's " Best Supporting Actress " for her work . Bennett duplicitously gives the " Madame Blanc " character just the right amount of respectability , or " class " ; she keeps her Academy dancers enrolled , and helps hold the slim story together . Suspiria ( 1977 ) Dario Argento - Jessica Harper , Joan Bennett , Alida Valli
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452,414 | 15,896,852 | 20,298 | 7 |
Stroheim's Swansong
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In an ancient European kingdom , sultry Seena Owen ( as Queen Regina V ) lounges , awaiting her nuptials with dashing Walter Byron ( as Prince Wolfram ) . Nearby , convent girl Gloria Swanson ( as Patricia Kelly ) encourages the Lord's wrath by sleeping with her photographs of the handsome Mr . Byron . While he is out riding one day , Ms . Swanson gets a chance to meet the idolized Prince , and embarrassingly loses her knickers ! For Swanson and Byron , it's love at first sight . But , how can a simple convent girl get the Queen's stud ? Director Erich von Stroheim and actress Gloria Swanson , with their skills in full tilt excess , are a joy to behold . Yet , " Queen Kelly " emerges as a fairly strong film , despite its self-indulgence . Once considered a hopelessly unfinished work ; the film has been restored , with great integrity , through intertitles , stills , and imagination . There is no doubt Swanson would have played the final reels expertly ; but , there is no way to tell if Stroheim and Swanson would have re-shot some of her opening footage . Few convent girls looked as gorgeous as Gloria Swanson , with her amplified eyelashes . Though she isn't the first ( or last ) Hollywood convent inhabitant to look so ravishing , it would have been wise to tone down the look , until later in the film . Flaws notwithstanding , " Queen Kelly " is full of great stuff . Tobacco-stained Tully Marshall ( as Jan Vryheid ) and whip-wielding Ms . Owen are delightfully outrageous . Byron , pocketing her knickers , is a thoroughly charming partner for Swanson . Stroheim , and photographers Gordon Pollock and Paul Ivano , are outstanding ; a simple scene of Swanson praying , with candles dripping around her , is beautiful . Ah , they had faces then ?
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453,077 | 15,896,852 | 12,364 | 7 |
A Happy New Year for Victor Sjöström
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Once upon a time , in Sweden , there was a poor Salvation Army sister . At death's door , she requests , " Send for David Holm ! " But , Victor Sjöström ( as David Holm ) cannot be located , because he is spending New Year's Eve in a graveyard , with his drinking buddies . Dying Sister Astrid Holm ( as Edit ) wants to see if praying for Mr . Sjöström's soul , over the past year , has produced any results ; arguably , it has not . In the graveyard , Sjöström tells the story of " The Phantom Carriage " , which he heard from his dead friend Tore Svennberg ( as Georges ) . According to legend , the last person to die in each year must pick up the souls of all the dead people , until being relieved next New Year's Eve . . . Director Sjöström , whose lead performance is very strong , combines with photographer Julius Jaenzon to create a visually appealing film . The great " double exposure " effect is used frequently , but never seems overdone ; and , it doesn't make the film's other dramatic highlights any less memorable ( for example , Sjöström's tearing of his sewn coat and axing of the door ) . A Selma Lagerlöf story probably wasn't one you could , or would want to , tamper with in the 1920s - which may , or may not be , why the ending of this film is a letdown . And , unlike similar spiritual stories , it's difficult to suspend your disbelief , if you think too carefully about what is really happening in " Körkarlen " . Körkarlen ( / 21 ) Victor Sjöström - Victor Sjöström , Hilda Borgström , Tore Svennberg
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453,336 | 15,896,852 | 29,844 | 7 |
Tears Along the Mississippi
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Mark Twain's classic characters are brought back to life , by David O . Selznick , for an updated movie adaptation . For the first time , Tom and Huck are seen in color ( specifically , " Technicolor " ) , which contributes to the film's main strength : it looks storybook beautiful . The reliance on set pieces seems entirely appropriate , giving the film great style ; and , they are very well done . The cinematography , by James Wong Howe , is remarkable . The story wavers from true triumph , however , in the direction of the characters ; the " cuteness quotient " is set far too high . Many tears flow . Tommy Kelly ( as Tom Sawyer ) suffers the most , of course , being the lead player . It should be emphasized , however , that this is not due to his effort ; under the circumstances , Mr . Kelly performs well . Jackie Moran ( as Huckleberry Finn ) is a cute best friend ; but , not much like the " Huck " from Twain's book . Ann Gillis ( as Becky Thatcher ) is a cute girl friend . The players are all good , but May Robson ( as Aunt Polly ) seems the truest . While more cute than mischievous , and far too clean , " The Adventures of Tom Sawyer " is good enough to stand on its own . The familiar " lost in the caves " ending is a great climax ; and , Victor Jory ( as Injun Joe ) still startles . The scene of " Tom " emerging , at last , from the caves - - his black silhouette shot against the blue sky of freedom - - is indelible . The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ( 1938 ) Norman Taurog - Tommy Kelly , Jackie Moran , May Robson
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453,135 | 15,896,852 | 31,867 | 7 |
The James Cagney Movie Formula Before the Fall
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After " The Great War " ends , G . I . James Cagney ( as Eddie Bartlett ) returns home from France . He expects to return to his old job as an automobile mechanic ; however , the boss breaks a promise , and turns Mr . Cagney away . In fact , the United States is descending into economic turmoil , which will end with " The Great Depression " . Unable to make an honest living , Cagney drifts into profitable " Prohibition " - era bootlegging . Valiant speakeasy hostess Gladys George ( as Panama Smith ) pines for Cagney , but he only has eyes for sweet Priscilla Lane ( as Jean Sherman ) . As the years roll along , Cagney's trusted lawyer Jeffrey Lynn ( as Lloyd Hart ) falls in love with pretty Ms . Lane ? Warner Brothers seems to have pulled out all the stops for " The Roaring Twenties " . Cagney , who had reached an extraordinary peak with the recently released gem " Angels with Dirty Faces " , is a marvel to watch , from beginning to end . Interestingly , after this film , Cagney sought to stop to his " gangster " image , until " White Heat " ( another gem , from 1949 ) . But , here , Cagney is still the victim of circumstances ; note , he does not become a criminal due to his nature . In this film , Cagney is another " Angel " , with a environmentally influenced " dirty face " . . . " The Roaring Twenties " is , also , about relationships ; or , to be more specific , it's about unexciting relationships . The only believable passion Cagney's character has is for best pal Frank McHugh ( as Danny Green ) , who needed some more expository scenes . The one that got away , Ms . George makes the most of a poorly scripted relationship between her character and " Eddie " - this is the pairing the film really serves up short shrift . The production is " top of the line , " , but the story is neither as strong , nor as artfully told as its studio's other " gangster " movies . Still , a star like Cagney , supporting players like Humphrey Bogart , and bit players down to Maurice Costello , make " The Roaring Twenties " purr . The Roaring Twenties ( 1939 ) Raoul Walsh - James Cagney , Gladys George , Humphrey Bogart
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453,328 | 15,896,852 | 65,856 | 7 |
Come See the Dark Shadows Vampires Do It
