Classic Hollywood Reviews: Arsenic and Old Lace

I'm neck-high in editing and writing this week, so I'm going to resurrect this post about one of my favorite movies of all time. It's the weekend, and if I weren't writing like mad, this is a movie I'd pop in and watch. My daughter watched it for the first time over Christmas. I LOVED watching her laugh loudly over the antics. It's a classic and Cary Grant is simply WONDERFUL. Insert happy sigh. So here we go:

Last week I unintentionally offended a friend (just kidding, Steph) by not inviting her over to watch this classic Cary Grant comedy. When I saw that the TCM Comedy Collection included Arsenic and Old Lace, I was a wee bit puzzled. Guess it had been too long since I watched the movie. It didn't take too many minutes and I was thoroughly delighted by Cary Grant's comedic acting.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: My Favorite Wife

I'm slipping back to Hollywood for a week, just because, I miss it! And this movie is too fun. It doesn't take long to realize I'm a Cary Grant fan. I won't list all the reasons why, but this movie was a great addition to my viewing repertoire.

The basic set up is that Cary Grant's character is at court to have his wife declared legally dead seven years after she disappeared at sea. Then he promptly marries wife two. As they are at court, long lost wife one shows up at home. What follows is a comedy of errors that made me think of Parent Trap on occasion.

Cary Grant is great as the befuddled and confused lead. And Irene Dunne does a great job reeling him back in. I felt sorry for wife #2, but not too sorry.

So if you're looking for a classic that has romance, comedy, and some great lines, pop this one in.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Your Turn

I've loved sharing some of my favorite movies with you. There's something magical about that time period and the movies made during the 30s and 40s. But now I want to give you a chance to share your favorite movies with us.

For those of you who send me a review that I use on my blog, I'll send you one of my Heartsong Presents novels as a thank you. So what do you do?

Leave a comment letting me know you're interested, which movie you'd like to review, and your email address. I'll then contact you to set up a day for your post.

I can't wait to learn more about your favorite movies!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Penny Serenade

Penny Serenade is a 1941 movie that stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. It is set as a retrospective beginning with a wife who says she's leaving her husband. Then she begins listening to records. With each record she sees a different aspect of their life together spanning from the time they met, their courting, to adopting a daughter and the crisis that threatens to tear them apart.

This movie starts as a dramatic romance, moves into comedy with the arrival of a baby and then slides back into drama.

The scenes involving adoption and the desire this couple has to adopt are very touching. And Roger's plea to the judge to be able to keep the little girl by finalizing the adoption brought tears to my eyes.

I knew nothing about this movie going into it. A friend had loaned it to me, so Eric and I took a chance on it -- not hard to do when Cary Grant's the lead. I'm glad we watched it. It was tender and touching. A film I won't soon forget.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: The King and I

The King and I is a classic Rogers and Hammestein musical set in Siam in the 19th century. Yul Brynner is the 19th-century Siamese monarch who hires English governess Deborah Kerr to teach his wives and children and winds up getting an education of his own. Features such songs as "Getting to Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance." Filmed in 1956, the movie is rich with Deborah Kerr's beautiful gowns and a subtle sense of humor. It also deals with deep issues including things like keeping promises, the value of life, and many more.

I showed this to my daughter a few weeks ago and she enjoyed it, but thought it moved a bit slow. However, when they started singing and dancing she was enthralled. And there's something timeless about a romance that is doomed from the start.

Whether you see this in the film or as a play, it's a wonderful story and piece of America's theater and cinematic history.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: High Society

High Society is a 1956 flick that remakes The Philadelphia Story (1940). Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart are replaced by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Grace Kelly slides into Katherine Hepburn's role as the spoiled socialite preparing for her wedding. I LOVE the original. But one thing High Society has that the original doesn't is Bing and Frank singing and dancing. That's something extra that's pretty special, too. Add in Louis Armstrong and his trumpet and gravelly voice, ad you have some great music.

