reviewId
int64 363k
588k
| userId
int64 33.9k
15.9M
| itemId
int64 1
1.42M
| rating
float64 1
10
| title
stringlengths 1
10.9k
⌀ | content
stringlengths 81
11.6k
⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
452,361 | 15,896,852 | 45,793 | 9 |
From Montgomery Clift to Eternity
|
Fred Zinnemann's " From Here to Eternity " is really more of a soap opera than a war story . Still , it is very well done , and very entertaining . The main attraction isn't World War II , or the soap opera story lines - the main attractions in " From Here to Eternity " are the actors ' performances . Montgomery Clift's is the " main attraction " performance . He makes his character the central figure , despite other story lines , and his performance is mesmerizing . Every look Clift gives , every facial tic , every syllable is fascinating to watch . And , it's all very natural ? very character-driven . Not that all the others aren't terrific , too . Burt Lancaster is a close second , and everyone performs exceptionally well . Mr . Clift's performance helps elevate both the other performances , and the film in general . Check out how great he makes all the other actors , " look " simply by playing a bugle . This is a case where an actor's performance affects both the other players in the scene , and even leaves its impressions in scenes where the actor doesn't appear . If you take Clift out of the film , you have a much more ordinary movie . I'm not sure , however , what / if the film is trying to say about war - is it making a statement of some kind ? The main story is : Will Mr . Clift's character box ( fight ) ? or , won't he fight ( box ) ? I guess he is bullied into fighting , but does not initiate fighting ( he blinds a man , symbolically , by knocking him out in an unseen fight ) . I am not sure if I got the film's message , or even if there was one . I would have also made either MORE EXPLICIT or MORE SUBTLE the whole prostitution part - it was a place to have sex during the time , I guess . Donna Reed and the other women were prostitutes , I guess . Since they couldn't make it more explicit , they toned it down to make us really think these men went to town so they could exchange " nice " smiles with " nice " women . Elsewhere , Mr . Lancaster and Ms . Kerr's sound like they've had physical relations , when , it looked , to me , like they'd only been hit by a wave . I know this was the ' 50s , but filmmakers had developed many subtle ways of relaying this information ? for the prior half century ! So , what it boils down to : This is a great wartime soap opera , with great performances . From Here to Eternity ( 1953 ) Fred Zinnemann - Montgomery Clift , Burt Lancaster , Frank Sinatra , Deborah Kerr
|
452,880 | 15,896,852 | 32,701 | 9 |
A Killer Opening and a Dead Letter Ending
|
Bette Davis wields a gun well , firing shot after shot into a man , in the killer opening of " The Letter " . Do not miss the opening minutes of this film . Then , the story unfolds - Bette ( as Leslie ) is the respected wife of upstanding Singapore plantation owner George Brent ( as Robert Crosbie ) . Ms . Davis claims the dead man was an old acquaintance who entered and attempted rape . Davis ' story is not questioned ; then , a man goes to lawyer James Stephenson ( as Howard Joyce ) with a letter from Davis to the dead man , which contradicts Davis ' story . Davis ' performance is masterful ; in the opening she is able to arouse viewer suspicion without ever actually saying anything or indicating guilt , directly . Mr . Brent and Mr . Stephenson are appropriately supporting in Davis presence ; they seem to often play opposite a commanding actress in showcase film . Gale Sondergaard is startlingly effective as the wife of Davis ' victim . William Wyler and Tony Gaudio directed and photographed artfully . The entire production is superb , with a slight letdown as the story comes to confusing end . The Letter ( 1940 ) William Wyler - Bette Davis , Herbert Marshall , James Stephenson , Gale Sondergaard
|
453,651 | 15,896,852 | 52,618 | 9 |
Chariots of the Gods
|
Charlton Heston ( as Judah Ben-Hur ) grows up in Judea , around the same time as Jesus Christ . A wealthy Jew , Mr . Heston maintains his princely lifestyle , despite the Roman occupation of his land . After a number of years , Heston encounters old friend Stephen Boyd ( as Messala ) , a Roman . Heston soon discovers that politics does not , in every case , make strange bedfellows ; as Mr . Boyd is the steadfast leader of the occupying Roman forces . Soon , the political upheaval threatens Heston's freedom , and life ? " State-of-the-art " epic , from William Wyler and the outstanding MGM cast and crew . Relatively speaking , this film is not as " original " as the 1925 version ; still , it's a very worthy update , with superlative production values . With a few exceptions , the film looks very natural , unlike the increasingly tired animated " look " used for big productions some decades later . The film's lighting , scenes , and direction are very aesthetically appealing . The supporting characterizations are better than those in the older version . Christianity remains respectfully restrained ; arguably , the amount of Christian faith demonstrated by Heston is unnecessarily subdued . Heston takes some getting used to , as the young Jewish hero ; in fact , he looks more convincing as a Roman , especially after his " adoption " by Jack Hawkins ( as Quintus Arrius ) . An interesting , but unacceptable-at-the-time , idea might have been for Heston and Boyd to switch roles ; Boyd appears capable of handling either " Judah " or " Messala " . Still , Heston wins you over ; his scenes in the " slave boat " , and the reunification with his leper mother are outstandingly played . Boyd's characterization is extraordinary ; watching the way his eyes dart over Heston , in their first scenes together , lends credence to co-writer Gore Vidal assertion there was a homosexual subtext planned for the characters . Realistically , homosexual relations were not all that uncommon among the ancient Romans . Although , this was not likely to be found in the Lew Wallace novel , it does help explain the otherwise inexplicable love / hate relationship between the " Judah " and " Messala " characters . The entire supporting cast does very well , it must have been difficult for award nominators to single anyone out . But , in addition to those mentioned above , Haya Harareet's " Esther " and Hugh Griffith's " Sheik Ilderim " most definitely make an impression . The film's weakest moments occur during the very fake looking " sea battle " sequence ; surprisingly , the old 1925 version is much more consistently exciting . Both films ' " chariot races " are essential thrill rides . Ben-Hur ( 1959 ) William Wyler - Charlton Heston , Stephen Boyd , Jack Hawkins , Hugh Griffith
|
452,768 | 15,896,852 | 91,209 | 9 |
There's a Killer on the Road
|
Boyishly handsome C . Thomas Howell ( as Jim Halsey ) is driving from Chicago , Illinois to San Diego , California . Though lighting up a number of cigarettes , and sucking up a thermos full of coffee , Mr . Howell is unable to refrain from nodding off ? SO , after narrowly escaping a head-on collision due to fatigue and bad weather , Howell sleepily decides to pick up a sopping wet hitchhiker . . . " My mother told me never to do this , " but , " I wanted to help him , and I was tired . I thought he might help me stay awake , " Howell explains . Unfortunately , " The Hitcher " turns out to be maniacal serial killer Rutger Hauer ( as John Ryder ) , in the middle of a bloody rampage . Mr . Hauer confesses he is dismembering drivers who pick him up . Hauer terrorizes Howell for the remainder of the film ? " I want you to stop me . " Outstandingly paced suspense and blood-splattering gore , from director Robert Harmon , photographer John Seale , and writer Eric Red . The Harmon / Seale / Red team make this " road trip " a classic exploitation . Casting Howell in the lead exceeds any expectations . Jennifer Jason Leigh ( as Nash ) makes a perfect semi-trashy western waitress ( she serves as a " wishbone " for the men ) . Mark Isham's score is great . And , Hauer's villainous " Best Supporting Actor " - worthy performance would define gay subtext , IF he were more subtle . The Hitcher ( 1986 ) Robert Harmon - C . Thomas Howell , Rutger Hauer , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Jeffrey DeMunn
|
453,406 | 15,896,852 | 23,948 | 9 |
John Barrymore and Marie Dressler are the Main Course
|
David O . Selznick and MGM's " Dinner at Eight " is a great comedy-drama follow-up to " Grand Hotel " . Although it seems to have been less critically acclaimed ( back then , at least ) , it's actually a little better . The story , characters , and setting are more related ; they are all affected by the " Great Depression " , and involved , directly or indirectly , with Lionel Barrymore ( as Oliver Jordan ) and Billie Burke ( as Millicent Jordan ) ' s planned dinner party . One story , or subplot , in " Dinner at Eight " is much superior to the rest of the dramatic elements ; it is the story of washed-up alcoholic actor John Barrymore ( as Larry Renault ) . While never less than good , no other story strand approaches Mr . Barrymore's riveting mini-drama . Barrymore and Lee Tracy ( as Max Kane ) perform especially well together . The other truly exceptional performance honor goes to Marie Dressler ( as Carlotta Vance ) . Ms . Dressler doesn't have her own " play " ; instead , her character serves an interlocking purpose . And , she carries the rest of the movie . Director George Cukor , photographer William Daniels , and the several credited writers are noteworthy , particularly for the Barrymore / Tracy scenes . Ms . Burke , Jean Harlow ( as Kitty Packard ) , and Louise Closser Hale ( as Hattie Loomis ) are among the others in top form . Watch Barrymore's increasingly desperate " Larry Renault " and Dressler's wise overseeing " Carlotta Vance " , for iconic performances from stars at their peak ; in , at least , the best supporting characterizations of the year . Dinner at Eight ( 1933 ) George Cukor - Marie Dressler , John Barrymore , Jean Harlow , Lee Tracy
|
452,519 | 15,896,852 | 23,649 | 9 |
A Vampire Film That Doesn't Suck
|
While touring the French countryside , dream prone Julian West ( as Allan Grey / David Gray ) stops at an enigmatic inn , next to an eerie castle . Mr . West meets the mysterious " Lord of the Manor " ( Maurice Schutz ) , and becomes involved with the castle's shadowy denizens . Of particular interest are pretty victimized Sybille Schmitz ( as Léone ) and distressed damsel Rena Mandel ( as Gisèle ) . A conveniently published book explains ( believe it or not ! ) that there is a monstrous vampire in the mist ( Henriette Gérard ) , assisted by a frightening old doctor ( Jan Hieronimko ) . This is an anemic " Vampyr " story , substantially elevated by artfully direction and photography by Carl Theodor Dreyer and Rudolph Maté ( with Louis Née ) . Although the plot isn't very intriguing , the visuals provided by Mr . Dreyer and crew are always impressive , especially West's dreamy burial sequence , which must have influenced Ingmar Bergman ( and many others ) . The ending , an update of D . W . Griffith's " A Corner in Wheat " ( 1909 ) , is also notable . Dreyer's inspirational playing with light and shadows raises his " Vampyr " far , far above its relatively disappointing storyline . Vampyr ( 1932 ) Carl Theodor Dreyer - Julian West , Sybille Schmitz , Rena Mandel , Maurice Schutz
|
453,288 | 15,896,852 | 59,017 | 9 |
How the West Was Fun
|
This movie is A LOT of fun . As it begins , Jane Fonda is about to be hanged . Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye appear throughout , dramatizing events with their singing of " The Ballad of Cat Ballou " . We don't know Fonda's crime - but , we are flashbacked to tell the story . Ms . Fonda comes home from school to find her father killed by a corrupt town . Fonda's gang assembles - Michael Callan , whom she meets in bed , Tom Nardini , an Indian ranchman , and Dwayne Hickman , a young uncle . Since none of them can shoot , they hire gunslinger Lee Marvin for $50 . 00 . Sadly , Mr . Marvin is delivered in a drunken stupor ; he can hardly stand up , let alone defend Jane . Director Elliot Silverstein keeps the pace very lively ; there is always something going on , or about to happen - most of it funny . The movie is a " spoof " of the western . If you can't stomach western spoofery , you may not enjoy the film , which could be your loss . The scene I found funniest ( but not the laugh out loud funniest ) was when Mr . Nardini was preparing Mr . Marvin for the big confrontation . Nardini takes out a girdle to squeeze on Marvin's body - you can picture dozens of aging western actors going through the same thing just to appear in front of the movie camera ! I imagine there were A LOT of long faces on western actors , while watching " Cat Ballou " ( if they dared ) . Jay C Flippen and some western regulars give the movie some authenticity - they must have seen their share of drunken western actors . Nardini is also an Indian who does NOT ACT LIKE A WESTERN MOVIE Indian . He corrects educated Fonda's grammar ( " Whom " ) . Watch how he " scalps " someone in the early brawl ? watch his " salute " to the prepared-to-fight Marvin . And , Marvin is GREAT throughout - note the different ways he plays his role ( s ) , making the role so much FUN to watch . Fonda is excellent too ? always staying true to her character ; as Marvin takes the movie's looser reigns , Fonda plays it steady . EVERYONE is great , actually . The other young men , Callan & Hickman . . . always right . Even the minor cast players ( " My name is ? " ) . . . Perhaps the story went in a couple of directions for the sake of an additional skit or two , but who cares ? Just Enjoy ! Cat Ballou ( 1965 ) Elliot Silverstein - Jane Fonda . Lee Marvin , Tom Nardini , Michael Callan
|
452,725 | 15,896,852 | 19,823 | 9 |
Arliss
|
George Arliss is bewitching as " Disraeli " . Mr . Arliss ' character secures control of the Suez Canal for Great Britain , outmaneuvering Russian spy Doris Lloyd . He also plays " matchmaker " for Joan Bennett and Anthony Bushell . Arliss ' performance is captivating , despite the datedness of this early " talking " movie . Nobody can equal Arliss , but I did like Ms . Lloyd as his sparring partner . Ms . Bennett was good , also - a cut above her average " stand around and look beautiful " films from this period . The players were elevated , possibly , in Arliss ' presence . There are some noticeable ways they could have made a better film , by waiting even a year or two . I would like to see the film restored ; moreover , I would accept some tinkering / editing for a new version ( while preserving the original , of course ) . If you like classic " one-man-show " acting performances , it's hard to beat Arliss in this movie . He performs like a spider spinning its web - capturing everything in sight , including the audience . Be careful ! Disraeli ( 1929 ) Alfred E . Green - George Arliss , Joan Bennett , Anthony Bushell , Doris Lloyd
|
453,559 | 15,896,852 | 2,553 | 9 |
Making Movies Magical
|
Great early film short , directed superbly by D . W . Griffith . In it , Lillian and Dorothy Gish play sisters ( is that ever inspired casting ? ) terrorized by a wicked housekeeper and her male companion . They have the Gish sisters locked in a room , and terrorized them by firing a gun through a hole in the wall . It doesn't sound like much , but the direction makes in exciting ( there is a race to rescue them after they are able to make a phone call ) . Lillian and Dorothy Gish look extraordinary on film , together , in " An Unseen Enemy " ; though , the situation more than a little implausible . The Gish sisters are radiant . Also noteworthy are the scenes with Robert Harron which open and close the drama , earning him a Kiss from Dorothy Gish . The three of them are natural actors , which Griffith ( and audiences ) could plainly see in this film . Great photography . D . W . Griffith , Lillian Gish , Dorothy Gish , Robert Harron , and G . W . Bitzer - making the screen magical in " An Unseen Enemy " . . . An Unseen Enemy ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Dorothy Gish , Robert Harron , Elmer Booth
|
452,565 | 15,896,852 | 105,265 | 9 |
Gone Fishing
|
Craig Sheffer ( as Norman ) and Brad Pitt ( as Paul ) are Montana sons-of-a-preacher man Tom Skerritt ( as Reverend Maclean ) . You will immediately notice the breathtaking Montana scenery - photography by Philippe Rousselot , direction by Robert Redford , with an obviously adept cast and crew . The kids playing the younger Macleans were quite an asset ; I did recognize Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an impressive debut ( though not his first ) . As I was watching , I thought : well , it looks all nice , but what's happening ? I was unsure about the film's focus . The film is often slow and confusing , even if you are familiar with the Norman MacLean story ; and , this is a somewhat alternate version / vision of the original written work . And , I realized what I was watching . It happened twenty minutes ( or so ) after the kids " grew up " - this is the story of Norman Maclean's remembrances ? the touching stones of his life . They may not be the things you'd believe an old man remembers ; but , by the end of the film , you know . You'll understand the focus on his brother , with that magical quality that just slipped away ? Perhaps , there was no perfection there ; but , you'll know why Norman sees it . You'll know why that memory of the perfect fly fisherman is there . Just a few other thoughts : At the risk of over-analyzing , I felt the characters of Norman , Paul , their father , and Redford merging into ONE character at the end of the film ; I wonder if Redford intended it that way ? His direction , narration , and lead performances seemed blend together ? Directing , Preaching , Fishing , the River - it all runs together ; and , we're all water . The end of the film is very powerful . A River Runs Through It ( 1992 ) Robert Redford - Brad Pitt , Craig Sheffer , Tom Skerritt , Brenda Blethyn
|
453,555 | 15,896,852 | 2,391 | 9 |
The Way You Wear Your Hat
|
Excellent early film , expertly featuring " legendary " director D . W . Griffith and " legendary ' actress Mary Pickford before they became " legendary " . When Ms . Pickford's mother dies , she is despondent . Her mother ( Kate Bruce ) didn't have much , but managed to leave Pickford enough money to buy some " finery " ; the money is bequeathed to the local Pastor ( Lionel Barrymore ) . When Pickford admires " The New York Hat " in a downtown shop window , Minister Barrymore decides to buy it for her - - which ignites gossipers ; they link Mary and the Minister in a " romantic " scandal . Watch Pickford act before , with , and after " The New York Hat " . Her performance is great ; she plays her part as a young woman , not a little girl , simply and effectively . Her emotions are extraordinarily well-conveyed , for G . W . Bitzer's camera , under Griffith's direction . A charmer . The New York Hat ( 1912 ) D . W . Griffith - Mary Pickford , Lionel Barrymore , Charles Hill Mailes , Kate Bruce
|
452,643 | 15,896,852 | 289,879 | 9 |
Come Back When You Grow Up
|
This review recommends you watch the " directors ' cut " before sampling the " theatrical version " of " The Butterfly Effect " . Also , it will also enhance the film's effect if you refrain from reading the comments , good and bad , until after viewing ; I was more intrigued by the storyline because I wasn't completely sure where the psychology and physics were going to wind up . The writer / director team of Eric Bress and J . Mackye Gruber kept me guessing as I did not read any comments , or even the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Bress and Gruber weave an extremely intricate , thought out , well paced , and imaginative drama . The protagonist is unstuck young " Evan Treborn " ( played by Ashton Kutcher , John Patrick Amedori , and Logan Lerman ) . The film traces the lives of Evan and three childhood friends : " Kayleigh " ( Amy Smart , Irene Gorovaia , and Sarah Widdows ) , " Tommy " ( William Lee Scott , Jesse James , and Cameron Bright ) , and " Lenny " ( Elden Henson , Kevin Schmidt , and Jake Kaese ) . Kayleigh and Tommy's abusive father ( Eric Stoltz ) , and Evan's loving mother ( Melora Walters ) are the main parental figures . To say the cast exceeds expectations would be an understatement . The overall effect left by the interrelating performances is remarkable , and rarely achieves at the level evident . This is also a technically beautiful film . Be prepared . The character " George Miller " is a pedophile , who has obviously abused his children ( off screen ) . " Mr . Miller " invites young Evan and his daughter to get undressed for his camera ; it is a non-erotic , tastefully filmed scene . But , the violence , especially between the young children , is disturbing to the extreme ; certainly , it shows the most devastating effects of child abuse . In the case of " The Butterfly Effect " , artistic license trumps irreparable damages . " I'll come back for you " indeed . The Butterfly Effect ( 2004 ) Eric Bress , J . Mackye Gruber - Ashton Kutcher , Amy Smart , William Lee Scott ( Theatrical Edition ) The Butterfly Effect ( 2004 ) Eric Bress , J . Mackye Gruber - Ashton Kutcher , Amy Smart , William Lee Scott , Elden Henson ( Directors ' Cut )
|
452,733 | 15,896,852 | 43,465 | 9 |
Unbecoming an Officer
|
Kirk Douglas is very effective as a police detective with an surprise connection to someone he encounters on the job . Mr . Douglas ' performance is outstanding ; and , the supporting players all move around him like a finely tuned clock . Of them , I thought William Bendix was superb , very natural - everyone is fine , in fact , as directed by William Wyler . Of the little stories , I liked the young couple - the thief and girlfriend . I had to go to see the IMDb comments to find out what was happening in the film - I really couldn't understand some of the dialog Since the film deals with " issues " considered too delicate to really talk about in a movie , you have to really pay attention . To reveal more would spoil the film - but , its weakness is that it couldn't really be totally " realistic " due to the era when it was produced . Observe , for example , the amount of profanity uttered in that precinct ! The strongest word used is " tramp " . " Detective Story " does manage to bring its characters and story to the viewer , and scores points for realism ( despite some likely censorship ) . Keeping that in mind , it's an essential character study . Detective Story ( 1951 ) William Wyler - Kirk Douglas , Eleanor Parker , William Bendix , Lee Grant
|
453,223 | 15,896,852 | 20,025 | 9 |
The Sound of Silence
|
Working class Irishmen Lars Hanson ( as Gypo Nolan ) and Carl Harbord ( as Francis McPhillipp ) are members of an anti-establishment " Party " , where politics is punctuated with gunfire . While maintaining a friendship with his comrade , Mr . Hanson is obviously interested in Mr . Harbord's fickle moll , the lovely Lya de Putti ( as Katie Fox ) . After Harbord kills the local police chief ( during a gunfight ) he is driven underground ; leaving Ms . de Putti free to hook up with Hanson . Then , when Harbord surfaces to visit his mother , Hanson suspects he is seeing de Putti . So , Hanson becomes " The Informer " , hounded by detective Warwick Ward ( as Dan Gallagher ) . Fascinating , superb direction from Arthur Robison , and gorgeous photography from Theodor Sparkuhl and Werner Brandes , highlight this undiscovered classic . Director Robison and crew are always moving the picture ; even a background window is filled - - if only with the shadows of passing figures . The crowds of people are a moving backdrop for the film's atmospheric array of shadows , alleys , streets , police , and prostitutes . Although " The Informer " is labeled " A British International Picture " , it might more accurately be described as a " German Film Noir " . John Ford re-made " The Informer " in 1935 ; and , obviously , he was influenced by this version . Heavily accented leading players Hanson ( Swedish ) and de Putti ( Hungarian ) found their film careers killed by talking pictures , regrettably . Their performances are excellent ? . . . then . . . After about 45 minutes , the film changes from " silent " to " talking " . The switch works as a dramatic device ; although , it certainly couldn't have been planned by cast and crew . More probably , the studio ordered the change , as the popularity of all-silent films plummeted . The decision might have been a sound one ; however , the voices dubbing Hanson and de Putti are inadequate . A restoration of " The Informer " , with improved dubbing , could remedy the situation . The eerie " your mother has forgiven me " ending , with Hanson achieving Salvation , must remain , however . If , for some reason , you feel inclined to leave this version of " The Informer " unfinished , don't dare miss the last few minutes of work from actor Hanson and director Robison .