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This is an excellent , flawed film spin-off of the classic TV serial " Dark Shadows " . It captures Jonathan Frid , Joan Bennett , Grayson Hall and many of the cast on film , in character , during the time of the original Dark Shadows-mania . For that , we should be eternally grateful . Other favorites David Selby , Kate Jackson , and Lara Parker can be found in the next Dark Shadows movie . What keeps this movie from becoming truly exceptional is that it overindulges . The thing you expect too happen in a vampire horror story happens over and over AND OVER again , to seemingly every character . It's all very stylish and well-done - but , it's OVERKILL . The production , by Dan Curtis is marvelous , but he takes the characters too , too far away from their television characterizations ; at times , they seem like strangers . If considered another in the band of Dark Shadows ' " Parallel Time " , it works . It's a surprise Dick Smith's make-up and Bob Cobert's music weren't Oscar-nominated . House of Dark Shadows ( 1970 ) Dan Curtis - Jonathan Frid , Grayson Hall , Joan Bennett
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453,653 | 15,896,852 | 64,886 | 7 |
Risky Mississippi Business
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Oh , Reivers ? that's an old-fashioned word from my childhood , explains narrator Burgess Meredith , " In plain English , I'm afraid it meant ? thieves ! " The narrator is fondly recalling an adventure he had as an 11-year-old boy , " coming of age " in Mississippi . Young Mitch Vogel ( as Lucius Priest ) is the lad ; he accompanies father-figure / handyman Steve McQueen ( as Boon Hogganbeck ) , who steals the family's first automobile - a brand new , yellow-colored 1905 Winton Flyer . Rupert Crosse ( as Ned McCaslin ) makes " The Reivers " a trio by stowing away in the car's trunk . Their main destination is a bordello , where Mr . McQueen wants to hook up with prostitute girlfriend Sharon Farrell ( as Corrie ) . Meanwhile , Mr . Crosse swaps the trio's prized vehicle for a slow horse named " Lightning " ? Mark Rydell's direction of William Faulkner's final novel is a qualified success . The principal cast members work very well together , with Vogel and Crosse exhibiting as much star presence as the more famous McQueen . The supporting cast is great ; the participation of Will Geer , Burgess Meredith , and Juano Hernandez add to the film's old-world charm . Richard Moore's Mississippi photography is beautiful . Although it doesn't ever go quite far enough , " The Reivers " main strength is in its depiction of real , flawed characters . Faulkner's portrayal of race and gender , as much as they show , are noteworthy . The most touching moments occur when young Vogel learns that women are not viewed the same way , after adolescence . His obvious difficulty accepting the degradation of women ( through prostitution and beating ) portends a different future for the younger generation . The Reivers ( 1969 ) Mark Rydell - Steve McQueen , Mitch Vogel , Rupert Crosse
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452,761 | 15,896,852 | 8,499 | 7 |
Lost Little Girl
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After her mother mortgages the family's " Sunnybrook Farm " , Mary Pickford ( as Rebecca Randall ) is sent to live with two aunts : Josephine Crowell ( as Aunt Miranda ) is stern and heartless ; she overrides kinder , broken-hearted , Mayme Kelso ( as Aunt Jane ) . Predictably , Ms . Pickford finds things are not so sunny in Riverboro . Moreover , she finds her self at odds with teasing peers , like Violet Wilkey ( as Minnie Smellie ) . Pickford perseveres . And , eventually , she warms folks up , like her older man crush Eugene O'Brien ( as Adam " Mr . Aladdin " Ladd ) , who Pickford hopes to marry when she " grows up " ? In a first class production , Pickford has some nice moments ; though , her affected " little girl " persona doesn't really succeed in effectively portraying the young heroine of Kate Douglas Wiggins ' " Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm " , as evidenced on film . In sometimes startling contrast , several of the other young performers are noticeably more natural and / or charming . Ms . Wilkey , one of the younger set , regrettably " retired " shortly after her convincing portrayal of " Minnie Smellie " . Wilkey , who also played young " Flora " in " The Birth of a Nation " ( 1915 ) , was one of many marvelous young players Pickford employed , to shine by her side . Happily , kids like Wesley Barry and Milton Berle did not retire after appearing herein . Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm ( 1917 ) Marshall Neilan - Mary Pickford , Eugene O'Brien , Violet Wilkey
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452,829 | 15,896,852 | 55,230 | 7 |
Curtis Harrington outfits Dennis Hopper
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Lonely , young sailor Dennis Hopper ( as Johnny Drake ) enters a seaside California tavern and spies exotic , forlorn beauty Linda Lawson ( as Mora ) . Smitten , Mr . Hopper walks her home , but receives only an invitation to breakfast , the next day . The next morning , Hopper shares a breakfast of mackerel with Ms . Lawson ( and a seagull ) . Lawson explains she works as a mermaid for the local carnival . Hopper begins a relationship with the strange woman , who implies she may be descended from real mermaids . Then , he learns her previous boyfriends died mysteriously ? Curtis Harrington's " Night Tide " is absorbing , atmospheric , and hypnotic . Director Harrington and star Hopper are perfectly suited to each other , focusing on Hopper's achingly natural , and almost impossibly poignant , characterization . The photography ( Vilis Lapenieks ) and music ( David Raksin ) are also in tune . Lawson is magnetic and mysterious . Shakespearean reader Gavin Muir ( as Samuel Murdock ) and coffee-loving Luana Anders ( as Ellen Sands ) join in the struggle for Hopper's mind and body . If only there were a couple of re-takes , another edit , and a clearer resolution ? Night Tide ( 1961 ) Curtis Harrington - Dennis Hopper , Linda Lawson , Gavin Muir
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452,412 | 15,896,852 | 10,662 | 7 |
Griffith Goes West
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Subtitled " A Tale of the Old West , " director D . W . Griffith promises , " This story corroborates the old saying that truth is stranger than fiction - incidents being taken from actual episodes of those stirring days . " He means those western gold-fevered days in California , circa 1849 . Mr . Griffith ( with assistance from Elmer Clifton ) brings " Scarlet Days " to the expected climactic chase and rescue sequence , in a western setting . It's an excellent picture , overall , though obviously lesser than other Griffith films in release at the time . " Scarlet Days " joined " Broken Blossoms " ( at # 1 ) , " The Girl Who Stayed at Home " , and " True Heart Susie " in " The New York Times " ten best films of the year 1919 list . The main story involves " lonely , little " Carol Dempster ( as " Lady Fair " ) arriving in California to look for her long-absent mother , after the death of her aunt . In the west , Ms . Dempster's mother , Eugenie Besserer ( as " Rosy Nell " ) , has become an embarrassed dance-hall hostess , in order to save money for Dempster's education and dowry ( presumably ) . Upon arriving , irresistible Dempster attracts male attention from darkly handsome Richard Barthelmess ( as Don Maria Alvarez , " The Wandering Knight " ) , fair young hunk Ralph Graves ( as John Randolph , " Sir Whiteheart " ) , and lustful sleaze Walter Long ( as King Bagley , " Knight of the Black Stain " ) . At one point , Mr . Long forces Mr . Graves to watch him attempt raping Dempster . Another Griffith regular , Clarine Seymour ( as Chiquita , " Little Flameheart " ) , has a relatively satisfying role , as the piteous maiden who pines for Mr . Barthelmess . A Griffith regular and promising actress , Ms . Seymour died too soon , after one more film ( " The Idol Dancer " ) . Barthelmess and Graves do well , individually ; but , are a visual mismatch when sharing the screen . Gangly and eye-rolling , Dempster is unconvincing and miscast as the comely maiden . Ms . Besserer's " stained soul " portrayal of her mother is the stand-out performance . Scarlet Days ( / 19 ) D . W . Griffith - Richard Barthelmess , Carol Dempster , Eugenie Besserer
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453,126 | 15,896,852 | 39,694 | 7 |
Garbo's Back ! ( and Hitchcock's Scratching It )
