Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

Old Hollywood Movie Reviews: Musicals, Westerns, Comedies, Dramas, Mysteries - all the classic movies that make the Golden Age of Hollywood magical!

James Stewart… A Favorite Actor in a Favorite Movie

April 12, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

James Stewart and Harvey

One of my absolute favorite actors is James Stewart. In fact, at any given time you can find me either watching or getting ready to watch a James Stewart movie or listening to/getting ready to listen to James Stewart’s radio show The Six Shooter.

He has been one of my favorites since I first saw him as a little girl in It’s a Wonderful Life and, over the years, I’ve only come to adore him more.

Have you ever seen Harvey (1950)? In spite of adoring the main actor, I somehow only saw it (for the first time) in the past year. Where have I been?!

Plot: James Stewart plays the lovable Elwood P. Dowd who has a constant companion named “Harvey.” This companion causes a host of problems for Elwood because he’s a 6 foot rabbit that only Elwood can see! Understandably, his family believes him to be insane – but is he? Or… is he more “in the know” than any of them?!

Harvey was masterfully directed by Henry Koster. He (brilliantly) took a suggestion from James Stewart that, in my opinion, worked to perfection – he changed many shots (making them wider) so that “Harvey” would be in the frame. It works like a charm… so to speak.

James Stewart later declared in an interview that Josephine Hull (who gave a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award-wining performance ) had the most difficult role in the film, because she had to believe and not believe in the invisible rabbit at the same time!

Director Henry Koster worked very well with his star, James Stewart. Koster said working with Stewart was “without any doubt one of the most pleasant experiences of my life…It must have been his spirit. There was very little friction, ever, only ambition and craftsmanship and precision, just doing it right professionally. On top of that he put the whipped cream of great talent…He was always the first on the set.”

The entire film experience must have been joyful – the entire cast and crew seemed to have a jovial time. As a joke, they would often set a chair for “Harvey”at lunch and order him something to eat. Love that!

Editorial Review:

James Stewart gives one of his finest performances in this lighthearted film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Stewart stars as the good-natured Elwood P. Dowd, whose constant companion is Harvey, a six-foot tall rabbit that only he can see. To his sister, Veta Louise, Elwood’s obsession with Harvey has been a thorn in the side of her plans to marry off her daughter. But when Veta Louise decides to put Elwood in a mental hospital, a hilarious mix-up occurs and she finds herself committed instead. It’s up to Elwood to straighten out the mess with his kindly philosophy, and his “imaginary” friend, in this popular classic that features a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award-wining performance by Josephine Hull.

You can watch Harvey on Prime Video or add the wonderful dvd (Amazon link) to your collection.

James Stewart

The Strawberry Blonde: Movies Do NOT Come Any More Perfect Than This One

November 15, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Rita Hayworth, James Cagney, and Olivia de Havilland

One of the cutest, most enjoyable, best-written, all around BEST movies ever made starred three of Old Hollywood’s brightest stars: Rita Hayworth, Olivia de Havilland, and James Cagney. The Strawberry Blonde (1941, directed by Raoul Walsh) is one of the handful of films I call a “perfect movie.”

There is absolutely nothing that would keep this film from being called flawless. Many movies come close to perfect… as in thisclose… but they have one or more “throwaway” scenes or “filler” storylines. There is no scenes – not a single one – in The Strawberry Blonde that is a throwaway scene. Not a one.

How remarkable is that?!

Most of us know that, even with our very favorite films, there is a scene or more where… by gosh, if you need more salt on your popcorn, wait for that particular throwaway scene and make your run to the kitchen. The Strawberry Blonde has no such scene from the moment it begins to the moment it (perfectly) ends.

Flawless. Perfect.

Some movies fall short of perfection because of a kink in the casting. Again, that certainly isn’t the case with The Strawberry Blonde.

(Continued Below the legends…)

Rita Hayworth and James Cagney

Rita Hayworth and James Cagney are perfectly wonderful in their roles (as they were in every role they ever stepped into), but… and this is coming from Rita Hayworth’s biggest fan… this film gets its magic from Olivia de Havilland and her mesmerizing portrayal of Amy Lind. The character is written so wonderfully – she’s ahead of her time, feisty, fiery, daring, unique, and deliciously original.

Who in the world could play her other than an actress who was all of those things as well?! Olivia de Havilland was as perfect of a fit in the role of Amy Lind as anyone has ever been fit for a role. She knocked it out of the park and seemed to relish the role.

