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!

The Quiet Man: One of the Most Beautiful & Enjoyable Movies Ever Made (Review)

April 14, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara

Father Peter Lonergan, Narrator: “Well, then. Now. I’ll begin at the beginnin’. A fine soft day in the spring, it was, when the train pulled into Castletown, three hours late as usual, and himself got off. He didn’t have the look of an American tourist at all about him. Not a camera on him; what was worse, not even a fishin’ rod.”

And with those lines, one of the most special movies you’ll ever have the privilege of watching begins.

One of my absolute favorite actresses is Maureen O’Hara. Right up there with Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn.

Two of my favorite actors are John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald.

How could one of my favorite movies NOT be The Quiet Man?! I mean, some things are just destiny.

Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man

Although.. truth be told… the writing, scenery, production, dialogue, direction – the EVERYTHING about The Quiet Man is so perfect, I have a feeling it would be one of my favorite movies even if these three exceptional stars weren’t in it.

But am I ever glad they are.

Director John Ford created an absolute MASTERPIECE with The Quiet Man – a masterpiece wherein every single thing is perfect. While the cast is as wonderful as a cast can possibly be, they’re darn near upstaged by the incredible scenery! In a word, Ireland is breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.

Everything about The Quiet Man is phenomenal – the music, the scenery, the acting, the cast, the wardrobe, the dialogue, the writing. When I first watched it, years ago, I remember thinking (several times throughout the movie), “Please don’t take a bad turn… I’m falling in love with you.. please don’t go bad!”

We’ve all had movies suddenly go from great to awful, halfway through or at the end. In fact, I’ve had THREE in the last month go from 10s to 3s within the last 30 minutes! When a movie goes south, it always feels like a blow, doesn’t it?

I was so thankful when The Quiet Man just kept getting better and better with each passing minute.

John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, an ex-boxer from America who had a horrifying experience in the ring and has moved to Ireland to reclaim a family homestead and escape his past. Right off the bat, in one of the most beautiful scenes in film history, Sean notices Mary Kate Danaher (perfectly portrayed by Maureen O’Hara). She’s (obviously) a very beautiful and spirited woman who happens to be the sister of a hot-head named “Red” Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen). Both of the Danahers (to varying enjoyable degrees!) cause trouble for Sean.

Mary Kate Danaher: Could you use a little water in your whiskey?

Michaleen Flynn: When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water.

The relationship that develops between Sean and Mary Kate could not be more enjoyable – the chemistry between the two stars is palpable and the writing is superb. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara were friends in real life and they worked magic when they were on the screen. This was the second of five movies they made together.

While the love story is a wonderful, huge part of the movie, it doesn’t strike me as purely a romantic movie. Will’s nastiness and the underlying plot of Sean trying to escape himself, to an extent, make for a compelling and fascinating movie.

When I stop and think about The Quiet Man, the thing that truly stands out is the characters. There are so many larger than life, lovable, and FUN characters in this film – they are a joy to watch. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara lead the way, certainly, but The Quiet Man would not be the perfect movie that it is without Barry Fitzgerald as the wonderful Michaleen Oge Flynn or Ward Bond as Father Peter Lonergan.

The characters in this film stay with you long after you’ve seen the movie.

It’s one of those movies, too, that seems to be EVEN better each time you watch it. I think it’s because you notice new things each time – and everything is so stunningly wonderful about this film, noticing new things is a huge positive. You “catch” new lines of dialogue, too. I’ve seen the movie quite a few times and I often hear something one of the characters says and think, “I didn’t know he/she said that…’ The reason is there are so many wonderful lines, you’re often laughing at one while another is being said!