But the movie still lacks something that the original has...well, it lacks Kate, Jimmy and Cary. And while I adore Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly just isn't Kate Hepburn (IMHO). The original also won two Oscars, so I guess the Academy agrees with me.

The basic storyline is identical. Rich, spoiled heiress is preparing to marry her second husband in a matter of days. Reporters and first husband show up making a mess of her ordered life. In the process she comes to realize she wants more from her life than the cold, above-it-all persona she's crafted for herself.

High Society is still worth watching...just watch it first and then pull out The Philadelphia Story.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

I must be on a Cary Grant kick right now. A couple weeks ago, Eric and I pulled out this 1948 Cary Grant flick. I love that it co-stars Myrna Loy, one of my favorite actresses thanks to the Thin Man series. In Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, Jim and Muriel Blandings decide their apartment is impossibly small and rather than be content there, they are going to build a dream house in Connecticut. The only problem is they'd never heard of Dave Ramsey and his financial principles. They find that building the house is much more trouble than they anticipated, not to mention over the top financially.

The movie is not the typical quick repartee comedy...but if you stick with it, and understand all the mistakes the couple makes, it is a fun movie. Just don't take any financial advice from this couple!

I personally like the attorney who plays narrator and breath of ignored reality to the couple. He can't help it that Mr. Blandings refuses to take his advice -- at any turn.

And here's a fun piece of trivia for you from IMDb: The house "Blandings' Way" really exists on Indian Hill Road in New Milford, Connecticut. It's a beautiful huge white art deco/colonial house that has many of the actual rooms discussed in the movie - such as a room to cut flowers. Also less than a mile away on Long Mountain Road is executive producer of the movie and MGM head Dore Schary's old country home.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: American Madness

For those of you who are Frank Capra fans, here's a film you probably haven't seen yet. American Madness is a film from 1932 that plays with many ideas that come to fruition in It's a Wonderful Life.

It's the 1930s, the Depression era, and the Board of Directors of Thomas Dickson's bank want Dickson to merge with New York Trust and resign. He refuses. One night, Dickson's bank is robbed of $100,000. The suspect is Matt Brown, an ex-convict whom Dickson hired and appointed Chief Teller. Brown, who's very loyal to Dickson, refuses to say where he was that night. He actually has two witnesses for his alibi, Mrs. Dickson and fellow worker Cyril Cluett, but Brown is protecting Dickson...

Mr. Capra uses the film as a way to speak out against the evils he saw in big banking. He also speaks to the values that become common in his films. The idea that one man can make a difference. That we should believe in the little guy and give him a chance.  I enjoyed the film...and if you like Frank Capra movies, you really should track this one down.

The Stage in August, 1932 gave the following opinion: "Now we have American Madness, produced by Columbia and Frank Capra, showing the scenes of wild panic incident to a run on a big bank. Although it is frankly propaganda urging us to have faith in our poor, dear bank presidents, it is effective and occasionally exciting melodrama. Certainly Mr. Capra's scenes of the rapidly growing mob in the bank are expertly handled and make grand pictures. Perhaps the story is improbable and the happy ending impossible, but whether you agree with President Walter Huston's bank policy ("to stop hoarding and get business running again") or with the depositors hammering on the cages for their cash, you feel that American Madness is a good show, and hokum only part of the time."

Classic Hollywood Reviews: You Were Never Lovelier

It's time for another Classic Hollywood Review, and thanks to my friend Stephanie who recommended this movie and loaned it to me.

You Were Never Lovelier stars Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Frankly you could stop right there in my book and have a great movie. There's lots of singing and dancing as Fred's character (Bob) stumbles into wooing Maria (Rita's character). In Maria's family the daughters have to get married in order of birth. That's not a problem since the movie starts with the oldest daughter's wedding, except that Maria has no interest in the men around her. Instead, she's waiting for a prince that will never come -- at least that's what her younger sister's fear. In steps Papa with his grand solution, and the next thing you know Bob is wooing her only he's not but he really is.

