We Watch and Review Classic Movies
Robert Siodmak had a long career making films in Germany during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) before fleeing to France in 1933. He then left for the United States in 1940 when France fell to Germany. "The Spiral Staircase" 1946 is a showcase of his talents in directing this gothic horror tale of a serial killer who targets vulnerable women in a Vermont town.
Read More"Paths of Glory" 1957 is a World War I drama that somewhat reflects the Souain Corporals affair a true story of four French soldiers executed in 1915 for failure to follow orders.
Read More"Crossfire" 1947 deals with anti-Semitism and murder. Director Edward Dmytryk creates a masterful movie taking us to a place where hatred, fear, and ignorance culminate in the senseless beating death of Joseph Samuels a decorated veteran played by Sam Levene. The film is based on Richard Brooks's 1945 novel The Brick Foxhole.
Read More"Touch of Evil" 1958 and 1998 Director's cut is based on the 1956 novel Badge of Evil. Orson Welles directed the movie,
Read More”Moonraker" 1979 is the fourth film in our James Bond series. Director Lewis Gilbert combines themes in the movie. There is wealthy Hugo Drax whose monstrous plan involves multiple space shuttles and poison to dominate the world, a science fiction space adventure, comedic one liners, super hero exploits from Bond, near death experiences around the globe, and romance.
Read MoreThe sixth James Bond film takes center stage with "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" from 1969. Long time industry veteran Peter R. Hunt makes his Director debut for this film. Mr. Hunt's quick film cutting accentuates the action. This may be the Bond film that most closely follows the novel's themes.
Read MoreTerence Young returns to helm "From Russia with Love" 1963. Mr. Young's direction keeps the swagger in James Bond as it was initially captured in "Dr. No". Istanbul, Turkey, is the scene for much of the spy drama as James Bond and MI6 battle the Soviet Union's SMERSH (an actual counter-intelligence group) and the deadly agents of SPECTRE.
Read MoreSean Connery is the first James Bond, the British MI6 agent - code name 007.
Read More"Jules and Jim" 1962 is the French film of a romantic love triangle set before, during and after World War I. Director Francois Truffaut also co-wrote and produced the film. The basis for the movie is Henri-Pierre Roché's 1953 book about his and another man's love and involvement with a free-spirited woman.
Read MoreThe George Lukas film was instrumental in launching the era of the movie blockbuster. The musical score by John Williams and the production values perfectly match the film's story.
Read More"Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" 1977 is our podcast episode 200. We pay tribute to the movie genius of George Lucas who created the magnificent science fiction space adventures of the Star Wars films. His films changed the movie entertainment business.
Read MoreHappy May the 4th!
Head over to Patreon and check out our two part review of “Star Wars” available early for Patrons. We also have special bonus content and behind the scenes videos available for Patrons. Check it out and help support the show!
May the 4th be with you!
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"Elevator to the Gallows" 1958 is a French crime film directed by Louis Malle. The musical score by Miles Davisis improvised and creates a haunting mood that adds beautifully to the drama. The cinematography of Henri Decae is remarkable.
Read More"The Mark of Zorro" is a 1940 film based on The Curse of Capistrano written in 1919 by Johnston McCulley. This film is the wrap-up in our tribute to Basil Rathbone. The film follows on the success of the 1920 silent movie "The Mark of Zorro" starring Douglas Fairbanks.
Read MoreWe continue our salute to Basil Rathbone with "Son of Frankenstein" from 1939. In this adventure Mr. Rathbone is Baron Wolf von Frankenstein who travels to the family ancestral castle. His mission is to redeem his father's reputation.
Read More"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" 1939 is the second and last of the Sherlock Holmes films from 20th Century Fox. However, good news for us Holmes fans because Universal Studios produced another twelve Holmes films from 1942 through 1946.
Read MoreThe Hound of the Baskervilles" 1939 is the first of two movies made by 20th Century-Fox as part of the fourteen Sherlock Holmes films released from 1939 through 1946.
Read More"Lady from Chungking" 1942 made at the height of World War II provides a star level role for Anna May Wong as Kwan Mei.
Read More"Shanghai Express" 1932 brings us the drama and danger facing several travelers on the train from Peking to Shanghai during the civil war in China. Director Josef von Sternberg builds an engaging film that has solid production values and the look of a more recent adventure movie. Our featured actor Anna May Wong is Hui Fei who plays a pivotal role that involves rebel leader Henry Chang played by Warner Oland.
Read More"The Toll of the Sea" from 1922 is the first lead role for Anna May Wong who was 17 and the second feature movie to use Technicolor film. Director Chester M. Franklin presents the tragic love of Lotus Flower played by Ms. Wong for Allen Carver an American played by Kenneth Harlan.
Read MoreMasterfully directed by Ernst Lubitsch, "To Be Or Not To Be" successfully rides a fine line between satire, comedy, drama, romance and action.
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