|
452,825 | 15,896,852 | 119,978 | 9 |
Matt Damon Passes the Bar for Francis Ford Coppola
|
Francis Ford Coppola directs and scripts an exciting , star-packed adaptation of John Grisham's novel about an idealistic young attorney who takes on the case of a lifetime , exactly as promotional synopsis promises , " Matt Damon plays Rudy Baylor , a rookie lawyer in over his head on a high-profile case . Opposing him : an army of seasoned legal sharks ( led by Jon Voight ) . On Rudy's side : Deck Shifflet ( Danny DeVito ) , a feisty ' paralawyer ' who specializes in flunking the bar exam . Rudy's chances are slim to none - until he uncovers a trail of corruption that might lead to the one thing that could win his case : the truth . " Mr . Damon's almost simultaneous participation in " Good Will Hunting " probably blew some of the wind out of this film's sails ; in hindsight , " The Rainmaker " shines brightly , and includes some award-worthy work . The most obvious nomination for " Supporting Actress " would be veteran Teresa Wright's lovely swansong as " Miss Birdie " ( it turned out to be the last of many great performances ) . Additionally , Mr . DeVito and Mr . Voight should have received some " Supporting Actor " consideration . The film features many strong characterizations , with Damon's lead providing perfect counterbalance . He , director Coppola , and novelist John Grisham are a formula worth repeating . Coppola manages to adapt Mr . Grisham's story successfully to film ; and , he keeps the staid courtroom sequences exciting . The characters played by Claire Danes ( Kelly Riker ) and Johnny Whitworth ( Donny Ray Black ) seem lacking - an additional scene or two , with Damon , would have been nice . The film's thesis rings true , and is expertly concluded . Grisham , Coppola , and Damon are a winning firm . The Rainmaker ( / 97 ) Francis Ford Coppola - Matt Damon , Danny DeVito , Jon Voight , Teresa Wright
|
453,022 | 15,896,852 | 52,993 | 9 |
Make the Extraordinarily Suspenseful visit to " Gun Hill "
|
Don't miss the beginning of this film . Not only is it essential to the whole picture , but it is also a great example of how a filmmaker can show a brutal crime without showing the details on-screen . In the opening , a brutal rape and murder occur ; director John Sturges and the performers relay very effectively what happens , it's the horror in your mind . Kirk Douglas stars , and he is riveting . My favorite of Mr . Douglas ' scenes is when he describes a hanging to Earl Holliman - it's an " award-worthy " performance ; but won none or few , no doubt . The others all perform amicably , too . After Douglas goes to Gun Hill , he sees old friend Anthony Quinn ? watch how Douglas and Mr . Quinn play their first scene and you'll see how good these two actors are . You always have to suspend disbelief in film watching , and a western is a little different . Westerns have their own world , which you accept , or don't . I could not really accept Mr . Quinn and Earl Holliman as father and son , at first . I think it could have been helped if Quinn had done something different with his hair ; he never seemed concerned about thinning or gray hair , so I can't fathom the hair ? it made him look younger than usual . After the movie went on , I decided to just accept that like I accept the rules you accept when you watch a western . Besides , Quinn and Holliman are far to good to replace . Then , add Carolyn Jones . . . Now , I figured , at first , she would have the standard " look pretty and kiss the hero " role - - but , that was not so ; actually , she was given a real good part and had a chance to perform a meaningful acting role . Ms . Jones showed she should have been given more good film roles . So many westerns try build this suspense - - " Last Train from Gun Hill " should have you shaking in your cowboy boots . Last Train from Gun Hill ( 1959 ) John Sturges - Kirk Douglas , Anthony Quinn , Carolyn Jones , Earl Holliman
|
453,553 | 15,896,852 | 4,972 | 9 |
The Unfortunate Birth of a Clan
|
As the film itself states , " This is a depiction of the events of the civil war and of the formation of the Ku Klux Klan from the point of view of the American South . " Let that be a warning ! Still , expert motion picture making from D . W . Griffith , G . W . Bitzer , and company . This film should receive a perfect " 10 " - - but the aggravating and overt racist theme is sometimes worse than the actual war . The " Negro race " is , if you think about it , blamed for the Civil War - - beginning with the unbalanced opening : " The bringing of the African to America planted the first seed of disunion . " The " Civil War " depicted in " Birth of a Nation " isn't over until the end of Part 2 ; when Confederates band together as the Ku Klux Klan , and defeat the " Negroes " . In this film , the KKK wins . Part 1 , by the way , is somewhat more tolerable - - but , by the end of Part 2 , the film's message becomes obvious . Note that Jesus Christ makes a God-blessed-this-film appearance . Otherwise , Lillian Gish ( as Elsie Stoneman ) and Henry B . Walthall ( as Ben Cameron ) are extraordinary in the lead roles ; she represents the North , and he represents the South . The Stomeman and Cameron families ' friendship and conflicts , due to the war , would have been a good , singular film focus . Of course , Mr . Walthall's character is a racist hero , but he performs the role exceptionally well . Ms . Gish is at her silent best ; don't miss the scene where , after a date with Walthall , she caresses her bedpost ! Second leads Elmer Clifton ( as Phil Stoneman ) and " daughter of the south " Miriam Cooper ( as Margaret Cameron ) hold their own against the powerful Gish and Walthall . Ms . Cooper has eyes which seem slightly askew in some shots , giving her an eerie quality . Josephine Crowell ( as Mrs . Cameron ) shines , among the more mature performers . Mae Marsh and Violet Wilkey ( both as Flora Cameron ) are quite memorable , also . In a supporting role , Robert Harron ( as Tod Stoneman ) is at Gish-level acting ; don't miss the scene with Harron embracing George Beranger ( as Wade Cameron ) when the " chums " expire on the battleground . Harron makes the scene especially touching . Note that Harron appears later on , in an unexpected role . Joseph Henabery is another appearing in different roles ; he is most memorable as Abraham Lincoln ; the assassination sequence is another film highlight , with Raoul Walsh ( as John Wilkes Booth ) . Harron and Ms . Marsh would be even more dazzling in Griffith's next , " Intolerance " ( 1916 ) . Another great scene occurs when Walthall walks unsteadily out of the hospital with Gish , while guard William Freeman gives Gish a last longing sigh . And , it's easy to see why Wallace Reid ( as a blacksmith ) ' s search for Walter Long ( as Gus ) , in " Joe's ginmill " , was a star-making brawl . The Birth of a Nation ( / 15 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Henry B . Walthall , Mae Marsh , Robert Harron
|
453,021 | 15,896,852 | 43,338 | 9 |
We Call It " The Media Circus "
|
Brilliant film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Kirk Douglas . Hard to describe , better just watch . Mr . Douglas stars as a probable alcoholic newspaperman who milks a story about a man trapped in a cave . You do get the feeling his awareness of human condition ( all humans , not just journalists ) is what's eating away at him . Jan Sterling is a revelation as the blonde Douglas and Bob Arthur pick up - she has lines like , " I don't go to Church , kneeling bags my nylons . " Porter Hall has a great supporting part as a the " Tell The Truth " editor who is first to lap up the lies . " Ace in the Hole " is also know as " The Big Carnival " - currently , ( in real life ) , its called " The Media Circus " . The film grows more horrific every year . The parallels to today's " news " are so obvious they almost need no mention - I would only add that today's media circus events like the big rescue to occur on a Sunday . Ace in the Hole ( 1951 ) Billy Wilder - Kirk Douglas , Jan Sterling , Robert Arthur , Porter Hall
|
452,985 | 15,896,852 | 39,431 | 9 |
The Best Things in Life Are Free
|
At TAIT University , students more interested in each other , and football , than they are in learning French ( does that sound dated ? ) . June Allyson ( she's Connie ) and Peter Lawford ( he's Tommy ) are the focus of attention . She's the nice librarian interested in the star football player ; he , understandably , attracts the school's most desirable women . Does a plain librarian have a chance to win the star football player ? The screenplay , direction , choreography , and songs all hit the mark in " Good News " . Ms . Allyson and Mr . Lawford are an unlikely duo to head the cast , but they turn in extraordinary performances . Allyson and Lawford mix just the right amount of awkward charm and graceful professionalism to bring the story alive ; it's something rare in musicals of this type . The supporting cast members compliment the leads well . Allyson is at her very best - from her introduction " under the sink " to her careful dropping of book after book during a later scene , she is marvelous . With her character doing double duty as the college librarian , her role of student is believable , despite being relatively older . Lawford is not known as a singer / dancer , but his performance is as charming . Watch how he : studies French , passes a hairbrush to his coach , jumps over a fire hydrant , and puts a handkerchief in his pocket - the quick succession of bits is well-done and subjectively defines the Lawford character . The film is full of little things the characters and director ( Charles Walters ) do to fill out the movie without increasing its running time . Of the great supporting cast , Joan McCracken is certainly the most valuable . Her " Pass that Peace Pipe " with Ray McDonald ( another outstanding performance ) is a soundtrack highlight . It's " political incorrectness " really doesn't hold up , in context . Of the mature players , Jane Green is just delightful - note the scene with Allyson and Connie Gilchrist ( Mrs . Drexel ) ; it's when Allyson give the older woman a " script " to " play-act " , explaining how Tommy's family has lost its fortune in Pickles due to the great Cucumber Blight . The supposed " error " in placing the film in the 1920s with most of it looking like the 1940s actually HELPS . I would have titled the movie " The Best Things in Life Are Free " , though , and re-recorded the vocals on the finale . Still , " Good News " is an example of this type of film at its graceful , exuberant best . Good News ( 1947 ) Charles Walters - June Allyson , Peter Lawford , Joan McCracken , Ray McDonald
|
452,840 | 15,896,852 | 289,992 | 9 |
DeathWatch ( ? or Sex , Lies , and Videotape )
|
University of Austin philosophy professor Kevin Spacey ( as David Gale ) is a well-known death penalty opponent ; ironically , he is about to be executed for the rape / murder of co-protester Laura Linney ( as Constance Harraway ) . With four days to live , Mr . Spacey tells beautiful reporter Kate Winslet ( as Elizabeth " Bitsey " Bloom ) his story - vehemently asserting he did NOT kill Ms . Linney . Ms . Winslet listens to Spacey explain the events leading up to the crime , which we see in " flashbacks " . As she hears Spacey's testimonial , Winslet begins to investigate the unfolding mystery , with smoking intern Gabriel Mann ( as Zack Stemmons ) assisting . The final , final twist wasn't a complete shock ; but , there is a great deal of welcome uncertainty throughout most of the film . Alan Parker's " The Life of David Gale " is a roller-coaster - managing to be suspenseful , unpredictable , and thought-provoking . The part that comes closest to misfiring is Spacey's drunken rant about Plato , Socrates , and Aristotle . But , the character was , at the time , a philosophy teacher battling alcoholism . In fact , Charles Randolph's story is very tightly written ; with wall posters , stuffed animals , and car trouble all making complete sense . Winsome Winslet and Mr . Mann are the " present " story co-stars , with " flaming liberal " Spacey and Linney leading the " flashback " cast . The two different story lines are crosscut beautifully . The acting is exceptional , with Linney probably outdistancing the others - she certainly has the most demanding role , which she performs courageously , and without a double . How does an A-list actress , like Linney , receive no " Best Supporting Actress " consideration for her work in this film ? As a movie pair , Winslet and Mann are quite impressive . Mr . Randolph , director Parker , and the cast make both the major and minor characters memorable . The film could have been given a more interesting title than " The Life of David Gale " ; too bad " sex , lies , and videotape " and " DeathWatch " were unavailable . In the past , this basic story appeared under titles like " Capitol Punishment " , " Circumstantial Evidence " , and " " Beyond a Reasonable Doubt " . However labeled , this is one of the more engaging takes on the ancient law . The Life of David Gale ( 2003 ) Alan Parker - Kate Winslet , Kevin Spacey , Laura Linney , Gabriel Mann
|
452,432 | 15,896,852 | 5,078 | 9 |
Sex , Race , and Sadism ! ( with Fannie Ward , Sessue Hayakawa , and Cecil B . DeMille )
|
East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet . Fannie Ward ( as Edith Hardy ) is an extravagant socialite who is told by husband Jack Dean ( as Dick Hardy ) she must cut down on spending , as he meets with business failures ; instead , she takes $10 , 000 from the Red Cross fund she is entrusted with , and gambles it on a " sure thing " - sure enough , she loses the money . Desperate to replace the money , Ms . Ward turns to wealthy party host Sessue Hayakawa ( as Tori aka Arakau ) , who is secretly attracted to her . Mr . Hayakawa gives Ward the money , but wants a sexual encounter the next night . Then , Mr . Dean makes a Stock Market killing , and is rich again . Ward takes $10 , 000 to pay off Hayakawa , but he won't bargain ? This is a lurid melodrama , filled with sex , race , and sadism ; but , it is redeemed by several factors . Cecil B . DeMille directed artfully ; his use of light and shadows is remarkable . The portrayals of Fannie Ward ( as " The Cheat " Edith Hardy ) and Sessue Hayakawa ( as Tori aka Arakau ) are among the finest of the era . You'll want to watch this film with the remote nearby , as there are a few scenes you may want to see re-played immediately . The Japanese community objected , understandably , to the film's racially prejudicial appeal ; so Hayakawa's character was changed from Japanese Hishuru Tori to Burmese Haka Arakau , for a 1918 re-release . Presumably , the Burmese community was not amused . The Cheat ( / 15 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Fannie Ward , Sessue Hayakawa , Jack Dean , James Neill
|
453,319 | 15,896,852 | 8,362 | 9 |
Hart of the Country
|
Outside the pale of civilization , two western Kings roam . One is a wild horse ; the other is William S . Hart ( as Ice Harding ) , evil leader of the most daring band of outlaws in the Nevadas . Not surprisingly , Mr . Hart is the man to tame the wild Pinto , which he names " King " . Then , masked for thieving , Hart robs a coach containing Sylvia Breamer ( as Betty Werdin ) . The seemingly sweet Ms . Breamer is traveling with her " Uncle " , Milton Ross ( as Admiral Bates ) . Hart thinks Breamer is , " The most wonderful being he has ever seen . " In town , Breamer's icky wonderfulness begins to melt Hart's icy wickedness . But , Hart doesn't know Breamer's secret ? The first of Hart's Paramount period ( though , second released ) is a definitive high point ; " The Narrow Trail " is one of the best examples of the " Hart western " ( if you're looking for one to sample ) . The star , director Lambert Hillyer , and photographer Joe August are at their best , creating a beautiful landscape for the Hart formula to play upon . The film is perfectly paced . Hart's horse , " Fritz " ( as " King " ) , makes a screen " return " , which fits amazingly well into the storyline . And , Hart has one of his most conscientious " man to horse " talks . Best of all is the twist on a recurring Hart feature ; to wit , an otherwise ordinary woman attracts Hart with an allurement only he can see ; but , this one's refreshingly different . The Narrow Trail ( / 17 ) Lambert Hillyer - William S . Hart , Sylvia Breamer , Milton Ross , Bob Kortman
|
453,024 | 15,896,852 | 12,675 | 9 |
Under Valentino's Tent
|
Sheik Rudolph Valentino ( as Ahmed Ben Hassan ) lives in the blessed oasis of the Sahara Desert ; when he sees a woman he wants , he takes her . Lady Agnes Ayres ( as Diana Mayo ) , the orphaned daughter of an English poet , visits Arabia , and catches Mr . Valentino's eye . The modern Ms . Ayres wants to visit the local casino , where Valentino entertains , but she is turned away . Furious , Ayres borrows a harem dancer's costume , and sneaks into the action . Discovered , and ousted , Ayres is nevertheless attracted to the dreamy Valentino , who has decided to abduct her ? Unexpectedly , Valentino's " Sheik " caricature became one of filmdom's most memorable roles ; in fact , it might be considered , stylistically , Valentino's greatest . He must have had mixed feelings about the film ; as Valentino admittedly approached acting as an art , which this isolated performance doesn't ( arguably ) show . Still , it is a great , however misunderstood , performance . Ayres is a good feminine conquest ; she is lovely , but never ravishing enough to move the spotlight too far away from the star . Adolphe Menjou ( as Raoul de Saint Hubert ) lends both subtext , and a good performance . The presence of barbarous Walter Long ( as Omair ) , coupled with the love of Ayres , helps reform Ahmed's immoral character . The supporting and bit players are uniformly interesting . Importantly , director George Melford and photographer William Marshall give " The Sheik " a very crisp , moving style . Roger Bellon's soundtrack is one of the best retrospective soundtracks composed for an old silent . Whatever its criticisms , Valentino's bulging " Sheik " is difficult to disregard ; it remains a definitive classic . The Sheik ( 1921 ) George Melford - Rudolph Valentino , Agnes Ayres , Adolphe Menjou , Walter Long
|
452,687 | 15,896,852 | 29,870 | 9 |
James Cagney Gives it Up for " The Dead End Kids "
|
One of the best of its type , " Angels with Dirty Faces " epitomizes the " gangster " and " juvenile delinquent " pictures of the 1930s ( and 1940s ) . These are the films showing how unfortunate circumstances turn young men into hardened criminals . It's the " Nature vs . Nurture " argument . And , don't waste any time wondering about this film's stance - the title says it all - if you rub that dirty criminal's face hard enough , you'll find a hidden Angel . This is the case with tough guy James Cagney ( as Rocky Sullivan ) , who landed in reform school for stealing , and was seduced into a life of crime . It may be too late for Cagney , but not for the younger generation of dirty-faced angels known as " The Dead End Kids " , who worship the charismatic gangster . At least , that's the way scarred priest Pat O'Brien ( as Jerry Connolly ) sees things . Father O'Brien , who escaped Cagney's fate , wants salvation for the little tough guys . Cagney's courageous , shoulder-rolling turn as " Rocky " is entrancing ; absolutely , he deserved a " Best Actor " award - which the " on target " in the 1930s New York Film Critics delivered . Directed by Michael Curtiz , the classic line-up of " Dead End Kids " - Billy Halop as " Soapy " , Bobby Jordan as " Swing " , Leo Gorcey as " Bim " , Gabriel Dell as " Pasty " , Huntz Hall as " Crab " , and Bernard Punsly as " Hunky " - are a symphony of spitting , smoking , and ( mostly ) smacked upside the head young punks . The memorable Warner Brothers supporting cast includes rheumy-eyed lawyer Humphrey Bogart ( as James Frazier ) , sultry Ann Sheridan ( as Laury Ferguson ) , and perfectly cast Frankie Burke ( as a young James Cagney ) . " Social Consciousness " - raising films can often trip over themselves , so don't watch this one in the wrong frame of mind . Angels with Dirty Faces ( / 38 ) Michael Curtiz - James Cagney , Pat O'Brien , Billy Halop , Humphrey Bogart
|
452,475 | 15,896,852 | 29,843 | 9 |
In Living Color
|
It's difficult to imagine anyone ( with a straight face ) filming a more definitive version of " Robin Hood " than this one . This is the story of the green clad crusader and his band of " Merry Men " ; to combat injustice , they rob from the rich and give to the poor . Errol Flynn ( as Robin Hood ) , Olivia de Havilland ( as Lady Marion Fitzwalter ) , Basil Rathbone ( as Sir Guy of Gisbourne ) , Claude Rains ( as Prince John ) , Patric Knowles ( as Will Starlett ) and Eugene Palette ( as Friar Tuck ) head up a great cast . Alan Hale ( as Little John ) most notably reprises his role , from the previous standard " Robin Hood " ( 1922 ) . Tony Gaudio and Sol Polito set stunning standards in color photography . And , Erich Wolfgang Korngold's soundtrack punctuates the picture perfectly .
