Short Review: To Catch a Thief (1955)

Jan. 30, 2011

26. To Catch a Thief (1955)

Starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis, John Williams

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Plot: “When a reformed jewel thief is suspected of returning to his former occupation, he must ferret out the real thief in order to prove his innocence. ” (from IMDb)

Some view this film as more of a Hitchcock “lite”, but I really enjoyed it. The plot was fun, the on-location shooting on the French Riviera was breathtaking, costumes by Edith Head were stunning, the dialogue was witty, Jessie Royce Landis was delightful as the mother, and the two leads played nicely off each other. Surprisingly, I did not really like Grant much in this role (though I know I will probably get lambasted for saying that). He just seemed a little…I don’t know…dull and bland. Maybe his performance will grow on me, though. But the picture as a whole is lot of fun and a wonderful escape into the glamorous Technicolor world of Europe, intrigue, mystery, and romance. What more could I ask for?

Short Review: Pillow Talk (1959)

Jan. 28, 2011

25. Pillow Talk (1959)

Starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter

Directed by Michael Gordon

Plot: “A man and woman share a telephone line and despise each other, but then he has fun by romancing her with his voice disguised.” (from IMDb)

Doris Day movies are kind of a guilty pleasure for me sometimes. They are silly, contrived, unrealistic, and oh so entertaining. This one certainly met those expectations. It’s fun to see the idyllic New York of the late 50s and just be strung a long into the cuteness and charm of it all. In a supporting role, Tony Randall is hilarious and steals every scene he is in. Doris Day is adorable as always and I enjoyed seeing the beautiful Jean Louis wardrobe she modeled. Plus there are some really funny scenes in the film. Rock Hudson’s character seemed to me to be a little bit of a cad, and not the kind of man possessing the traits desirable in a husband. However, I tried to take the movie’s own advice and not take any of it too seriously.

Short Review: To Have and Have Not (1944)

Jan. 26, 2011

24. To Have and Have Not (1944)

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Brennan, Lauren Bacall, Dolores Moran, Hoagy Carmichael

Directed by Howard Hawks

Plot: “A skipper-for-hire’s romance with a beautiful drifter is complicated by his growing involvement with the French resistance.” (from TCMDb)

I personally didn’t find the plot in this that incredible, but it’s definitely worth the watch to see the legendary Bogart and Bacall light up the screen in their first film together. Needless to say, they had great chemistry and it’s fun to see their characters play off each other and trade one-liners. The rest is interesting enough and the movie moves along fairly quickly. 

P.S. Here is an amusing YouTube video that shows how Howard Hawks often repeated dialogue in his movies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXpfYQPSGY

Short Review: Saboteur (1942)

Jan. 26, 2011

23. Saboteur (1942)

Starring Priscilla Lane, Robert Cummings, Otto Kruger, Alan Baxter

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Plot: “Aircraft factory worker Barry Kane goes on the run across the United States when he is wrongly accused of starting a fire that killed his best friend.” (from IMDb)

***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*** This is a fairly uneven but always entertaining Hitchcock effort. It is not among his best, yet there are some memorable scenes and certainly a few of the director’s signature trademarks—the wrongly accused man, blonde heroine, road trip, culmination at a national landmark, etc. I thought Priscilla Lane and Robert Cummings were a likable pairing, and the performances by the antagonists were fitting. Yet some parts of the film just felt out of place and kind of odd (like the scene with the circus people). I thought things started to get interesting when the blind man was introduced, but then they left and the film went in a different direction. I can only attribute this to the many screen writers that worked on the story; perhaps that is why certain elements seem incongruous. I read somewhere that Hitchcock himself regarded the script as being the weakness of the film. Some of the war-time propaganda also feels very muddled—like they weren’t quite sure what they wanted to say, and thus end up contradicting themselves somewhat. Despite its faults, this film is entertaining and worth the watch if only for the final scene which featured some cutting edge (for the time) special effects.

Short Review: The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Jan. 25, 2011

22. The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick, Sydney Greenstreet, Ward Bond, Jerome Cowan

Screenplay by John Huston

Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett

Directed by John Huston (this was the first film he directed)

Plot: “A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette.” (from IMDb)

Making many “greatest films ever made” lists, there’s no doubt that this movie is a classic. Its main strengths lie in the marvelous script, flawless casting, and—of course—great acting and directing. It’s gritty, compelling, and solid (and probably brilliant)…but it’s just not my kind of movie. I’m not denying its status as a landmark film, it just personally didn’t appeal to me. Maybe I’ll give it another try in a few years. In the meantime, I plan to watch some other film noirs to get a better taste of the genre. Suggestions?

Short Review: The Good Fairy (1935)

Jan. 23, 2011

21. The Good Fairy (1935)

Starring Margaret Sullavan, Herbert Marshall, Frank Morgan, Reginald Owen, Eric Blore, Beulah Bondi, Alan Hale, Cesar Romero

Screenplay by Preston Sturges
Based on the play by Ferenc Molnar

Directed by William Wyler

Plot: “A naive girl just out of a cloistered orphanage finds that being a ‘good fairy’ to strangers makes life awfully complicated.” (from IMDb)

With a screenplay by Preston Sturges, direction by William Wyler, and fairly high IMDb ratings, I was expecting to like this. However, it bored me to tears. I was counting the minutes until it would end. In fact, I’m typing this as I watch it. Most of the acting feels hammy and detached. It’s basically just a lot of yelling and drawn-out gags that really aren’t that funny. There’s also a love story, deception… and did I mention people yelling? Maybe I’m just not in the mood. I don’t know.

P.S. Sorry about the bad photo—it’s the best I could find. :(

Short Review: Caged (1950)

Jan. 23, 2011

20. Caged (1950)

Starring Eleanor Parker, Agnes Moorehead, Ellen Corby, Hope Emerson, Betty Garde, Jan Sterling, Lee Patrick, Olive Deering, Jane Darwell, Gertrude Michael, Sheila Stevens

Directed by John Cromwell

Plot: “A naive nineteen year old widow becomes coarsened and cynical when she is sent to a woman’s prison and is exposed to hardened criminals and sadistic guards.” (from IMDb)

Despite looking older than nineteen, Eleanor Parker does a great job showing the slow break-down and hardening of her character. This is a grim, sad—and at times, deeply disturbing—film, but it is also a very solid one.The array of marvelous character actresses each play their parts flawlessly. I particularly enjoyed Jan Sterling as 'Smoochie'. The last film I had seen her in was Johnny Belinda, and she is quite different here—even adopting an accent. As the ‘villian’ of sorts, Hope Emerson perfectly nails the role of the cruel and crooked warden, who despite her evil nature is also rather humorous (in a black way). Such stellar performances, the realistic atmosphere, and very quotable dialogue kept me riveted to the screen. In my opinion, these are the factors that elevate this movie beyond a mere ‘camp’ status. ***SPOILERS*** It is hard to imagine that such things could happen as are depicted in the film. Were prisons really that bad that? Could someone like Marie be so falsely convicted? Were wardens actually that cruel? Since this film is based on actual undercover research in a women’s prison of the day, I think it is very probable. I can only imagine that if this film strikes me as sad and tragic today, how much stronger its impact must’ve been when it was first released.

Short Review: Stage Fright (1950)

Jan. 22, 2011

19. Stage Fright (1950)

Starring Jane Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Wilding, Richard Todd, Alastair Sim

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Plot: “A struggling actress tries to help a friend prove his innocence when he’s accused of murdering the husband of a high society entertainer.” (from IMDb)

I rather liked this one. For some reason though, it seems to be one of the Hitchcock films that doesn’t get discussed much. I thought it was very entertaining and the surprise twist was very clever. The British setting, lovely recurring piano theme, beautiful lighting, and array of British actors—such as the amusing Alastair Sim (who nearly stole the film)—were added bonuses. Marlene Dietrich has an interesting role here, playing almost a parody of herself. As for Jane Wyman, I’ve read some opinions that see her as miscast, but I thought that she did a good job. The romance between her and Wilding (he had really odd hair, though) was especially sweet, and I felt like she played the part just right. Although this is a suspense/mystery film, there are a lot of charming and humorous moments. Some feel a bit out of place but most hit the mark in contributing to a satisfying film. The ending does feel a little abrupt. (I can’t think of an alternative, though!) In my opinion, this is one that is worth watching.

