We Watch and Review Classic Movies
“Only Angels Have Wings” 1939 takes place in the fictional South American town of Barranca. There is danger, romance, and drama surrounding Barranca Airways a struggling business with fatalistic pilots, money worries, unpredictable weather, few planes, and difficult human relationships.
Read More“Bicycle Thieves” also known as “Bicycle Thief” 1948 is an Italian drama that presents a Rome family struggling with unemployment, poverty, and the aftermath of World War II. This film is unforgettable.
Read MoreOur podcast covers two excellent time travel movies. “Time After Time” 1979 from Director Nicholas Meyer transports us to H.G. Wells and his search for Doctor John Leslie Stevenson known as Jack-the-Ripper. “Somewhere in Time” 1980 by Director Jeannot Szwarc is the timeless love story between Elise Mckenna and Richard Collier.
Read MoreWe incorrectly said Robert Wise never directed a western. Mr. Wise directed these westerns - “Two Flags West” 1950, “Tribute to a Bad Man” 1956, and “Blood on the Moon” 1948. We apologize for our oversight. The creativity of Mr. Wise is seen throughout “Blood on the Moon”.
Read More“The Lion” 1962 is a family/adventure film set on an animal preserve in Kenya. Director Jack Cardiff relies on excellent movie making skills to fill the screen with beautiful scenes of Africa and wildlife. Mr. Cardiff‘s experience includes Cinematographer for films such as “Black Narcissus” 1947 (Episode 98) and “The African Queen” 1951.
Read More“Mogambo” 1953 is a romance-adventure film set in Africa. Thank you to Patreon listener Arthur who recommended we include the movie in a podcast. Director John Ford built the film around African locations and music from African tribes. The film has many elements found in the 1932 movie “Red Dust”.
Read More“Cry, the Beloved Country” 1951 is based on Alan Paton’s 1948 novel depicting several aspects of Apartheid in South Africa.
Read More“King Solomon’s Mines” 1951 is the second film version depicting the danger and romance facing a group as they search for a missing husband and lost treasure in Africa in 1897.
Read MoreIn “Les Diaboliques”, translated The Devils, Director Henri-Georges Clouzot gives us a prize winning eerie drama that is one of the best in the genre.
Read More“The 39 Steps” 1935 is a spy movie with action taking place in the United Kingdom. Director Alfred Hitchcock packs the film with elements such as an innocent man on the run, a Hitchcock cameo, and the “MacGuffin” plot device important to the drama.
Read More“Paint Your Wagon” 1969 is a western – musical film. Director Joshua Logan faced multiple challenges including remote locations, cast members with differing ideas and styles, a ballooning budget, and studio anxieties.
Read More"Hondo" 1953 is a 3D western directed by John Farrow with John Ford directing the final scenes because Mr. Farrow had to leave to complete another film.
Read MoreRobert 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 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 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 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.
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