|
453,471 | 15,896,852 | 14,532 | 9 |
Church of the Poison Mind
|
Cecil B . DeMille's Paramount EPIC " The Ten Commandments " tells the Old Testament's " Moses " story during its first hour . The " special effects " highlights are : Theodore Roberts ( as Moses ) parting the Red Sea , and the Biblical patriarch's thunderous receiving of God's commandments . The production is first rate throughout . After about fifty minutes of spectacle , the film switches to a " Modern Story " - wherein Mr . DeMille seeks to tell a morality story involving " The Ten Commandments " . For the main story ( the more memorable Moses segments were a mere " prologue " ) , DeMille introduces the McTavish brothers - saintly carpenter Richard Dix ( as John ) , and partying atheist Rod La Rocque ( as Dan ) . While Mr . Dix stays home to read The Bible , with dear mother Edythe Chapman ( as Martha McTavish ) , Mr . La Rocque breaks Commandments , with lovely Leatrice Joy ( as Mary Leigh ) . Of course , Dix falls in love with Ms . Joy , after she becomes his brother's wife ? DeMille's morality tale is extremely heavy-handed , but nevertheless enticing , and expertly directed . The " Biblical " and " Modern " story format recalls D . W . Griffith's superior " Intolerance " ( 1916 ) . The all-star cast ( it's 1923 , remember ) performs exceptionally , with La Rocque being seen in one of his finest performances . As any actor will tell you , La Rocque was halfway there , upon receiving the " bad brother " role , over Dix - and , La Rocque runs away with the film . His is a " Best Actor " - worthy performance . Nefarious Nita Naldi ( as Sally Lung ) leads a strong supporting cast . All things considered , this one's a lot more fun than the 1956 re-make . The Ten Commandments ( 1923 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Rod La Rocque , Richard Dix , Leatrice Joy , Theodore Roberts
|
452,890 | 15,896,852 | 212,720 | 9 |
You Can Make It If You Cry
|
After his stunning 1990s success , Steven Spielberg satisfied those salivating to despise him , with " A . I . Artificial Intelligence " . The poised knives could be released , at last ! So , the initial reactions took an undeserved negative tone , while , still , offering praise to individual efforts too obviously evidenced in the production to ignore . This is really an excellent , thought-provoking film . The beginning of the film could have been improved by combining the character " Professor Hobby " into " Henry Swinton " . The resulting " Henry Swinton " would , then , more closely resemble " Geppetto " from " Pinocchio " . This would , necessarily , make " David " the image of their dead son . Then , the parents ' conflict would be the focus of the film's first act . This would have made the relationship between the parents much more dynamic ; and , it would throw the mother " Monica " ( Frances O'Connor ) into incalculable conflict with the robotic " David " , resolved in the film's already powerful ending . Mr . Spielberg marvelously breathes life into Stanley Kubrick's unrealized project ( he died before realizing this dream work ) ; and , he directs Haley Joel Osment ( as David ) to a peak performance level . Mr . Osment , Jude Law ( as Gigolo Joe ) , and " Teddy " ( voiced by Jack Angel ) are an unforgettable " mecha " ( short for " mechanical " ) trio of humane robots . Janusz Kaminski and the Spielberg crew are magical . Good night , David . Pleasant dreams . A . I . Artificial Intelligence ( 2001 ) Steven Spielberg - Haley Joel Osment , Jude Law , Frances O'Connor , William Hurt
|
453,115 | 15,896,852 | 18,311 | 9 |
A Classic Silent Comedy
|
Poor barmaid Marion Davies ( as Tina ) is the drudge of the " Red Mill Tavern " ; she is always " in Dutch " , meaning ( wittily ) both " in trouble " and " in Holland " ( this comedy's setting ) . Ms . Davies ' only friend is Ignatz , a little white mouse , who lives in her shoe . One day , Davies sees Owen Moore ( as Dennis Wheat ) ice skating ; and , she is attracted to him . She ventures out to find Mr . Moore surrounded by female admirers , but manages a meeting . Davies must struggle to win Moore's heart , after she learns he is a Governor , betrothed to a wealthy maiden . " The Red Mill " is a very funny silent comedy , which still works , today , thanks to expert work by director Roscoe " Fatty " Arbuckle ( incognito as " William Goodrich " ) . Davies and Moore are a winning comic team ; and , Davies ' starring performance is particularly fine . Louise Fazenda , Snitz Edwards , and Karl Dane are perfect in supporting roles . And , Ignatz is a delightful mouse . Many of the title cards , by Joseph Farnham , from Henry Blossom's original play , are hilarious : " My name's Tina " " Mine's Wheat . Wheat-Tina . We ought to get together for breakfast . " " She's got a beautiful chassis . " " Never mind the chassis . Wait till you see what she's got under the hood . " " I never believed in love at first sight until I took a second look at you . " " I'm through ! There's too much traffic on your ladder . " " You must be twins . No one man could be so dumb ! " Of course , the visual situations are necessary to fully enjoy the comedy . " The Red Mill " is also extremely well-photographed , by Hendrik Sartov , who worked with D . W Griffith and Lillian Gish . The exciting finale , with George Siegmann whipping Davies , and locking her in the windmill , is almost an " homage " to Griffith and Siegmann's similar treatment of Ms . Gish , in some well-known Griffith films . But , what happened to poor Ignatz ? A final pan should have revealed the mouse was alive and well .
|
452,936 | 15,896,852 | 50,798 | 9 |
A Rare Breed
|
Texas teenager Tommy Kirk ( as Travis Coates ) is directed to assume the role " man of the house " when his father leaves on a three-to-four hour cattle round-up . Young Kirk is to watch over the ranch , with mother Dorothy McGuire ( as Katie ) , and little brother Kevin Corcoran ( as Arliss ) . While tending the corn field , a wayward dog causes Kirk trouble , scaring a mule and ruining Kirk's day . Kirk has no use for " Old Yeller " , but brother Corcoran loves the " ugly , lop-eared mongrel " . The dog stays in the picture , but for how long ? A classic family story . Kirk and Yeller make terrible first impressions on each other . Kirk does not like " Old Yeller " . He tries to manage the dog as he thinks an " adult " would , and recalls an older family pet as irreplaceable . Yeller is not fooled by Kirk's growing pains , and the two become hopelessly bonded . Eventually , the story becomes almost . . . Shakespearian . Robert Stevenson directed , with a great Disney production team . Credit must be given to Fred Gipson and William Tunberg's mature screenplay - and , especially to Kirk , who performs his part superbly . All things being equal , Kirk should have received some " Best Actor " award notices for his role in " Old Yeller " . It's difficult to imagine this film working without his sincere , captivating performance . Little Corcoran has more typical Disney role ; his scenes with Kirk ( discussing Heaven ) and Chuck Connors are nicely done . Try to ignore the garish Indian headdress . Young Beverly Washburn ( as Lisbeth Searcy ) plays her " puppy love " for Kirk just right . Ms . McGuire and father Fess Parker ( as Jim ) are realistic , loving , and supportive . " Old Yeller " is , truly , the " best doggone dog in the west . " Old Yeller ( 1957 ) Robert Stevenson - Tommy Kirk , Dorothy McGuire , Kevin Corcoran , Fess Parker
|
453,696 | 15,896,852 | 67,893 | 9 |
Simply the Best Movie Monte Ever Made with James Taylor & Dennis Wilson
|
Rock star good-looking dragsters James Taylor ( as The Driver ) and Dennis Wilson ( as The Mechanic ) stop at service stations and roadside diners . At one café , sexy stowaway Laurie Bird ( as The Girl ) climbs into their 1955 Chevy ( and , later , into their jeans ) . After some roadhouse blues ( taking Jim Morrison's " Moonlight Drive " ) , the young men encounter exhibitionist Warren Oates ( as G . T . O ) , who thinks Mr . Taylor's Chevy is harassing the bright new Pontiac he shows off to hitchhikers . Increasingly bored , Ms . Bird laments taking the back seat . Increasingly annoyed , Mr . Oats challenges what he calls the " two punk road hogs " to a race . Bird flies into Oats ' coupe ( temporarily ) . Taylor and Mr . Wilson make arrangements for a race with Oats . The winner takes all pink slips . Kris Kristofferson sings " Me and Bobby McGee " . Bird sings " ( I Can't Get No ) Satisfaction " . Taylor and Wilson sing nothing at all ; but , if they had , the film's spell would be broken . Monte Hellman's " Two-Lane Blacktop " is not an easy rider . Often , it seems like nothing is happening . But , the characters and situations blend into something very pure , and dependable . Laid-back Harry Dean Stanton's gay cowboy and trucker George Mitchell ( the first handyman on " Dark Shadows " ) , fit perfectly into the mix . The landscape is extraordinary . The story is minimalist . Criticism is pointless . It can be about anything . And , the road goes on forever . . . Two-Lane Blacktop ( 1971 ) Monte Hellman - James Taylor , Dennis Wilson , Laurie Bird , Warren Oats
|
452,438 | 15,896,852 | 12,486 | 9 |
Jackie Coogan Cleans Up
|
Five-year-old orphan Jackie Coogan ( as Jackie Blair , " The Boy " ) arrives at New York's Ellis Island ; his father was killed in France , and his mother passed away during the voyage . United States immigration officials want to take him back , but young Coogan thwarts fate by slipping through with a family of eight . With no place to go ( but with cuteness to spare ) , Coogan tags along with grumpy old man Claude Gillingwater ( as Bill Hicks , " The Captain " ) . Desperate for lodgings , Coogan seeks to make himself useful to crusty Gillingwater ; and , his growing fondness for the boy makes increasingly difficult for Gillingwater to throw Coogan out . Coogan's late 1921 follow-up to earlier-in-the-year hits " The Kid " and " Peck's Bad Boy " owes much to the former ( Charlie Chaplin ) film . Still , " My Boy " does rate very highly on its own . First of all , Coogan is , by now , obviously a remarkable young actor . Suspicions about the five-year-old's performances owing everything to " Kid's " Chaplin and " Peck's " Sam Wood are laid firmly to rest . Coogan proves himself , herein directed by Victor Heerman and Albert Austin , an actor to be reckoned with . Coogan's characterization is incredibly natural , under the circumstances . He steers clear of the tendency to become mawkishly cloying - - the road , unfortunately , taken by many a " child star " . At this point in his career , the credit must be given to Coogan's camp ( perhaps , the boy and his father ) . " My Boy " solidified Coogan as a box office super-star . Gillingwater and Mathilde Brundage ( as Mrs . J . Montague Blair , " The Grandmother " ) provide fine support . There are ( at least ) two absolutely indispensable film sequences to watch for , in " My Boy " : The first is when Coogan gives himself a bath and shower ; his performance is wonderful . The second is when Coogan runs away from a party , after being accused of stealing a lady's purse ; the resulting cinematic poetry might have left Chaplin feeling envious . Coogan dancing to an organ-grinder's beat is almost as indelible . " My Boy " features one of the most endearing child performers in one of his best roles . My Boy ( 1921 ) Victor Heerman , Albert Austin - Jackie Coogan , Claude Gillingwater , Mathilde Brundage
|
452,935 | 15,896,852 | 133,093 | 9 |
Keanu Reeves in Wonderland
|
Insomniac computer hacker Keanu Reeves ( as Thomas " Neo " Anderson ) lives a common and interesting life . Hugo Weaving ( as Agent Smith ) tells him , " You've been living two lives . In one life , you're Thomas A . Anderson , program writer for a respectable software company . You have a social security number , pay your taxes , and you help your landlady carry out her garbage . The other life is lived in computers , where you go by the hacker alias ' Neo ' and are guilty of virtually every computer crime we have a law for . One of these lives has a future , and one of them does not . " That's a good description . Everything changes for Mr . Reeves when he is contacted by the intriguingly prophetic Laurence Fishburne ( as Morpheus ) , through seemingly supernatural leather lass Carrie-Anne Moss ( as Trinity ) . Mr . Fishburne believes Reeves just may be " The One " . Mr . Weaving captures Reeves , and tells him Fishburne is the most dangerous man alive . Reeves instinctively distrusts Weaving and , with Ms . Moss ' assistance escapes from him . Them , Reeves joins falls Through the Looking Glass , where he learns about and dreams , reality , and imagination , from the Wachowski brothers . " Unfortunately , nobody can be told what ' The Matrix ' is . You have to see it for yourself . " I watched it with great curiosity to see what would happen next . . . A stunning audio-visual achievement . The Matrix ( 1999 ) Larry & Andy Wachowski - Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving
|
452,392 | 15,896,852 | 74,708 | 9 |
The Little Prince and The Fox
|
Not the life story of James Dean , but the story of Mr . Dean and writer William Bast . This is , in fact , their ( partially veiled ) love story . Mr . Bast was Dean's " best friend " , " roommate " , and / or " confidant " for the last five years of his life . James Dean and William Bast . Were they " just good friends " for five years ? Not exactly . Bast wrote , and co-produced ; and Robert Butler directed . The production is surprisingly high quality , considering the fact that this was a 1976 " TV movie " . Frank Stanley's photography excels . It could have been a feature film . Perhaps , Bast preferred the guaranteed television audience , as a feature hinting at his sexual relationship with Dean would have been poorly received in most movie houses . Michael Brandon ( as Bast ) and Stephen McHattie ( as Dean ) are very convincing , as the young friends . It's sometimes a little difficult to determine if the " The Little Prince and The Fox " knew what they were playing with fire ; however , it seems obvious that director Butler had figured out Bast's direction . At first , it seems as if the duo's numerous lovely girlfriends are all Pier Angelis ( red herrings ) ; actually , they are realistic , and help explain the complicated Dean / Bast relationship . The female supporting cast is pretty ( and ) numerous ; Candy Clark ( as Christine White ) is one stand-out , believability-wise ; note , the real-life Ms . White appears in a small role . Watch out for a very tender " barroom " scene with Leland Palmer ( as Arlene ) , a disabled woman Dean takes for a ride . Reality sets you free . " James Dean " should have been nominated for several " Emmy " awards , especially considering the Brandon and McHattie lead performances , and the TV movie's relative production values . The film could be criticized for " holding back " ; but , it could also be praised for being able to make its points without being explicit . Emotionally , at least , " James Dean " is clear ; discerning what's left out isn't too difficult . James Dean ( / 76 ) William Bast - Michael Brandon , Stephen McHattie , Candy Clark , Leland Palmer
|
453,644 | 15,896,852 | 57,263 | 9 |
Natalie Wood Makes Good
|
This starts out being an extraordinary drama , and ends up being an excellent romantic comedy . Both are done well , although " Love with the Proper Stranger " might have been better off sticking to the dramatics . Natalie Wood ( as Angie Rossini ) and Steve McQueen ( as Rocky Papasano ) are an infectious team . As the film opens Ms . Wood is tracking Mr . McQueen down , to ask for help in obtaining an abortion . McQueen seems to have forgotten the dalliance with Wood ( blame it on the scotch ) . Watch for a brief moment when McQueen looks Wood up and down , in their first on-screen scene ; this is , perhaps , when McQueen recalls her , and the point at which he begins to " fall in love " with her character ( as the sexual attraction had already reached culmination ) . McQueen's realization is long and confused ; but , Wood visibly " falls in love " with McQueen while watching him interact with his parents . In this case , disposing with the initial sexual attraction has made the characters ' " romance " more interesting . This is difficult to play so convincingly ; and , the lead performances , along with the direction of Robert Mulligan , are award-worthy . The dramatic highlight will be obvious ; the comic highlight is the scene with Wood having dinner with Tom Bosley ( as Anthony Columbo ) ' s family . This scene works so well because it both parallels and contrasts Wood's earlier meeting with McQueen's family ( when she fell in love with him ) . Mr . Bosley heads up a strong supporting cast . Arnold Schulman's script , and the Milton R . Krasner photography , are also outstanding . The unworthy last act is disappointing , but not damning . Love with the Proper Stranger ( 1963 ) Robert Mulligan - Natalie Wood , Steve McQueen , Tom Bosley , Edie Adams
|
452,954 | 15,896,852 | 44,953 | 9 |
On Ryan's Express
|
Looking at the IMDb " Awards " link will reveal this outstanding Anthony Mann western was nominated for a single " Academy Award " , for the " Story and Screenplay " by Sam Rolfe and Harold Jack Bloom . The story ( and much about the film ) is excellent . Certainly , the writers deserved recognition for the intriguing story , and complex characters . But , to see " The Naked Spur " was NOT nominated for " Best Color Cinematography " is shocking . William Mellor's photography is truly superior . Perhaps , they felt one nomination was enough for a movie about greed . James Stewart ( as Howard Kemp ) , Janet Leigh ( as Lina Patch ) , Robert Ryan ( as Ben Vandergroat ) , Ralph Meeker ( as Roy Anderson ) , and Millard Mitchell ( as Jesse Tate ) are an outstanding Colorado quintet . With Mann and Mellor directing , the small cast appears sprawling . Of the five , Mr . Ryan's intensely malevolent " Ben " reigns supreme ; it's difficult to envision " The Naked Spur " without Ryan's psychological thorn throwing . Recipient Stewart is also at his best . The other three are great ; though , more should have been to done develop and / or explain the relationship . Leigh had / has with Ryan and Stewart ; she is underused . That , and a couple of continuity and / or editing problems may distract , slightly . We shouldn't be to be too greedy about great movies , after all . The Naked Spur ( 1953 ) Anthony Mann - James Stewart , Robert Ryan , Janet Leigh , Ralph Meeker
|
453,405 | 15,896,852 | 22,854 | 9 |
Marie Dressler Is Beautiful
|