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.

Short Review: To Each His Own (1946)

Jan. 18, 2011

17. To Each His Own (1946)

Starring Olivia de Havilland, John Lund

Screenplay by Charles Brackett & Jacques Thery from a story by Charles Brackett

Produced by Charles Brackett

Directed by Mitchell Leisen

Plot: “A single mother gives up her son, then fights to remain a part of his life.” (from TCMDb)

I think this film would be classified as a “women’s picture”. I thought it was okay—very heartbreaking at times and a with sweet ending. Olivia de Havilland is great in her first Oscar-winning role (John Lund I don’t really care for, though). I guess this film just isn’t my kind of movie. It seems a little weepy and sentimental to me. I feel like my heart must be made of stone to say that, as this is the kind of movie everyone accuses you of not having a pulse if you don’t really care for it. But for whatever reason, I just haven’t been in the mood for these types of dramas lately.

P.S. Sorry for the watermarks on the photo. I had a hard time finding a decent picture to accompany this review.

Short Review: Persuasion (2007)

Jan. 16, 2011

16. Persuasion (2007)
TV movie

Starring Sally Hawkins, Alice Krige, Rubert Penry-Jones

Directed by Adrian Shergold
Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Plot: “Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot’s daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside country estate…” (from IMDb)

I wanted to like this movie. I really did. But there were just so many things that contributed to it being a very poor and uneven adaption. Granted, I have not read the book (someday I really should!), but I can identify what did not work here as a movie. The main problem seemed to be a bad script and/or bad direction. The characters and their motivations often felt muddled, flat or unconvincing. I was not a fan of the casting of the two main leads either, and I didn’t feel like they had sufficient chemistry together. ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** There are also a lot of things I didn’t understand: why is she dating her cousin? How does she know how to relocate collarbones? Why does she do so much running? Why is that first kiss so painfully awkward? Why did they not make more of an effort to give the leading lady attractive hair and clothes? Why does she ‘break the fourth wall’ and stare creepily at the camera? Etc… This just felt like such a half-hearted attempt.

Short Review: Miss Austen Regrets (2008)

Jan. 16, 2011

16. Miss Austen Regrets (2008)
TV movie

Starring Samuel Roukin, Olivia Williams, Greta Scacchi, Imogen Poots, Hugh Bonneville

Directed by Jeremy Lovering

Plot: “In the later years of her life, as she’s approaching the age of forty, the novelist Jane Austen helps her niece find a husband.” (from IMDb)

I don’t know much about Jane Austen’s life, but I didn’t like the character in this film that was supposed to be her. She came across to me as an embittered, shrewish, immature, money-obsessed old maid. I accept that this film is basically a work of fiction, but I just didn’t understand her character. The film did have an interesting ‘feel’ to it and I think we can all relate to some of the uncertainties, regrets, etc. that the characters discuss. Yet it just couldn’t make up for my lack of investment in what meager story there was. This movie is relatively short and a good enough diversion, but it just never really seemed to get anywhere.

Short Review: Spellbound (1945)

Jan. 14, 2011

14. Spellbound (1945)

Starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo G. Carroll, Rhonda Fleming, John Emery

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Produced by David O. Selznick
Screenplay by Ben Hecht
Suggested by Francis Beeding’s novel “The House of Dr. Edwardes”

Plot: “A female psychiatrist protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory.” (from IMDb. I’m going to use the plot summaries from there from now on because I’m not very good at writing them!)

