Over 2 weeks since I wrote about the films I have watched. Been watching TCM to see some of my favorites.
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Ginger Rogers. One of the pre-code musicals from Warner Brothers, with lots of risque dialog and just barely clothed women. Musical numbers are directed by Busby Berkeley. The finale, "Forgotten Man," is a film made during the worst of the depression and really got to people. Never say a musical or comedy won't be remembered. Here is a film that was almost lost but is now thought of as a classic. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024069/
Footlight Parade (1933) Joan Blondell, James Cagney, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell. Another of Warners great early musicals with Busby Berkeley directing three outstanding production numbers, "Honeymoon Hotel", "The Waterfall", and "Shanghai Lil", each one a masterpiece and worth sitting through the "story" of the usual backstage problems. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024028/
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) Myrna Loy, Cary Grant, Melvyn Douglas. A terrific look at the years right after WWII ended and materials and workers were once again available for the average community to build things. Grant is the title character - and ad agency exec who has been put on the Wham Ham account. He must come up with a new slogan in 60 days. Simultaneously he and his wife, Loy, decide to build a house in the country on a rail line into NYC and he'll become a commuter. The joys of dealing with architects, workers, and various Connecticut characters makes a funny and insightful film. 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040613/
Cry Danger (1951) Dick Powell, Rhonda Fleming. A film noir that is interesting but just doesn't have a wow ending. It sort of fizzles in the end. Powell is always watchable and Fleming is glorious to look at. Story of a man who was framed for a murder and robbery he didn't commit and has been released from prison after 5 years. Now he tries to find out about the $100,000 that is still missing and other shady problems involving his friends wife, his friend in prison and various law enforcement people. Dark, involved and crooked most of the way. But the end um-no------7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043435/
The Swan (1956) Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, Jessie Royce Landis, Louis Jourdan, Brian Aherne. Molnar story of a 1913 visit of a Prince to a minor Princess in a small country, to see if she is suitable wife material. Archaic idea, but very droll and a billion dollar cast. I have to watch it every summer. Grace and Louis are so gorgeous it is impossible. Just a sweet trifle to watch on a hot afternoon while having ice tea and cookies. 10/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049815/
That takes me to August. I was waaaaaay behind. I'll get the rest of the films I watched done tonight or tomorrow.
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