I’ve arrived at a tentative list of the films that I am most interested in exploring. It’s strict: nothing before 1929 or after 1945. It’s also fluid — I expect to discover different films that I have ignored or underestimated, and others on the list that turn out to be less interesting than I initiallyContinue reading “Canons and Neglected Gems”
Monthly Archives: December 2019
Sweetheart of the Campus (1941)
Some folks won’t be surprised, but I’ll bet some you will be mind-blown by this. I adore this movie, a true unappreciated little gem. This was the last film that starred Ruby Keeler, now without Dick Powell. I have no love for Keeler as an actress or dancer, but lo and behold, the center ofContinue reading “Sweetheart of the Campus (1941)”
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Christmas in Connecticut is a puzzle I will never solve. It’s apparently very popular with nostalgic audiences. There are at this writing almost 90 viewers’ reviews of it on IMDB, and they are overwhelmingly positive – glowing, even. It was apparently successful when it came out, and it’s treated as if it were a niceContinue reading “Christmas in Connecticut (1945)”
Roberta (1935)
The second of the Astaire-Rogers star vehicles, Roberta has its fans. I’m not one of them. Although, admittedly, many of its fans admire the duo’s dances as if the rest of the film did not exist. If those are the terms, then I’m on board, too. The film contains some memorable chemistry between Astaire andContinue reading “Roberta (1935)”
The Gay Divorcee (1934)
The Gay Divorcee was the first true Astaire-Rogers film. Impressed by the way they had stolen the show in Flying Down to Rio the year before, RKO Studios hired them to be marquee stars. They also hired Mark Sandrich, who had directed the dance sequences of Rio, to helm the pictures. Folks differ in theirContinue reading “The Gay Divorcee (1934)”
Love Me Tonight (1932)
The reputation of Love Me Tonight at the moment could not be higher. Most film scholars consider it one of the great – if not the greatest – cinematic film comedies. That’s justifiable. The project was originated by Lubitsch, but he ceded control over it to Rouben Mamoulian when he became more interested in makingContinue reading “Love Me Tonight (1932)”
The Good Fairy (1934) – 1.
The Good Fairy is one of the great film comedies of the period. And an anomaly. It’s perfect on its own terms – hilarious, warm, with fantastically good performances. It stars Margaret Sullavan at her most luminous in her best comic role. It was directed by William Wyler, who did not direct a lot ofContinue reading “The Good Fairy (1934) – 1.”
Dames (1934)
I adore the early Warner studio Busby Berkeley movies, all of them. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but for now I’ll go with Dames. The films now all go under Berkeley’s name, but until Gold Diggers of 1935, Berkeley (hence BB) directed only the production numbers. Spectacular as they were, the four great filmsContinue reading “Dames (1934)”
Hollywood Hotel (1937)
Hollywood Hotel is a relatively late Busby Berkeley movie. As far as I know, this was the first film that BB directed by himself. Scholars justly talk about 42nd Street, Golddiggers of 1933, and Dames as great films; Hollywood Hotel isn’t great like that, but it has its virtues. It’s a cute and rocking comedyContinue reading “Hollywood Hotel (1937)”
Born to Dance (1936)
Born to Dance (1936) is definitely not an undiscovered masterpiece, but it’s a fascinating piece of period cinema. Its director, Roy Del Ruth, was a fine, crafty comedy director, but this film’s direction is craaaazy — and not from genius. Still, amazingly illuminating. Why? Bear with me a while. Years ago, I had an epiphanyContinue reading “Born to Dance (1936)”