Classic Films

For me, I think I've only watched one new one.

Bombshell (1933) I really wanted to see a "scandalous" pre-code and this was recommended. I can imagine that it was a bit shocking 90+ years ago but no longer. I thought actually the story was interesting and found it rather modern in the ways we view and treat celebrities today. Worth a watch.

I’m a fan of slice of life type movies that showcase a point of time in someone’s life, a relationship, or culture.

Big fan of movies like About Elly, Twelve Angry Men, Ikiru.

I have the Criterion and Arrow video streaming services and like to pick random movies on there from time to time.

Any recommendations would be highly appreciated!

Something a bit different, but can you list both your favorite "Best Picture" winner and least favorite.

I struggled with this but came up with the following:

Favorite: The Apartment (1960)

Least Favorite: Gigi (1958)

I watched one, but it was a doozy.

Woman in the Dunes (1964)

Wow, amazing, strange, compelling, thrilling. I won't give any spoilers, just watch it.

I watched one new one:

Come Drink with Me (1966)

Holy cow, this was such an amazing film. I have watched A LOT of Shaw Brothers movies but from the 70s/80s. This film however was not only a classic but also felt refreshing and ahead of its time. Highly recommended!

Sorry, I was away for awhile but I'm back.

I watched a movie that made me mad:

Woman of the Year (1942)

I love director George Stevens and the film is decent enough, though a bit boring. My problem is the ending, a true "sign of the times" but certainly is extremely outdated which kinda ruined the whole movie for me.

As per usual, I watched at least one new classic:

The Thief of Baghdad (1940)

Technically and visually stellar for the time (and still somewhat so in 2024). Acting and subtle racism not so good...

I'm a day late, but here we are.

This week, I watched two innovative musicals:

Love Me Tonight (1932)

Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald star in this whimsical musical. I LOVED the style and innovation in this one, gotta watch it! Highly recommended film.

The Merry Widow (1934)

Same pair as above, and similar in style but I didn't like it as much. You can see it's more of an Astaire-Rogers affair, which is fine but not as innovative as Love Me Tonight.

For me, I watched two great ones:

Out of the Past (1947)

• Uber-classic film noir, well-acted and intriguing.

The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

• The first in many follow-up films, very amazing. I liken it to 1982's Conan the Barbarian in that it's more about showing rather than telling which I prefer. I'm looking forward to watching subsequent films in the long series.

The Lady Eve (1941) Barbara Stanwyck is a con-artist used to getting her way (with men especially). Henry Fonda's character is naive, sure but will he get tricked like the others have? It's pretty good, worth a watch.

Double Indemnity (1944) Somehow I've never watched this classic film-noir. Stanwyck is great in it, as usual. I didn't quite buy Fred MacMurray's falling for her so easily, but still a great film noir for the ages. Very "Hitchcockian".

I watched two Barbara Stanwyck films this week, both very good:

Remember the Night (1940)

I LOVE the pacing in this one, perfect example of a classic film letting the scenes simmer. I love anything that feels natural, and this film certainly meets that criteria. It's a redemption story that takes place around Christmas

Ball of Fire (1942)

Here we have Stanwyck paired up with Gary Cooper and his nerdy friends who help him as best as they possibly can. I loved the mix of genres, it is all over the place. The finale is also quite riveting.

The Trouble with Angels is just a fun movie that has a heart. I thought I'd recommend it for those seeking some classic 60s stuff for the upcoming holidays.

Funny thing is, I'm an atheist so you'd think I'd be squarely against anything religious but it doesn't bother me. Rosalind Russell is one of the stars and it was the first film I saw here in. There is also a super-campy sequel that is....not as good but it has its moments.

I watched:

Gilda (1946)

Rita Hayworth stars in this semi-film noir. She does an amazing job, should've at least been up for an award. This was her defining film indeed. Well worth a watch.

For me, I saw:

Imitation of Life (1959)

Starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore. It was a toughie to watch but still well-done and it kept my interest throughout. Race is only one of the themes and it is shocking to see what things were like during the era the film took place in.

Hopefully people add something this week, I'm gonna keep trying!

I watched a rather poor film Blue Skies (1946)

Starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. The plot didn't make much sense, typical love triangle stuff we've seen in other Crosby-Astaire pairings. The one redeeming thing was any scenes that Astaire was in, especially "Puttin' on the Ritz" which is instantly one of my favorites of his all-time.

Also The Bad and the Beautiful (1953)

This Lana Turner film (plus Kirk Douglas) is decent, but I just didn't buy Douglas' character. Not spoiling anything (it's in any paragraph description of the film), but Douglas gets ruthless for no amazing reason, he is just an a-hole the second half of the film. I did find the ending pretty cool though.

For me, gotta go with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They made 10 films together, 8/10 are a joy to watch. The plots are usually silly but Fred and Ginger together is perfection.

Please share what classic films you have watched recently and give a brief review.

I watched the following:

The Lady from Shanghai (1947) - An interesting film noir by and starring Orson Welles also starring Rita Hayworth. Welles has a funny Irish accent in this, distracting but still a good performance. Rita Hayworth has an interesting role if you are used to seeing her in musicals mainly. Overall, a decent film that I'd watch again in the future.

Week-End in Havana (1941) - Not bad, nice Alice Faye and Carmen Miranda flick. Felt like a spiritual prequel to The Gang's All Here (1943) but maybe that's because of the two actresses I just mentioned.

Romance on the High Seas (1948) - I watched this one because it's Doris Day's first film. She was very charismatic and charming the entire film. Oscar Levant is in this one, unfortunately, but he's not as annoying as usual. I liked this movie, would watch again!

I started this new community since I didn't see one that specifically focused on classic films. I'd like to add a "what I watched this week" type of thread that can get us talking.