This movie was okay. Not my favorite Hitchcock. I am interested in psychology, but the simplification of the psychiatric angle of the plot makes this a little dated. I also thought that Peck was thoroughly unlikeable in this role. I don’t know why but I just couldn’t understand what Ingrid Bergman’s intelligent doctor character saw in him. I know many people will disagree with me on this, though! I did like him better in Designing Woman. I was impressed with how Hitchcock manipulated some of the visual elements in this film (I can’t really say what they were without giving the plot away). But I guess that’s one of the reasons that he’s regarded as a great director! Despite these techniques, I thought the film dragged and the ending seemed a little sloppy. Over all, this movie just did not work for me. The extras on the DVD I watched were very good, however, and it got me interested in PTSD.

Kings Row (1942)

Jan. 13, 2011

13. Kings Row(1942)

Starring Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan, Betty Field, Charles Coburn, Claude Rains, Judith Anderson, Nancy Coleman, Kaaren Verne, Maria Ouspenskaya, Harry Davenport

Directed by Sam Wood
Based on the novel by Henry Bellamann

Plot: The story of a small turn-of-the-century town and its hidden secrets. [again, bad synopsis]

I was afraid this would be an endlessly depressing two hours, but found it surprisingly good. The film does take tragic turns, but the drama is well balanced and the over all effect is very satisfying. It is sad to see some of the ‘secrets’ that lie hidden in this town and the awful things some people do, though (I will never look at Charles Coburn the same again). I also felt like some aspects of the story were not sufficiently fleshed out. I don't want to give anything away, but I wasn't really satisfied with how the situation with the Cassandra and her father was resolved. I do really like some of the changes that Hollywood made to the film, though, as I think it makes a better movie. (Having not read the book I guess I can't really say for sure, though.)

I thought Ronald Reagan (he has a very likeable screen presence) and Ann Sheridan (she was a better actress than many people gave her credit for, in my opinion) did a great job. I’m not sure what to think of Robert Cummings. I usually like him as a performer but here something seemed flat. I can’t decide whether this was the actor’s fault or if that’s just the way the character was supposed to be.

One of the greatest parts of this film is the cinematography* and set design**. The mood of the town is perfectly recreated. Also notable is the famous Korngold score. It is really beautiful and greatly adds to the film.

* The director of photography was none other than legendary Hollywood cinematographer James Wong Howe. He has a fascinating story in his own right and is definitely worth looking up.

**Production design was by William Cameron Menzies, two time Oscar winner who is notable for doing the set design for Gone With the Wind (1939).

**Art direction was by Carl Jules Weyl, another Oscar winner, whose work includes Casablanca (1942), The Big Sleep (1946), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).

Kings Row was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Cinematography (black and white), Best Director, and Best Picture.

If you haven’t seen this, I think it’s definitely worth checking out. Let me know what you think.

Short Review: The Three Faces of Eve (1957)

Jan. 12, 2011

12. The Three Faces of Eve (1957)

Starring Joanne Woodward, David Wayne, Lee J. Cobb

Produced & Directed by Nunnally Johnson
Screenplay by Nunnally Johnson
From the book by Corbett H. Thigpen, M.D. and Hervey M. Cleckley, M.D.

Plot: An ordinary housewife seeks psychiatric help in dealing with the three different personalities that have emerged due to a multiple personality disorder.

With the introduction and reoccurring narration, at times this feels almost documentary-like. Yet I think it is safe to say that although this may have been based on an actual psychiatric case, Hollywood did take some liberties with it. Considering the fact that so little was know about this disorder then, some of the details of the illness and the way it is dealt with do not seem entirely convincing. Some aspects—especially the conclusion—just seemed far too oversimplified. As for performances: Joanne Woodward won an Oscar for her role and did a good job managing the different ‘persons’ her character had to play. As the puzzled doctor, Lee J. Cobb is very different here than in the roles that I had previously seen him in, where he usually played mean, loud, angry characters. The production quality of this film was nothing special, but despite [what seemed to me to be] some choppy editing, it was sufficient. As a product of its time, this is an unique film addressing mental illness and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.