Hefty housekeeper Marie Dressler ( as Emma ) becomes the surrogate mother to a wealthy Long Island family , after their mother dies , giving birth to Richard Cromwell ( as Ronnie ) . While helping her prepare for a well-deserved Niagara Falls vacation , family father Jean Hersholt ( as Smith ) startles Ms . Dressler by proposing marriage ; and , the trip becomes a honeymoon . Back home , only Mr . Cromwell , Dressler's favorite " son " , celebrates the marriage . The three other Smith children ( George Meeker , Myrna Loy , and Barbara Kent ) are furious ; they feel the ailing Mr . Hersholt married a mere " servant " , who will steal the family fortune . This is Marie Dressler at her sentimental best ; assisted by an apt MGM team , including Clarence Brown ( director ) , Oliver Marsh ( photographer ) , and Frances Marion ( writer ) . Dressler won a " Best Actress " Academy Award " for a previous effort , " Min and Bill " ( 1930 ) ; however , her " Emma " is a stronger characterization . This more deserved " Best Actress " nomination became the Academy Awards ' # 2 choice for the eligibility period ; in the voting , Dressler was just behind winner Helen Hayes ( in " The Sin of Madelon Claudet " ) . Dressler should have won for " Emma " , rather than " Min and Bill " . Richard Cromwell and Jean Hersholt might have been nominated as " Best Supporting Actors " ; but , the category was not introduced until 1936 ( Dressler would have likely won the award , in this category , for " Anna Christie " ) . Parts of " Emma " have not aged well , especially some of the early , yet important , scenes . But , its strengths make up for these weaknesses . Watch for the scene in which Dressler throws her ungrateful step-children out of the house . This is followed by a scene with Dressler being " haunted " by the " ghosts " of the little Smith children ; it's an extraordinarily touching " special effect " . And , it all works so well due to Dressler . Dressler is unfairly called a " scene stealer " ; most of the time , she was just very good . If you were good , you kept up with her . With material to work with , Dressler's co-stars are just as memorable . Note , how , in lesser roles , Cromwell and Hersholt compliment Dressler's " Emma " perfectly . Both Hersholt and Dressler play his " death scene " beautifully . And , Cromwell's one-word description of " Emma " is the film's most lingering . You won't forget it . Emma ( 1932 ) Clarence Brown - Marie Dressler , Richard Cromwell , Jean Hersholt , Myrna Loy
|
453,044 | 15,896,852 | 18,528 | 9 |
Lon Chaney Gets Two Thumbs Up
|
Lon Chaney ( as Alonzo the Armless ) is a criminal posing as an armless circus knife-wielder ; he amazes by throwing knives with his feet , notably at assistant Joan Crawford ( as Nanon Zanzi ) . Actually , Mr . Chaney's arms are tightly girdled to his chest ; he suffers from an obvious deformity , which would identify him to authorities - - he has two thumbs on his left hand . Evidently a victim of sex abuse , Ms . Crawford has an unusual fear of arms ; so , she rejects the advances of circus strongman Norman Kerry ( as Malabar the Mighty ) . Instead , she warms up to the armless Chaney . He mistakes Crawford's affection for love , and decides to make himself her ideal , by amputating his arms ! While Chaney recuperates , Crawford overcomes her fear , and begins to enjoy Mr . Kerry's muscular arms . When he returns , Chaney is understandably upset ? Chaney and director Tod Browning are superb in this disturbing , horrific drama . Browning builds great suspense in the wonderful ending , wherein he winds up disturbing images in your mind , and teasingly leaves them on the verge of exploding - - as usual , the horror unseen is the most unsettling . Crawford excels in one of her best early roles ; she plays falling in love with Kerry exceptionally well . Of course , no one can match Chaney ; though great throughout , his scene realizing Crawford never truly loved him is emotionally wrenching . Great character actor John George ( as Cojo ) has a fine role as Chaney's helper - - the scene where he first unwraps the girdled " Alonzo " should have your eyes glued to the screen . There appear to be some portions of " The Unknown " missing , but the amputation of footage hasn't spoiled the film . The Unknown ( 1927 ) Tod Browning - Lon Chaney , Joan Crawford , Norman Kerry , John George
|
453,345 | 15,896,852 | 29,606 | 9 |
Sunrise , Sunset
|
Perky aspiring actress Janet Gaynor ( as Esther Blodgett ) leaves her small town for Hollywood ; instead of extra work , she finds work as a waitress . Ms . Gaynor breaks dishes ; imitates Greta Garbo , Katharine Hepburn , and Mae West ; and meets alcoholic actor Fredric March ( as Norman Maine ) . Mr . March likes Gaynor's sweetness and sincerity ; he arranges a screen test for her , and the two become romantically involved . Then , Gaynor becomes Hollywood's newest star sensation ( as " Vicki Lester " ) while March ( as " Mr . Lester " ) ' s star sets . David O . Selznick's version of " What Price Hollywood ? " ( among others ) is beautifully photographed ( W . Howard Greene ) and directed ( William A . Wellman ) ; especially noteworthy are the location scenes , with its near-final " sunset " providing an excellent thematic statement . Few of Gaynor's contemporaries could have played the early scenes with the same sincerity ( which parallels her character ) . She is terrific as the naïve young star ; most importantly , she is believable as a woman who steps from obscurity to stardom . March is perfect as the eclipsed movie idol ; it would have been nice to know more about his character's history of , and reason for , drinking ( amusement is a given reason ) . Lionel Stander ( as Matt Libby ) ' s portrayal of a prickly publicist stands out , among the supporting cast ( Adolphe Menjou , May Robson , and Andy Devine ) . This film was heralded as realistic depiction of " Hollywood " stardom ; and , there are cute , clever , and realistic details throughout . Nothing too extraordinary is revealed , however . The film barely scratches the surface ; and , it is curiously more asexual than previous cinematic trips down the walk of fame ( it was affected by the " Hays Code " , no doubt ) . Still , due to its strengths , this version of " A Star Is Born " compares most favorably with subsequent versions . A Star Is Born ( 1937 ) William A . Wellman - Janet Gaynor , Fredric March , Lionel Stander , Adolphe Menjou
|
452,539 | 15,896,852 | 117,665 | 9 |
Reckless Endangerment
|
The script explains " Sleepers " as , " the street name for anyone who spent time in a juvenile facility . " This portends young children are physically abused in " reform schools " , leading to permanent psychological problems throughout life . So , " Sleepers " are physically and sexually abused young children . Those afflicted , herein at the " Wilkinson Home for Boys " , are four childhood friends , from New York's " Hell's Kitchen " : Joe Perrino and Jason Patric ( as Lorenzo " Shakes " Carcaterra ) , Brad Renfro and Brad Pitt ( as Michael Sullivan ) , Jonathan Tucker and Billy Crudup ( as Thomas Marcano ) , and Geoffrey Wigdor and Ron Eldard ( as John Reilly ) . The eight actors are well-cast ; and , their work is extraordinary . Mr . Perrino essays , arguably , the octet's greatest performance ; the film is centered around his stinging , sensitive characterization . Unfortunately , the story unravels , during the second half of the film . A serious topic is bowdlerized by an increasingly implausible set of circumstances . Without giving anything away ( after all , this is still a great film ) , note that social worker Minnie Driver ( as Carol Martinez ) sums up the film's ideological shortcomings with the line , " What is this , a gay bar ? " The line , and the actors ' lack of traumatized reaction , helps separate being " gay " from the sadistic homosexual pedophile portrayed by Kevin Bacon ( as Sean Nokes ) . For the clearest delineation of the " Sean Nokes " character , note Mr . Bacon's eyes as he watches Perrino undress . The subtle " homophobia " , and " immoral " act committed by the killers ' Priest ( and " friend " ) Robert De Niro ( as Father Bobby ) , will unsettle many viewers . Still , director Barry Levinson , and novelist Lorenzo Carcaterra , should be commended for shining light on topics too often regulated to the dark . The single " Academy Award " nomination , for John Williams ' always excellent music , is shocking . The film contains at least five performances worthy of a " Best Supporting Actor " Oscar ; perhaps , with so many in contention , it was easier to simply move on . In addition to those mentioned above , you have alcoholic lawyer Dustin Hoffman ( as Danny Snyder ) , kindly mobster Vittorio Gassman ( as King Benny ) , and Terry Kinney ( as Ralph Ferguson ) . Mr . Kinney's witness stand meltdown is most amazing . Stu Linder's editing , Timothy Galvin's art direction , and Beth Rubino's set direction are also award worthy . It's hard to believe five films topped the Gavin / Rubino work on " Sleepers " . Set in the late 1960s , the first part of " Sleepers " ( forgiving the fact that the lads would not have been listening to Donovan's " Hurdy Gurdy Man " in 1967 ) is a fantastic film : Sleepers ( 1996 ) Barry Levinson - Joseph Perrino , Brad Renfro , Jonathan Tucker , Geoffrey Wigdor Set in the early 1980s , the second part falters in storyline ; but , it's still an excellent movie : Sleepers ( 1996 ) Barry Levinson - Jason Patric , Brad Pitt , Robert De Niro , Dustin HoffmanAveraging out to a still well above average : Sleepers ( 1996 ) Barry Levinson - Joseph Perrino , Jason Patric , Kevin Bacon , Brad Pitt
|
453,082 | 15,896,852 | 20,768 | 9 |
Silence Is Golden for F . W . Murnau and Charles Farrell
|
Minnesota country boy Charles Farrell ( as Lem ) goes to Chicago , to sell the family's wheat harvest . In the hectic city , he meets pretty coffee shop waitress Mary Duncan ( as Kate ) , who longs for the simple life . The attractive pair fall blissfully in love . After marrying Ms . Duncan , Mr . Farrell takes her home to live with his country family . But , father David Torrence ( as Tustine ) distrusts the " City Girl " , and is angry with his son for selling his wheat at an inferior price . A stern patriarch , Mr . Torrence drives a wedge between the happy couple . To make matters worse , Duncan becomes prey for some arriving reapers ? This is another stunner from director F . W . Murnau ( " Sunrise " ) , who would so tragically die in a car accident ( after only one more film ) . " City Girl " was produced by Mr . Murnau as a " silent " ( " Our Daily Bread " ) ; but , Fox Films recalled the movie , and turned it into a " talkie " . At the time , Farrell's name was rising to the upper reaches of " Box Office " star lists , but , truth be told , only Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo still had the power to draw audiences to a silent movie ( and , even that was fading ) . With re-shoots , a partially talking " City Girl " was seen briefly , and forgotten . The unearthed full length silent version was , thankfully , preserved . It is a near-perfect film . Farrell , who many felt deserves some " Best Actor " recognition fro his role in " 7th Heaven " , outdoes himself . Murnau , photographer Ernest Palmer , set director Harry Oliver are also award-worthy . Although she looks too startlingly glamorous in the country portions , Duncan is hot in the city . No wonder leering Richard Alexander ( as Mac ) couldn't keep his hands off her . The entire cast performs splendidly , right down to David Rollins giving Duncan lift at work . Sequences to re-play ( if not the whole movie ) : Farrell walking the crowded city streets , Duncan in her apartment ( where she blows the city dust off her suffocating plant ) , the couple's ecstatic run through his father's wheat fields , the arrival of grinning Guinn Williams and the reapers , and their harvesting scenes . Murnau's direction of the horse-driven wagons is especially spectacular . The lighting is brilliant throughout . City Girl ( / 30 ) F . W . Murnau - Charles Farrell , Mary Duncan , David Torrence , Richard Alexander
|
452,452 | 15,896,852 | 71,647 | 9 |
What Happens When We Run Out
|
A group of research scientists based at an Idaho facility discovers a means to travel forward in time , whilst remaining at the same locale . When one of the group's trips reveals a bleak future for the human race , the government steps in to shut down their research . The researchers decide to travel forward in time to find the cause of the horrible accident that apparently will ruin the ecology and threaten the very existence of man , according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Actually , the research scientists send young people to the future , to study the discovered ecological crisis ; and , the young men and women contemplate starting a futuristic civilization there . Watch for the lead actress Kelly Bohanan ( as Karen ) visit the dentist early in the running time ; she emerges as the film's main character . Without her metallic dental braces , Ms . Bohanan is able to join sister Caroline Hildebrand ( as Isa ) in time traveling exploration . Ms . Hildebrand and sister Bohanan nonchalantly take off their pants for the camera ; because , anything with metal ( like zippers or buttons ) must be put in the " Material Projection Department " for time travel . The women are very attractive , but nothing is gratuitous . The first scene with Hildebrand explains the rules of time travel to Bohanan is where the film first grabs you . It is absolutely ludicrous : two hippie-type women explaining time trip rules , in their underwear ; but , it is also absolutely believable . " Idaho Transfer " succeeds , at this " guidelines for travel " moment , because you are ( or should be ) putting your trust in the young travelers . It's obviously going to be a very unusual movie . Most of the characters ' dialogue helps explain events ; still , it's not always clear what is happening , or where . And , yet , the movie is never dishonest . Director Peter Fonda and writer Thomas Matthiesen create a very captivating , thought-provoking world , with its own rules . Mr . Fonda should consider directing more often ; and , with the so often neglected type of performances from this cast . Kevin Hearst ( as Ronald ) emerges as Bohanan's " leading man " ; and , Keith Carradine is most notable among the other players . Although Fonda undoubtedly guided them , it's surprising so few in the cast achieved later fame , especially Bohanan . The character " Karen " is where you will find the real story ; it's in her almost constant longing for a child . Bohanan's face , and Fonda's camera , capture the desire frequently . And , of course , it is not an easy prospect . " Ronald " may be homosexual and / or asexual , along with others . Although it is discussed , you won't see sex . The desire for children symbolizes hope for the future , which may not be likely , in this world . Instead , industry eats up , and ruins things , like the derelict car " Karen " and " Ronald " find . And , literally , the train Mr . Hearst discovers has " eaten " its skeletal passengers . The ending is a perfect culmination of events . The ecological and environmental issues addressed in " Idaho Transfer " were certainly ahead of the curve . Idaho Transfer ( 1973 ) Peter Fonda - Kelly Bohanan , Kevin Hearst , Keith Carradine , Caroline Hildebrand
|
452,495 | 15,896,852 | 36,098 | 9 |
A Boy and His Dog
|
Lassie makes a remarkable screen debut . Under the guidance of trainer Rudd Weatherwax , the dog will become one of the most popular and enduring animal " stars " ever . It's easy to see why , in " Lassie Come Home " . The collie , and its descendants , performed this basic role for some decades to come . When the story begins , Lassie must be sold , by the poor Carracloughs : father Donald Crisp , mother Elsa Lancaster , and their boy Roddy McDowall . Mr . Crisp loses his job , and can't afford to keep the pet . Though Lassie is sold , his real emotional " owner " is the boy Joe , played by Mr . McDowall . McDowall's performance is great , and the others are no less than competent . The MGM color cinematography is gorgeous , and the story understandably sentimental . Interestingly , Elizabeth Taylor appears in her second film role ; she will become Lassie's owner for the third series film , " Courage of Lassie " ( 1946 ) . If " Lassie , Come Home " doesn't raise some emotion in you , may not be human . Lassie Come Home ( 1943 ) Fred M . Wilcox - Roddy McDowall , Donald Crisp , Elizabeth Taylor , May Witty
|
453,437 | 15,896,852 | 16,220 | 9 |
Unmasking Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera
|
A Paris opera house is seemingly haunted by a " Phantom " ; he ( who is Lon Chaney ) guides beautiful singer Christine Daaeto ( Mary Philbin ) to fame , from his hidden lair , in the bowels of the opera palace . After knocking off some competition , Mr . Chaney puts opera star Philbin in a hypnotic state , and takes her to his underground domain ( five cellars down ) ; there , Philbin comes to her senses , and seems terrified . Chaney professes his undying love , but Philbin wants none of it ; she is engaged to Norman Kerry ( as Raoul ) . " The Phantom of the Opera " does not start off very well - - there are some dance sequences , followed by a man with a disembodied head , who pops through floors . Events do not seem to be fully explained . Mainly , try to accept the hypnotic " hold " Chaney has over Philbin , and stick with the story as he takes her down to his underground chambers . " Feast your eyes - - glut your soul , on my accursed ugliness ! " The scene where Chaney's Phantom gets unmasked is extraordinary . Then , the " Bal Masque de l'Opera " occurs , in early color ; it looks very good , and Chaney attends . Watch for the fallen chandelier to appear amazingly repaired , and reattached , for a later Philbin solo ! The scenes with Chaney are worth waiting for ; the ending exciting , and the sets magnificent . The Phantom of the Opera ( 1925 ) Rupert Julian - Lon Chaney , Mary Philbin , Norman Kerry , Arthur Carewe
|
452,570 | 15,896,852 | 7,433 | 9 |
Vernon and Swanson Make a Keystone Klassic
|
Bobby Vernon ( as Robert Knight ) is a fickle-hearted youth . His girlfriend Gloria Swanson ( as Gloria Dawn ) lives down the hall with her dog Teddy ( a Great Dane ) . Ms . Swanson's guardian is rascally Wallace Berry ( as Henry Black ) ; he is also in charge of Mr . Vernon's estate , which he is stealing from . In order to protect , and enhance , his stolen wealth , Mr . Berry plots with buxom sister May Emory - - the two agree Ms . Emory will lure the unsuspecting Vernon into marriage . Vernon excels in this film ; particularly , watch his performance when proposing to Emory - - his expressions , and word-perfect reading , make him easily understood . It's a great scene . Vernon's dance at the hotel ( again , with Emory ) is another highlight . Swanson and Berry ( who married in real life ) are terrific , as well . The production is first rate , including a beautifully photographed storm , and an exciting comic climax . Hang on as Vernon and Teddy take a bicycle to rescue Swanson from an approaching train ! Teddy at the Throttle ( 1917 ) Clarence G . Badger - Bobby Vernon , Gloria Swanson , Wallace Berry , May Emory
|
452,630 | 15,896,852 | 40,427 | 9 |
Down in the Sewer
|
He Walked by Night ( 1948 ) Alfred Werker , Anthony Mann - Richard Basehart , Scott Brady , Roy RobertsBurglar Richard Basehart ( as Roy Morgan ) is attempting to rob a radio shop , when he is interrupted by off-duty policeman John McGuire ( as Robert Rawlins ) , who just happens to be driving by , on his way home . When the suspicious officer asks to see some identification , Mr . Basehart shows him the barrel his gun . Soon , cop-killer Basehart is being perused by Scott Brady ( as Marty Brennan ) and the Los Angeles Police Department . Basehart proves himself to be a quite resourceful ; notably ; he uses the city's sewers as an escape route ? With masterful use of light and shadows , from cinematographer John Alton , " He Walked by Night " is one of the most visually striking films of the 1940s . Basehart's psychotic star performance is also award-worthy ; especially , after witnessing his character operate on himself , in close-up , to remove a bullet . The supporting cast is a treasure trove , among them : Roy Roberts as the determined police captain , Dorothy Adams as the loony lady on Brady's milk run , Whit Bissell as Basehart's bookish friend , Billy Mauch as the mugging head of a teen gang , and Jack Webb learning how to make " Dragnet " a west coast version of " The Naked City " . And , that's not all ; read the extended cast list on IMDb before watching , so you don't miss anyone !