The only hint of a problem is that we are supposed to believe that Amy isn’t quite as attractive as Rita Hayworth’s Virginia (The Strawberry Blonde). Poppycock! Olivia de Havilland was as beautiful as anyone. Yes, EVEN Rita Hayworth.

The Strawberry Blonde is also perfectly directed – as in every scene, every “extra,” every line, every expression. Raoul Walsh was an extraordinary director and this was one of his greatest accomplishments.

In spite of loving Rita Hayworth as much as any star has ever been loved by anyone, I only fairly recently saw The Strawberry Blonde. I think I, ridiculously, kept putting it off because I didn’t think it’d be too good. Seriously, I looked at the costumes and I looked at James Cagney who seemed to me (THEN…not NOW!) to be out of place and I thought, “I’ll save this one for another time.” I had zero idea it would be as hilarious, colorful, and wonderful as it is.

Halfway through the third scene, I told myself, “Girl, you were a perfect twit to wait this long to see this one!”

If you’ve never seen The Strawberry Blonde… please, whatever you do, don’t be a twit like me and put if off another day. It is outstanding.

You can watch The Strawberry Blonde on Prime Video or add to your private collection and buy the dvd on Amazon!

The Strawberry Blonde

I Met Him in Paris, Starring Claudette Colbert, Melvyn Douglas, and Robert Young

August 29, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

I Met Him in Paris with Melvyn Douglas, Claudette Colbert, and Robert Young

Sometimes… not always, but sometimes… when two or more of your favorite stars hooked up in a movie, magic ensued. This is what happened with I Met Him in Paris, starring three of my very favorites Melvyn Douglas, Claudette Colbert, and Robert Young (though, admittedly, I spend the entire movie wanting Robert to get out of Melvyn’s way!).

This is an especially cute romcom from 1937 (directed by Wesley Ruggles). The film’s plot is somewhat of a love triangle between the three main characters: Kay (Claudette Colbert), George (Melvyn Douglas), and Gene (Robert Young). The problem is, one is concealing quite a secret.

The chemistry among the three stars is palpable and the writing is timeless.

Paramount leased the land owned by a local Sun Valley silver prospector, Gus Anderson, for 500 dollars and built the set for I Met Him in Paris… complete with a Swiss-like lodge! Gus Anderson and his family apparently moved into the lodge after filming was completed.

A few of the skiing scenes call for us old movie lovers to do what we do best… tell our high falutin’ expectations to take the day off. Is it perfectly believable? No. But as we all know, old movies are about entertainment and fun – and, come on, we wouldn’t have them any other way.

You can find I Met Him in Paris (link to the dvd) on Amazon.

And say it one more time with me… Get out of the way, Gene!

I Met Him in Paris: Melvyn Douglas and Claudette Colbert

Call Me Bwana with Bob Hope and Anita Ekberg

August 11, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Bob Hope and Anita Ekberg, Call Me Bwana

My husband doesn’t watch a lot of my beloved old movies with me, but he IS always game to watch any of these:

Rio Bravo or El Dorado
Bob Hope Comedies
Charlie Chan Movies
Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters Films
Some Elvis Movies

That’s about it… but, I’ll take it. My cats and I enjoy all of the others without him. If it’s a musical, we have to watch it without him even in the house! He just does not “get” the whole musical thing. Unless, of course, it’s Elvis, then it’s usually accepted.

He watched a fun Bob Hope movie with me a few weeks ago, Call Me Bwana with Anita Ekberg and Edie Adams as Hope’s leading ladies. We both enjoyed the movie a lot – truth be told, I’m not sure what sort of person wouldn’t enjoy a Bob Hope movie… but I darn sure know it isn’t anyone I would have married!

Bob Hope is his usual fast-with-the-jokes, lovable self. I also really liked Anita Ekberg in the role of Luba, but I loved Edie Adams as Frederica – I wish she had been in the movie even more than she was. Her chemistry with Hope was so natural and they played off of one another perfectly – nothing was “forced” about it at all.

Watch Call Me Bwana on Prime or buy the dvd on Amazon – either way, if you’re a Bob Hope fan, you’re in for a great time.