Bonus fact: Joanne Woodward made her own dress for the Academy Awards that year, as she didn’t think she would win. (I think it’s a nice dress, though, so apparently she was a talented seamstress as well as an accomplished actress.)

Short Review: The Night of the Iguana (1964)

Jan. 12, 2011

11. The Night of the Iguana (1964)

Starring Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr, Sue Lyon

Directed by John Huston
Based on the play by Tennessee Williams

Plot: After scandal rocks his life, a suffering Episcopal clergyman becomes a tour guide for a group of Baptist women traveling Mexico. When his past failings begin to catch up with him, he detours the group to a resort run by a friend of his. [seriously, I am so bad at writing plot summaries!]

I can’t really decide what I think of this film. I both love it and hate it. It’s not the type of film that I would usually watch, but I saw a clip of it on Tumblr and decided to give it a chance. Despite several elements that I wasn’t quite comfortable with, it provides a lot of food for thought and a really interesting story (the plot is certainly original!). However, I don’t think that I really agree with all its messages. Some of them I found to be quite muddled. Richard Burton (he has a gorgeous voice, by the way) and Ava Gardner breathe life into their respective characters in two very fine performances. Deborah Kerr is okay, even if her role comes across as a little preachy. Sue Lyon, on the other hand, was almost insufferably annoying. Needless to say, there were some really great moments in the script, as well as some stunning visual scenes. Though this is an intriguing and riveting piece of cinema, I can’t say that it is without its flaws. Still, it’s one of those movies that I can’t stop thinking about after watching.

Short Review: Designing Woman (1957)

Jan. 11, 2011

10. Designing Woman (1957)

Starring Gregory Peck, Lauren Bacall, Dolores Gray, Sam Levene

Directed by Vincente Minnelli

Plot: After only knowing each other a short time, a sportswriter marries and a successful fashion designer marry. Now they must deal with their conflicting lifestyles.

This is a fun, light ’50s comedy. The clothes designed by Helen Rose are shown off to their full advantage by the stylish and sultry Lauren Bacall. Oh, and Gregory Peck is pretty easy on the eyes as well. It’s fun to see both of them in a comedy. Despite the fact that this won an Oscar for best screenplay, I thought the story was kind of lacking. I guess that just shows what I know. :P It seemed like it relied a little too much on the old ‘couples misunderstanding’ shtick. But all things considered, this is a really fun movie with a great cast.

Short Review: Sense & Sensibility (2008)

Jan. 10, 2011

9. Sense & Sensibility (2008)
TV mini-series

Starring Hattie Morahan, Charity Wakefield, David Morrissey, Janet McTeer, Dan Stevens, Dominic Cooper, Lucy Boynton

Directed by John Alexander
Screenplay by Andrew Davies
Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Plot: This is an Austen movie, so I feel like spelling out the plot is kind of beside the point. Those familiar with the genre know the blend of relationships, misconceptions, personal revelations and humor that her work usually includes.

Sidenote:This obviously isn’t an old movie, but I am going to try and review all of the movies I see—not just the oldies.

This isn’t my favorite Austen, but I liked it a little better than the 1995 adaption. It is a mini-series and I admit to finding the pace a bit languorous at times. (But maybe that’s just because I don’t have the best attention span.) I liked the character of Elinor, and Hattie Morahan who played her, but I wasn’t very invested in any of the male characters. As someone who has not read the book, I was also confused by some of the plot points and I didn’t always like how the story was presented on screen. Perhaps if I knew the novel I could fill in the cracks more. All in all, this isn’t a movie that I really loved. It wasn’t awful. Just kind of ‘blah’. It has fairly high IMDb ratings, though, so apparently lots of other people really liked it.

Short Review: The Man With the Golden Arm (1955)

Jan. 9, 2011

8. The Man With the Golden Arm (1955)

Starring Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang, Darrin McGavin, Robert Strauss

Produced & Directed by Otto Preminger
Loosely based on the novel by Nelson Algren

Plot: After coming home from rehab, a heroin addict seeks to stay clean and deal with the things in his life that are holding him back.