|
453,000 | 15,896,852 | 12,190 | 9 |
Last Tango in Paris
|
Europe is " a world old in hatred and bloodshed , where nation is crowded against nation and creed against creed , centuries of war have sown their bitter seed , and the fires of resentment smoldering beneath the crust of civilization but await the breaking of the Seven Seals of Prophecy to start a mighty conflagration . " But , in the Americas , " boundless space offers a haven to the alien , and ancient hatreds are forgotten . " In the " New World " , Pomeroy Cannon ( as Madariaga ) and his family thrive . Mr . Cannon's eldest daughter Bridgetta Clark ( as Luisa ) marries German Alan Hale ( as Karl von Hartrott ) , and they have three sons . Youngest daughter Mabel Van Buren ( as Elena ) marries French Josef Swickard ( as Marcelo Desnoyers ) , and they sire son Rudolph Valentino ( as Julio Desnoyers ) and daughter Virginia Warwick ( as Chichi ) . From the preceding family of characters , you should pay relatively close attention to Mr . Valentino's " Julio " and Mr . Swickard's " Desnoyers " , who emerge as two of the drama's three leading players ; they are patriarch Cannon's favorite grandson and son , respectively . When the old man dies , the sisters ' families move back to their husbands ' home countries of Germany and France . Valentino studies art , thrills the French with his " Argentine Tango " , and begins an affair with married woman Alice Terry ( as Marguerite Laurier ) . Ms . Terry , wife of director Rex Ingram , is the third player of prominence . Several supporting players stand out ; perhaps none more than two men Valentino becomes acquainted with , in France : servile companion Bowditch M . Turner ( as Argensola ) and mysterious " man upstairs " ( hint , hint ! ) Nigel de Brulier ( as Tchernoff ) . Eventually , events culminate into " The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse " fulfilling its promise ; it becomes a story of The Great War ( aka World War I ) . Ibáñez ( and adapter June Mathis ) ' " Four Horsemen " are : Conquest , War , Pestilence , and Death . The war scenes are exciting . In a great crosscutting sequence , Valentino throws Mr . Turner out of the apartment , so he can " entertain " Terry . Due to a downpour , Turner goes upstairs to visit with mysterious Mr . de Brulier , who cuts into the forbidden fruit of an apple , while Valentino ( off screen ) similarly removes Terry's " beautiful covering " and " cloak of virtue . " No sexual relations are shown , but director Ingram clearly makes his point . And , all of this occurs as the Great War erupts . The film's overall thesis is unsteady , at times ; and , there are little things ( like animals ) to distract - - does nurse Terry's husband fail to recognize her voice ? Award-worthy Valentino and Terry speak French in France , by the way - - regardé , for example , " Oui " for " Yes " . " The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse " is a triumph for Mr . Ingram , photographer John F . Seitzand , and company . Despite some flaws , it's an indispensable film . The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ( 1921 ) Rex Ingram - Rudolph Valentino , Alice Terry , Josef Swickard , Alan Hale
|
452,805 | 15,896,852 | 49,096 | 9 |
Flagon with a Dragon
|
The Court Jester is an obvious film - - it's witty , colorful , and adventurous . It not only works as fine example of the Medieval era film , but is also a spoof of the genre . Norman Panama and Melvin Frank wrote , produced , and directed ; with brilliant style , and cohesiveness . Danny Kaye fits the title role like a glove ; and , additional archetypal characterizations are highlighted by Basil Rathbone ( as Sir Ravenhurst ) and Mildred Natwick ( as Griselda ) . The latter provides Mr . Kaye with the unforgettable advice , " The pellet with the poison's in the flagon with the dragon ; the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true . " Just remember that .
|
453,656 | 15,896,852 | 64,285 | 9 |
A Victory for Truffaut
|
An absolutely enthralling film , based on the true story of a real-life boy " Tarzan " . Discovered in a French Aveyron forest , in the late 1700s , " The Wild Child " was considered to be a deaf and dumb savage . But , young doctor Jean Itard ( played by director Francois Truffaut ) believes he can " civilize " the child . With tentative permission from the child's guardian " Institute for the Deaf and Dumb " , Dr . Itard takes the savage boy into his home . Itard becomes the child's teacher and , ultimately , surrogate parent . Housekeeper Françoise Seigner adds some expert motherly affection . Itard symbolically names the boy " Victor " due to his preference for the ending " O " sound . Director / writer / co-star Truffaut's " L ' Infant sauvage " is a minor masterpiece . It's beautifully photographed ( by Nestor Almendros ) , thought-provoking , and emotionally captivating . The ending events are , in fact , an emotional roller-coaster . Truffaut elicits a tremendous performance from Jean-Pierre Cargol as the savage young Victor . A great film for parents , teachers , and children ( which means , of course , everyone ) . L ' Infant sauvage ( 1970 ) François Truffaut - Jean-Pierre Cargol , François Truffaut , Françoise Seigner , Jean Dasté
|
452,891 | 15,896,852 | 62,376 | 9 |
Sidney Poitier's Defining Role
|
Sidney Poitier ( as Mark Thackeray ) wants to be an engineer , but finds jobs scarce ; so , he takes a job teaching a group of unmanageable East End London secondary ( high ) school students . The inexperienced Mr . Poitier has no control in the classroom . With only a few weeks before graduation , he decides to teach discipline and respect . Poitier's biggest classroom problem is rebellious youth Christian Roberts ( as Denham ) . He also has to deal with pretty blonde Judy Geeson ( as Pamela ) , who develops a " schoolgirl crush " on her handsome black teacher . Poitier doesn't seem to be doing much academic teaching ; but , with only a few weeks to go , he makes some instinctive , wise decisions . As the students ' " newest replacement " , he must start with extensive classroom management . Mostly , the students like to dance and smoke cigarettes . But , through the young cast's performances , and their scripted background , you believe they are worse than they appear on film . The film is a simplistic representation . Poitier's dignified characterization is superb . As " Mr . Thackeray " , he handles societal racism with quiet reservation . Thackeray does not verbalize any racial " blame " for his 18-month failure to find an engineering job . He grins sweetly when the ladies on the bus hint about his sexual prowess . He does not respond to the cynical teacher's bait . And , he responds with non-sensual sincerity to the film's interested blondes . More than anything , Thackeray values courtesy , which is evidenced by his first " tantrum " . Thatcher is a man of polite manners , who values respect . He demands the students call him " Sir " . Poitier's command for respect works not only with the students , but also with the audience . Poitier cuts through the film , and demands the same respect from the audience . You call him SIR ! So , the " lesson " achieves the unexpected - - both Thackeray and Poitier are successful with their audience . The audience responded by making Poitier a " Box Office " superstar . It was the right message , the right time , and the right man . Director James Clavell and the Lulu-sung title song are also outstanding . Most movie award organizations favored Poitier's two successive 1967 films . But , " To Sir , with Love " did very well with the " Film Daily " critics : " To Sir , with Love " was the year's # 4 Film , and # 1 song . Poitier was the # 3 " Best Actor " ( one better than his " In the Heat of the Night " role ) , Christian Roberts was " Juvenile Actor " # 2 , and Judy Geeson won as # 1 " Juvenile Actress " . To Sir , with Love ( 1967 ) James Clavell - Sidney Poitier , Christian Roberts , Judy Geeson , Lulu
|
453,108 | 15,896,852 | 94,336 | 9 |
Mr . Robinson , Are You Trying to Seduce Me ?
|
Possibly , this is a story about moving on from a friendship , potentially sexual , which is going nowhere , due to the inability of one of the friends to overcome addiction , and function in an unwelcome world . So , " Withnail & I " is a little too vague its dramatic intentions ; but , the obliqueness does wind up mirroring Withnail's character . It gives the film a ( perhaps unintentional ) eerie quality ; it's as difficult to completely grasp what's going on beneath the surface as it is for " Withnail & I " to figure out how to exist in reality . The " Hamlet " ending is great ; but , before that , some final sequences seem abrupt . Parting is such sweet sorrow . The film's comedic worth is considerable ; it's extremely witty . Bleary-eyed Richard E . Grant ( as " Withnail " ) and bright-eyed Paul McGann ( as " I " ) create exceptional , memorable characterizations . Richard Griffiths ( as " Monty " ) manages to play the " gay joke " without becoming too offensive ; saved , again , by an exceptional script . Ironically , director / writer Bruce Robinson delivers to die for roles to two actors playing desperately unemployed actors . Mr . Robinson's script is superb - - and ; it's one reason you should plan to watch this film twice . Withnail & I ( 1987 ) Bruce Robinson - Richard E . Grant , Paul McGann , Richard Griffiths , Ralph Brown
|
452,484 | 15,896,852 | 55,718 | 9 |
You Must Visit " 13 West Street "
|
I was very surprised with " 13 West Street " . I found it both believable , and well-performed . It's amazing to see Alan Ladd's character correctly identify his as a " hate " crime . The way the director makes us ( and the characters ) think all teenagers are members of the five who attacked Mr . Ladd was nicely done . The successful older man coming to terms , perhaps , with his increasing vulnerability is a great film subject . Ladd seems to understand this , and it becomes part of his performance . His physicality ( whatever real health concerns he is having ) is successfully incorporated into his performance . Ladd's younger " trophy " wife really cares for him , and is unsure how to handle the unfolding events . Rod Steiger is great as the police detective assigned to the case - - watch how he turns over the newspaper when he confront the bartender . There are a lot of nice little touches like that - - from the director and / or performers ? watch all their little mannerisms ; they all fit the characters , and add to the believability . There are more unexpected , and riveting , events . Are they implausible ? In a 1962 film , perhaps they seemed so , but the decade ended with crimes and criminals significantly more " implausible " . Accepting the situation is believable , there are some flaws which keep this from being a perfect film . I would have preferred " Chuck " to be a Charles Manson-type psycho , and could have done without the " Teenage Terror " angle . There are also some necessary " budget " restrictions . They made the absolute most out of the budget they had , though . Highly recommended ! 13 West Street ( 1962 ) Philip Leacock - Alan Ladd , Rod Steiger , Michael Callan , Dolores Dorn
|
453,292 | 15,896,852 | 40,308 | 9 |
Steppin ' Out with Fred Astaire , Judy Garland , and Ann Miller
|
Fred Astaire has an argument with his dancing partner and girlfriend , Ann Miller . Mr . Astaire believes he's the whole act , and Ms . Miller can be easily replaced . Astaire randomly picks Judy Garland to replace Miller . Peter Lawford is around to make the threesome a foursome , when necessary . Believe it or not , Ms . Garland turns out to be a great star , and becomes romantically interested in her mentor . . . This is really a collection of instant classics , strung together in a silly story . However , the performances are so indispensable , the story hardly matters . Among the terrific : " Drum Crazy " , " Shakin ' the Blues Away " , " Steppin ' Out with My Baby " , " A Couple of Swells " , and " Easter Parade " . That's entertainment . Easter Parade ( 1948 ) Charles Walters - Fred Astaire , Judy Garland , Ann Miller , Peter Lawford
|
452,947 | 15,896,852 | 94,315 | 9 |
Swan Songs
|
Patient , kind Lillian Gish ( as Sarah Webber ) and contrary , cantankerous Bette Davis ( as Libby Strong ) are two aging sisters ; who spend what is likely to be their last summer together , arguing about their limited future . Ms . Gish wants to have a " picture window " built for the house ; but , the blind Ms . Davis thinks not . Gish awaits the annual appearance of " The Whales of August " , and Davis reminisces , instead , about " The Swans " . Nothing overtly extraordinary happens . There are no picture windows , whales , or swans . Beneath the surface , Gish is a romantic dreamer , and Davis is sad and wise . These qualities , and the sisters ' love for each other , are demonstrated by the actress ' remarkably delicate performances , David Berry's subtle script , and Lindsay Anderson's steady direction . Vincent Price , Ann Sothern , and Harry Carey Jr . are a great supporting cast . Gish's name was a curious omission from the " Academy Award " list of nominations ; the " National Board " hedged its bets with a special lifetime achievement award ; but , Gish won their " Best Actress " award anyway . Davis ' performance was also award worthy . You may ache for the film to be technically better , or more " dramatic " ; but , you will never again see the constellation of stars within . The Whales of August ( 1987 ) Lindsay Anderson - Lillian Gish , Bette Davis , Vincent Price , Ann Sothern
|
453,678 | 15,896,852 | 10,193 | 9 |
Robert Harron's Last Hurrah
|
In the valley of Silver Waters , a peddler family has parked their wagon . " Little Nellie " ventures out into the woods , and unexpectedly witnesses a horrific crime - Martin Cain and his wife ( George Nichols and Josephine Crowell ) are raging against a poor immigrant woman they have obviously employed ; and , they inadvertently kill the woman . The violent act becomes a repressed memory for little Nellie . Ten years later , Lillian Gish ( as the grown up Nellie Jarvis ) is , once again , traveling through Silver Waters , with her ailing , widowed mother . After her mother dies ( " A life flowing out to mysterious uncharted seas . " ) , Ms . Gish meets Robert Harron ( as Jimmie Hilton ) , who lives nearby , with his poverty-stricken family . Mr . Harron's family helps Gish bury her mother ; and , with nowhere to go , she accepts their invitation to stay ? Harron is attracted to Gish ; and , they become inseparable . Harron's father George Fawcett ( as Robert Hilton ) is unable to work , due to disability . Precognizant mother Eugenie Besserer ( as Mrs . Hilton ) sees her favorite son Ralph Graves ( as John Hilton ) off to war , believing she will never see him again . To help out her financially strapped surrogate family , Gish seeks employment with Mr . and Mrs . Cain ; the memory of their evil deed is still repressed . Harron kisses Gish goodbye ; then , she moves in with the wicked Cains ? " The Greatest Question " is most notable as Robert Harron's last film ; he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on September 5 , 1920 . When Harron died ( " A life flowing out to mysterious uncharted seas . " ) , this film was still being widely exhibited . And , it's a representative role - the " boy next door " he played so well for director D . W . Griffith . Harron is charming and natural , in the role of Jimmie Hilton . His reflective look at Gish's departure , from behind his fence , is just what Gish was longing for in " True Heart Susie " ( 1919 ) . Robert Harron was one of the finest actor of his time ; his record of performances , and acting style , portended a great career in the coming decades . In hindsight , he looks like one of the few silent performers certain to make a natural transition to sound film performances . At the time of his death , Harron had signed with Metro , where he worked on an unavailable film . There seems to be some controversy about whether or not Harron committed suicide ; if so , it could not have been due to an ongoing rivalry with actor Richard Barthelmess , over roles offered by director D . W . Griffith . By the time Harron died , both actors had left Griffith's company ; and , they remained friendly enough to attend the New York première of " Way Down East " ( 1920 ) . Ironically , " The Greatest Question " is about death ; and , Harron had a relatively unknown friend in New York , at that time , to attend the same " Way Down East " premiere - the soon famous , and also short-lived , Rudolph Valentino . The Greatest Question ( / 19 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Robert Harron , Ralph Graves , Eugenie Besserer
|
453,428 | 15,896,852 | 27,532 | 9 |
Mr . and Mrs . Dodsworth at Odds
|
Walter Huston ( as Sam Dodsworth ) and Ruth Chatterton ( as his wife , Fran ) are beginning their wedded " golden years " by taking a trip to Europe , as their daughter begins her own marriage . It's fairly obvious , early on , that Mr . Dodsworth loves Mrs . Dodsworth ; and , probably , he feels the European trip will enable the married couple to renew their relationship - - and grow closer , before growing old , together . It is also very clear , early on , that Mrs . Dodsworth is not " on board " ; in fact , her behavior is startlingly selfish and destructive . Mr . Huston and Ms . Chatterton perform very well as the Dodsworths . " Dodsworth " is a film to watch for performances , and they are very effective . Their characterizations are full enough for viewers to get an ever clearer picture of the Dodsworth marriage , as the film progresses . Chatterton , of course , participates in the unraveling , while Huston works for preserving of their marriage . Fran Dodsworth is a complicated part ; and , it is certainly a most unflattering choice of role for an actress in the 1930s - - this is probably a courageous role for Ruth Chatterton to accept , for the time . Of the supporting players , Mary Astor stands out as Mr . Huston's potential " other woman " - - the scene where Chatterton and Ms . Astor meet should not be missed ; watch the two actress ' faces and listen to the tone of their voices , for an extremely well-acted scene . William Wyler expertly directed the drama . Dodsworth ( 1936 ) William Wyler - Walter Huston , Ruth Chatterton , Mary Astor , David Niven
|
452,896 | 15,896,852 | 55,830 | 9 |
Rage Against the Dying of the Light
|
Carnival of Souls ( 1962 ) Herk Harvey - Candace Hilligoss , Herk Harvey , Sidney Berger , Frances Feist " A young woman apparently survives a drag race accident that had the car she was in toppling off of a bridge and into the river below . Unfazed by this experience , the woman heads off across country to her new job as a church organist . Experiencing strange things along her trip and also when she arrives at her new home , the woman begins to suspect the accident was not as it appears , " according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis . Actually , Candace Hilligoss ( as Mary Henry ) appears unwashed , and somewhat slightly dazed , after the accident . Ms . Hilligoss is imaginatively guided through the atmospherically startling , but never gruesomely horrifying , " Carnival of Souls " . Herk Harvey's film is a lesson in minimalist poetry . The director and photographer Maurice Prather give each scene a stark , simple beauty . Hilligoss ' first visit to the ghostly pavilion cements the film as divine ; it's one gorgeous shot after another . Some of the supporting players hit a sour note , but sleazy Sidney Berger ( as Mr . Linden ) , and director Harvey ( as Ghoul # 1 ) are just right . A miraculously moody piece .
