Hollywood had a little appeasement issue early in the Second World War; namely, they avoided a certain four-letter word starting with "N" and ending in "I." It was no secret what the Nazis and their friends were up to. Everyone knew they were committing atrocities against the Jewish people and anyone else who went against … Continue reading During World War Two: The “N” Word (No, Not THAT One)
Shamedown #3: The Stranger
Shamedown Numero Trés, and our first Orson Welles movie of the list. I've been told this film's not one of Welles's best, but I'm keeping an open mind. If anyone is wondering what on God's green earth a Shamedown is, please visit the folks at Cinema Shame. After Citizen Kane, Orson Welles never quite got the same amount of creative … Continue reading Shamedown #3: The Stranger
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
Hostage Hotel
Even after his mobility became limited, Lionel Barrymore had a busy career right up to his death in 1954. While he was with MGM for decades, he was loaned out on many occasions, one of the later ones being the 1948 film, Key Largo. Barrymore's role is definitely memorable, and shows his power as an actor even … Continue reading Hostage Hotel
Taking Up Room 