Top 7 Favorite Classic Film Books of 2016

I reviewed twenty-three classic film books this year, and I found something to love about all of them. It wasn't easy to pick favorites! These seven were true stand-outs, because they brought something new to the table or elaborated on familiar stories and legends about the golden age of cinema in an interesting way.

The titles for each pick link to my original reviews, each of which are excerpted below:

Citizen Kane: A Filmmaker's Journey, By Harlan Lebo

Harlan Lebo helps you to understand just how astounding the circumstances surrounding this legendary film were, from its filming to the controversy that surrounded its release. Welles' RKO contract gave him freedom that few filmmakers before or since have had and he also faced greater pressures when his masterful debut offended one of the most powerful men in the nation....If there is any film that begs for an in-depth examination, it is Citizen Kane, and Lebo has been thorough in his research. It should please any fan of the film, Welles or the art of filmmaking, and fans of outrageous stories about the studio age. 

A Thousand Cuts: The Bizarre Underground World of Collectors and Dealers Who Saved the Movies, By Dennis Bartok and Jeff Joseph

A Thousand Cuts is essentially a series of interviews with various collectors, each of them given a spotlight in which to tell their story. While many of the (mostly) men in this community know each other, and refer to one another in their talks with the authors, it is interesting that they are profiled separately, each providing their own unique take on the phenomena of collecting and its decline.... It was interesting to get a closer look at the collector side of Leonard Maltin, who is best known for his books and reviews, and the chapter in which Robert Osborne reminisces about the film collection of his friend Rock Hudson had some wry insights that made me miss his presence as a TCM host. It was also wonderful to learn more about the fastidious Kevin Brownlow and his quest to rescue Abel Gance's silent epic Napoleon (1927). These three are among the less eccentric characters in a book full of people so devoted to film that they will lie, steal and screw each other over to get the prints they want.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Private Life for Public Consumption, by Ellis Cashmore

Cashmore is an academic who writes with the zest of a seasoned entertainment reporter. His well-researched, engaging text covers several decades of popular culture, making a case for Taylor's influence and exploring other groundbreaking public figures in the rapidly changing landscape of 20th century public life, like Jackie Onassis, Princess Diana, Madonna and Michael Jackson. He follows her from screen stardom through her years as an AIDs activist and perfume mogul, and on to the actresses' continued influence after her death in 2011.

King of Jazz: Paul Whiteman's Technicolor Review, By James Layton and David Pierce

One of the best aspects of the book is that it does translate the meaning and importance of the stars, traditions and style of the film for modern audiences.Understanding these elements can increase the enjoyment of a film that otherwise can seem to zip along with little reason or form. It goes into the history of its players, placing the studio, band, performers, and Whiteman especially, in their various industries and explaining how they all came together....The book is modest in its assessment of the film. There is no claim that this rather jumbled spectacle is a universal classic in need of enormous revival. It makes a strong case for its appeal though, from the cheerful skill of its performers and the fun of seeing Bing Crosby in his first film role to the stunning designs of Herman Rosse, who won the Oscar for best Art Direction for his work on the production.

Dolce Vita Confidential: Fellini, Loren, Pucci and the Swinging High Life of 1950s Rome, by Shawn Levy

When I learned of the publication of Shawn Levy's Dolce Vita Confidential, my first thought was, "Please let him write about the time Anita Ekberg threatened the paparazzi with a bow and arrow!" Levy does chronicle this brief, amusing episode and many other sensational tales of the wild life in 1950s Rome. However, these bits of dolce indulgence sit on a solid foundation, one where I found even more intriguing storytelling and a fascinating history of a city, and country, pulling itself out of the devastation of World War II and glittering more brightly than it had before....Many of these stories were retold through Fellini's unique lens in La Dolce Vita. A significant portion of the book is devoted to this influential, controversial film. The director was stunned to inspire such anger with his film and perhaps also a bit amazed by the extent of the acclaim it won as well. Upon exiting the premiere, Sophia Loren said to him, "Poor you: What do you have inside of you?"