It's a fun romantic romp that fits the 1940s perfectly. The dancing is elegant -- though I still chuckle when I see strangers dance so beautifully the moment they meet.  The other thing that made me chuckle is how un-South American looking the girls are - especially Rita. Just fun since the movie is supposed to take place in Argentina.

Over all this is a pleasant film that is worth the time -- especially if you're a Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth fan.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Dial M for Murder

For Christmas I bought a TCM collection that contains four suspense movies. The other night I watched Dial M for Murder, an Alfred Hitchcock flick I'd never seen, but very much enjoyed.

An ex-tennis pro executes a plot to kill his wife. When things go horribly wrong, he shifts to plan B. The plot is brilliant, as the husband plots the perfect murder. I love that the boyfriend is a crime novelist, who tries to weave a tale of how the husband could have plotted the murder.

Grace Kelly plays the wife while Ray Milland plays the husband. I haven't seen him in anything else, but very much liked his screen presence. All in all this is a great movie when you want something that has twists and not a hint of romance. It's definitely one I'll watch again.

If you've seen Dial M for Murder, what did you think?

Classic Hollywood Reviews: What's Your Favorite

Holiday movies are a special breed. When we really like them, the holiday highlighted doens't limit us to watching it at one time of year. It will reinforce our love for a season throughout the year. I've told you about a few of my favorites: It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Holiday Inn. Now it's your turn. What are your favorite holiday movies?

Classic Hollywood Reviews: It's A Wonderful Life

Now you had to know with the holiday season I'd review It's a Wonderful Life. It released in 1946 in the post-war days and in many ways was an effort for Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra to resurrect careers that stalled while they fought in various roles during World War II.

The basic story is a classic. A man believes his family and town would be better off if he'd never been born. An angel who is trying to earn his wings keeps him from committing suicide and then grants his wish. It's as if he'd never been born. The balance of the film is filled with George Bailey getting to see the many ways he did impact the world. His problems don't disappear, but his perspective shifts. And in the process he is changed forever.

James Stewart's performance as George Bailey is ranked #8 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). And this was Donna Reed's first starring role in a movie. 

 

Grab a blanket, light a fire, and pop some popcorn. Watch this movie to remind you in the middle of a crazy season of what really is important.  This is a movie you'll add to your holiday traditions -- though it can be viewed anytime of year.

If you've seen the movie, what's your favorite scene?

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Voted the #1 inspirational film of all time in AFI's "100 Years, 100 Cheers" (June 14th, 2006)

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Ranked as the #1 Most Powerful Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute (2006).

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In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked this as the #20 Greatest Movie of All Time.

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Ranked #3 on the American Film Institute's list of the 10 greatest films in the genre "Fantasy" in June 2008.

The movie was nominated for five Oscars, but walked away without a single win.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: White Christmas

White Christmas (1954) is one of my favorite Christmas films of all time. I know, you're thinking we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet...how can I think Christmas? Let's just say I love the music and this movie. I could watch it anytime.

Besides there are certain moments in the show that transcend holidays. Case in point: the song Sisters, Sisters. It's wonderful when Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen sing it. Then it's a stitch when Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye take a turn at it...All in the effort to give the girls time to escape the police.

Danny Kaye plays the classic foil in Phil Davis... the perfect role for him. Davis was injured in WWII saving Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) from a falling wall. Throughout the movie that moment comes up repeatedly as a way to get Wallace to do things he doesn't want to do.

There are wonderful scenes paying tribute to those who served in the war...but the best is when the sing White Christmas. Is there any way to beat Bing Crosby crooning those words? I don't think so.

If you've never seen the movie, you can start with the trailer here. They even highlight Sisters in the trailer. This one was nominated for an Oscar for best music/original song for the song Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, but did not win.

