Short Review: Mildred Pierce (1945)

Feb. 1, 2011

27. Mildred Pierce (1945)

Starring Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, Ann Blyth, Bruce Bennett, Lee Patrick

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Plot: “After her cheating husband leaves her, Mildred Pierce proves she can become independent and successful, but can’t win the approval of her spoiled daughter.”

This was an interesting movie. The blending of noir and melodrama was nicely done, and I was surprised at some of the twists in the plot—especially near the end. The use of flash-backs was compelling and the lighting and shadows accentuated the different moods of the story. I also thought the acting was top-notch and contained some very memorable characters. This was a very entertaining and well-done movie. If you haven’t seen it already, I recommend checking it out.

Short Review: The Strawberry Blonde (1941)

Jan. 20, 2011

18. The Strawberry Blonde (1941)

Starring James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland, Rita Hayworth, Alan Hale, Jack Carson, George Tobias

Directed by Raoul Walsh

Plot: “Biff Grimes is crazy about Virginia Brush, but his ‘pal’ Hugo Barnstead marries her himself and makes Biff the fall guy for his shady dealings. Though Hugo seems to have everything Biff wanted, Biff learns that having what one wants and wanting what one has can be two very different things.” (from IMDb)

Though the story is very simple (and rather silly), charismatic performers and a charming turn-of-the-century setting carry this film. Cagney gives a characteristically energetic performance, de Havilland is her usual adorable and talented self, Hayworth shines in one of her few comedic roles, and Carson does a great job of playing the double-crossing friend. I couldn’t help it—by the time the credits rolled and I heard the last chorus of “The Band Played On” I had a big goofy grin on my face.