Mary Astor's Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936, By Edward Sorel

The Purple Diaries: Mary Astor and the Most Sensational Hollywood Scandal of the 1930s, By Joseph Egan

It has certainly been the year of the Purple Diary....Of the two books, Sorel's is dancing around with a lampshade for a hat; Egan's is sitting by the fireside, with a strong cocktail in hand. I love both, but if you're looking for details, the latter is where you'll find them.

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These are just a few of my favorites. It has been a great year for classic film books. What are your top picks for 2016? Please share in the comments; it doesn't have to be a book published this year!

10 New to Me Classic Movies in 2015

It took me nearly a month of the new year to decide, but I have finally selected the ten "new to me" movies that I plan to watch this year. This list is inspired by Ms. Laura of Laura's Miscellaneous Musings, who has been enjoying make annual "to watch" lists for years. I couldn't link to her January 6 post with her list for 2015, but it's worth searching out, because in addition to her own list, she has linked to lists from other bloggers inspired by her example.

On to my list!

Never Let Me Go (1953)

I searched this out because I'm watching all of the skating star Belita's films, but I'm also intrigued by the idea of Gene Tierney and Clark Gable together. 

The Life of Jimmy Dolan (1933)

This is one of those flicks that I keep passing on, but I've got to get to it, because I'm all about pre-codes and this one has an amazing cast.

The Steel Trap (1952)

Years ago, I set out to watch all of Teresa Wright's films. I was sidetracked before I got to this one. It'll be interesting to see her opposite Joseph Cotten in such a dramatically different scenario.

The Unsuspected (1947)

I saw this on one of the film suggestion lists at Rupert Pupkin Speaks. I always get amazing viewing ideas from the contributors to that site. I'd never heard of this title before that, and I find the idea of Claude Rains and Audrey Totter in the same movie irresistible.

The Killer is Loose (1956)

Rhonda Fleming was my big personal discovery of 2014. I'd always enjoyed her in lighter fare, but seeing her for the first time in several crime/noir films last year was fantastic, so this seemed like a good next step. I'm a big fan.

Allotment Wives (1945)

For the most part I've steered clear of Kay Francis' post-code films, she never seemed the same once those restrictions were more firmly in place, but I really enjoyed Play Girl (1941) last year, and I think it's time I give her later work another chance.

The Learning Tree (1969)

This is an unfortunate oversight on my part. I'm a huge fan of Gordon Parks and I'm really looking forward to this one.

Wicked Woman (1953)

With a title like that...

The Mask (1961)

Years ago, I bought this book from the only cool store in the tiny town where I went to college:

The cover photo, which is from The Mask, blew my mind. I'd never seen such a bizarre thing in a film before. It inspired me to search out more unusual flicks, in addition to the classics I adored, but I somehow never saw this actual film. So this year I will.

The Golden Bat (1966)

An early superhero movie, before they got so serious. This is another recommendation from Rupert Pupkin Speaks.

Classic Movie Alphabet

I've been wanting to do my own classic movie alphabet ever since I saw the idea for the first time at Rupert Pupkin Speaks (he actually gave it two tries). As some of you know, I'm not fond of picking favorites, so I thought I'd try something different with my list. I keep track of all of the movies I see, so this list is a compilation of some of the movies that made a memorable impression on me over the past few years (yes, Xanadu made an impression on me, because I realized how many bad-good movies were going to be on Instant Play when that title popped up).

If you do your own alphabet, or have already posted one, I'd love it if you'd post the link in the comments!