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In London , attractive widow Alida Valli ( as Maddalena Anna Paradine ) is arrested for the poisoning murder of her blind , wealthy husband . Most sympathies lie with the well-respected Ms . Valli ; and , family friend Charles Coburn ( as Simon Flaquer ) arranges for dashing defense attorney Gregory Peck ( as Anthony " Tony " Keane ) to prove her not guilty . Mr . Peck's wife , Ann Todd ( as Gay Keane ) , thinks Valli is innocent ; though , she senses Peck is falling in love with the accused woman . Peck's investigation leads him to handsome Paradine valet Louis Jourdan ( as André Latour ) . Exceptionally well-produced ( David O . Selznick ) and directed ( Alfred Hitchcock ) ; but , the story is far too slow and oblique to engage as it should . No doubt , Greta Garbo would have added greater depth and beauty to the role of " Mrs . Paradine " ; Ms . Garbo turned down the role because she no longer wanted to play this type of character . Foolishly , the filmmakers neglected to offer her the part played by Ann Todd . Todd certainly gets the award for " Best Garbo Performance " in this film ; and her looks approximate Garbo's , in 1947 . Interestingly , Hitchcock stylistically directs Valli as " Mata Hari " , and Todd as " Ninotchka " . Nevertheless , the " two new Selznick stars " , Jourdan and Valli , are very impressive in their roles . Jourdan is particularly effective ; his character is likely bisexual , as subtly noted in the script ( and , on screen , flirting with the coachman ) . The judge assigned to the case is Charles Laughton ( as Thomas Horfield ) ; however , his character's lecherous nature is only rather fleetingly played with . Ethel Barrymore ( as Sophie Horfield ) is a welcome supporting player . And , Lee Garmes ' photography is outstanding . The Paradine Case ( 1947 ) Alfred Hitchcock - Gregory Peck , Alida Valli , Louis Jourdan
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452,629 | 15,896,852 | 104,753 | 7 |
A Stardust Melody ? ( the Memory of Love's Refrain )
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Almost any scene of this film , shown in isolation , would suggest it is a masterpiece . But , the entire movie is setting - - a story never really happens . Director Terrance Davies , cinematographer Michael Coulter , and actor Leigh McCormack create very beautiful , sad world for a sensitive boy named Bud . The film is flawless , but don't expect a traditional film plot . " The Long Day Closes " is like watching a piece of art ; sometimes the camera lingers over images so long , it's like you're looking at a still picture . Watching the film , in one sitting , I thought the " Tammy " part was a highlight - - it had me guessing about where " Bud " was : church , school ? It also moved the setting up to 1957 ( I looked up the Debbie Reynolds movie ) ; earlier , I thought the film might take place in the 1940s . Marjorie Yates and the supporting cast were wonderful . The " crucifixion " scene was most startling ; it suggests Christianity may have inflicted more harm than good , on this family . Still , nothing really happened to get me interested what was going on , in the story , I am only a child , myself . I will , absolutely watch for the name Terence Davies , and look for his other work ; he is a phenomenal filmmaker , obviously .
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452,974 | 15,896,852 | 20,458 | 7 |
Lovable and Sweet
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Hungarian blonde Betty Compson ( as Frederika " Freddie " Joyzelle ) gets fired from her job as a New York waitress , for breaking a dish over her boss ' head . Although the film is suggestively titled " Street Girl " , Ms . Compson avoids dabbling in the world's oldest profession . Instead , Compson hooks up with attractive John Harron ( as Mike Fall ) , who is so taken with briefly homeless Compson , he asks her to move in with his jazzy musical group . As " The Four Seasons " , Mr . Harron's " Mike Fall " is teamed with Jack Oakie ( as Joe Spring ) , Ned Sparks ( as Happy Winter ) , and Guy Buccola ( as Pete Summer ) . Compson , conveniently a violinist , joins " The Four Seasons " both at home and on stage . The group is lively and likable ; especially , the smiling Mr . Oakie , in his spring . The " Seasons " become successful , and romance blooms for Compson and Harron ; but , a visiting Prince threatens the duo's happiness . . . Compson , who was at an artistic peak around the time silent films found their voice , tends to be a little too theatrical in " Street Girl " , her starring vehicle ; she certainly proves her versatility on the screen , however . Leading man Harron gives director / co-producer Wesley Ruggles the film's best acting performance ; he ( perhaps unfairly ) certainly makes you wonder what heights deceased brother Bobby Harron might have reached in the " talkies " . The early Oscar Levant music ( with lyrics by Sidney Clare ) is very good . Gus Arnheim " and His Coconut Grove Ambassadors " skillfully dubbed their instrumentals ; apparently , this is before future star Fred MacMurray joined the group . The frequently heard " Loveable and Sweet " is considered a jazz classic , in the cover version expertly recorded by Annette Hanshaw with the Dorsey Brothers . Although the early " RKO Radio Picture " production is more than a little rough around the edges , the musical / comedy genre storyline is solid . Street Girl ( 1929 ) Wesley Ruggles - Betty Compson , John Harron , Jack Oakie
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452,971 | 15,896,852 | 24,264 | 7 |
Litttle Big Women
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The film might be more accurately titled " Little Woman " , with Katherine Hepburn seizing the lead role , and never letting go . Otherwise , it's the story of four " Little Women " growing up , and finding love's direction . Hepburn ( she's Jo ) is sister to Joan Bennett ( she's Amy ) , Jean Parker ( she's Beth ) , and Frances Dee ( she's Meg ) . Of their suitors , Douglass Montgomery ( he's Laurie ) gets the most action . Ms . Bennett steals the actual acting honors with a performance that is natural and consistent ; her voice and mannerisms are appropriately girlish , young womanish ? and , selfish . Ms . Hepburn plays girlish like she's had too many cups of coffee ; additionally , she never looks even remotely " tomboyish " ; looking , instead , like a ravishingly made-up MGM movie star . Ms . Parker rises out of her sick bed like a zombie , but is okay in other scenes . Watching Hepburn being romanced by Mr . Montgomery and Paul Lukas is unnerving . The story does have some reasons to watch , however . The production is obviously top-of-the-line . Hepburn may not be in her best role , but it's not awful ; she slows down and gets better after her character grows older . The script has well-written characters - Jo , Amy , and Laurie - who illustrate a sweet story of family , love , and friendship . Little Women ( 1933 ) George Cukor - Katharine Hepburn , Joan Bennett , Douglass Montgomery
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452,596 | 15,896,852 | 33,428 | 7 |
Blitzkrieg Bop
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This sixth " East Side Kids " film is one of the better Bowery boy adventures . During this era , the movies focused on the characters played by Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs ) and Bobby Jordan ( as Danny ) . Usually , Mr . Jordan and an adult relative provided the storyline , for leader Gorcey and the lads . Criminal activity and reform school were a part of many plots . " Bowery Blitzkrieg " has all the elements which were , obviously , very popular with young audiences ( or , the wouldn't have made so many of these films ) . The storyline is a " Bowery Blitzkrieg " . Apparently , Gorcey and Jordan have taken up boxing ( wouldn't you know it ? ) . It's clear from shirtless Jordan's opening workout ( cut from some versions of this film ) that hunky Jordan is the gang's choice for champ . Instead , Jordan decides to pursue an education . Probably , this put a strain on the otherwise tight Gorcey / Jordan ( Muggs / Danny ) relationship . This would help explain some , but not all , of the ensuing contrived , continuity-starved events . . . Jordan meets sleazy , seductive Bobby Stone ( as Monk Martin ) , and is sucked into becoming the driver for Mr . Stone's petty thievery . Stone drives a wedge between Jordan and " The East Side Kids " by telling him that Gorcey has been talking dirty about Jordan's sister , Charlotte Henry ( as Mary Breslin ) and her " copper " fiancé . At the local pool hall , Jordan gets the best of his old pal , which helps land Gorcey in reform school . After becoming chummy with law enforcement , Gorcey is paroled , by Jordan's sister's policeman boyfriend , Warren Hull ( as Tom Brady ) . Officer Hull wants Gorcey to become law enforcement's champion boxer . Gorcey is a success at boxing , but draws criminal interest ; and , he is paid to throw an upcoming " big fight " . Meanwhile , Jordan continues to drive the getaway car for more of Stone's robberies . On the eve of the " big fight " , policeman Hull catches up with Jordan and Stone ; then , a dramatic shoot-out connects Gorcey and Jordan in life-or-death struggles ? Jordan and Gorcey do very well with the script ( and they can still pass for reform school age delinquents ) . Future regular Stone has one of his best " Bowery " roles ; he and Jordan have an unusual ( gay ? ) relationship , and their dramatic shoot-out is surprisingly well done ( by director Wallace Fox ) , for the series ' budget . Former " Dead End " kid Huntz Hall joins the " East Side " cast , happily ; he's an amusingly thirsty ringside trainer . And , intelligent Ernest Morrison's " Scruno " has a great " against type " bit . Watch for some of the cast's better Bowery moments . Bowery Blitzkrieg ( / 41 ) Wallace Fox - Bobby Jordan , Leo Gorcey , Bobby Stone