The Mad Miss Manton: Quirky Comedy Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda

May 17, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda Star in The Mad Miss Manton

The Mad Miss Manton (1938) is an especially fun film. When one sees that it stars two of the greatest talents of all time (Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda), they’d be inclined to think it might be a dramatic film – perhaps even bordering on film-noir.

One would be mistaken and it wouldn’t take them long to realize it!

Don’t get me wrong – I love it. I can’t think of anything either of these stars could be involved in that I wouldn’t love, though, so be warned – I may be biased. Having said that, films that allow you to escape into their madcap world of laughs and adventure are the heroes we need right now, aren’t they? Movies that don’t CAUSE extra stress or anxiety but help to ERASE any that may already exist – from… oh, I dunno… a global pandemic?!

Directed by Leigh Jason, The Mad Miss Manton delivers exactly what it sets out to – FUN.

Plot: Barbara Stanwyck plays the beautiful, lively socialite Melsa Manton who discovers a body. When said body disappears, police (as well as the press) think she’s nuts (“mad”) until she proves them wrong.

The chemistry between Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck is palpable – studios would capitalize on this chemistry again in 1941, when the pair made The Lady Eve together.

Every now and then, with my movie reivews or book reviews, I like to remind my readers why mine are so short when others create Literature 101-worthy productions.

This Old Hollywood and Classic TV Blog is only one of my blogs – the others require just as much attention… especially my cat blog. Very clingy blog, that one.
I don’t EVER like to give anything away. I want you to enjoy the adventure of the book, movie, or tv series just as I did.
I don’t play the “long content for Google advantages” game. It’s painfully obvious, kind of pathetic, and an insult to readers.
Mostly… what I think isn’t what’s important. What you think is. And the longer you spend reading what I think of books and movies, the less time you have to enjoy them yourself!

You can find The Mad Miss Manton (Amazon dvd link) on Amazon. I highly recommend it! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Harry Belafonte: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (1959)

February 1, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Harry Belafonte: The World the Flesh and the Devil

If you’ve never seen The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) from 1959, don’t feel too badly. It’s a very difficult movie to find on tv and the dvd isn’t too easy to find either… but, my goodness, is it ever worth the effort.

Harry Belafonte does a phenomenal job in this film (as he does in all his films). He stars as Ralph Burton, a trapped miner who frees himself only to find that all of humanity has been destroyed in a nuclear holocaust.

Or has it?

He travels to New York City only to find it seemingly deserted.

The movie is at its absolute best when it is just Harry Belafonte’s Ralph – all alone in the world. It’s amazing just how entertaining it is to watch these scenes. It’s so enjoyable, in fact, that you kind of resent the other two characters showing up – especially Mel Ferrer’s jerk character Benson. Inger Stevens (Sarah) is likable enough to forgive her for intruding on Ralph’s world, but not Mel.

In fact, after he had been on the scene for just 3 minutes, I was yelling, “Why did you have to survive?!” at the tv. What can I say, I get into my movies – plus it entertains the cats, so it’s a win-win.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie is still good even after these two show up… BUT it is a perfect 10 before they arrive… a solid 9-1/2 after Inger arrives.. and a solid 8 when oh what’s-his-name comes dragging along. It’s not Mel Ferrer’s fault, mind you – great, great actor. It’s just that his character is about as likable as a two week stent with a stomach virus, topped off with pneumonia, pink eye, and a fractured kneecap.

Oh yeah, he’s a joy.

Having said all of that, I still give this movie a HUGE thumb’s up and a very high recommendation. Harry Belafonte is such an excellent actor and is always so compelling to watch – I’m honestly shocked he hasn’t been given the chance to headline more films. Inger Stevens is also a beautiful and talented actress and their chemistry is outstanding.

Until “he” shows up like a bucket of ice water on a fire the viewers are very much enjoying.

Movies From the 1950s

Many people who are fans of “Old Hollywood” tend to pick a decade (sometimes two) to focus on. Experience has taught me that (with obvious exceptions) there are a couple of “main” camps in the Old Hollywood crowd:

those who love the ’30s
those who love the ’40s
those who love silent films
those who love the ’30s and ’40s
those who love silents and the ’30s
those who love the 50s
those who love the 60s
those who love the 50-60s
those who love the 70s

Very few of us seem to love, embrace, and pretty much obsess over everything from silents through the 70s. I recently saw a poll on Twitter that asked you to name your favorite decade of films. NO WAY! I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to three… let alone two.. and LET ALONE (all caps) one. Seriously, the best I could do would be to go with a 4-way tie (30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s) and, even then, I’d do so begrudgingly.