A Anthony Adverse (1936)

B Born to Be Bad (1950)

C Crimson Pirate (1952)

D Dragonwyck (1946)

E The Earrings of Madame De. . . (1953)

F First Love (1939)

G The Garden of Allah (1936)

H House by the River (1950)

I I Love Trouble (1948)

J Johnny Cool (1963)

K The Killer That Stalked New York (1950)

L The Lineup (1958)

M Moonrise (1948)

N Nightfall (1957)

O One Girl's Confession (1953)

P Peter Ibbetson (1935)

Q Quai des Orfèvres (1947)

 

R The Rains Came (1939)

S Seventh Heaven (1927)

T Touchez pas au Grisbi (1954)

U Underworld (1927)

V Vampire Lovers (1970)

W The Widow Coudrec (1971)

X Xanadu (1980)

Y Young in Heart (1938)

Z Zero Hour!

Ten Movies for Father's Day

Many of the dads in these movies are deeply flawed, and some are downright despicable, but they are all, in their way, deeply devoted to their children:

The Champ (1931)—Jackie Cooper is so heartbreaking as the loyal son of downtrodden boxer Wallace Beery that you actually shed a tear for the meanest man in Hollywood.

Five Pennies (1959)--As a career-obsessed jazz musician, Danny Kaye has his share of mishaps as a father. When he isn’t out on the road, he’s taking his daughter to nightclub jam sessions in the middle of the night. He redeems himself when tragedy forces him to see his child in a new way.

The Lady Eve (1941)—Con artists Barbara Stanwyck and Charles Coburn are a marvelous father and daughter team, because they both understand and delight in each other. Coburn doesn’t fight his true nature to spare his daughter, but he clearly separates his love for her from his vices.

Sabrina (1954)—Put in the awkward position of watching his daughter being wooed by the sons of his employer, Audrey Hepburn’s chauffeur father only shows true concern for the wellbeing of his daughter. His unwavering loyalty puts the rich folks to shame.

Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945)—The strict, but compassionate relationship Edward G. Robinson has with daughter Margaret O’Brien is the most touching part of this gentle rural drama.

The Thin Man Goes Home (1944)—The murder to be solved is secondary to the battle William Powell wages to convince his father that he isn’t just a worthless drunk. Fortunately he has Myrna Loy, one of the best screen wives ever, to campaign for him.

Man of a Thousand Faces (1957)—This Lon Chaney biopic is made all the more touching by James Cagney’s depiction of a devoted single father, a rarity in showbiz movies.

Poppy (1936)--W.C. Fields tries to find a place for his daughter in high society in a sort of male Stella Dallas with fewer tears and a lot less nobility.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)—Papa Fredric March may slow the course of true love with his fatherly meddling, but he teaches his daughter’s suitor an important lesson about the worth of his little girl.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)—Is there any screen father more admirable than Gregory Peck? By day, he works to save a man’s life in court. At night, he quietly teaches his children about compassion and bravery. His message is effective because he leads by example.

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Great Movies from the Warner Bros. Archives

I finally had a chance to look at all the movies available from the Warner Archives collection and I’ve found that I’m almost as excited about the movies I’ve seen before (but on disintegrating library VHS tapes) as I am those I haven’t seen. Here are some titles that I am particularly excited to see available on DVD:

Of the few movies that Margaret Sullavan made, many were very good and at least one, The Shop Around the Corner (1940), is a classic. Still, for some reason, Sullavan seems to have been forgotten by all but highly devoted classic movie lovers. That’s why I am pleased to see two of her best movies, Three Comrades and The Shopworn Angel (both 1938), in the archive collection. The first is a charming tearjerker about a trio of soldiers who all love the same woman the second is. . .a charming tearjerker about a soldier in love with a brassy showgirl. Despite the similarities in set-up, the movies are actually very different and Sullavan demonstrates great versatility in these two roles.

On Borrowed Time (1939) is a delightfully corny supernatural drama about an old man who literally fights off death while he tries to find a proper guardian for his orphaned grandson. With Lionel Barrymore full of piss and vinegar and Bobs Watson demonstrating why he was the go-to child actor when waterworks were required.

Christopher Strong (1933) The most sensual and moody Katharine Hepburn performance you will ever see. Artfully shot by Dorothy Arzner, one of the most prolific female directors in classic Hollywood. And it’s a real heartbreaker to boot.