Fast Facts About The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man is one of the few Hollywood films in which Gaelic (the native Irish language) is spoken…. and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing. It adds to the authenticity of the movie so much.
Green, Ireland’s national color, can be seen in every scene of this beautiful movie.
In the famous scene where Sean finds Mary Kate in his cottage, the wind blew her hair so wildly that she kept squinting. Apparently John Ford screamed at her with a stream of profanity… something that didn’t go over well with Maureen O’Hara! Apparently she yelled back at him, “What would a bald-headed son of a bitch know about hair lashing across his eyeballs.” Sigh. I love her so.
Cast members Charles B. Fitzsimons (Hugh Forbes) and James O’Hara (Father Paul) were Maureen O’Hara’s younger brothers.
John Wayne described why the role of Sean Thornton (considered one of his best) was difficult to portray: “For nine weeks I was just playing straight man to those wonderful characters, and that’s really hard.”
Barry Fitzgerald, who plays the character of the Roman Catholic Michaleen Oge Flynn (not only one of the best characters in this movie, but one of the most enjoyable ones in any movie as far as I’m concerned!), and Arthur Shields, who played the Protestant vicar Cyril ‘Snuffy’ Playfair, were brothers in real life.
I’ve read that when Maureen O’Hara passed away (2015), she did so while listening to Victor Young’s score to The Quiet Man.
In 1986, a New York police officer, was shot and paralyzed on the job. His young wife mentioned to reporters that The Quiet Man was her husband’s favorite movie and that he was a huge fan of Maureen O’Hara. After reading this, Maureen O’Hara flew to New York to meet the officer and lift his spirits! She became involved with the couple as he recovered, attended their baby’s christening, and even marched in a parade on his behalf. Phenomenal woman… phenomenal.
The Quiet Man was Maureen O’Hara’s favorite of her movies.
The scene where Sean and Mary Kate take a stroll through the countryside is so beautiful and so perfect, it leaves me speechless. Okay, so this is more an opinion than a “fast fact,” but.. well, there you have it.

There are many movies I would “make” people watch if I had the power. You know how it is when you love a movie so much you want everyone else to experience the joy for themselves. This is one of those movies I recommend to others… then frequently bug them by asking, “Have you watched The Quiet Man yet??”

I don’t mind being a pest when it comes to The Quiet Man. In fact, I insist upon it. Speaking of which, have you watched The Quiet Man yet?

John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man

Dorothy Dandridge and James Mason in The Decks Ran Red (Full Movie + Review)

April 9, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

As I said a few days ago on Hollywood Yesterday’s Twitter page, I am in the midst of a glorious Dorothy Dandridge movie binge. With TCM, DVDs, and YouTube, finding movies that were once all but impossible to find is relatively easy these days.

I’ve loved Dorothy Dandridge for YEARS – since I saw her in Carmen Jones on late night tv many, many moons ago. Finding her movies has been a bit of a challenge, but as I said, that has gotten a lot easier of late.

I recently watched The Decks Ran Red on TCM. When I saw it in the listing, I basically moved my entire day around to spend a few hours with Dorothy Dandridge.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this film. To say I didn’t have my hopes up is an understatement. I don’t mind so much that you don’t hear about the movie often (I’ve found some of my favorite movies aren’t at all well known or “popular”). I also didn’t mind that the cast wasn’t filled with household names. Again, that often means buckus.

Maybe my knee-high hopes and expectations came from the fact that this movie had BOTH of the so-called strikes above going for it. You seldom (if ever) hear about this movie and the cast doesn’t exactly read like a who’s who among film stars. Aside from a few stars, even the most devoted film buffs would need to look up a few names.

I grabbed my popcorn and tea as a few of my cats found their favorite spots in the den. I settled into my favorite chair and readied myself for one of my favorite pastimes in the world – watching an old movie. I tried to push my low expectations aside… then one of the worst opening graphics I’ve ever seen in my life appeared on the screen! Someone apparently thought the splash of red in the word RED (as well as the drops of “blood”) would be pretty cool in an entirely black and white movie and graphic.

Heck, they may have even called it “the bee’s knees.” It wasn’t.

(That would be it in all of its glory below…)

I think even my cats were astounded.

Fortunately, the ugliness disappeared as fast as it came.

As a Dorothy Dandridge fan, I’m delighted to say the movie was good – darn good, in fact. It overcame the low expectations and ridiculous graphic right off the bat.

By the end of the very first scene, I knew this would be a fun ride. You know how some movies take a while to win you over – sometimes as much as half the movie? The Decks Ran Red was one of those delicious rare treats where you know from the first scene that you’re about to have a great time.

There was suspense, outstanding acting, and a healthy dose of intrigue. Funny how you forget the word intrigue even exists until a great book or film comes along and reminds you how much you love it.

James Mason (possibly best-known from starring alongside Judy Garland in A Star is Born) is outstanding as Captain Edwin Rummill. It’s a role that would have been easy to “overplay” but Mason brilliantly stayed allowed the writing to be the star. I can’t say enough about him – he was just wonderful. You found yourself pulling for him in every conceivable way – ready to fight anyone (aside from Dorothy Dandridge, of course) who gets in his way.

PLOT: Captain Rummill has been made a Ship’s Captain for the first time in his life. Very eager to prove himself, he sets out to do right by his ship and crew. He’s a great man, but is (of course only human), so he can’t help but notice the cook’s gorgeous wife, Mahia (played perfectly by Dorothy Dandridge) when she steps on board. He knows she will, undobutedly, cause trouble on a ship filled with (even more human than the Captain) men, but he doesn’t intervene.