So pull up a comfy chair, build a nice fire, and curl up with a blanket and your honey. This movie is a great one to get your into the holiday mood.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Redux

This was one of the first Classic Hollywood Reviews that I wrote. And as we ponder the election from a week and a half ago, I thought it was appropriate to run it again. There will be many new people in Washington starting in January. Here's praying they come with the convictions and willingness to stand up for what's right that is portrayed in this movie. Whichever side of the aisle you vote, I think we can all agree that's what we need.

Do you have a wee bit of the crusader in you? Wonder if corrupt politics only arrived in the 1990s? Then you need to watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A 1939 offering from one of my favorite classic directors, Frank Capra, with one of my favorite classic stars, Jimmy Stewart, it's the ultimate feel good tale. And what's not to like when Jean Arthur joins the fun.

Jimmy Stewart's character Jefferson Smith is basically a grown-up Eagle Scout who is sent to Wasghington because his handlers think he'll be easy to control. Boy, did they mess up on that assumption! One of my favorite scenes is when he gets to Washington, D.C. and hops on the trolley to take a tour giving his handlers ulcers with his disappearing act. (For a summary of the film, pop over here.)

This was the fifth film that Stewart made in 1939 and garnered a total of eleven Academy Award nominations but only won in one category. This was also the second film in which Stewart and Arthur are paired as romantic leads. Don't worry, I'll talk about the 1938 film in coming weeks, because it's another family favorite.

There's a lot to love about this film. It highlights the corruption of the media. The corruption in politics. The hero worship that can lead to disillusionment. Hmm, what's there to love, you ask?

How about a man who won't be railroaded? Who stands up for what he knows is right even when his is the only voice speaking? A man who will offer himself on the altar in sacrifice for what is right for the country? If you wonder about the power of one man, pop in this video and then pray for God to give us people in office like this!

This movie one best Oscar for story and was nominated for a string more. I highly recommend this movie.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Snow White

1938 was a very good year for kid's movies. It was the year that Walt Disney released his very first full length feature film cartoon. Who hasn't seen Snow White at least once, read the Disney based version of the book at least once, or introduced their own children to the magic and wonder of the story about a princess who must escape the evil queen who wants to kill her because her beauty usurps the queen's?

Compared to some of today's cartoons (Cars, Incredibles, Finding Nemo) the artistry seems to basic. But at the time, it was light years ahead of what movie goers expected. Think of Willie the Steamboat Captain cartoons from the 20s with the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse. And there is something about the cartoon that makes it an appealing story even 70 years later.

Come on, name the seven dwarves. I bet most of us can rattle them off without thinking. And the songs are timeless: heigh ho, heigh ho.... or the one with Snow White singing into the wishing well.

Disney was honored in 1939 for his groundbreaking movie with a special Oscar that had the seven dwarfs on it.  Who was you favorite dwarf?

Classic Hollywood Reviews: The Sound of Music

Sing with me....
   "The hills are alive....with the sound of music...aaaaa...with songs they have sung for a thousand years..."

In some ways the Sound of Music, doesn't feel old enough to be a classic. I remember watching it most years during the holiday season as a child. It was one of those annual rites of passage. But the movie did release in 1965, so it fits.

In case you haven't seen it, the Sound of Music is based on the true story of a novice nun who is sent to the home of an Austrian widower during the early days of the war to serve as a nanny to his seven children. It is filled with wonderful songs and music from Rogers and Hammerstein.

It's a romance cloaked in the way the world changes when Austria unites with Nazi Germany. It's a stirring tale, and the children are priceless. The movie was well recognized for its excellence winning five oscars including Best Picture.

If you haven't seen it and want a taste, be sure to view the trailer here.

Now if you've seen the movie, I'd love to know your favorite song or character. Leave a comment!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Singing in the Rain

Singing in the Rain is one of those all time classic Hollywood musicals. It is perfection...except for one dance sequence in the middle that doesn't make any sense or add anything to the movie. But the rest of it is a wonderful story with great actors, wonderful songs, and dance numbers that make you want to get up and dance, too.