|
453,438 | 15,896,852 | 5,955 | 9 |
Once Upon a Midnight Dreary
|
Henry B . Walthall was , by 1915 , one of the most celebrated actors on the motion picture screen ; when " The Raven " was released , his stock was very high ; and , watching his performance as Edgar Allen Poe illustrates why . Working with Director Charles Brabin , Mr . Walthall literally becomes Poe . In the actor's introduction , a portrait of Poe is replaced a with a close-up of Walthall's characterization . From then on , you believe the actor is Edgar Allen Poe ; judging from Poe's well-known images , there is a convenient resemblance , as well . I may always think of Poe as Walthall . Warda Howard co-stars as the women in Poe's life : Virginia Clemm , Helen Whitman , and their fantasized poetic counterpart ( s ) . Filmmakers decided Ms . Howard would play each of Poe's female interests ; and , it was a wise artistic decision . Howard handles the difficult assignment well ; I especially enjoyed her marvelous expressions as Walthall and his rotund chum Harry Dunkinson ( as Tony ) vie for her affection . On with the motley - - this is a biography of Poe . Considering the usual sanitization of the genre , and the era released ; it's exceptionally well done . Poe is characterized as a romantic writer , with a fondness for drink - - who would have guessed ? The story events seem digested , but accurate . The Poem is referenced , and the ending foreshadowed , with several images during the movie ; a favorite , the caged bird , in background , by a window . Brabin's use of several delirious superimposed visions are disturbingly well done , and effectively compliment the story . The highlight is the ending , when Mr . Walthall acts out Poe's expiration , while a reading of " The Raven " takes place on the title cards . Don't miss the bird ! Walthall had just been seen in the Poe-inspired " The Avenging Conscience " ( 1914 ) , the nightmarish " Ghosts " ( 1915 ) , and the epic " Birth of a Nation " . His Poe credentials stretched way back to Griffith's " The Sealed Room " ( 1909 ) . If Best Actor awards were given in 1915 , Walthall would certainly have one . He is terrific - - and , " The Raven " is a biography like no other . The Raven ( 1915 ) Charles Brabin - Henry B . Walthall , Warda Howard , Harry Dunkinson , Ernest Maupain
|
453,383 | 15,896,852 | 52,561 | 10 |
A Great Anatomy
|
The performances in this film are enthralling . Mr . Stewart carries the greatest weight , but everyone is fantastic . Each character has a subtle interest / need , which just captivated me . As the film begins , we see Lawyer Stewart's less-than-perfect dwelling , which includes an unpaid secretary and a drunken law partner . Ms . Remick arrives to seductively request Lawyer Stewart represent her husband , who she says has been jailed for murdering her rapist . Watch how Stewart evaluates her performance . Would you take this case ? I can't say more ! It's difficult to say something ( or , something new ) about a film so great since it has not been seen by every reader here . . . I think it's interesting to consider : each of the characters NEEDS something . . . watch them , as they watch each other , evaluate these needs . Their needs are often selfish . The movie says something about the law , and life . Don't think it's pretty . Director Otto Preminger and this ensemble were never better . Anatomy of a Murder ( 1959 ) Otto Preminger - James Stewart , Lee Remick , Ben Gazzara , Arthur O'Connell
|
452,587 | 15,896,852 | 405,159 | 10 |
Clint Eastwood as " Frankie " Goes to Hollywood with Swank and Rope Burns
|
' I don't train girls , ' trainer Frankie Dunn growls . But something's different about the spirited boxing hopeful who shows up daily at Dunn's gym . All she wants is a fighting chance . Clint Eastwood plays Dunn and directs , produces and composes music for this acclaimed , multi-award-winning tale of heart , hope and family . Hilary Swank plays resilient Maggie , determined not to abandon her one dream . And Morgan Freeman is Scrap , gym caretaker and counterpoint to Dunn's crustiness . Grab your dreams and come out swinging . ' Million Dollar Baby ' is an absolute knockout . Clint Eastwood Hits the Nail on the Head . I expected this film to be a " feminist " version of the traditional male-dominated " boxing movie " . It opens with a realistic depiction of the kind of physical damage boxing causes - so , I thought , are they going to show Q-Tips being shoved into the bloody , slit open face of movie star Hillary Swank ? I thought not ? Although Ms . Swank does not suffer a wound like the one in the introduction , " Million Dollar Baby " does not skirt this issue . The film is as realistic as they come . Swank is amazing , absolutely earning her many " Best Actress " honors . " She grew up knowing one thing , she was trash . " Auteur Eastwood is even more incredible - as producer , director , star , and composer . He uses his years of film-making experience wisely , and does not let one role interfere with another . The goal of a superior film is achieved , with generosity rather than egotism in evidence . " Million Dollar Baby " is , also , the crowning achievement of the " Eastwood style " . The lighting is exquisite . The film is quiet when it should be quiet , and noisy when it should be NOISY . The harder-to-manage " quietness " is expertly handled . The film is beautiful without being loud - it's starkly beautiful . Eastwood allows his audience to become a part of this movie . Morgan Freeman gives one of filmdom's all-time " Best Supporting Actor " performances . His character's narration gives the film poetry . Narration is one of the easiest techniques to administer , but one of the hardest to muster convincingly ; Mr . Freeman's is most convincing . And , Freeman's more subtle counterpoint story - his relationship with slow-witted Jay Baruchel ( as Danger " Flip " Barch ) - gives the film hope . Mr . Baruchel might have won a " Best Supporting the Best Supporting Actor " award ( as of this writing , not introduced ) . " Boxing is about respect - getting it for yourself and taking it away from the other guy . " " Million Dollar Baby " is about loving , non-sexual and non-familial relationships ( count the number of sexually involved " couples " in this film ) , and how very important these relationships are to our lives , and dreams . " Somewhere between nowhere and goodbye , " Eastwood echoes Lloyd Price , " Just because you left and said goodbye , do you think that I will sit and cry ? Even if my heart should tell me so , darling I would rather let you go . . . " Million Dollar Baby ( 2004 ) Clint Eastwood - Clint Eastwood , Hilary Swank , Morgan Freeman , Jay Baruchel
|
453,041 | 15,896,852 | 246,578 | 10 |
The Sky Is Falling ! The Sky Is Falling ! ( Don't Go in the Basement , Donnie ? )
|
This is " an edgy , psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face with his dark destiny , " according to the promotional verbiage for the film , starring Jake Gyllenhaal as " a delusional high school student visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past and deadly predictions for the future . " This description hardly scratches the surface of " Donnie Darko " . While watching the film , to enjoy a quirky , satisfying thriller , you may get the impression may be watching something more meaningful . You are . Repeated viewings ( recommended ) will reveal completely different films . Writer / director Richard Kelly creates more than a movie monster . " Donnie Darko " is an multi-layered , inspirational , and beautifully produced work . Most obviously , it is superbly written and directed . Mr . Kelly , who really pulls a rabbit out of his hat , should have received an " Academy Award " , along with several members of his crew ; perhaps , the film's more " independent " status was an obstacle . The cast is exceptional , from Mr . Gyllenhaal's central role , to the many supporting characterizations , right down to the smallest players . This film is full of memorable characters , arriving on the screen for a variety of reasons , and for various lengths of time , to serve a defined purpose . They're all jewels . The film is set in Middlesex , Suburbia , during 1988 . Forget April , for the Darko family , October is the cruelest month . Gyllenhaal is a kid held back in high school , for burning down a house . Presently , Gyllenhaal is a disturbed sleepwalker , who is not taking his medication ; perhaps , intuitively , he knows it wouldn't make any difference . Gyllenhaal lives with mother Mary McDonnell ( as Rose Darko ) , father Holmes Osborne ( as Eddie Darko ) , big sister Maggie Gyllenhaal ( as Elizabeth Darko ) , and little sister Daveigh Chase ( as Samantha Darko ) . They're all jewels . As with the entire cast , it's difficult to single out one Darko family performance . Gyllenhaal never disappoints . Secondarily , Ms . McDonnell's may be the best , due to Kelly's skillful writing . Motherly love , for a son who seems to be drifting into madness , is wondrous ; the delicacy of McDonnell's performance is perfectly suited to Gyllenhaal's fragility . Even Ms . Chase , who you'd expect to be the minor Darko , is magical ; she even writes about " The Last Unicorn " , Ariel ( before he died in the possession of Count Petofi ) . The characters who exist outside the Darko family are as important . Many of them are teachers . At school , Drew Barrymore ( as Karen Pomeroy ) covers English literature in spectacular fashion ; she challenges students ' critical thinking skills , and gives Gyllenhaal guidance . As one of the film's producers , Ms . Barrymore's the most valuable member of the faculty lounge . Beth Grant ( as Kitty Farmer ) displays a limitless ability to multitask . Noah Wyle ( as Kenneth Monnitoff ) lurks in the science department , and helps Gyllenhaal consider slipping into time . Moreover , he reveals the truth about Patience Cleveland ( as " Grandma Death " aka Roberta Sparrow ) , who whispers : " Every living creature on Earth dies alone . " Among the students , new girl in school Jena Malone ( as Gretchen Ross ) provides Gyllenhaal with love interest ; and , with a dark past of her own , she's a natural . Katharine Ross ( as Lilian Thurman ) is a dignified and memorable hypno-therapist . Patrick Swayze ( as Jim Cunningham ) plays the self-help guru with a convenient focus , " Controlling Fear " . Even small parts shine , like Jolene Purdy ( as Cherita Chen ) . And , imaginary friend James Duval ( as Frank ) belongs in a very special class ( note , he is not actually related to the addiction-signaling " Harvey " ) . Finally , the soundtrack , including original music by Michael Andrews , has to be one of the best assembled for a motion picture . From " The Killing Moon " ( by Echo and the Bunnymen ) to the new " Mad World " ( by Gary Jules ) , the mood is always finely tuned . Look up . Plane to catch . My time's out of space . Donnie Darko ( 2001 ) Richard Kelly - Jake Gyllenhaal , Jena Malone , Drew Barrymore , Mary McDonnell
|
453,677 | 15,896,852 | 10,806 | 10 |
The Height of Sentimentality
|
Lillian Gish ( as True Heart Susie ) is an ordinary country girl ; she is in love with typical " boy-next-door " Robert Harron ( as William Roberts ) . The film begins with a series of seemingly silly , sentimental , and hopelessly old-fashioned observations about the relationships between men and women like " True Heart Susie " and " William Roberts " . Director D . W . Griffith astutely notes , " Of course they don't know what poor simple idiots they are - - and , we , who have never been so foolish , an hardly hope to understand ? " You can tell , early on , that minister-to-be Harron is not really interested , romantically , in Gish . Harron prefers the " kind " of woman later idealized by Clarine Seymour ( as Bettina ) . Ms . Seymour leads a fine supporting cast , as the painted and partying " other woman " . Gish tries " power and stockings " , but it is not in her character . When she accidentally chances upon Harron and Seymour kissing , Gish realizes circumstances are beyond her control , and Harron is lost to her - - this is followed by an incredible close-up of Gish , which defies description . With " True Heart Susie " , director Griffith and company achieve " non-epic " perfection . In its own way , the film is as " epic " as the director's " Intolerance " ( 1916 ) . Ms . Gish and Mr . Harron are superb , as usual ; though they are young adults , they are thoroughly convincing as opening-scene schoolchildren . The performances are almost outerworldly ; especially , after Harron expresses discontent , and Gish reacts . Gish's reactions are particularly amazing ; in fact , this may be her most supreme silent-era achievement , besting her own performance in the recently released " Broken Blossoms " ( 1919 ) . If " Best Actress " awards were given out in 1919 , Lillian Gish's " True Heart Susie " might have won over her own lead performance in " Broken Blossoms " . Truly classic . True Heart Susie ( / 19 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Robert Harron , Clarine Seymour , Loyola O'Connor
|
453,028 | 15,896,852 | 17,416 | 10 |
Way to Go , Rudy
|
In sands " Not East of Suez - - but South of Algiers , " handsome Rudolph Valentino ( as Ahmed ) and beautiful dancing girl Vilma Bánky ( as Yasmin ) fall in love . Mr . Valentino learns that Ms . Bánky must dances for coins , which her wicked father George Fawcett ( as André ) gambles away . Mr . Fawcett and Montagu Love ( as Ghabah ) are part of a band of renegade thieves . Valentino wants Bánky for his own , but Fawcett isn't about to part with the goose that brings in the golden coins . Valentino is kidnapped , strung up , whipped , and held for ransom . Turns out , he's " The Son of the Sheik " ? Valentino is freed , with a lot of help from his friend Karl Dane ( as Ramadan ) . Valentino thinks Bánky betrayed their love ; and , he vengefully abducts her . Meanwhile , Ahmed's father Rudolph Valentino ( in a dual role , as the original Sheik ) and mother Agnes Ayres ( as Diana ) are preparing an arranged wedding for the younger Valentino . Father and son clash , over love and lust ? An indelible , essential film , " Son of the Sheik " finds Valentino at the top of his profession . George Fitzmaurice ( direction ) , George Barnes ( photography ) , William Cameron Menzies ( sets ) , and George Marion Jr . ( title cards ) are all outstanding . Bánky and the supporting cast are excellent . The filmmakers create a rich , dreamy , and imaginary world ; note how the opening " title card " refuses to be precise . This goes even further than the original " The Sheik " ( 1921 ) in establishing the films as something incompatible with reality ; of course , both films suffer when taken without a grain of sand . Valentino's characterizations are startlingly well-crafted ; no doubt , many original film goers missed the nuances present in the younger Ahmed , and would not have even guessed , unless alerted , Valentino was also portraying the older Sheik . The " split screen " appearance of the two Valentinos is technically brilliant ; and , even with make-up , Valentino's portrayal of the older Sheik shows an extraordinary range . In fact , Valentino could have essayed a double career as a dashing older man . Had he lived , Valentino might have been awarded his own best acting " Medal of Honor " for his performance , which was at least equal to John Barrymore's 1925 win , for " Beau Brummell " .
|
452,510 | 15,896,852 | 19,585 | 10 |
Lillian Gish in the Wind
|
Lillian Gish ( as Letty ) takes a train to Texas , where she will live with cousin Edward Earle ( as Beverly ) and his wife Dorothy Cumming ( Cora ) . Along the way , she flirts with Montagu Love ( as Roddy ) , whom she will meet again ; but , chief among the lovely Letty's male admirers is handsome Lars Hanson ( as Lige ) . Victor Sjöström's " The Wind " is a masterpiece of silent film ( and of film overall , for that matter ) . Ms . Gish delivers an intense , flawless performance of a lonely woman slowly being battered by the forces of nature . Gish is mesmerizing , but there are other amazing performances - witness Mr . Hanson's heart-breaking " unwrapping " of his new wife , Ms . Cumming's jealous wiping of her butcher knife , and Mr . Love's fore-shadowing of Gish's nightmare . " The Wind " is known to have had an ending added , by movie studio execs preferring a happier close . The ending may not have been the one preferred by Sjöström and Gish , but it is , nonetheless , satisfactory . Obviously , very little production time had passed , because the performers and sets change little ( if at all ) . The ending relationship you'll see does not differ wildly from the flow of the characters relationship ( or , you can trace how they wind up ) . What may suffer is the question , and level , of inner insanity suffered by Gish's character ( Gish versus the Wind ) . Still , it's a suitable ending . The Wind ( 1928 ) Victor Sjöström - Lillian Gish , Lars Hanson , Montagu Love , Dorothy Cumming
|
453,658 | 15,896,852 | 83,922 | 10 |
Ingmar Bergman's Alexander ( and the Bishop )
|
This may be one of the most visually beautiful films ever produced ; the supreme " last " achievement from writer / director Ingmar Bergman and his crew , led by photographer Sven Nykvist . In whatever version you choose , " Fanny och Alexander " is long ; but , the film is worth the time commitment . It is a masterpiece . " Fanny och Alexander " starts out being about nothing in particular ; an almost cluttered assortment of characters celebrate Christmas 1907 . While in evidence , " Fanny " ( Pernilla Allwin ) and " Alexander " ( Bertil Guve ) do not seem to be major characters . By the film's end , young Guve's " Alexander " has emerged as the film's leading player ; but , each of the other characterizations are memorable . Characters who started out superfluous become funny , scary , poignant , and / or haunting . Yet , everyone seems to belong in the film . There is a main plot , which creeps up on you . There is no way to describe the story without giving too much away ; so , let's just say : A Swedish widow ( Ewa Fröling ) , with two children , marries a Bishop from Hell ( Jan Malmsjö ) . While each performance is remarkable , in its own way , Gun Wållgren ( as the Grandmother Ekdahl ) must be mentioned alongside those above . The sequences with Gurv and the antique shop residents , crosscut with the Malmsjö's Bishop and his Castle entourage , are especially magical . Fanny och Alexander ( 1982 ) Ingmar Bergman - Bertil Guve , Ewa Fröling , Gunn Wållgren , Jan Malmsjö
|
452,457 | 15,896,852 | 32,904 | 10 |
Philadelphia Freedom for Katharine Hepburn with George Cukor
|
The Philadelphia Story is one of the best of its era - the period of time lasting from ( roughly ) the end of the " silent " era to the beginning of World War II . It's also the perfect Katharine Hepburn vehicle , and certified her position as one of the greatest actresses of her generation . The entire cast and crew are simply spectacular , with Ms . Hepburn and director George Cukor likely most responsible ( and deserving of " Best Actress " and " Best Director " attention ) . If you want to see one of Hollywood's most finely tuned old classics , this one goes to the top of the class . Exquisite . The Philadelphia Story ( / 40 ) George Cukor - Katharine Hepburn , James Stewart , Cary Grant , Ruth Hussey
|
453,675 | 15,896,852 | 9,150 | 10 |
All This and World War Won
|
Two American families , the Hamiltons and the Stephensons , have immigrated to a tranquil French village . As the film begins , Robert Harron ( as " the Boy " Douglas Hamilton ) and Lillian Gish ( as " the Girl " Marie Stephenson ) return home from separate trips . Lillian is obviously infatuated with Mr . Harron , and sets out to win his heart . Meanwhile , singer Dorothy Gish ( as " The Little Disturber " ) arrives in town ; and she , with " perseverance and perfume " , also sets her sights on handsome Harron . While Dorothy's efforts at seduction are valiant , Harron proposes to Lillian . As they plan their wedding , their lives are interrupted by a bigger " disturber " - - The Great War ( now called World War I ) ? This film , another huge hit for the director , was " commissioned " by the British government ( note the introduction ) , and must have secured the blessings of both the U . S . and French governments . The purpose was to create a pro-war , propaganda epic . Although the film is patriotic , and the war is never exactly shown as unnecessary ; it leaves an unmistakable impression as an ANTI-war film . So , what started as " A Love Story of the Great War " becomes " A Love Story Interrupted by a Great War " . Griffith reveals his true anti-war sentiments with the statement , " After all , does war ever settle any question ? The South was ruined - - thousands of lives were sacrificed - - by the Civil War ; yet , did it really settle the Black and White problem in this country ? " ( This question also offers , arguably , some redemption for Griffith's tendency for racial insensitivity . It's too bad Griffith's " The Greatest Thing in Life " is currently unavailable ; in it , Harron shocked audiences by kissing a dying Black soldier . ) In hindsight , it's easy to dismiss " Hearts of the World " as a Griffith production line effort . While it's derivative in film techniques ( Griffith's own ) ; it still equals , and sometimes bests , earlier work - - for example , witness the improved upon ( from " The Birth of a Nation " ) climatic ending , with Gish frantically trying to escape George Siegmann ( as Von Strohm ) ' s clutches . This , and the battle sequences are , at least , up to the standards set by Griffith ; so , it may be unfair to think of " Hearts of the World " as relatively minor . It would likely have won a " Best Picture " of the year , had they been given . Robert Harron would have won an additional " Best Actor " award ; and , while Lillian Gish might have lost to Mary Pickford's " Stella Maris " , sister Dorothy Gish would have earned a " Best Supporting Actress " award . Also watch for ? G . W . Bitzer's amazing camera work . The explicit , but appropriate scene of a mother nursing her baby during wartime . Dorothy licking her lips over Harron , but settling for " Cuckoo " Robert Anderson . Griffith's parallel symbolism , right down to Gish's goslings and Harron's little brothers . Lillian wandering into madness , and spending her wedding night with her beloved's " corpse " . Griffith " regulars " Siegmann , and " mothers " Kate Bruce and Josephine Crowell , who always stand out in lesser roles . Harron very quietly falling in love with the infatuated Lillian , while being pursued by seductive Dorothy ; demonstrating the difference between lust ( when he kisses Dorothy back ) and love ( when he eyes Lillian's figure ) . There are members of the Harron and Gish families in the cast ( and a Walthall ) , which would be nice to have somebody identify ( they are probably somewhere in the opening ) . Noel Coward may be difficult to recognize ; he follows Gish , early on , with a wheelbarrow . Erich von Stroheim is very easy to spot , clicking his Hun heels for the camera . Incredibly , scene-stealing littlest brother Ben Alexander grew up to serve ( memorably , as Franz ) in Lewis Milestone's " All Quiet on the Western Front " ( which owes some debt to this film ) ; later , he co-stared in " Dragnet " .
|
453,277 | 15,896,852 | 32,976 | 10 |
Alfred Hitchcock Puts Hollywood on Edge
|
What else can you say about Alfred Hitchcock's " Rebecca " ? It's still a startling production . Most obviously , it's one of the most perfect " Gothic " dramas produced ; making a very steady transformation from Daphne du Maurier novel to film , it gives the genre refreshing celluloid life . Mr . Hitchcock directs star Joan Fontaine ( as Mrs . De Winter ) to the top of her profession ; her guilty , frightened performance is a model for the reluctant Gothic heroine . Mysterious Laurence Olivier ( as Maxim De Winter ) and the supporting cast are perfect ; with sinister Judith Anderson ( as Mrs . Danvers ) raising her character to striking icon status . Ms . Anderson's excessive fondness for " Rebecca " , and the understated perverseness of sexuality between Mr . Olivier and both Mrs . De Winters , gives the film a edginess not permitted at the time . And , it was all enhanced by Hitchcock's expressive direction of George Barnes ' camera . Haunting . Rebecca ( 1940 ) Alfred Hitchcock - Joan Fontaine , Laurence Olivier , Judith Anderson , George Sanders
|
452,463 | 15,896,852 | 63,350 | 10 |
From Venus to Pittsburg , They're Coming to Get You !