The Big House (1930) This efficiently-paced pre-code drama about prison life has a satisfyingly hard-edged simplicity. The gritty prison riot scene is both tense and thrilling.

Too Hot to Handle (1938) Myrna Loy and Clark Gable are great sparring partners in this fast-paced screwball comedy about competing newsreel photographers.

Possessed (1931) Joan Crawford and Clark Gable had such intense chemistry as a screen couple (their real life love affair surely helped) that it is surprising that they are not lauded as one of the great romantic partnerships. They were at their most intimate in this sexy pre-code romance about a small town girl who becomes the mistress of a wealthy New York lawyer.

Private Lives (1931) This is a sharp adaptation of the Nöel Coward play about a divorced couple who can quit each other, no matter how badly they get along. If you couldn’t stand Norma Shearer in The Women (1939), try watching her in this before you write her off.

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The Pre-Code View of World War I

Early Depression-era Hollywood made a fortune uplifting downtrodden audiences with upbeat musicals and racy comedies--before the enforcement of the production code put a damper on some of the fun--but the period was not all sweetness and light. Some of the most effective movies that touch on World War I came from this period, before Hollywood put a gloss on war, and while the Lost Generation was still fresh in the collective memory. I decided to share some of these titles in observance of Memorial Day. These are solemn, downbeat movies, but they are also inspiring in their gritty honesty and emotional power.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) One of the most famous World War I movies is an epic, but also intimate story of young soldiers who lose their patriotic enthusiasm when faced with the horror, mayhem and boredom of trench warfare. All Quite on the Western Front has retained its power for generations, partly because it does not soften its bleak world view.

The Eagle and the Hawk (1932) A smaller scale, but potent WWI drama about a pilot who collapses under the strain of the war. This fast, dark story is as much about camaraderie and loyalty as it is about the emotional distress caused by war.

Heroes for Sale (1933) This is one of the most powerful pre-code examinations of post-war life for traumatized veterans. In its cynical world view, soldiers are not even necessarily loyal to each other, making the transition to civilian life even more lonely and confusing. One of the hugely underrated Richard Barthelmess’ best performances.

I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang (1932) Paul Muni stars in another gritty drama of a veteran’s struggle to return to society. Desperate for money, he tries to pawn his medals, only to find that the shop owner already has accepted more than he can sell. He shows him a pile of medals, and with that one image shows the struggles of many men.

Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) This is above all a musical of the depression. While accepting the reality of empty stomachs and unpaid rent, it also uplifts with silly songs, romance and elaborate production numbers. It touches on World War I in its final number My Forgotten Man. The darkly beautiful, expressionistic sets and emotional plea for struggling veterans so impressed studio head Jack Warner that he moved it from the middle of the movie to the end, where its passionate drive gave the closing scenes a powerful edge.

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Four Great Vacation Movies

I was inspired by the list Netflix just posted to come up with my own top ten list of vacation movies, but I could only think of four that I really like:

Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (1953) This is my favorite vacation movie. In the midst of elegant slapstick and accompanied by a jaunty soundtrack, there is a group of vacationers working like crazy to have a good time. It’s fun, but also brings to light how seriously we take our free time.

Summertime (1955) In her role as a schoolteacher on holiday, Katharine Hepburn has many painfully awkward moments, but the innocent, adventurous manner which brings her so much trouble is also what makes her, and the movie, so appealing.

Weekend in Havana (1941) There is hardly a serious moment in this goofy, glossy musical about a single gal who lucks into an exotic weekend in Havana. Mellow-voiced Alice Faye and sparkling Carmen Miranda are perfect counterparts.

Dodsworth (1936) I’m not sure this one counts. Can you call it a vacation if you never plan to work again? In any case, this is a story of a vacation from not only day-to-day life, but an entire culture. Walter Huston is a retired automobile company head who loses his wife, but finds a whole new world as he travels Europe in this bittersweet romance.