Of course, trouble arises for Mahia and her husband.

There is more trouble than this aboard for the Captain. A few scoundrels on the crew plan and launch a violent mutiny.

Broderick Crawford (the leader of the scoundrels) and Stuart Whitman (his number one guy) give wonderful performances, but make no mistake about it, James Mason and Dorothy Dandridge are the stars of this surprisingly good film.

One of the things I really appreciate from the film is the fact that Dorothy Dandridge’s character played a pivotal role in the ending. She wasn’t, by any means, window decorations in this movie. She was vital to the entire movie and, as a huge Dorothy Dandridge fan… I applaud it long and loudly.

Stuart Whitman (Leroy) is an especially good actor – he plays a bad type beautifully. Like he was born to do so! He’s one of those actors who, when you see him in a movie or an episode on tv, you think, “I know you! Why do I know you?! Where do I know you from…”

Took me about half the movie to realize that I know him from everywhere. Seriously, his filmography and guest-starring roles are very impressive.

The full episode of The Decks Ran Red is below. I think you’ll love it as much as I did.

INTRIGUE… DOROTHY… what more could you ask for?!

Hearts Divided with Marion Davies and Dick Powell (Review)

March 22, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Dick Powell and Marion Davies

Are you familiar with Marion Davies? Somehow she has escaped the fame bestowed upon certain actresses and, truth be told, I have zero idea WHY. Certain stars (Claire Trevor, Linda Darnell, Barry Fitzgerald, Anne Sheridan, George Sanders…) are known to those of us who swim regularly in Old Hollywood’s beautiful waters but the average Joe or Joy wouldn’t be able to put a face with the name if they had to.

Again… I have no idea why this is, all I know is that it is. Some leap to new heights of fame and some never leave the ground. What’s most bewildering is when (like the names listed above) they’re easily as talented as those who are household names. Heck, some are far more so.

I could park right here and talk two forevers about this very subject, but I have a movie I’m in love with that I’d love to tell you about.

Hearts Divided (1936) is, like our beloved stars mentioned, a movie that is under the radar but infinitely worthy of attention.

If you follow me on Twitter (my personal account @JoiTaniaSigers or my new Hollywood Yesterday Account, @HollywoodYeste1) or read many of my reviews, I am ALL ABOUT chemistry between co-stars. I have seen movies made and movies unmade by chemistry, alone. Some don’t put much stock in chemistry, but that’s understandable, given that I’ve bought all the stock.

Dick Powell and Marion Davies are the very definition of romantic chemistry and they flaunt it but good in this entertaining movie.

Before jumping to the plot – a few quick words about Marion Davies. You will notice that I don’t (yet) have much about this lovely actress on Hollywood Yesterday. Why? She’s new to me! It’s bizarre to imagine, but EVEN when you’ve spent your life watching classics, you will still come across an actor or actress who is new to you. Sometimes the acquaintance is nonchalant, other times (as in this case), they quickly become a favorite and you set out to see everything they ever made!

Ironically, at this point in time, I have two fairly similar actresses (Marion Davies and Claire Trevor) who are new favorites. They have both plowed onto my list of favorites, so you’ll be hearing a lot more about them.

Plot: Hoping to further negotiations (and scrounge up money for his war efforts) in the United States, Napoleon (portrayed masterfully by the ridiculously talented and versatile Claude Rains) sends his brother Jerome (Dick Powell) to the States. Jerome shows up at a Maryland Horse Track and meets Betsy (Marion Davies). He falls for the charming beauty almost immediately but she doesn’t want much to do with him. Maybe it’s because she already has enough suitors – Henry (Charles Ruggles), John (hilariously portrayed by Edward Everett Horton) and Harry (portrayed by the wonderful comedic actor Arthur Treacher).

Although Betsy is aloof (at first), fate has other plans. Jerome gets the honor of teaching her French and she soon returns the love he feels for her. Her well-to-do family frowns on the situation because, well… he’s just a tutor!

As is his style, Napoleon looms large and attempts to ruin everything when he insists that Jerome return and marry into European Royalty. He uses the “do what’s best for France” argument to get to Jerome AND Betsy.

As is the case with all of my movie and book reviews, I have no intention of ruining anything for you, so I won’t give anything away. Another trademark of my movie reviews is keeping things short and sweet. I swear, I’ve read some reviews that seemed to last longer than the actual movie. Personally, I’d rather simply give you a quick preview, tell you what I think about it and let you get back to your life.

So this is where I simply encourage you to find the movie, watch the movie, and love the movie!

