As I've said before, with many of their bigger stars and directors overseas, Hollywood studios had to get creative as to what kinds of films they made. Actors and actresses who normally played character or supporting roles were commonly moved into lead parts, and one example of this is the 1943 film, Salute To the Marines. Featuring … Continue reading Semper Fidelis
Getting Through
Well, here we are... What if you discovered you or your child had a disability? How would you respond? As humans, we're used to making plans. We like to be in control of what's going to happen next. When those plans get derailed, it feels like the universe is coming apart. Then what? 1995's Mr. Holland's … Continue reading Getting Through
Steam Punk Van Helsing
Surprise! Did you know Hugh Jackman was born on October 12? Yep, he was, and it just so happened that he turned fifty this year. This man has quite the resume. Wolverine. Leopold, Duke of Albany. Curly (from Oklahoma, not The Three Stooges). Jean Valjean. P.T. Barnum. The Easter Bunny. Just to name a very few. Since it’s […]
Rita Hayworth and World War Two
Well, hello, Miss Rita... As we've talked about on this blog before, Hollywood threw itself into doing its part during the Second World War. All efforts were vastly appreciated, but some stood out more than others, and one of those was Rita Hayworth. In the early nineteen forties, Rita's star was on a rapid ascent, … Continue reading Rita Hayworth and World War Two
Mr. Breen Goes To the Village
Welcome back, Mr. Breen! Although it's pretty gentrified nowadays, Greenwich Village has a reputation for counter-culturalism and being a haven for artists and other creative types. It's always been a tempting setting for a story, even during the Production Code Era, when an undiluted bohemian Village didn't exactly meet Mr. Breen's standards. 20th Century Fox … Continue reading Mr. Breen Goes To the Village
U2 Loves America
Last year was the thirtieth anniversary of U2's sublime album, The Joshua Tree, and now it's thirty years since the follow-up album and tour it spawned, Rattle and Hum. Admittedly, some people are still mad at U2 for the Songs of Innocence faux pas, not to mention the seeming shift in beliefs they've taken lately, … Continue reading U2 Loves America
Poe and Price Together Again
It's October, of course, and time to get spooky. As those of you who have been around this blog know, I like me some Vincent Price, especially his Poe movies. Last year we looked at American International Pictures' The Fall of the House of Usher, and this year we'll see their follow-up, 1961's The Pit and the Pendulum. … Continue reading Poe and Price Together Again
Shamedown #9: Arrival
Shamedown #9. Is that anything like Plan Nine From Outer Space? I hope not, although they're both sci-fi. Before we get started, as always, here's the link to Cinema Shame for those who need the Shamedown context. For past Shamedowns, look here. What if you could see both the beginning and the end of your life? That's the … Continue reading Shamedown #9: Arrival
Origins: A Star Is Born
They remade A Star Is Born. Again. The current version stars Lady Gaga (credited as her real name, Stefani Germanotta) portraying rising star Ally, while Bradley Cooper plays Jackson Maine, mega country star who helps Ally get her start, even as his own career is hitting the skids. If the story arcs the way its predecessors … Continue reading Origins: A Star Is Born
Page To Screen: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
One of the most iconic tales of American literature is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Written by Washington Irving and originally published in 1820 as part of his Sketch Book, this story of ill-fated schoolteacher Ichabod Crane never fails to chill. It also never fails to find new life in various media. For those who … Continue reading Page To Screen: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Taking Up Room 