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453,148 | 15,896,852 | 20,410 | 7 |
Garbo Sets the Single Standard
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Greta Garbo envies the freedom acceptable for men , but not permissible for women - the sexual " Double Standard " . She asked her chauffeur to take her for a ride . When they are caught returning from a rendezvous , the chauffeur is fired ; then , he commits suicide . Somewhat disenchanted , Garbo takes off with exciting Nils Asther for a long romantic trip aboard his ship - the " All Alone " . Garbo wants to marry , but Asther must travel to China . Back home , Garbo is romanced by , and does marry , millionaire Johnny Mack Brown . Later , Asther returns ? Garbo loves Asther , but is married ( with child ) to Mack Brown . What will she do ? " The Single Standard " is beautifully photographed and silently performed . The subject matter must have been considered daring at the time . Today , it's fairly standard stuff . Still - Garbo , the photography , and briefly twisted ending make it look like magic . The Single Standard ( 1929 ) John S . Robertson - Greta Garbo , Nils Asther , Johnny Mack Brown
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453,699 | 15,896,852 | 375,679 | 7 |
Los Angeles Smacked Upside the Face
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Paul Haggis ' " Crash " is an insulting picture . It seeks to say something meaningful about racism run rampant in Los Angeles . Did somebody put something in the water ? Something that only a Los Angeles snowfall could wipe away ? Nearly every character in the film is motivated by ignorant , bigoted instincts . Things get started with a car crash and a carjacking - with people of different ethnic groups colliding ? get it ? The first real grabber occurs when two carjackers ( Ludacris & Larenz Tate ) draw guns and jack a car - not very shocking , but these two don't impress you as carjackers ? which could be part of the point , or not . . . A more shocking scene has two policeman ( Matt Dillon & Ryan Phillippe ) pulling over a couple for lollipopping in their automobile . The wife ( Thandie Newton ) who " went down " is roughly " felt up " by the abusive cop ( Dillon ) , while her husband ( Terrence Howard ) is forced to watch on , apologetically . Later , the abusive cop is offered " salvation " , in a laughably conceived scene . Elsewhere , a snooty ( Sandra Bullock ) socialite finds friendship and redemption in the arms of her housekeeper . A small businessman ( Shaun Toub ) man feels supernatural forces " saved " him from shooting a little girl dead . One of the carjackers becomes a martyr . . . The only character with a story worth telling is the locksmith ( Michael Peña ) seeking a better life for his family ; although , you can make out three or four good stories buried in the mix . The film has no focal character ( it should have been the role played by Don Cheadle ) . It is obvious and lacking humor . And , its overdriven theme is outmoded and unfair . " Crash " drives a stake through its own heart by failing to realize its story is primarily about social and cultural class , rather than the loathsome thing hoisted up on the screen . So , why a relatively high ranking ? The production , direction ( Haggis ) , photography ( J . Michael Muro ) , and performances are often excellent . Crash ( 2004 ) Paul Haggis - Don Cheadle , Matt Dillon , Thandie Newton
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453,122 | 15,896,852 | 43,067 | 7 |
Robert Newton Shivers Me Timbers
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Robert Louis Stevenson's exciting classic is brought back to life , more or less , as a Walt Disney Production . With those limitations in mind , this " Treasure Island " is , still , quite entertaining . While it's much more light and cheery than the original work , it's also filled with more bloody violence than you'd expect from the Disney studio at that time - - if you're seeing the ( recommended ) uncut version . Bobby Driscoll is an engaging Jim Hawkins ; his gun-wielding offing of pirate Geoffrey Keen ( as Israel Hands ) is an exciting highlight . Some of the pirates are more annoying than terrifying ; and , only a Disney pirate could have such perfectly shiny white teeth ; but , they do grown on you . Robert Newton's snarling " Long John Silver " is an especially memorable portrayal . Mr . Newton's shivering " Arrggggg ! " portrayal is classic ; it has , deservedly , outlived the film . Treasure Island ( 1950 ) Byron Haskin - Bobby Driscoll , Robert Newton , Basil Sydney
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453,168 | 15,896,852 | 45,464 | 7 |
Dr . Seuss Gives Moving Pictures a Bart Attack
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Troubled ten-year-old Tommy Rettig ( as Bart Collins ) isn't getting enough sleep . Consequently , young Rettig has bad daydreams , especially during practice sessions with priggish piano man Hans Conried ( as Dr . Terwilliker ) . Rettig tells his instructor , " I don't think the piano's my instrument . " Obviously , Rettig should be out playing baseball . The boy also believes the dictatorial Mr . Conried may have mother Mary Healy ( as Heloise Collins ) under some sort of spell - and , may even be planning to marry her , thus replacing Rettig's deceased father . Rettig would rather have his mother marry the plumber , Peter Lind Hayes ( as August Zabladowski ) . Director Roy Rowland and the Stanley Kramer production team keep things interesting , as they plunge Rettig into a nightmarish fantasy world . The film's garish , colorful sets and costumes are very nicely done - and they are imaginatively connected to Rettig's hopes and fears . The influence of writer Dr . Seuss is everywhere ; it's too bad the film was not a hit , since Seuss ' material works well in the live action format . Rettig is able to carry the film , with an endearing , sincere performance ; he is directed well , and happily refuses to be cloying . Conried's character is more cross ( and " daffy " ) than menacing ; he is a delightful entertainer - yet , there is no deep emotional connection to his " Dr . Terwilliker " . He is detestable simply for being a piano taskmaster . The film's other characters are rather bland . The musical score is great , but the soundtrack lacks strong individual songs . This film might have helped Rettig win his role as " Jeff " on " Lassie " , a part he played superbly , until giving the collie to Jon Provost's " Timmy " ( one of 1950s television's most memorable moments ) . The immediate popular and critical success made Rettig one of TV's earliest superstars . And , Conried's Terwilliker may have been a precursor for his semi-regular role of " Uncle Tonoose " on " Make Room for Daddy " - " et cetera ! et cetera ! . . . et cetera ! " The 5 , 000 Fingers of Dr . T . ( 1953 ) Roy Rowland - Tommy Rettig , Hans Conried , Peter Lind Hayes
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453,528 | 15,896,852 | 55,100 | 7 |
Rock & Doris & Tony & Vip