|
The gruesome granddaddy of all films living dead , the original " Night of the Living Dead " still devours its successors . With this one , George A . Romero produced the horror equivalent of " Citizen Kane " . His black and white photography , and direction , is outstanding . And , Mr . Romero's excesses are in check ; every indulgence seen on screen gratifyingly fits the mood of the film . Karl Hardman , John Russo , and Russ Streiner are certainly most valuable players . The " non-acting " approach of heroic Duane Jones ( as Ben ) and the cast is effective , and refreshing . Influential and inspirational , the film's " anti-Hollywood " and / or " low budget " flaws have been rendered irrelevant . A startling masterpiece of light , shadow , and will . Night of the Living Dead ( 1968 ) George A . Romero - Duane Jones , Judith O'Dea , Karl Hardman , Russell Streiner
|
453,571 | 15,896,852 | 169,547 | 10 |
A Film with its Finger Firmly on the Pulse
|
My name is Lester Burnham . This is my neighborhood . This is my street . This is my life . I am 42 years old . In less than a year , I'll be dead . Of course , I don't know that yet , and in a way , I'm dead already . Look at me . . . jerking off in the shower . This will be the high point of my day . It's all downhill from here . That's my wife Carolyn . See the way the handle on those pruning shears matches her gardening clogs ? That's not an accident . That's our next-door-neighbor Jim , and that's his lover Jim ? That opening narration is a terrific invitation to " American Beauty " , a dead-on depiction of sexual fantasies and foibles in suburbia . Writer Alan Ball and director Sam Mendes construct an amazingly intuitive and artful picture . The cinematography ( Conrad L . Hall ) and music ( Thomas Newman ) are perfect . The entire cast is marvelous . Kevin Spacey plays his " Lester " to perfection - the moment when he decides NOT to indulge in a fantasy is just as uplifting as it would have been otherwise ; it is salvation . American Beauty ( 1999 ) Sam Mendes - Kevin Spacey , Annette Bening , Thora Birch , Wes Bentley
|
452,567 | 15,896,852 | 62,622 | 10 |
Open the Pod Bay doors , HAL . . .
|
Since so much will be written about this film , I will be brief . I have seen " 2001 : A Space Odyssey " all the way through , twice . There are some parts I've watched separately , but I saw none of the film until AFTER 2001 . So , obviously , I think it has a timeless quality . I consider Stanley Kubrick's work on this film to be art , which really doesn't " age " . I believe there is also a point where " flaws " become irrelevant , and " 2001 : A Space Odyssey " reaches that point . It's probably been said ( I will look at the other comments this evening ) , but the portrayals of Keir Dullea ( as Dave ) and Douglas Rain ( as Hal ) are absolutely SPELLBINDING . I do consider Mr . Rain's portrayal of " HAL " an acting performance ; consider , also , how much Mr . Dullea accomplishes without speaking . The Dullea / Rain struggle is probably my favorite part of the film , presently . This one is indispensable . 2001 : A Space Odyssey ( 1968 ) Stanley Kubrick - Keir Dullea , Douglas Rain , Gary Lockwood , William Sylvester
|
453,276 | 15,896,852 | 20,030 | 10 |
Ho-LA ! ( Douglas Fairbanks ' Greatest Adventure )
|
Musketeer par excellence Douglas Fairbanks ( as D'Artagnan ) is back , in this extraordinary sequel to his " The Three Musketeers " ( 1921 ) . After some years , Mr . Fairbanks ' main job becomes protecting the French King's good son . Unbeknownst to most everyone ( except the movie audience ) , the Prince and heir to the throne , William Bakewell ( as Prince Louis XIV ) , has an evil twin brother ; the identical twosome were separated-at-birth , in order to assure one King ascended to the throne , without incident . However , " good " Prince Bakewell is abducted , and locked up in " The Iron Mask " ; then , " bad " Prince Bakewell takes his place . Fairbanks and his musketeer pals must set things right . With its superb acting , brilliant pace , and stunning photography , this is the one Douglas Fairbanks film you must see , if you only see one . " The Iron Mask " is among the best films in the swashbuckler and silent film genres . It's also ( probably ) Fairbanks ' best performance as an actor . His quintessential performance , and film , might have been overlooked for " Academy Award " consideration due to Fairbanks being , at the time , President of the Academy . It was also apparent , to Fairbanks and others , that the popularity of talking pictures would soon silence the older style , despite the artful late 1920s silent film productions . " The Iron Mask " featured a spoken word introduction ( with Fairbanks in fine voice ) ; currently , it is the rarer version . As the Fairbanks ' introductory words invite viewers into the " shadows of the past " , of a different " age " , it's worth seeking out the original introduction . Another version featured Douglas Fairbanks Jr . ' s narration , replacing intertitles ; this version is interesting , to a point . Note , eventually , the " narration " version becomes distracting and obvious . Fairbanks , with director Allan Dwan and photographer Henry Sharp , came up with an ending so memorable it's been said to symbolize the approaching end of its star's career , and the end of silent films in general . They could hardly have had a more suitable ending . For Douglas Fairbanks and company , " The Iron Mask " was a perfect fit . The Iron Mask ( 1929 ) Allan Dwan - Douglas Fairbanks , William Bakewell , Nigel de Brulier , Léon Bary
|
453,097 | 15,896,852 | 56,869 | 10 |
Pecking Order
|
Tippi Hedren ( as Melanie Daniels ) visits a San Francisco pet shop when Rod Taylor ( as Mitch Brenner ) cruises in , looking to pick up some lovebirds for his little sister . When Mr . Taylor mistakes the beautiful and alluring Ms . Hedren for an employee , she plays along , obviously attracted to the handsome man . Since the shop has none of Taylor's desired lovebirds , wealthy Hedren orders some up . Then , she decides to personally deliver them to Taylor's out-of-the-way home , on an island in Bodega Bay . After secretly delivering the lovebirds , Hedren is attacked by a seagull . The freakish incident causes Hedren to stay in Bodega Bay ; there , she becomes acquainted with locals , like schoolteacher Suzanne Pleshette ( as Annie Hayworth ) and Taylor's mother Jessica Tandy ( as Lydia Brenner ) . Inexplicable terror , laced with sexual desire - - " The Birds " is one of director Alfred Hitchcock's best . Worth noting : The lovebirds get excited , but never attack . Hedren makes a sensational starring debut . Brenner daughter " Cathy " looks like Angela Cartwright for a very good reason , she's Angela's sister Veronica . The Daphne Du Maurier short story " The Birds " ( 1952 ) only slightly resembles Hitchcock's film adaptation . An even earlier " Battle of the Birds " occurred in the Fawcett comic " Captain Marvel Jr . # 90 " ( October 1950 ) . The story , probably written by Otto Binder , provides an explanation for the madness in , " ? the seeds of the Pyrrhic Plant ? that drives all types of birds into a murderous rage ! " The Birds ( 1963 ) Alfred Hitchcock - Tippi Hedren , Rod Taylor , Jessica Tandy , Suzanne Pleshette
|
453,397 | 15,896,852 | 10,323 | 10 |
Opening the Cabinet of Dr . Caligari
|
In flashback , freaked-out Friedrich Feher ( as Francis ) tells the surrealistic story of when the carnival came to his small German town of Holstenwall . The fair's main attraction is weird Werner Krauss ( as Dr . Caligari ) , who hawks his " somnambulist " ( sleepwalker ) act . The menacing Mr . Krauss " awakens " creepy Conrad Veidt ( as Cesare ) from a 25-year sleep , for the viewing pleasure of carnival attendees . Otherwise , Mr . Veidt is kept in a coffin-like cabinet , in Krauss ' trailer . Mr . Feher attends the carnival show's " awakening " of Veidt with pal Heinz von Twardowski ( as Alan ) . Krauss tells the crowd that the mysterious Veidt " knows the past , and sees into the future . " So , Mr . von Twardowski asks , " How long do I have to live ? " Veidt tells the him he dies at dawn ! - and , sure enough , a shadowy figure murders the man . Feher thinks the somnambulist is the serial killer threatening the village ( a town clerk was the first victim ) . But , some think Feher knifed his friend , a rival for the affections of dark beauty Lil Dagover ( as Jane ) , but why would Feher kill the clerk ? When a completely new killer is caught red-handed , it seems like everybody wants to get into the act ? " The Cabinet of Dr . Caligari " is one of the most outstanding film productions of the silent era . The " Art Direction / Set Direction " - by Hermann Warm , Walter Röhrig , and Walter Reimann - so beautifully photographed and directed , should be counted among the best designed of any era . The film is inspirational . Das Cabinet des Dr . Caligari . ( / 20 ) Robert Wiene - Werner Krauss , Friedrich Feher , Conrad Veidt , Lil Dagover
|
453,162 | 15,896,852 | 51,036 | 10 |
A Cookie Full of Arsenic
|
It's late at night in the steamy , neon-lit streets of New York's Times Square , and everything's buzzing with nervous energy . But press agent Sidney Falco ( Tony Curtis ) is oblivious to the whirlwind of street vendors , call girls and con men bustling around him as he nervously waits for the early edition of ' The Globe ' . Whose career did gossip columnist J . J . Hunsecker ( Burt Lancaster ) launch today ? and whose did he destroy ? " A powerful film about a ruthless journalist and an unscrupulous press agent who'll do anything to achieve success , this fascinating , compelling story " should have been nominated for : " Best Picture " James Hill , " Best Actor in a Leading Role " Tony Curtis , " Best Actor in a Supporting Role " Burt Lancaster , " Best Director " Alexander Mackendrick , " Best Writing " Ernest Lehman & Clifford Odets , " Best Cinematography " James Wong Howe , and " Best Music ( Scoring ) " Elmer Bernstein . The film was too vicious to have been nominated for anything , however . Herein , sleazy Curtis finds his career threatened when he fails to stop his jazz musician cousin , Martin Milner ( as Steve Dallas ) , from engaging megalomaniacal Lancaster's nineteen-year-old kid sister , Susan Harrison ( as Susan Hunsecker ) . " Sweet Smell of Success " captures the perceived sleaze of the " Great White Way " columnist ( " read ? Walter Winchell " ) in a style that would make " Citizen Kane " stand up and cheer ( if he were , say ? William Randolph Hearst ) . Sweet Smell of Success ( 1957 ) Alexander Mackendrick - Tony Curtis , Burt Lancaster , Susan Harrison , Martin Milner
|
452,758 | 15,896,852 | 8,443 | 10 |
Burning the Candle at Both Ends
|
Wealthy ten-year-old Mary Pickford ( as Gwen ) lives in a beautiful mansion ; she has everything she needs , except love . She must make an appointment to see her father ( Charles Wellesley ) , who spends his time wheeling and dealing ; and , she barely gets an opportunity to see her mother ( Madlaine Traverse ) , who is busily attending to social duties . Her parents do not have time to spend with lonely Ms . Pickford ; and , she is left in the care of unloving servants . A lot of studio trickery helps to make Pickford believable as the fun-loving , independent and lonely little Gwendolyn ; her age is not at all vague , as her 11th birthday is celebrated during the running time . You'll notice the large sets , and tall actors ( standing on telephone books , no doubt ) right away . Yet , finally , it's Pickford who pulls off the ruse . When she sits down for her tutoring , in close-up , Pickford makes the character a fully believable individual . The effort to make Pickford appear small adds to the film's surreal whimsicality . Importantly , " The Poor Little Rich Girl " is the first of Pickford's adult portrayals of little girls . Her relative youth , and lack of " affected " mannerisms , is an early strength ; she is fresh , and convincing . Later on , Pickford's portrayals suffered , as she employed stock muggings , pouts , and grimaces ( to be fair , these were responsive to moviegoers increasing demand she remain in the " little girl " roles ) . Subsequently , the Pickford mannerisms were more cloyingly adopted by Shirley Temple , and others ; for example , note how closely Pickford resembles Ms . Temple after she dons a boy's hat and clothes . Director Maurice Tourneur and set designer Ben Carré help create the extraordinary , whimsical world " Gwen " inhabits . There are some " special effect " sequences , ending with a drug-induced delirium . Therein , Pickford dreams about the day's people and events ; and , finally , she meets the beckoning figure of death , who invites : " Here , in the forest , dark and deep , I offer you , eternal sleep ? " Maxine Elliott Hicks and Herbert Prior are among the more notable supporting players . Frequent Pickford writer Frances Marion does a fantastic job bringing story details together ; she , Pickford , Mr . Tourneur , and Mr . Carré certainly created a monster . The Poor Little Rich Girl ( / 17 ) Maurice Tourneur - Mary Pickford , Maxine Elliott Hicks , Herbert Prior
|
452,892 | 15,896,852 | 91,763 | 10 |
There Were Snakes in the Jungle
|
Oliver Stone reveals some truths about the war in Vietnam . The director looks through the lens with protagonist Charlie Sheen ( as Chris ) quitting college to volunteer for service . Upon arrival , it is clear Mr . Sheen has no idea what is going on , or how to survive . What he finds is two forceful , contradictory leaders , Willem Dafoe ( as Sgt . Elias ) and Tom Berenger ( as Sgt . Barnes ) . The two sergeants come to represent a much larger picture for Sheen , and the viewer . Stone is off the mark in some of his " conspiracy theory " films . But , this is his " Platoon " ; and , his thesis is expertly conveyed . Stone uses the Vietnam setting and characters very convincingly , and the film's point-of-view is indisputable ; it is told through Sheen , who is Stone's leading character . And , Stone should know the topic well ; he quit college to serve , as did his cinematic " Pvt . Chris Taylor " . Stone puts you there , with an inspired cast and crew . You will know why we lost . Thank you for your service , Mr . Stone . And , thank you for sharing what you learned in " Platoon " . Platoon ( 1986 ) Oliver Stone - Charlie Sheen , Willem Dafoe , Tom Berenger , Johnny Depp
|
453,639 | 15,896,852 | 50,986 | 10 |
Victor Sjöström Goes the Distance
|
Lonely , and fearing death , elderly doctor Victor Sjöström ( as Isak Borg ) takes a long drive to the city of Lund ; there , he is to receive an Honorary Award , for his lifetime of service . Accompanying Mr . Sjöström is daughter-in-law Ingrid Thulin ( as Marianne Borg ) , who is estranged from Sjöström's hateful son . Ms . Thulin , and the people he meets during the drive , prompt Sjöström's recollections of a sad life . But , three hitch-hikers : romantic Bibi Anderson ( as Sara ) , spiritual Folke Sundquist ( as Anders ) , and scientific Björn Bjelfvenstam ( as Viktor ) provide Sjöström with salvation , and symbolize hope for the future . The first sign of brilliant programming is having housekeeper Jullan Kindahl ( as Agda ) interrupt Mr . Sjöström's dialogue at the point the he mentions his deceased wife . After the credits , director Ingmar Bergman sets the stage , with a surrealistic nightmare . Then , his subtly haunting drama unfolds ? " Smultronstället " aka " Wild Strawberries " is a uniquely beautiful Bergman piece . Sjöström ( also an extraordinary director ) ends his outstanding career with one of the most graceful , delicate " last performances " in cinema . Pleasant dreams , Mr . Sjöström . Smultronstället ( 1957 ) Ingmar Bergman - Victor Sjöström , Bibi Andersson , Ingrid Thulin , Gunnar Björnstrand
|
453,554 | 15,896,852 | 6,864 | 10 |
A Most Extraordinary Film For the Ages
|
State-of-the-Art motion picture from director D . W . Griffith and company . This film requires a great deal of commitment , and concentration , in viewing . A good summation can be found in the words of " The Book " , which turns the pages on the historical eras depicted . Fleeting , and difficult to read during the film's running , the good folks at KINO include " The Book " in a special feature : " The book of this play is arranged in four parallel plot threads or lines of action , telling four stories with four sets of characters and dealing with four periods of history , all bearing on the one theme of intolerance . Intolerance is that thing in all of our nations which causes us to condemn all those who believe differently from ourselves . It has been the same in all ages , as far back as history goes . Intolerance as been the cause of more bloodshed than all other influences combined . How true it is that intolerance ever cloaks itself in the garb of righteousness that it may the more easily impose on the minds of men . " THE MODERN STORY ( 1916 ) : This is the main , and the finest , of the four stories . It begins with a group of women ( ironically called " Uplifters " ) promoting their " reformist " movement . " When women cease to attract men they often turn to Reform as a second choice " ; they embody the " garb of righteousness " being imposed , through the ages , on society . They become involved with the Jenkins family , millers , who run the town . THE JUDAEAN STORY ( Christ ) : This is the shortest of the four time slips ; it's the story of the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ . Griffith is wise to use Christ sparingly , as a compliment to his other stories ; to do more would have severely undermined this film , which needed to focus on the paralleled " crucifixion " ( hanging ) , in the " Modern Story " . THE FRENCH STORY ( 1572 ) : This Renaissance-era " hotbed of intolerance " Catholic / Protestant story further links Christianity ( or , depending on your beliefs , a misrepresentation of Christianity ) to the " Modern Story " of intolerance , social injustice , and self-righteousness . THE BABYLONIAN STORY ( 539 BC ) : This is the most visually stunning of the stories ; it links themes in the other stories ; and , importantly , it visually confirms " intolerance " as present throughout " ages " of history . Without " The Babylon Story " , the film would have left a much different impression , regarding religion and intolerance . Of the thousands of performers , the hero and heroine of " The Modern Story " must stand out , and they do : Robert Harron ( as The Boy ) and Mae Marsh ( as The Dear One ) are the stars of " The Modern Story " , and , so , they are the film's focus . Mr . Harron's performance is a masterpiece of screen acting . Ms . Marsh is perhaps too exuberant in some scenes , but equals Harron more often than not . The two , and their relationship , are the heart of the film ; their final reunion scene is heart-wrenching , and beautifully played ; amongst the thousands of extras , and millions of dollars , it's a film peak . Of the other " Modern " players , Miriam Cooper ( as The Friendless One ) stands out as a rival for Harron's affection ; instead , she finds herself fated to be the mistress of his gang boss Walter Long ( as The Musketeer of the Slums ) . Also noteworthy is Constance Talmadge ( as The Mountain Girl ) in " The Babylonian Story " ; like Marsh , she is sometimes too exuberant , which looks especially out of place during the battle scenes ; still , she makes an undeniable star-making impression . Elmer Clifton ( as The Rhapsode ) is noteworthy as her admirer ; enjoy the scene where he tries to get Ms . Talmadge to sit beside him ! Tully Marshall ( as The High Priest of Bel ) is always nice to see . Howard Gaye is a believable Christ in " The Judean Story " , and Margery Wilson ( as Brown Eyes ) is the focus of " The French Story " . There are numerous other performers , images , and moments ; the production levels are so high , Lillian Gish is employed to simply rock a cradle , between major time changes - - of course , she performs the task expertly ! Intolerance ( / 16 ) D . W . Griffith - Robert Harron , Mae Marsh , Constance Talmadge , Miriam Cooper
|
453,436 | 15,896,852 | 12,532 | 10 |
Don't Start The Revolution without D . W . Griffith
|