I was hesitant to watch this movie in the first place, because the topic kind of scared me. Addiction IS scary and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to watch a film about it. Watching it pretty much just reaffirmed those feelings. Sinatra does give a good performance and Kim Novak was also excellent. I never really thought much of her as an actress, but she did really well in this role. Curiously enough, I found her character of Molly to be the most interesting one in the film. She has the perfect combination of mystery, beauty, brassy independence, and strength. Eleanor Parker was over-the-top and annoying—like she was supposed to be. Some of the secondary characters felt a bit cartoonish, though. The atmosphere was gritty and realistic and pretty depressing. But precisely the reasons why I find this film so repugnant is probably credit to Preminger—for creating a piece that expresses the devastation and hellishness of addiction. It is not a film that I ever wish to see again.

Short Review: Christmas Holiday (1944)

Jan. 7, 2011

7. Christmas Holiday (1944)

Starring Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly, Richard Whorf, Dean Harens, Gladys George, Gale Sondergaard

Directed by Richard Siodmak
Loosely based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham
Written for the screen by Herman J. Mankiewicz 

Plot: Two strangers meet unexpectedly, each separately trying to deal with previous rocky relationships. (That’s not a very good synopsis, though.)
I knew going in that this wasn’t a normal Deanna Durbin movie and I was fine with that. I knew that it was a dark film noir—and it is. I can only imagine how surprised audiences whodidn’t know that would be, however. The two leads (Deanna Durbin and Gene Kelly) play very much against type from their usual frothy musical fare. This is a film about love, obsession, and moving on. That’s all fine, but I just never felt invested in any of the characters. Dean Harens was especially dull and uninteresting. The plot was very simple and a great deal of the movie is told in flashbacks—which I usually don’t mind, but here it’s mostly stuff the audience already knows. It’s not that this is a painfully bad movie, it’s just not anything special (at least in my opinion). I also found the ending to be just a little over-dramatic. Oh, and despite the title, this isn’t really a Christmas movie—unless you like watching film noirs about crime and murder at Christmas time.

Short Review: White Christmas (1954)

I decided it would make more sense to just post one review at a time, even if it’s just a ‘mini review’.

Jan. 6, 2011

6. White Christmas (1954)

Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Melvin Frank

Plot: A pair of song and dance men partner with a performing sister act to help an old Army general rejuvenate his failing inn…just in time for the holidays. 

Some may consider January 6 a little late to be viewing a Christmas movie, but I say it’s just in time for Epiphany! Really, this holiday classic makes for fine viewing any time of the year. Crooning Bing Crosby plays wonderfully off wise-cracking Danny Kaye. Vera-Ellen glides through the film demonstrating her accomplished dancing, and Rosemary Clooney has plenty of opportunities to showcase her husky and melodious voice. Filmed in VistaVision and bright, gorgeous color, this film is also a treat for the eyes as show-stopping numbers give way for countless Edith Head creations. The film is light, fun, and fluffy. Everything one would expect from a 1950s musical. Yet a very talented cast and classic Irving Berlin tunes elevate this film to share rank with the best of the genre. There are a few numbers or scenes that may have modern audiences rolling their eyes, but numbers like “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” more than make up for the improbable or overlooked elements of the film. Though I think the best part of White Christmas is the opportunities it creates for quoting dialogue or in-jokes to your family all 365 days a year.

Mini Reviews: The Dark Mirror, The Snake Pit, The Heiress, We’re No Angels, Johnny Belinda

In honor of the new year, I have started recording on my Tumblr a mini review for each film I watch. I actually type up my thoughts and comments for each and every movie I watch, though I rarely post these reviews because they are largely made up of abstract ramblings. But I thought it would be fun to post an abbreviated review where I just write my over all view of the films. I have taken the ones I’ve done so far on Tumblr, added a bit more, and posted them here. Hopefully I can post more of them as I watch more films.