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Rock Hudson , Doris Day , and Tony Randall are excellent - the movie is not so much . First of all , the film is a one of those sophisticated ( ? ) ' 60s " sex comedies " . There are suggested sexual situations throughout : Mr . Hudson is , I believe , fairly explicitly stated as a promiscuous man ; and , Ms . Day makes a conscious decision to have out-of-wedlock sex with Hudson . Also , there are " gay jokes " ; and , there are suggestions of marijuana use ( note the scene where Hudson explains away an uncomfortable situation by saying he smoked a funny cigarette , lacking a label ) . The advertising industry is effectively satirized . The VIP storyline is funny . The scenes between Hudson / Day and Hudson / Randall are witty and well-played . I liked Hudson and Randall with their beards . You'll get to see Hudson in his underwear ( boxers ) and Day in a bathing suit ( one-piece , alas ) . BUT , the script is filled with tired old jokes . The ending is too rushed . I was VERY distracted by the blurring of Doris Day's close-ups in this film . The other performers have very clear close-ups . I would rather they not blur Ms . Day's close-ups , or just blur everyone . I suppose this is a feature of several of Day's sixties films - it's unfortunate . Lover Come Back ( 1961 ) Delbert Mann - Rock Hudson , Doris Day , Tony Randall
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453,681 | 15,896,852 | 18,179 | 7 |
Chaney Takes the Slow Boat to China
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Ancient Chinese custom gets the best of star Lon Chaney in this re-make of 1919's melodramatic " Mr . Wu " . Mr . Chaney portrays both Mr . Wu ; and , in an extended prologue , he's Mr . Wu's grandfather . Chaney is , as ever , wildly entertaining . The film is well-produced , with beautiful photography and sets ; with , for its time , a starry supporting cast . The main story doesn't get started until Chaney struts his oriental stuff ; it involves daughter Renée Adorée ( as Nang Ping ) having an out-of-her-race affair with Englishman Ralph Forbes ( as Basil Gregory ) . Mr . Forbes plays the Englishman enchanted by a lovely " China doll " well . Ms . Adorée is not as convincing in her Asian role ; certainly , supporting player Anna May Wong would have been better cast as Wu's daughter . Louise Dresser ( as Mrs . Gregory ) is quite excellent as Forbes ' mother ; at first , her role seems small - but , keep your eyes on Ms . Dresser , who turns in a great performance without extraordinary make-up ! Chinese culture is not presented very flatteringly , to Western filmgoers , in the end . Chaney ( as Wu ) ' s declaration , " My poor little blossom - broken by an ill West Wind , " evokes D . W . Griffith's superior " Broken Blossoms " ( 1919 ) , which more artfully covered some of the same ground . Mr . Wu ( 1927 ) William Nigh - Lon Chaney , Louise Dresser , Renée Adorée
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453,308 | 15,896,852 | 40,185 | 7 |
It's Not Easy Being Green
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As the film begins , young Dean Stockwell ( as Peter Fry ) is in a police station ; obviously , the adults do not know where he belongs , or why his head is shaved bald . Robert Ryan ( as Dr . Evans ) gets young Stockwell to speak , after giving the hungry boy a hamburger . Stockwell tells his story : he was a war orphan , and was shuffled between relatives ( " I sure lived in a lot of places " ) . Finally , he winds up with Pat O'Brien ( as " Gramps " ) , a vaudeville-type actor . He and Mr . O'Brian form a relatively happy family . However , at school , Stockwell is teased , for being an orphan ; specifically , he is told he resembles an " Unidentified War Orphan " depicted in a poster . That evening , O'Brien comforts Stockwell , and promises the next day will bring hope in the form of a surprise . The surprise is , of course , that Stockwell becomes " The Boy with Green Hair " . This is a very unusual film , particularly for the time period ; it is both thought-provoking , and entertaining . Stockwell and O'Brien are wonderful . " Nature Boy " is a beautiful , and apt , theme song . Stockwell's meeting with the War Poster children is very well done - - still , quiet , and effective . However , the themes of " peace " and " tolerance " could be better connected . And , there are some minor story difficulties ; for example , the milkman couldn't possibly be responsible for the green hair , unless Stockwell is the only milk drinker in town ( stipulating the townspeople , as a whole , are of average intelligence ) . Still , a lovely film about being different , which we all are .
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452,459 | 15,896,852 | 25,316 | 7 |
What Happened One Night
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Well , it's evident why the many attempts to re-capture the spirit of this film have failed . The story really isn't all that good . What works is watching how Clark Gable ( as Peter Warne ) and Claudette Colbert ( as Ellie Andrews ) make the most of the script , with help from director Frank Capra . They play the reluctant lovers quite magically - coming across like a couple of performers having fun with the project . Possibly , the sparring of their characters parallels the two stars discovering their professional " chemistry " . There is a sense of fun ( the script calls it " screwy " ) about the film , thanks to Mr . Capra and his famous stars . Most memorable are the leading couple's " risqué " scenes - Mr . Gable baring his chest when explaining how men undress , and Ms . Colbert lifting her skirt to hitch a ride - they are sexy and tasteful . And , Roscoe Karns ' " Oscar " is worthy . The ability to create " fun " from " dumb " was improved on , in better films - but re-making this rather dated and unappealing story would obviously be futile . You can't re-make Capra , Gable , and Colbert - and that's what happened one night . It Happened One Night ( / 34 ) Frank Capra - Clark Gable , Claudette Colbert , Roscoe Karns
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453,591 | 15,896,852 | 20,919 | 7 |
Laughing it Up
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Winsome graduate William Haines ( as Tom Ward ) comes home , intending to enter the job market , while retaining his college lifestyle . Mr . Haines is accustomed fast cars , frequent parties , and women who don't say " No ! " While seeking employment at " Sutton & Co . " , Haines flips over pretty blonde secretary Leila Hyams ( as Mary Howe ) . But , the otherwise engaged Ms . Hyams wants nothing to do with the graduate . Although " The Girl Said No " , Haines refuses to give up . The Haines formula film , with sound , rang up the cash register for MGM . This film was the most profitable of the 1930 hits which propelled William Haines to the top of the box office charts . For the year 1930 , he was the US # 1 Male " Box Office Star " , according to the industry standard list , complied by Quigley Publications . " The Girl Said No " finds Haines graduating from college at a later age than most ( he's about the same age as Dustin Hoffman in " The Graduate " ) . Haines ' fine voice , comic timing , and physicality make the most of a weak , inappropriate , story . Highlights are Haines ' driving Hyams crazy in his car , especially when she tries to drive away without him ; and , a terrific extended session with Haines posing as Marie Dressler's doctor . Ms . Dressler ( as Hettie Brown ) is hilarious ; and , the two play extremely well together . Polly Moran also appears , as Haines ' loyal housekeeper . Haines and Moran don't have as much to do ; but , the rapport between Haines and both women should have had producers looking for a suitable co-starring vehicle . The other cast members perform well ( and stay out of Haines ' way ) . Haines has some fine moments throughout , and shares a classic scene with Dressler . The Girl Said No ( 1930 ) Sam Wood - William Haines , Leila Hyams , Marie Dressler
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452,382 | 15,896,852 | 115,639 | 7 |
Tell Them Willie Boy Is Back