Before and during the French Revolution , " Orphans of the Storm " Lillian and Dorothy Gish ( as Henriette and Louise Girard ) " suffer through tyranny and selfishness . " During the Plague , the sisters lose their parents , and Dorothy goes blind ; but , Lillian vows to care for her sister forever , declaring , " I'll see for you . " And , she does , for awhile . . . When the sisters learn the city may hold a cure for Dorothy's blindness ; they journey to Paris . There , Lillian is accosted by lusty aristocrat Morgan Wallace ( as Marquis de Praille ) , but she rejects his advances . Mr . Wallace decides he must have Lillian , and arranges to have her abducted for an upcoming orgy ; this leaves the blind Dorothy helpless , on the streets of Paris . She is rescued by street beggar Frank Puglia ( as Pierre Frochard ) ; unfortunately , his mother Lucille La Verne is a cruel hag , who abuses Dorothy . Joseph Schildkraut ( as Chevalier de Vaudrey ) falls for , and rescues Lillian , but finding her blind sister during the French Revolution proves to be quite le problème . D . W . Griffith and company are triumphant in this ( yet another ) breathtakingly beautiful film ; the direction , photography , sets , and editing , and performances are superb . Lillian and Dorothy Gish are flawless as the " Orphans of the Storm " ( this was the last Griffith / Gish cinematic team-up ) . The children who play the Gish sisters look and act amazingly like their adult counterparts . Mr . Schildkraut is quaint , yet charming , as Lillian's leading man ; he is a romantic ideal , kissing her tears and stroking her face ; after the revolution , he becomes quite strong . Dorothy's relationship with poor Puglia is an unexpected pleasure ; Puglia is given , and gives , a surprisingly vivid characterization ; as his mother , Ms . La Verne is deliciously wretched - - you can almost see her tonsils as she cackles ! The " Frochard " family ( La Verne , Puglia and Sheldon Lewis ) help give the film a Charles Dickens touch . Monte Blue is thunderous as revolutionary Danton , and Creighton Hale quirky as Picard . One of the characters gets it in the end . Orphans of the Storm ( 1921 ) D . W . Griffith - Lillian Gish , Dorothy Gish , Joseph Schildkraut , Frank Puglia
|
453,516 | 15,896,852 | 31,971 | 10 |
Ford puts John Wayne on a Stagecoach to the Stars
|
Director John Ford creates magic with some stereotypical passengers on a " Stagecoach " : Thomas Mitchell ( as drunken Doc ) , Claire Trevor ( as prostitute Dallas ) , John Carradine ( as gambler Hatfield ) , Donald Meek ( as timid Peacock ) , Louise Platt ( as pregnant Lucy ) , and Berton Churchill ( as banker Gatewood ) . Steering the coach is Andy Devine ( as comic Buck ) , and riding shotgun is George Bancroft ( as lawman Curly Wilcox ) . Ford makes an already great film a cinematic masterpiece by having the coach pick up John Wayne ( as " The Ringo Kid " ) . Note how the camera treats the arrival of Mr . Wayne - - it is literally a re-introduction to the actor , who was then approaching his 100th film . Possibly , Ford's increasing close-up of Wayne was only meant to highlight the legendary " Ringo Kid " character , but it certainly achieved much more - Wayne is stunningly approached , and Ford's camera clearly loves him . " Stagecoach " is extraordinary . It's difficult to isolate individual elements as being " better " that others , but the traveling coach scenes are beautifully done , from both the inside and outside of the coach . Wayne's introduction , and boarding , are highlights , of course . The off-coach stop-over , with Wayne and Ms . Trevor conversing in the nighttime outdoors , is equally beautiful . Writer Dudley Nichols ' scenario is great , and the characterizations universally appealing . " Stagecoach " is an absolutely essential viewing trip . Stagecoach ( 1939 ) John Ford - John Wayne , Claire Trevor , Andy Devine , Thomas Mitchell
|
452,810 | 15,896,852 | 18,183 | 10 |
Mary Pickford Is " My Best Girl "
|
Mary Pickford ( as Maggie Johnson ) is a lowly " 5 & 10 cent " stockroom worker . One day , while covering a salesclerk's station , she encounters cute Charles " Buddy " Rogers ( as Joe " Grant " Merrill ) . Ms . Pickford thinks Mr . Rogers is a customer ; so , she tries to sell him on a Devil Doll - blowing it up for size ! The two are mutually attracted ; and , Rogers is happily assigned to be Pickford's stockroom ward . Pickford doesn't know it , but Rogers is actually millionaire store owner Hobart Bosworth ( as Robert E . Merrill ) ' s son , posing as a " commoner " in order to earn some business sense . Moreover , Rogers is engaged to marry his societal equal , Avonne Taylor ( as Millicent Rogers ) ? This was Pickford's final silent film ; and , in hindsight , she might have been wise to end her career right here , on top . " My Best Girl " is an indispensable film , one of several late 1920s films which show the silent film had achieved a considerable level of artistic sense . It's difficult to point out single pieces , since the entire film works so well ; however , the rainy location scenes are notably exquisite . Director Sam Taylor and Pickford shine throughout . Dave Kesson , Charles Rosher , and Jack Schulze make outstanding contributions . This is one of Pickford's finest performances ; and , she forms an extraordinary partnership with relative newcomer Rogers . Their scenes together are magical , rivaling the more rustic Lillian Gish / Robert " Bobby " Harron romances directed by D . W . Griffith . Pickford and Rogers later took the chemistry evident on film to heart , and formed a more long-term partnership ; their wedding and " newsreel " footage provide a lovely coda for " My Best Girl " . . . Life imitates art . My Best Girl ( / 27 ) Sam Taylor - Mary Pickford , Charles ' Buddy ' Rogers , Lucien Littlefield , Hobart Bosworth
|
452,703 | 15,896,852 | 18,451 | 10 |
Ramon Novarro definitively answers , " Is it Good to Be King ? "
|
Ramon Novarro ( as Karl Heinrich ) is the Crown Prince of Karlsburg . He is envied by his subjects , but lonely and isolated behind castle walls . Quite Princely in appearance , and capable of performing royal duties , he is , nonetheless , not enamored with dutiful royalties . With help from tutor Jean Hersholt ( as Dr . Juttner ) , he becomes an honor student , and is goes to university at Old Heidelberg . There , he meets and falls in love with commoner Norma Shearer ( as Kathi ) . " The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg " is a first rate silent film production , expertly directed by Ernst Lubitsch . Mr . Novarro is appropriately exuberant as the young Prince - his performance is excellent throughout , but really starts to dazzle in the scenes beginning with his witnessing of Ms . Shearer's downing a German beer . Mr . Hersholt is great as Novarro's tutor ; both men are superior with the necessary " silent screen " acting , and the more forward " underplaying " . Ms . Shearer is just a step behind her co-stars in artful acting ; but , it's a a gap she will very quickly fill . Shearer is terrific in the scene when she learns Novarro is leaving , and helps him pack . Philipe de Lacy is notable , playing the Prince as a boy ; his characterization matches the older Novarro - director Lubitsch directs these early sequences effectively , creating the image of a young prince in his castle prison . When a couple of important people in the Prince's life die , the story becomes necessarily more somber in tone . Of course , Novarro must eventually become King - these scenes are beautifully symbolic , and extraordinarily well photographed . The visit by an old friend prompts Novarro's return to Old Heidelberg , with unexpected results . Don't miss a later scene , when Novarro returns to his Old Heidelberg bedroom - especially , watch how Novarro briefly strokes his bed , obviously thinking of Shearer ; it's a superb little bit of sexual suggestion . It would be nice to know whether the gesture originated with Novarro or Lubitsch - but , it's probably not possible to determine . " Is it Good to be King ? " You'll know when you see Novarro's beautifully acted final scene , in his royal carriage - certainly , it's one of the most memorable performances in silent cinema . The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg ( 1927 ) Ernst Lubitsch - Ramon Novarro , Norma Shearer , Jean Hersholt , Philippe de Lacy
|
452,369 | 15,896,852 | 36,241 | 10 |
Nursing the Outlaw
|
Jane Russell nurses Jack Buetel back to health - but , that's not all . Seriously , I rate this film extraordinarily high . I've watched the film three times . The first time , I resisted . I watched with amazement ? this movie has an incredible " look " . I suppose it's a film made in the ' 40s , seen mostly in the ' 50s , looking very much like an early ' 30s " talkie " - but , ACTED IN SLOW MOTION ! I wanted to dislike the film , but I really could not . I loved the saloon - reading the visible graffiti on the walls , never knowing who was going to shoot who , when , and why . . . When Mr . Buetel and Ms . Russell tumble in the hay , I recognized the scene from a dozen subsequent westerns ; yet , it seemed suspenseful the way director Hughes ( ? ) shot it here . I could not really state there is a rape ( others may ) ; and , I think , later scenes imply there was no rape . I believe the scene simply ended with her shirt torn . There certainly is a lot of ambiguity ! I agree there are some lines between the male actors which could be taken sexually . I caught those upon viewing the film during a second sitting . Early on , Mr . Huston wonders if Mr . Buetel might want to bunk with him if he doesn't " have a girl " . BUT , Huston has Russell already lined up . There is also the age old question of whether the western hero needs his horse , or his girl , more . Of course , the western hero picks his horse ! I believe these ambiguities add to the enjoyment of the film . They are additional things to think about during repeated viewing . During my second viewing , I just enjoyed the movie more ? it's just so unusually interesting . With all " classic " films , I think about different meanings , and things going on ? this movie has the ability to grow stronger thematically with repeated viewings . That's something I look for when rating a movie highly . A movie can take on a life of its own . I love the performances ? Mr . Mitchell and Huston are older , more experienced actors while Buetel and Russell are younger . They all work well together . I especially enjoy " Billy " and " Rio " as she nurses him to health . The most recent viewing ( today ) had me wondering about how the peculiar " look " of this film was achieved . It's very claustrophobic , but has some " location " stuff . I watched those scenes more carefully . I watched Mr . Buetel's guns during his " exchange " near the end . I noticed Ms . Russell's attire became more alluring with each scene . I noticed the tombstone closing : " HERE LIES ? " The tombstone is a " LIE " . Could this play on words have been intended ? This is a film I would call " chance art . " I have no idea what effect the filmmakers were looking for - - was it just intended as a showcase for Jane Russell's attributes ? That was achieved . All the rest is icing . I submit that " The Outlaw " creates a unique and entertaining " world " of its own . The four main performers are riveting . I think " The Outlaw " is a world worth repeated revisiting . Next , I need to keep my eyes on Billy the Kid's ears , and see when the blood drops appear on his shirt . The Outlaw ( 1943 ) Howard Hughes - Jack Buetel , Jane Russell , Walter Huston , Thomas Mitchell
|
452,787 | 15,896,852 | 9,796 | 10 |
The Slow Acid of Discontent ( Do You Hear Voices ? )
|
Raymond Hatton is " John Tremble - 2nd Assistant Cashier of the Clumley Contracting Company . " He hears voices from the Hall of Echoes . Kathlyn Williams is " Jane Tremble - his wife . " Eventually , she will hear voices of her own . Elliott Dexter is " ' Fighting ' George Coggeswell - A far-seeing young legislator who heads a commission with extraordinary powers to investigate the muddy waters of the state's politics . " He tilts the scale of justice with pipe ashes . Mr . Hatton is stuck in a $25 a week dead end job , with no hope for the future ; living with his mother ( Edythe Chapman ) he is unable to even buy a cheap little dress for Ms . Williams , for Christmas . To make ends meet , Mr . Hatton embezzles $10 . 000 from his company . Plagued by guilt ( and an investigation ) , Hatton drops out of sight , for a couple of days . Whilst fishing , he reels in a dead man , and decides to exchange identity with the deceased Edgar Smith . He becomes Smith , and very unwisely ( as it turns out ) frames him for both the Tremble embezzlement , and the murder of Tremble - so that he may achieve martyrdom . Then , he becomes a fugitive ? This is an epic psychological drama ; always interesting , it slowly becomes more and more unnerving , even horrific . The crescendo of images and plot build wildly , to an INTENSE ending . The film sometimes appears to be off-track , but winds up a tightly woven nightmare . There are SO MANY images to praise - but , just watch . . . Also , look for the cross-cutting as Hatton fishes for a dead body while Dexter fishes for Tremble - then , later , Tremble hooks up with a Chinatown prostitute while his wife marries Dexter . Director Cecil B . DeMille and the production team are in peak condition . Hatton , remembered mainly as a " supporting " or " character " actor , performs supremely in the lead role ; he effectively portrays the " slow acid of discontent steadily consuming " the soul of John Tremble . Williams shows some psychological problems of her own . Noah Berry has an important role as a longshoreman who guiltily houses Hatton , after unintentionally crippling him . It's difficult to believe this film was released in 1918 , and has received relatively little acclaim . It's a NOT TO BE MISSED silent classic . The Whispering Chorus ( 1918 ) Cecil B . DeMille - Raymond Hatton , Kathlyn Williams , Elliott Dexter , Noah Berry
|
453,318 | 15,896,852 | 18,578 | 10 |
Shooting Stars
|
In a small town , youthful dreams play out . Working on his car , all-American boy Charles " Buddy " Rogers ( as Jack Powell ) daydreams he is a pilot . Girl-next-door Clara Bow ( as Mary Preston ) dreams about Mr . Rogers , but he wants handsome best friend Richard Arlen ( as David Armstrong ) ' s girl . Mr . Arlen has it all : looks , money , and beautiful city girl Jobyna Ralston ( as Sylvia Lewis ) . Then the " mighty maelstrom of destruction " known as WAR draws them into the center of its power . The introduction of the central triad of characters is amazing : Rogers on the ground , Bow behind bloomers , and Arlen in the swing - - note how Rogers comes between his friend and the beautiful city girl , as they lazily swing ; his energy , in the car , and on foot , crashing in on them . Rogers thinks he desires Arlen's girl , but you'll " know " differently . These marvelous characters will eventually fulfill your dreams for them ; as the film so artfully portrays a myriad of youthful relationships . You can read whatever you want into their love ; and , it's all true . William A . Wellman's direction is superb . Assisted by photographer Harry Perry , Mr . Wellman is on par with early Orson Welles , and mid-period Griffith or Hitchcock . Much has deservedly been written the unsurpassed aviation sequences ; and , these are indeed breathtaking ; in the context of this film , they can never be equaled . Moreover , Wellman is as extraordinary in the film's opening ten minutes , showing the characters " in flight " before they ever leave the ground . With the silent film genre and aviation theme , Wellman's directorial achievement is textbook . Charles " Buddy " Rogers seems to be channeling Robert " Bobby " Harron ; which , under the circumstances , couldn't be more appropriate ; his " Wings " , Clara Bow and Richard Arlen , are as beautifully portrayed . Bow was the film's " superstar " draw at the time of release ; yet , temptation to turn the film into a " star vehicle " is wisely dispensed with ; and , she is seen to great advantage . Future star Gary Cooper ( as White ) and past star Henry B . Walthall ( as Mr . Armstrong ) have small , important roles ; the fact that Mr . Walthall's character appears disabled is one of the film's many great subtleties . The lesser known supporting players ( and great crew ) should all be proud . " To those young warriors of the sky , whose wings are folded about them forever , this picture is reverently dedicated . " What " Wings " says about war should be obvious : ultimately , you kill what you love . Wings ( 1927 ) William A . Wellman - Charles ' Buddy ' Rogers , Clara Bow , Richard Arlen , Henry B . Walthall
|
452,895 | 15,896,852 | 38,057 | 10 |
Mona Lisa Without the Smile
|
Lowly cashier Edward G . Robinson ( as Christopher " Chris " Cross ) receives the nominal company gift of an engraved watch , for 25 years of faithful service . Slightly tipsy , Mr . Robinson leaves to look for the New York City subway . On a Greenwich Village street , he sees beautiful Joan Bennett ( as Katherine " Kitty " March ) being slapped around , and thrown to the ground , by boyfriend Dan Duryea ( as Johnny Prince ) . Robinson rescues Ms . Bennett , and Mr . Duryea flees . Unhappily married , Robinson is enthralled with shapely , sexy Bennett , and succumbs to her request for a drink . Bennett suspects the older , unattractive Robinson is a wealthy artist ; she decides to use his obvious interest to her advantage . Director Fritz Lang's brilliant , daring , and imaginative follow-up to " The Woman in the Window " ; " Scarlet Street " is one of its genre's crowning achievements . Bennett's nasty , spitting " Kitty " is a sleazy , amoral classic ; if the part weren't so unflattering , she could have won a " Best Actress " award . Somewhat less underrated , Robinson masterfully manages his mild-mannered role ; certainly , he deserved " Best Actor " consideration . Always convincing in " tough " roles , Robinson is especially believable as the apron-clad " Chris Cross " . Bennett and Robinson formed a striking screen partnership , under Lang's direction . Their characterizations are beautifully summed up when Bennett , likely a lazy prostitute , orders aspiring painter Robinson to paint her toenails . At home , Robinson is forced to paint his pictures in the bathroom ; he sees beauty in a flower on the sink ; and , you'll see the clear outline of his toilet bowl , in the lower right of your screen . Dudley Nichols ' screenplay ( of the original " La Chienne " ) cleverly plays within , and stretches the limits of , mainstream motion picture standards . Duryea , Margaret Lindsay ( as Millie ) , and shrewish Rosalind Ivan ( as Adele ) are the best supporting players . See " Scarlet Street " once for the story , and twice for the art . Scarlet Street ( 1945 ) Fritz Lang - Edward G . Robinson , Joan Bennett , Dan Duryea , Rosalind Ivan
|
453,435 | 15,896,852 | 9,968 | 10 |
The Twain Shall Meet
|
Richard Barthelmess ( as Cheng Huan ) is a gentle Chinese man ( " The Yellow Man " ) , immersed in the teachings of Buddha ; he is thinking of leaving China as a missionary . After witnessing a brawl among visiting westerners ( " Jackies " ) , Mr . Barthelmess is convinced that Anglo-Saxons need the gentle lessons of Buddha ; so , he immigrates to Limehouse , a poor London district . There , Lillian Gish ( as Lucy ) lives with her " Daddy " - - abusive boxer Donald Crisp ( as Battling Burrows ) . Ms . Gish is treated like a slave in the Burrows hovel ; she is regularly whipped by hard-drinking Mr . Crisp . Barthelmess finds London uninterested in Buddhism ; disillusioned , he opens a modest souvenir shop . Barthelmess and Gish meet , and fall in love ? Subtitled " The Yellow Man and the Girl " , D . W . Griffith's " Broken Blossoms " is poetically directed and photographed ( G . W . Bitzer ) . The opening scenes are lovely , simple scenes of Chinese people carrying on with their lives . Buddhist Barthelmess is the main " Yellow Man " ; and , though he is Caucasian , he fits in well . Griffith has some fighting " Anglo-Saxons " disrupt the peaceful scenes , this foreshadows later developments and illustrates the main theme and relationship - - the Eastern / Western culture clash represented by Barthelmess and Gish . Of course , the meeting of the two is doomed . Barthelmess ' performance as an Asian has a sensitivity not present in subsequent attempts by big name " Anglo " actors to play " Oriental " parts ; with a lot of integrity , he plays shopkeeper Cheng Huan as an idealist Buddhist becoming a disillusioned pipe-smoker ( probably of Opium ) . Watch for Barthelmess ' reaction when a Christian missionary announces he is leaving for China to convert their heathen ; it's a classic revelation of maturity and understanding . His expertly played love for Gish shows up in his eyes as love , not lust ; this is the more difficult , but correct , way to play the part . Gish is likewise magnificent , creating one of her most memorable characterizations ; her motion of using two fingers to force upon her face a " smile " is classic ; her eyes reveal the horror behind her tear-aged face . Gish is great , sadly walking the Limehouse streets , collecting tin foil , and admiring unaffordable flowers and dolls . At home , she finds it increasingly impossible to avoid Crisp's abuse . Crisp is sometimes too grimaced ; but , it works in later scenes . Note , in an early scene , when Gish encounters two prostitutes , that the prostitute to the left of your screen is making a " date " ! The good folks at KINO include Gish's introduction to " Broken Blossoms " ; she is a delightful storyteller ; among other things , she reveals boxer Norman Selby was " The Real McCoy " . An amazing , never to be equaled , film . Broken Blossoms ( / 19 ) D . W . Griffith - Richard Barthelmess , Lillian Gish , Donald Crisp , Edward Peil
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.