For whatever reasons, movies from the 50s are often overlooked and left out of the hoopla. This is a total sham and a shame because there were some amazing movies in this decade. Absolutely, the 30s-40s were glamorous and mesmerizing and the 60s were gloriously colorful and over the top… but do not, not, not ever sell the 50s short.

The films they left behind is as wonderful as the music they left behind.

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil is just a wonderful movie and Harry Belafonte is especially phenomenal. If you aren’t already a fan of this ridiculously talented man, you will be after this film.

I happened to already be a fan of his (thanks to his music, Bright Road and Carmen Jones – which I watch probably 6 times a year), but this movie made me an even bigger fan. He bolted up into the ranks of Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, Melvyn Douglas, Henry Fonda, and Robert Montgomery for me. My mind occasionally pauses to think what could have been had he been given the roles the other gentlemen enjoyed.

But then I get the blues and have to eat cookies to snap me out of it.

Please see The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) as soon as you can.

Ava Gardner, The Barefoot Contessa (1954)

January 6, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ava Gardner, The Barefoot Contessa

Ava Gardner’s The Barefoot Contessa (Amazon Link) is one of her more popular movies and roles. She’s breathtaking in the film and, itself, is a beautiful masterpiece. While it isn’t one of my favorite of her movies (simply because of the ending – I will fall out of love with a movie in a heartbeat if it doesn’t give me a happy ending!), it is one I highly recommend watching. I also, of course, recommend owning the dvd if you (like me) collect all of Ava and/or Humphrey Bogart’s films.

Obviously, given the fact that the movie begins at a funeral, I knew the unhappy ending was coming, but ever-the-optimist, I was hoping for a big reveal. Had that been the case, this would be among my favorites movies.

The story and the acting are truly enjoyable and, as I said earlier, it’s a visual stunner.

With both of these stars (Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart) being favorites of mine, it may seem unusual for me to say this, but (in my opinion anyway), yet another actor steals this film. Edmond O’Brien (as Oscar Muldoon) gives a wonderful, often hilarious performance and literally steals scenes left and right.

Plot: Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner) was a beautiful star who touched many people’s lives. At her funeral, several of these people remember her and the impact she left on their life. Humphrey Bogart plays Harry Dawes, a fairly washed up writer/director ho was hired by rich producer Kirk Edwards to use Maria Vargas in a film and make it a hit.

Oscar Muldoon (played to perfection by Edmond O’Brein) is a stereotypical PR man who adds so much more to this film than I can convey.

The fast-paced, larger than life world that Maria finds herself in… in the end… destroys her.

Again, this isn’t a “feel good” movie but it is a “FEEL” movie as it will move many of your emotions, often simultaneously.

Kathryn Grayson in The Kissing Bandit (Beautiful Actress, Fun Movie!)

December 26, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Kathryn Grayson

Ever watch a movie you thoroughly enjoyed, only to read bad reviews afterward??! For me, it happens fairly regularly and I guess one of the reasons is a simple one… I’m not difficult to entertain! You’ve heard the saying, “It doesn’t take much to amuse me..” right? It could have been invented for me. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with it, but I am an only child, so (at a very young age) I learned to entertain myself and find amusement and joy in the simplest of things. If you don’t have siblings to entertain you and add adventure to your world, you’re on your own. Literally.

Maybe I learned, early, that life is one highly entertaining place and it’s just waiting for you to jump in!

The Kissing Bandit (1948) is a bright, colorful, light-hearted, spirited, and fun movie. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and, I’m sure, hoped the viewer wouldn’t either. Pure fun. Plus it stars the always entertaining and enjoyable Frank Sinatra and the ridiculously talented and beautiful Kathryn Grayson.

What’s not to love?!

If you’re the type who enjoys a fun romp, you’ll love The Kissing Bandit (dvd on Amazon).

Stagecoach (1939): One of John Wayne’s Best Westerns and a Personal Favorite

November 20, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Claire Trevor and John Wayne, Stagecoach

One of my favorite genres of movies is Westerns. My dad was a huge Westerns fan and I watched them with him from the time I was old enough to walk. In fact, my first memories of Westerns involve horses, cowboys, and women in long dresses. John Wayne was one of his favorites and he is, most definitely, one of my own favorites.