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Unsuccessful New York pianist Timothy Hutton ( as Willie Conway ) returns to small town Knight's Ridge , Massachusetts . There , Mr . Hutton will attend his high school reunion , and consider both a career change and marriage , to his lawyer girlfriend ( Annabeth Gish ) . Hutton reconnects with childhood buds Matt Dillon ( as Tommy " Birdman " Rowland ) , Michael Rapaport ( as Paul Kirkwood ) , Noah Emmerich ( as Michael " Mo " Morris ) , and Max Perlich ( as Kev ) . Hutton also meets his new neighbor , 13-year-old Natalie Portman ( as Marty ) ; and , the two are mutually attracted . Ted Demme's " Beautiful Girls " is less about the title , and more about four men in the elongated winter of their staggered comings of age . Mr . Emmerich , a father , is the farthest along ; and , Mr . Perlich is still a child . The other three men have more interesting stories . The most intriguing is the touchingly written ( by Scott Rosenberg ) " romance " between Hutton and Ms . Portman . But , the best " story " is the secondary one performed by Mr . Dillon , who must face the fact that he reached his peak of popularity in high school , and will find more happiness being common . Mr . Rapaport's gives the film's most satisfying performance ; it's an even greater achievement , when you consider the stellar cast . It helps that snow-plowing Rapaport seems to be the right age for his part . Like Dillon's " Tommy " , Rapaport's character matures ; although , instead of realizing the " Beautiful Girl " , he favored fantasizing . Rosie O'Donnell's bombastic explanation of the idealized " Penthouse " model is a highlight . The cast may be too star-studded for the film's own good ; which is , perhaps , why some of the film's relationships are not entirely convincing . Still , the direction ( by Ted Demme ) , stories ( Rosenberg ) , and several performances , are excellent . Beautiful Girls ( 1996 ) Ted Demme - Timothy Hutton , Matt Dillon , Michael Rapaport
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452,790 | 15,896,852 | 16,294 | 7 |
A Story of Past Relations
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Joseph Schildkraut as ( Kenneth " Ken " Paulton ) and Jetta Goudal ( as Malena Paulton ) are honeymooning at the Grand Canyon ; but , Ms . Goudal is uninterested in consummating the marriage . This , understandably , frustrates Mr . Schildkraut , who can't explain a worsening pain in his arm . They are acquainted with the William Boyd ( as John " Jack " Moreland ) , a minister , who suggests Schildkraut ask God for relief from the hurt in his arm . Schildkraut prays for three weeks , to no avail . Meanwhile , the Reverend Boyd has met and fallen in love with Vera Reynolds ( as Elizabeth " Bess " Walsingham Tyrell ) , a " very modern young lady " who cools off when she finds out he is a minister . These four players act out their modern problems for about half the film ; THEN , fate arranges for them all to be on a train , bound for San Francisco - THEN , the train spectacularly crashes , head-on , into another train ! As the passengers whirl in the train wreckage , Reynolds is mysteriously transported back to 16th Century England . There , she finds faces which are familiar to her , but their personalities are slightly different - these are the " past lives " of her modern day friends and acquaintances . Reynolds assumes the identity of " Lady Elizabeth Tyrell " . Joseph Schildkraut is " Lord Strangevon " , William Boyd is " Reformado Jack " , and Jetta Goudal is " Black Melena " . By the time of the flashback , the film has shifted to feature Vera Reynolds as the star and protagonist ; earlier , " The Road to Yesterday " was a drama centering on the Paulton newlyweds . During the trip to the past , Reynolds ( and viewers ) discover the origins of mysterious stuff from the present . You'll see some startling events , culminating with a character being burned as a witch ! This is a very unusual film . The only story structure like it ( that I've seen ) is " Dark Shadows " TV flashback of 1967 , detailing Barnabas Collins ' 1700s origin . There is no vampire in " The Road to Yesterday " , but Schildkraut's rape of Goudal looks about the same ( attacked in a darkened room ? ) . Cecil B . DeMille directs some fine performances ; strangely , Reynolds and Boyd outdistance Schildkraut and Goudal as the film progresses . Boyd would later star as " Hopalong Cassidy " . I also enjoyed Reynolds ' less reverend fiancée , Casson Ferguson as " Adrian Thompkyns " ; and , Trixie Friganza as " Aunt Harriet , " who appears as a similar character in the past . Also , Frank Coghlan Jr . is memorable the freckle-faced boy ; he was a very popular child star , and played " Billy Batson " ( Captain Marvel ) during an incredibly long career . More potential is lost than realized in this intriguingly original film , from an older Beulah Marie Dix story - it's disappointing , ultimately , but a fascinating watch - nicely photographed by J . Peverell Marley . With some more work , it might have been one of the better DeMilles ( see " The Cheat " and " The Whispering Chorus " for great DeMilles ) . Note : After the witch is burned at the stake , a fleeting title card flashes - I freeze-framed to see , and it reads , " The Road to Yesterday - End of Part 9 " ; probably , signaling the End of Reel 9 . Also note , in the past , Reynolds character reveals she is from 1926 ; the film was released at the end of 1925 , but DeMille expected most would be watching in 1926 . The Road to Yesterday ( 1925 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Joseph Schildkraut , William Boyd , Vera Reynolds
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453,426 | 15,896,852 | 18,515 | 7 |
Lewis of Arabia
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William Boyd and Louis Wolheim are the " Two Arabian Knights " referred to in the title , humorously . The pair start out as U . S . POWs trying to escape from the Germans during World War I . Eventually , they find themselves on board a ship bound for Arabia . While tripping out to the Middle East , they rescue an Arab woman , Mary Astor , who turns out to be a Princess ; and , of course , becomes a romantic interest for the " Two Arabian Knights " . No points for guessing who wins the veiled Ms . Astor ! The film is very well photographed and directed ; Lewis Milestone has wonderful sets , and stages scenes beautifully . Of the performances , Mr . Wolheim stands out - he creates a character so understandable you can almost hear him speak , trough the film is silent . The story isn't as strong as it could be - there are some events and sequences which had me wondering how and why the characters ' locale changed . The last looks , exchanged between one of the stars and an extra , is an example of something I didn't understand . Perhaps these were comic bits which had a particular appeal for the time . The film is damaged in several places ; but there is enough preserved , in even these scenes , to allow your mind to fill in the visual blanks . Boris Karloff appears as the " Purser " ; watch for his big scene on ship , when Wolheim goes into a room with him for some money ( what actually happens is a mystery ) . Early in the film , there is a long scene with a lot of naked men shown from the waist up ( or , thereabouts ) ; they are POWs being herded to the showers . Director Milestone uses parades of soldiers moving to great effect ; this " shower " scene is different in that several of the men don't look as Caucasian as you might expect - maybe not as many Caucasian men would agree to appear nude ? Two Arabian Knights ( 1927 ) Lewis Milestone - William Boyd , Louis Wolheim , Mary Astor
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453,020 | 15,896,852 | 46,672 | 7 |
The Undersea World of Jules Verne
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While I admit the science fiction and special effects don't hold up expertly ; still , I found the film enjoyable - and , it was above average , all things considered . There are old films which have no " dated special effect " look to them - maybe it helps to be in black and white . The squid isn't that bad , and the other stuff is better . Some of the science fiction / fact considerations were more difficult to fathom . James Mason portrays Captain Nemo very well . Kirk Douglas was startling , at first , but easy to get used to - the one who I had the most difficult time with was Peter Lorre ; sometimes , he seemed to be looking around for a different movie . Finally , " 20 , 000 Leagues Under the Sea " scores points for being thought-provoking . I imagine the film was mainly seen by children . I wasn't around when this film came out ; but , I hope I would have been stimulated by the characters , especially the contradictory Nemo , as a kid . 20 , 000 Leagues Under the Sea ( 1954 ) Richard Fleischer - Kirk Douglas , James Mason , Paul Lukas
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453,195 | 15,896,852 | 564,250 | 7 |
Shelley Fabares and Buzz Martin at Their Best
