Hollywood was rife with actors, directors, writers, and others who had fled Europe when Hitler came to power and who still had relatives living under Hitler's thumb. Those who stayed behind, especially if they were Jewish, were subjected to the same treatment as anyone else, often dying by execution, in prison or in death camps … Continue reading During World War Two: It’s An Expat Thing
The Trouble With Joe Gillis
Mr. Holden is back, and he's going to a familiar place... Sunset Boulevard is well-trod territory for film buffs, film students, and film lovers in general. It's quoted, imitated, and referenced constantly. Who hasn't heard, "I'm ready for my closeup." at least once? The 1950 film is not only important to movie aficionados, but for William … Continue reading The Trouble With Joe Gillis
And Now For Something Completely Different
Who's up for a little classic intrigue? Sometimes when a chance presents itself, there's nothing to do but take it (Within reason, of course). In the early nineteen-forties, Fred MacMurray was a durable rom-com guy, but 1944 brought him a new kind of opportunity--a role in Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity. Based on a story by James M. … Continue reading And Now For Something Completely Different
Unintended Consequences
And now we present Mr. William Holden... William Holden worked with Billy Wilder five times, whether Wilder was directing or writing, and one of the most classic is the 1954 film, Sabrina. Costarring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, the film is a sweet, graceful story with a healthy amount of Wilder's trademark bite. The Larrabees live on … Continue reading Unintended Consequences
Taking Up Room 