Seriously, there aren’t many things better than grabbing raspberry tea, a big bowl of popcorn, and losing yourself in a John Wayne Western for a few hours… two Westerns if you have the time!

I recently re-watched one of my favorite Westerns of all time, Stagecoach, and wanted to take a few minutes to talk about it.

Plot: A group of colorful people are on what should be an uneventful stagecoach trip – two women, a doctor who likes… no, loves.. to drink, a banker, the drivers, and the famous Ringo Kid (John Wayne). The peaceful trip suddenly becomes very eventful when they learn that Geronimo is in the area and looking for big trouble.

The wonderful movie stars an absolutely perfect cast: John Wayne (Ringo Kid), Claire Trevor (Dallas), John Carradine (Hatfield), Andy Devine (Buck), Thomas Mitchell (Doc Josiah Boone), Donald Meek (Samuel Peacock), Louise Platt (Mrs. Lucy Mallory), Berton Churchill (Ellsworth Henry Gatewood), and George Bancroft (Marshal Curley Wilcox).

Continued below the cast photo!

Orson Welles (someone who knows a thing or two about film-making) stated that Stagecoach was the perfect textbook of film-making and said he watched the film more than forty times in preparation for the making of Citizen Kane (1941).

Smart man!

Although John Wayne had minor roles in John Ford’s Mother Machree (1927) and Salute (1929), Stagecoach truly marks the beginning of their partnership. It also, in my opinion, marked the beginning of Wayne’s legendary career.

If you’ve never seen this simply outstanding Western, I hope you’ll get your hands on a copy (or find it on television) as soon as possible. As a bona fide John Wayne fanatic and expert Westerns viewer, I guarantee you this – Stagecoach is one of the best ever made.

Movie Review: In Name Only (Carole Lombard, Cary Grant, Kay Francis)

July 27, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

I have a confession to make – I have always watched movies based upon who is in them. For example, if one of my favorite actresses or actors is in a film, I will pop the popcorn, pour the raspberry tea, round up my cats and head for the den. I will plop in my favorite chair and escape with said favorite or favorites.

The great news is I have a lot of favorites, so I eat a lot of popcorn. However, there have (over the years) been a lot of wonderful gems I’ve come across simply because they were on when I needed a movie to watch – whether a favorite stars in it or not!

This was the case, recently with In Name Only. Don’t get me wrong, I have VERY MUCH liked Cary Grant and Carole Lombard for some time, now- they simply hadn’t reached the same “absolute favorite” rarefied air of, say Lucille Ball, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Maureen O’Hara, Buster Keaton, James Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Crawford, Ava Gardner, John Wayne, Robert Montgomery, Clark Gable, Marion Daviess… the stars I make time in my schedule for – even if it’s a movie I’ve seen a million and thirteen times…. looking at you, Sabrina and The Quiet Man.

Funny thing is, though, I often “meet” new favorites who ascend to the rarefied air this very way. Cary Grant and Carole Lombard just landed themselves smack in the middle of the aforementioned favorites and I’m now on a mission to see their complete filmographies.

In Name Only is a movie that had never been on my radar – as in, AT ALL. When I saw that it was on TCM recently, I actually had to look to see who starred in it! See? Completely OFF my radar. I’ve recently become a big fan of Cary Grant and needed to see Carole Lombard in something else (I’d only seen her in three), so… you guessed it.. popcorn was popped while the raspberry tea was being poured.

It didn’t take long for this fun and engaging movie to pull me in. Carole Lombard, even without the wonderful assistance from Cary Grant and a solid cast, has a way of luring you in. There’s a certain vulnerability about her that makes you want to enter into her world and help her fight her fights and clear the path to happiness for her.

Cary Grant is Alec Walker who is in a horrible marriage to gold digger, nasty Maida (played sublimely by Kay Francis). Alec meets and falls for beautiful widow (and mother) Julie Eden, played perfectly by Carole Lombard. Even though the nasty wife certainly doesn’t love him, she refuses to give him a divorce. Far too much money involved for that!

The movie then takes you on a roller coaster ride as you hope Maida gets her comeuppance as much as you hope Alec and Julie get their happy ever after.

I am not about to give anything away, but I do want to say this is a roller coaster ride of emotion… and one I enjoyed completely.

Find In Name Only on Amazon – it’s truly a hidden gem.