This batch is largely made up of Olivia de Havilland films, as I was kind of on an Olivia kick. If anyone has any other recommendations for good films she was in, let me know! (I have also seen Princess O’Rourke…and plan on watching To Each His Own and In This Our Life soon). Are her films with Errol Flynn enjoyable to someone who’s not a big fan of westerns?

But enough rambling. On to the reviews!

Jan. 1, 2011

1. The Dark Mirror (1946)

Starring Olivia de Havilland, Lew Ayres, Thomas Mitchell

Written & Produced by Nunnally Johnson
Directed by Robert Siodmak 

Plot: a film noir/mystery about identical twin sisters—one of them is guilty and one is innocent.

This was a very entertaining film with an incredible performance by Olivia—playing two people! The special effects were skillfully handled and impressive. I wish they would’ve explained more about the dark mirror, though. Trying to kept everything straight was a little confusing at times but the pacing was great and it really kept me interested and concentrating on the plot. I was kept guessing until the very end.

Jan. 2, 2011

2. The Snake Pit (1948)

Starring Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn, Celeste Holm, Leif Erickson, Beulah Bondi, Betsy Blair

Directed by Anatole Litvak
Based on a book by Mary Jane Ward

Plot: About a woman in a mental hospital. 

This was one of the most amazing movies I’ve ever seen. The immersive realism that it achieved kept me riveted throughout. Olivia de Havilland gave one of the most terrific performances I’ve ever seen and all the other actors were also perfectly cast. This movie just touches on so many emotions and is one that I can definitely see myself rewatching. I could rattle on a long time about this movie, but in summary: I highly recommend it. 

Jan. 3, 2011

3. The Heiress (1949)

Starring Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins

Produced & Directed by William Wyler

Plot: A socially awkward heiress falls in love with a handsome young man. But does he really love her, or just her money?

I apologize in advance to those that feel differently, but I really hated this movie. The plot seemed thin and it was just very depressing. It went nowhere but down and then left you there—the end. The only positive things I can attribute to it are a lovely soundtrack and some skillful camera shots. I was really sorry that I didn’t like this movie. I wanted to! In some ways it seems similar to My Cousin Rachel, another movie which I didn’t like. I hate to say it because I was really becoming fond of Olivia as an actress, but here I just didn’t relate to her character or performance. I feel like I am missing something because so many people have stated what an incredible performance she gives here (which won her an Academy Award!). Please feel free to dish in the comments on your thoughts on this (and any of the films mentioned here).

Jan. 4, 2011

4. We’re No Angels (1955)

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Joan Bennett, Basil Rathbone, Leo G. Carroll

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Plot: Three escaped convicts help a shopkeeper and his family out during Christmas.

It was fun to see Bogart in a light comedy like this. Ray and Ustinov round out the trio and together they make a quirky and humorous bunch. This movie was okay. Kind of fun but I guess I just don’t really like the black humor. I found some of the humor uncomfortable—like jokes about one of the convicts who was a rapist (of course he wasn’t called that, but still). Maybe I’m just taking it too seriously, though. Good to see once but not a favorite.

Jan. 5/6, 2011

5. Johnny Belinda (1948)

Starring Jane Wyman, Lew Ayres, Charles Bickford, Agnes Moorehead, Stephen MacNally, Jan Sterling

Directed by Jean Negulesco

Plot: A doctor helps and deaf and mute girl learn to communicate.

I decided to watch this film in honor of Jane Wyman’s birthday on January 5. I don’t really know how to describe this movie. Heartfelt is the only word that comes to mind, but it’s not cheesy, sentimental, Hallmark heartfelt. It’s just a very good film with wonderful performances by Jane Wyman and the rest of the cast. Based on a stage play, the story is original and engaging. At first I thought it would be like the Helen Keller story, but the setting—along with some significant dramatic turns—makes it unique. I was also impressed with the realistic mood and scenery of the film. Although it was nominated for a dozen Academy Awards, it only won Best Actress (for Wyman’s performance). Despite a few moments that were maybe just a little contrived, I heartily recommend this film. It is a classic movie in the best sense of the word.