Reviews
Babes in Arms (1939)
Ok musical
Typical Judy and Mickey musical. The numbers are a little dated, I agree but Mickey and Judy are so talented you look past that. Judy is such a talent as well as Mickey. Although I hate the storylines that have Judy as as an ugly duckling, this didn't annoy me as much as the Andy Hardy series ones.
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
My All-Time Favorite Movie
Cary Grant is the wildest man alive (or dead!) I was so impressed by his performance. too bad the academy doesnt feel comedy is worthy of an oscar. because if that were so cary grant would be the first one to be honored.
James Gleason is in this one too! I love him in this!
Anchors Aweigh (1945)
Not as good as On the Town but still ok
I love Gene Kelly so this review will be biased. It wasn't as good as the WONDERFUL On the Town but still memorable. The DVD version is a little grainy or is that my imagination? Gene Kelly is just as scandalous as ever! Frankie is a joy!!!
Apartment for Peggy (1948)
A heartwarming story!
This movie gives a heartwarming story about a young couple who move into an attic of an old man who is contemplating killing himself. The funny thing is that this situation would seem in any other movie to be very melodramatic but it is handled with the utmost care in this movie. Edmund Gwenn is so good in the movie. He was Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street. Jeanne Crain was very refreshing as the wife.
Anything Goes (1956)
I agree with Maltin on this one!
This musical is missing something. I am not sure what it is. I haven't seen the previous version to compare it with but am positive it is better than this one. I LOVE musicals and Bing and Donald and Mitzi. I didn't know the other girl. Watch if you must!
The Locket (1946)
Maltin doesn't know what he is talking about!!
This is a great movie! I wasn't expecting to like it but boy, was I in for a suprise. The flashback within a flashback within a flashback (Is there another one?) theme is so great and is never the least bit confusing. Laraine Day, Brian Aherne, Robert Mithchum, and Gene Raymond give great performances in this thriller.
The Thin Man Goes Home (1944)
Nick Goes Home!
Nick goes back to his hometown in this installment of the Thin Man Series. Nick is drinking cider, not his usual martini. Nick Jr. is in school. Asta is still there and still a big part of the plot. Always putting his paws over his eyes at the exact moment. Nick goes to visit his parents in a small town. Thinking there will be no adventure for him there, he is happy to relax. But, a painting Nora buys has other plans for Nick. One of the last installments of the series. The Thin Man is wearing thin, but I enjoyed this greatly.
Another Thin Man (1939)
Another great Nick and Nora Mystery!
This third entry in the Thin Man series has Nick and Nora and Asta ( and baby makes four!) going to the country to help crusty Col. MacFay find out who is trying to murder him. Of course, Nick is his same old self, meaning he always has a martini in his hand and is always one step ahead of the resourceful villain or villains. This is the first appearance of Nick, Jr. who was mentioned in Another Thin Man. Asta, the dog, is just a thrill to see. He is my favorite movie dog. Even better than the one on Frasier. Although not the best Thin Man, this Thin Man is still a credit to the series. I have only one more to see, Song of the Thin Man.
The Joker Is Wild (1957)
Frankie in Lewis Bio!
This movie has a great assortment of Sinatra standards. I enjoyed it very much and thought Frank did a credible acting job in the Joe E. Lewis role.
The ending was a little weird with his reflection in the shop windows talking back to him but hey that was a way for Hollywood heroes to express their innermost feelings to the audience. Eddie Albert who I enjoyed so much in Roman Holiday is in here. Jeanne Crain is also in here. She seemed to be a big star in her day but suprisingly, is not remembered today as some of her other contemporaries are. The story is interesting. Gaynor is good although she gets a little irritating when she pleads to Frank.
American Masters: Danny Kaye: A Legacy of Laughter (1996)
Good Doc on Danny
This was a wonderful documentary on that legendary talent Danny Kaye! He was such a talent and through interviews with Carl Reiner, Harry Belafonte, and his daughter Dena Kaye we get to explore it in this one hour biography. I taped this off my PBS station and had only watched Secret Life of Walter Mitty but this documentary made me want to check out some of other Danny Kaye movies.
The Affairs of Annabel (1938)
An Okay comedy from Ball and Oakie!
This was an ok satire on the movie business from that famous red head, Lucille Ball. Also, a long forgotten actor named Jack Oakie lended Miss Ball support. This was actually better than I expected. Usually, comedies such as these that last a little over an hour aren't exactly a great film-viewing experience. But I enjoyed the director who was a little crazed and Hollywood's view on itself.