Category Archives: Classics

Orson Welles – Citizen Kane (1941)

By Anybody Posted in 1941-1950, Classics, Drama, Orson Welles, USA 1 Reply

citizenkaneas6 Orson Welles Citizen Kane (1941)

logoimdbb Orson Welles Citizen Kane (1941)

Citizen Kane is a 1941 mystery/drama film released by RKO Pictures, the first feature film directed by Orson Welles. It tells the fictional story of Charles Foster Kane, a man whose fight for power in the publishing world transformed from sheer thrill-seeking to ruthless war, and how his life affected everyone in his orbit. The storyline follows a reporter seeking to find what Kane meant by his dying word: “Rosebud.”

The film’s main character, Kane, is a composite of several historical individuals: newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst; the reclusive aerospace and movie mogul Howard Hughes; and the Chicago utilities magnate Samuel Insull. Citizen Kane is widely considered to be a masterpiece by critics and viewers alike, and is often cited as being one of the greatest and most innovative works in the history of film. Continue reading →

Harmon Jones – As Young As You Feel (1951)

By Anybody Posted in 1951-1960, Classics, Comedy, Harmon Jones, Marilyn Monroe, USA Leave a reply

asyoungasyoufeel Harmon Jones As Young As You Feel (1951)

logoimdbb Harmon Jones As Young As You Feel (1951)

Based on a story by Paddy Chayefsky, this is the tale of a man, John Hodges, who is being forced to retire from his job, at the age of 65, and decides to fight back. His family can barely stand having him at home, and the traditional pursuits of the aged do not appeal. Impersonating the head of his former company, Hodges sets out to convince them to get rid of their outmoded retirement policy. He arrives at his old plant on an inspection tour where complications ensue. This movie features good performances, but it will probably be remembered more for the bit part played by a young Marilyn Monroe as the boss’ secretary Continue reading →

László Benedek – Death of a Salesman (1951)

By Anybody Posted in 1951-1960, Classics, Drama, László Benedek, USA Leave a reply

vlcsnap6699929xp5 László Benedek Death of a Salesman (1951)

logoimdbb László Benedek Death of a Salesman (1951)

Reportedly unavailable on TV or video because Arthur Miller himself was unhappy with it, this 1951 film version of the classic play nevertheless features a bravura, barn-burning performance from Fredric March, who had been Miller’s original choice to play Willy Loman on the stage. (March turned down the part, and regretted it greatly, which led to his taking the movie part.) Continue reading →

F. Hugh Herbert – Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

By Anybody Posted in 1941-1950, Classics, Comedy, F. Hugh Herbert, Marilyn Monroe, USA Leave a reply

ftj053 F. Hugh Herbert Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

logoimdbb F. Hugh Herbert Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

Plot:

Though the title sounds like something from a Big Band era tune, it actually refers to commands used during the training of mules. Young Snug Dominy has just purchased a pair of strapping mules. With no available cash, he must work for their previous owner to pay them off. Snug lives with his callous stepmother Judith, who spends all her time and attention with his stepbrother Stretch. This creates an escalating tension between the two youths that their father is unable to stop. Meanwhile, Snug toils long and hard to keep possession of his muleteam, as the farmer who owned them tries to get them back. Things get really sticky when Snug falls in love with the farmer’s lovely daughter. Look very closely and see a young Marilyn Monroe paddling a canoe in one sequence. Continue reading →

Howard Hawks – Monkey Business (1952)

By Anybody Posted in 1951-1960, Classics, Comedy, Howard Hawks, Marilyn Monroe, USA Leave a reply

Howard Hawks Monkey Business (1952)

logoimdbb Howard Hawks Monkey Business (1952)

Description: Barnaby Fulton is a research chemist working on a fountain of youth pill for a chemical company. While trying a sample dose on himself, he accidentally gets a dose of a mixture added to the water cooler and believes his potion is what is working. The mixture temporarily causes him to feel and act like a teenager, including correcting his vision. When his wife gets a dose that is even larger, she regresses even further into her childhood. When an old boyfriend meets her in this state, he believes that her never wanting to see him again means a divorce and a chance for him. Continue reading →

Sergei Parajanov – Sayat Nova AKA The Color of Pomegranates (1968)

By Anybody Posted in 1961-1970, Arthouse, Classics, Sergei Parajanov, USSR Leave a reply

post2093471134273478 Sergei Parajanov Sayat Nova AKA The Color of Pomegranates (1968)

logoimdbb Sergei Parajanov Sayat Nova AKA The Color of Pomegranates (1968)

Quote:
The work of painter, musician, mystic and filmmaker Sergei Paradjanov (1924-1990) constantly defies categorisation. His films are notable for their lyrical inspiration and great aesthetic beauty, but riled the Soviet authorities to such an extent that Paradjanov faced constant harrassment throughout his life. Like his earlier film, Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors (1965), The Colour of Pomegranates was banned…
Ostensibly a biopic of rebellious 18th century Armenian poet Sayat Nova, The Colour of Pomegranates follows the poet’s path from his childhood wool-dying days to his role as a courtier and finally his life as a monk. But Armenian director Sergei Paradjanov warns us from the start that this is no ordinary biopic: “This is not a true biography,” he has his narrator state during the opening credits. Continue reading →

Ridley Scott – Blade Runner [The Final Cut] (2007)

By Anybody Posted in 2001-2010, Classics, Ridley Scott, Sci-Fi, USA Leave a reply

Ridley Scott Blade Runner [The Final Cut] (2007)

logoimdbb Ridley Scott Blade Runner [The Final Cut] (2007)

Quote:
Blade Runner: The Final Cut is much closer in content and tone to the 1992 director’s cut than it is the original 1982 theatrical release. Purists who liked the narration will be disappointed to know that all of it is gone, even the bit near the end that was found in some later versions of the film. Also missing are some of the film’s more sloppy special effects moments, now cleaned up and enhanced courtesy of digital effects. Gone are all the wires that were visible in earlier versions, as well as the obvious stunt double substituting for Joanna Cassidy during Zhora’s death scene (Cassidy’s head was digitally superimposed over stunt double Lee Pulford).

The digital effects done to the film are relatively minor, especially when compared to the changes George Lucas has made to the early Star Wars films and THX 1138, and the end result is merely cosmetic. Visually, this most recent version of Blade Runner is a gorgeous masterpiece. Fans who long to hear Ford’s lackluster voice-over, or refuse to accept Deckard as a replicant will be disappointed by Blade Runner: The Final Cut, but everyone else will be pleased. DVDTALK Continue reading →

pixel Ridley Scott Blade Runner [The Final Cut] (2007)