One of my friends mentioned this one on facebook, and someone commented that they wished it was possible to walk down a street and watch people break out into perfectly choreographed songs and dances.

Gene Kelly is brilliant as Don Lockwood, but I adore Donald O'Connor as Cosmo in this movie. He plays the funny man to the hilt, while Debbie Reynolds gets to play Kathy, the ingenue who has a dream and wants to chase it in Hollywood at the time talkies are making their move. Gene Kelly hams it up as an overdone silent movie star who has to make the transition to the talkies...unfortunately his costar has a voice that won't make the transition. So Don and Cosmo come up with a scheme with Kathy's help that will turn the Dancing Cavalier into a glorious talking film.

Singing in the Rain was nominated for two Oscars, but didn't win either category. It is listed at #79 in IMDb's top 250 list. Here's a link to the trailer.

This is a movie the whole family can enjoy -- though there is that one dance sequence with Cyd Charisse that just doesn't fit. Other than that, the movie is perfection.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Holiday Inn

Thanks so much for leaving some of your favorite movies here and on Facebook last week. You've given me quite an assortment to track down.

So today I want to share one of my all time favorites with you: Holiday Inn. Don't let the title scare you off. This is not a Christmas movie though they do sing White Christmas in it. And let's face it, who can sing that song like Bing Crosby? In fact, the movie won its only Oscar for best song in White Christmas. Hum with me...I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know...

Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are the male leads in Irving Berlin's classic. They take turns crooning out hit after hit: songs like Easter Parade, You're Easy to Dance With (yes, Fred Astaire croons and dances in that one), Be Careful It's My Heart and many more. you can find the full list here.

There's a classic love triangle between Jim (played by Bing), Linda Mason, and Ted (Fred). Some of the lengths that Jim goes to keep them apart are comical, especially in one of the dance scenes. Imagine mixing a very stiff 18th Century French dance with jazz. :-) And Jim gives up his dream so that Linda can have hers, but the way he does it is a wee bit heavy-handed. For the rest, well, you'll have to watch this movie yourself. It can be viewed at anytime of the year.

And don't forget to appreciate Fred Astaire's brilliant firecracker dance. I LOVE IT!!!!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Your Turn

All right. I've revealed some of my favorite classic movies over the last few months. Now it's your turn.

What's your favorite classic movie?

While I've picked movies from the 30s and 40s, your definition of classic could include the 50s (An Affair to Remember), 60s, 70s, 80s (Footloose :-) ) or 90s (You've Got Mail. But what are the movies you love to watch? The ones you return to over and over again? The ones that make you cry every time (Steel Magnolias). That you can't watch without laughing, even though you know all the punch lines (Hitch). Or that just grip you with excellent characterization or some other element that makes them a keeper and return watcher.

So share those movies. And I'll share a copy of my new book, Timeless Treasures with at least one person who leaves a comment.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Harvey

This week, I want to talk about Harvey, a classic from 1950. I know you'll be shocked when I mention that Jimmy Stewart is the star of the movie...what can I say? I really like his acting :-)

Basically, Harvey is a slap-stick comedy in which a grown man (Elwood P. Dowd) introduces everyone to his friend Harvey, a six foot tall rabbit. His sister, played to perfection by Josephine Hull, tries to commit him to a mental institution, and a comedy of errors ensues. Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for a family mending its wounds and for romance blossoming in unexpected places.

Jospehine Hull won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and when you watch the movie, you will totally understand why. But you'll wonder why Jimmy Stewart didn't win the Best Actor Oscar, especially when you consider he makes a huge, invisible rabbit seem real.

This movie is a lot of fun to watch. Even though it's from 1950, it's still black and white (at least in the version I have). And it has a basically feel good storyline that makes you want to suspend belief for the 100 or so minutes of the movie. It's a film the whole family can watch and enjoy together.