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Pretty , popular Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) thinks she's going to the " Junior Prom " with one of the school's leading football players - left tackle Bobby Burgess ( as Ernie ) or right tackle Tom Brandt ( as Phil ) . Mary prefers Mr . Burgess , due to his " cute smile " , but must string Mr . Brandt along while waiting to see if Burgess will break up with quarreling girlfriend " Angela " . Another classmate , lovelorn Buzz Martin ( as Charlie James ) fawns over Mary , returning her library books and picking up after her . But , Mary isn't romantically interested in the goofy Mr . Martin . Ms . Fabares vaults into the series ' spotlight , with a young " Scarlett O'Hara " - type performance . Her " Mary " is tremendously appealing . At breakfast , Jeff ( Paul Peterson ) keenly observes , " She's reached the stage where her figure means more to her than hotcakes . " And , Donna ( Donna Reed ) advises her , " When you handle yourself , use your head . When you handle others , use your heart . " Although " The Donna Reed Show " has a " squeaky clean " reputation , the family members ' characterizations are quite naturally appealing . Herein , Ms . Reed , Carl Betz ( Alex ) , Fabares , and Mr . Peterson have excellent interplay . You may want to see Burgess , in a rare " acting " role apart from his two long-running stints as Disney " Mouseketeer " and " Lawrence Welk Show " dancer . But , the real attraction is Buzz Martin's hilarious portrayal of " Charlie " . He helps turn the series ' usual chuckles into laugh-out-loud moments . Martin has the series ' best comic guest appearance ( to date ) . Fabares and Martin are truly excellent . Mary's Double Date ( / 58 ) Oscar Rudolph - Shelley Fabares , Buzz Martin , Donna Reed
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452,538 | 15,896,852 | 164,181 | 7 |
Kevin Bacon's Second Sight
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Blue-collar lineman Kevin Bacon ( as Tom Witzky ) would have rather become a rock musician . Instead , Mr . Bacon has settled for a more ordinary life . He has just moved to a modest Chicago house , in a " decent " neighborhood . Bacon , and sexily pregnant wife Kathryn Erbe ( as Maggie Witzky ) have a mildly creepy ( but innocent looking ) young son , Zachary David Cope ( as Jake Witzky ) . Young Cope can see , and talk to , dead people . Ms . Erbe looks good in denim . She has a witchy sister , Illeana Douglas ( as Lisa Weil ) , who gets the story going , after hypnotizing Bacon into seeing dead people , too ? David Koepp's " Stir of Echoes " is a mostly effective ghost story . Bacon and the cast are terrific . Thankfully , the focus is on Bacon's protagonist , rather than kid Cody , who does not ( also , thankfully ) portray the usual annoying devil movie tot . The story is intriguing , well-paced , and nicely detailed . The " aborted kidnapping " of Cody , and " foreshadowed suicide " of Chalon Williams ( as Adam ) are two highlights . The story starts to falter when Erbe goes to find mysterious Eddie Bo Smith ( as Neil ) ; you expect the film to advance to a higher level , but the sequence ends up giving away too much . Dig it . For the " Talk About Good Taste " department : Bacon searches for the lost chords of the Rolling Stones ' " Paint it Black " ( a great version is sound-tracked , by Gob ) . Cody can't get George Romero's " Night of the Living Dead " off of his television set . And , babysitter Liza Weil ( as Debbie Kozac ) reads dog-eared paperback writer Richard Matheson's incredible " Shrinking Man " . Stir of Echoes ( 1999 ) David Koepp - Kevin Bacon , Kathryn Erbe , Zachary David Cope
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453,003 | 15,896,852 | 329,297 | 7 |
Rustling Up Some Grubbs
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Pretty high school dropout Jena Malone ( as Rena Grubb ) is suicidal , after being left pregnant by her boyfriend . Fortunately , Ms . Malone is ineffective at killing herself , and returns to her trailer park home . Also returning is budding gay brother Brad Renfro ( as Jay Grubb ) , fresh from four boring weeks fishing with his uncle . They , and trashy harlot sister Alicia Witt ( as Barbie ) , live with pot-smoking mom Michelle Forbes ( as Madge Grubb ) . Prompted by Malone , the family four decide to attend an annual prison picnic , to see absent father Chris Mulkey ( as John Grubb ) , who is serving time for two murders . At the picnic , the reunited Grubbs are joined by Mr . Mulkey's prison pal Clifton Collins Jr . ( as Buddy ) . Then , skeletons begin falling out of the family closet ? " We crawl on our bellies and eat the dead , " is how Mr . Renfro describes the Grubb family . Jordan Brady's " American Girl " has some good moments , and is well-acted . But , the " dark comedy " aspect doesn't really succeed ; it might have been better to film Scott Sandoe's story as a drama . Director Brady is at his best when the family begins their picnic . Malone does a great job with her character's less suicidal , more introspective moments ; the growth of her romanticism to rage is very nicely played . Renfro's character is hardly second rate ; and , without the numerous suicide attempts , it's a more satisfying story . Renfro , and the film , are helped immensely by the appearance of Mr . Collins Jr . ' s sex " Buddy " . Clifton Collins Jr . is definitely " Best Supporting Actor " worthy . American Girl ( / 02 ) Jordan Brady - Jena Malone , Brad Renfro , Clifton Collins Jr .
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453,245 | 15,896,852 | 7,539 | 7 |
Nazimova's First Impression
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After losing both her husband and brothers to war , Alla Nazimova ( as Joan ) leads women to protest against their country's king , who has ordered women to bear children for future wars . Nazimova ends it all by proclaiming , " If you will not give us women the right to vote for or against war , " according a title card ending , " I shall not bear a child for such a country ! " ; then , she kills both herself and her unborn child . This film is , unfortunately , lost to the ages ? although , hope strings eternal . . . " War Brides " was based on Nazimova's successful stage play , and marked her film debut . Nazimova ( like Cher and Garbo , a star recognized immediately by one name ) would have made it enough to be remembered for , but " War Brides " added a bonus by presenting Richard Barthelmess ( as Arno ) in his first featured role . The " Diva " also insisted lover Charles Bryant and mother Gertrude Berkeley reprise their stage roles , for the film . Herbert Brenon , who'd been responsible for the recent epic " A Daughter of the Gods " , was employed as director . A search of " War Brides " and " A Play in One Act " will turn up the play's transcript ; but , this film version was exceedingly more elaborate . That , and a reading of Edward Weitzel's article in the December 2 , 1916 " Moving Picture World " suggest it may have been a classic . Critics applauded Nazimova's characterization , and Mr . Brenon's direction . Several of her contemporaries thought Nazimova's follow-up appearance in " Revelation " ( 1918 ) was the best female acting performance of the year . War Brides ( / 16 ) Herbert Brenon - Nazimova , Charles Bryant , Richard Barthelmess
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453,325 | 15,896,852 | 64,155 | 7 |
High Noon for Elvis Presley
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Elvis Presley plays an ex-gunman who has decided to reform . His decision is not well-received by his old gang . They beat him up , and enforce a grisly revenge - they " brand " him , to give him a scar identical to a man WANTED in two countries ( Mexico and the USA ) . The " branding " is , possibly , the most gruesome scene you'll see in a Elvis movie . This film has a classic Western Plot : Elvis is the representation of the Law - Badman gone good , friend of the Sheriff , and rival for a woman ( Ina Balin ) . Elvis has imprisoned the brother of the Badman ( Solomon Sturges , son of Preston ) . Head Badman Victor French is big brother to the jailed one . Mr . French has a deadly cannon - he says , " Release my brother , or I will blow up your town ! " This movie is too rough-around-the-edges to be extraordinary ; and , it doesn't tread on much new ground . It does , however , create a world of its own ; if you let yourself into this world , you will be entertained for the run of the film . In that way , it's like many westerns - and as good as several " classic " John Wayne films . Again , this is a rough-around-the-edges film - my vote for the roughest edges are : The background music is too hokey and repetitive ; and , I found the Sheriff's wife's betrayal too abrupt to be believable - it is interesting in that it shows the relationship between Elvis and the Sheriff is stronger than the relationship between the Sheriff and his wife ; although Elvis ' first intent is to meet the Badman's demands by releasing the prisoner , he decides to honor the Sheriff's wishes . The title song is very good ; appropriately , there are no additional songs . The performances are fine - I would taken a little more time creating this film ; still , everything about it ranges from adequate to professional . It sounds like an apology ( because Elvis Presley made so many awful films ) , but I enjoyed " Charro ! " Charro ! ( 1969 ) Charles Marquis Warren - Elvis Presley , Ina Balin , Victor French
