February 08, 2010

Thin Man con't; Kitty; Foul Play; etc.....

......Last week I watched:



After The Thin Man (1936) William Powell, Myrna Loy, Jimmy Stewart, Asta. Made on MGMs sound stages. Looks great, with lots of night scenes and big old houses. Dolly Tree designed Loys lovely wardrobe. I watch all the Thin Man films every couple of years. Great dialog and little touches by two wonderful actors at the top of their game. This one has the Charles' heading home to CA for New Years after the first films Christmas in NYC, and Nick coming out of retirement to solve a murder case. This time he is asked to help Nora's family with a problem that ends in murder, of course. By the end, Nora is knitting little booties and Nick is drinking a martini and all is well for further adventures. 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027260/

Another Thin Man (1939). William Powell, Myrna Loy, Asta, & a whole bunch of good character actors. Third in the series is almost up to par, but a little frantic in the acting by some characters. That may be how the director, Van Dyke, wanted it, but it takes away some of the charm. Back in NY, they go to Long Island for a weekend visit to a relative who was a partner in Nora's fathers business. He has been threatened and wants Nick to get to the bottom of who it is and what they want. Lots of funny scenes and a hilarious baby birthday party for Nicky Jr. with all Nicks underworld friends, who have to bring a baby or they can't come. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031047/

Kitty (1945) Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, Constance Collier, Patric Knowles. A romance novel of the 1940's turned into a lush vehicle for beautiful Paulette. By this time she was very wealthy and known for having a fabulous jewelry collection. In the final ball scene, the gorgeous multi- strand diamond necklace she wears is her own. Story is the tried and true tale of a gutter snipe who rises to a Duchess, who dances with the the King. Costumes and set decorations gorgeous. Cast is mostly having fun with this silly story, and so we do too. Unless you are very fastidious and particular. 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037849/

Foul Play (1978) Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Burgess Meredith, Dudley Moore. Can't help it. I laugh at bits of business or whole scenes all the way through. Goldie's absent minded and distracted scene with Dudley Moore, while he is getting his pad set up and sex toys out, is still very funny. Her telling the tale of what happened in the movie theater and at her apartment, to the two detectives, as it gets crazier and crazier is priceless. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but who cares? A fun romp with the cast. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077578/

Deathtrap (1982) Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon. O.M.G. Chris Reeve is soooo gorgeous it is not necessary to understand the story to enjoy this film. LOL The two stars are good playing two playwrights. One has murder on his mind. Or do they both plan to get rid of the other? It gets complicated. That was okay because we can look at Mr. Reeve. Not too sure I cared what was being done by who by the end.. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083806/


Snow and more snow today and tonight. Fireplace and movies and hopes for a warm spell soon.

No comments: