Saddle up, y'all... When a genre is soaked with titles, it can take a lot for a movie to stand out. Westerns are probably the most saturated in this regard, because they were often cheap to make, didn't need a lot of sets, and there was always a ready crowd of real cowboys waiting outside … Continue reading The Student Surpasses the Master
During World War Two: John Ford
John Martin Feeney seemed born ready for a fight. He didn't start out wanting to direct films but to join the United States Navy, and upon graduation from Portland High School in Maine he applied to the Naval Academy. When Feeney was rejected, he went to Hollywood and worked as an apprentice to his older … Continue reading During World War Two: John Ford
Walking the Tightrope
Mr. Rains is back... Claude Rains had a lot of classic roles, and one of his best in my opinion is that of Senator Joseph Paine in the 1939 film, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. This movie is well-trod territory for film buffs and Frank Capra fans, and it's definitely James Stewart's show, but he's effectively matched … Continue reading Walking the Tightrope
Taking Up Room 