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452,731 | 15,896,852 | 31,619 | 7 |
The Iron Masque of Death
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Intermittently exciting " Musketeers " tale , highlighted by the " Jekyll-Hyde " performance of Louis Hayward as the King of France and his undiscovered ( then , discovered ) twin brother . Mr . Hayward does a great job ; especially when the " Good " twin confronts the " Evil " twin with his " Iron Mask " . " The Man in the Iron Mask " might have been better as a swashbuckling horror story ; and , director James Whale could have delivered the goods . The Iron Mask of the title is designed for Edgar Allen Poe-type horror ? it is locked around a Hayward's neck , so that he will slowly be strangled by his own beard . A gruesome death ! I expected a little more excitement , and suspense , in this film . The other characters are enjoyable ; Joseph Schildkraut was my favorite supporting character . Joan Bennett is the beautiful love interest , but she doesn't have much of an opportunity to show any acting skills . By the way , her scene in the coach shows her looking very much like Scarlet O'Hara from " Gone with the Wind . " After seeing her in this , you can picture her testing for Scarlett . The Man in the Iron Mask ( / 39 ) James Whale - Louis Hayward , Joan Bennett , Joseph Schildkraut
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453,320 | 15,896,852 | 16,461 | 7 |
Dust in the Wind
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In the 1939 re-release's introduction , William S . Hart explains , " The story of ' Tumbleweeds ' marks one of the greatest epochs of our American history . It tells of the opening of the Cherokee Strip in the year 1889 . Twelve hundred square miles of Cherokee Indian lands , on one front , over two hundred miles long , were thrown open by our government to those seeking good earth upon which they might make their homes . " Mr . Hart ( as Don Carver ) and comic sidekick Lucien Littlefield ( as Kentucky Rose ) are two of the cattle ranchers who are put out when as the Oklahoman Cherokee Strip is " thrown open " by the government . For Hart , the silver lining comes in the form of a several decades younger sweetheart , homesteader Barbara Bedford ( as Molly Lassiter ) ; however , her nasty half-brother J . Gordon Russell ( as Noll Lassiter ) threatens to spoil the fun . Little brother Jack Murphy ( as Bart Lassiter ) and his pup have the highest profile relationship that actually works . Still , the film has Hart ; and , its exciting " land rush ! " sequence . The re-release ( which , apart from Hart's cool Shakespearian appearance , is the inferior version , by the way ) features the legendary star's farewell : " My friends , I loved the art of making motion pictures . It is as the breath of life to me ? no longer a cloud of dust , but a beautiful golden haze through which appears a long phantom herd of trailing cattle . At their head , a Pinto pony ? with an empty saddle ? the boys up ahead are calling - - they're waiting for you and me to help drive this last great round-up into eternity ? " Adios , amigos . God bless you all , each and every one . "
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452,653 | 15,896,852 | 29,440 | 7 |
Uneven Exchange
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In the slums of 16th century London , young Billy Mauch ( as " Pauper " Tom Canty ) makes the most of his life as a beggar ; though , he is beaten by his father , and thrown in the mud . Meanwhile , royal Bobby Mauch ( as " Prince " Edward VI ) lives a life of luxury ; soon , he will replace father King Henry VIII on the throne . One evening , Pauper Mauch takes refuge from a storm on Prince Mauch's palace grounds . The look-alike boys meet , and strike up a friendship . Prince Mauch invites Pauper Mauch over to the palace , where the two become intrigued by their different lifestyles , and identical appearance . After they exchange clothing , they become separated , by happenstance . When nobody believes their stories , the boys are forced to assume each other's identities . This is a well-produced version of the Mark Twain classic . Sadly , the unevenly paced scenario does not produce the film classic which was , evidently , possible ( considering those involved ) . The " Mauch Twins " and Claude Rains ( as the Earl of Hertford ) are especially strong in their portrayals ; and , Erich Wolfgang Korngold's soundtrack should be noted . Don't expect to see top-billed Errol Flynn ( as Miles Hendon ) until later in the film , as a supporting player . Alan Hale , Barton MacLane , Henry Stephenson , and Montagu Love are also worth noting ; but , the film's main strengths are Mr . Rains , Mr . Korngold , and the " Mauch Twins " . The Prince and the Pauper ( 1937 ) William Keighley - Billy Mauch , Bobby Mauch , Errol Flynn
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452,702 | 15,896,852 | 53,363 | 7 |
Tol'able Tingler
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The monster in this film is very tacky , by today's standards . You get to see too much of " The Tingler " for it to instill any real fear . The film , however , creates a world of its own ; hence , my rating is higher than I would have expected . Director Castle does great stuff with the slight budget he has , especially with the swell blood red sequence . The film is thoughtful , albeit scientifically ill-conceived . I found it most interesting that the theater is showing " Tol'able David " . That fact is revealed early on , and , sure enough , we get to see the excellent climax of " Tol'able David " . I thought it was very clever of the writers use the setting of a silent movie theater because , of course , Richard Barthelmess ' David can't be heard screaming - - no character will scream in a SILENT movie . Mr . Price and the theater owner are underdeveloped characters . I would have liked more motivation for their actions . It was great to see Darryl Hickman ( as David Morris ) in a supporting role . I wish Price's wife would have been eaten by ? the Tingler ! The Tingler ( 1959 ) William Castle - Vincent Price , Judith Evelyn , Darryl Hickman
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453,362 | 15,896,852 | 20,827 | 7 |
One Good Turn Deserves Another
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Norma Shearer ( as Jerry Martin ) tests the freedom acceptable for men , but not permissible for women - the sexual " Double Standard " . As the film opens , Ms . Shearer is an happily married woman . However , husband Chester Morris ( as Ted Martin ) gets " plastered " , and succumbs to the advances of a sexually aggressive woman ? at least , that's what is discernible from the after-the-fact behavior of the adulterous duo , as Shearer catches them in a light embrace . Disillusioned , Shearer turns the tables by having a " one night stand " of her own - with one of the soon-to-be divorced couple's pals . In a film themed like Greta Garbo's recent " The Single Standard " ( 1929 ) , MGM takes another shot at the sexual " Double Standard " . The results are similar , but not the same . Shearer's winning performance is bold , fascinating , and fun to watch ; she elevates the character far above the material . The film's problem is that it pulls its punches with a disappointing ending , extinguishing a truly interesting story . Yet , somehow , Shearer makes the character ring true . It's a strong performance , which manages to rise above the film's abandonment of its thesis . Director Robert Z . Leonard , writer John Meehan , and a fine supporting cast are a great help . Robert Montgomery's performance ( as Don ) is a standout . And , Conrad Nagel ( as Paul ) is another Shearer castoff , who has a potable problem ; he has a harrowing car crash near the film's opening . A lot of alcohol is consumed in this movie ! " The Divorcée " is a flawed , but worthwhile film . The Divorcée ( 1930 ) Robert Z . Leonard - Norma Shearer , Chester Morris , Robert Montgomery
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