Hearts Divided Trivia and Tidbits

Dick Powell was given the role at the request of Marion Davies.
Arthur Treacher (Harry) is best-known as a frequent star in Shirley Temple movies. He also portrayed the Constable in Mary Poppins.
I am convinced Claude Rains (Napoleon) could have played any role with the believability of me portraying myself. You will remember him as Captain Louis Renault (Casablanca), Caesar (opposite Vivien Leigh in Caesar and Cleopatra, 1945), Prince John (The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938), Senator Joseph Paine (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington), and, of course, The Invisible Man (The Invisible Man, 1933).
Dick Powell (who, himself, was a wonderful actor) is one of the people associated with the 1956 film The Conqueror who happened to die from cancer. Many believe it is no coincidence that so many involved with this movie met the same fate, as the Conqueror was filmed near a nuclear test site in Utah. In addition to Powell (who directed the movie), actors John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Ted de Corsia, and Agnes Moorehead each died from cancer. However, in a 2001 interview with Larry King, Powell’s widow June Allyson said she believed he died from lung cancer because he was a chain-smoker.
Marion Davies was as apparently kind as she was beautiful . She had a well-known reputation in the film industry for being extremely kind to the casts and crews of her films. She was even known to pay hospital bills anonymously if she heard that they were sick.
Your best bet for catching this charming movie is probably TCM. As I’ve often mentioned, I collect dvds, books, and memorabilia (especially of my favorite stars). I CANNOT find this dvd anywhere! Unfortunately it isn’t available full-length on YouTube either.

Ingrid Bergman in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (One of the GREAT Performances)

November 9, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ingrid Bergman as Ivy in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

One of the things that I get the biggest kick out of is becoming totally infatuated with a star I had never really gotten past the friends stage with. When you watch a LOT of classic movies, it tends to happen. As I’ve often said on this blog, one of the problems for me is that I tend to watch movies staring my absolute favorites… so I often miss stars that would easily become favorites if I simply gave them a chance!

Ironically Ingrid Bergman is a perfect example. While I had seen a few of her movies (Casablanca and Rage in Heaven), I hadn’t witnessed the full range of her talent and magnetism. I recently came face to face with both in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and she BOLTED into my top five favorite actresses. I went from “liking her perfectly fine” to “Got to get my hands on every Ingrid Bergman movie made!”

True to form, I watched Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) because it starred a personal favorite (Lana Turner – who is also wonderful in this movie). I expected to love Lana – after all, I’ve always loved Lana! – but I didn’t expect for another star to steal the movie right out from under her!

Shhh, don’t tell Lana.

Ingrid Bergman stars as Ivy in the movie and every single second she’s on the screen is magical. She absolutely takes your breath away – and you don’t mind it a bit. Playfulness, fear, flirtation, heartache… she squeezes all that can be squeezed from each emotion and then some.

In short, it’s just a joy to behold. It’s performances like this that remind us why we love movies as much as we do – especially the classic ones because they have the best stories to tell and, in my opinion, tell them best.

The 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde isn’t, if I’m being honest, the most handsome soldier in line. Is it good? Yes. Great? Well… that’s a tough one. Ingrid Bergman (Ivy) and Lana Turner (Beatrix) are great. They’re wonderful, make no mistake about it.

The story is also great. That’s why it consistently stands the test of time. Everyone will always know and talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

So what keeps me from calling the movie, itself, great? I hate to say anything negative about a wonderful actor that I think the world of (Spencer Tracy), but his portrayal of Mr. Hyde is pretty distracting. The makeup – over the top. The expressions – over the top. Naturally, these are only my opinions but if someone had reigned him and the makeup department in a bit, this would have been (without question) a great movie.

Oddly enough, Spencer is fantastic as Dr. Jekyll. He’s the charming, wonderful, warm actor we all know and love.

Then comes that cursed, creepy Dr. Hyde!

Having said all of this, it is most definitely a movie worth watching. The performance of the two actresses, alone, should make this a movie you either watch or re-watch right away.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some (Ingrid Bergman DVDs) shopping to do on Amazon!

A Scene from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

Movie of the Month Review: Sanctuary (1961) with Lee Remick and Odetta

November 1, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lee Remick (Temple) and Odetta (Nancy) in Sanctuary

Ready for an understatement? I watch a lot of old movies. A. LOT. OF. OLD. MOVIES. Like most fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood, I watch and re-watch the classic favorites (Gilda, It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, The Stooge, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy…. what do you mean it’s not a classic… watch your mouth!… etc….). I also have a great affection for jumping into movies no one really ever talks about. “Random” movies like the one I’m telling you about today – Sanctuary from 1961.

Most of the time, I’ll select a random movie based upon a favorite actress or actor starring in the movie (such was the case for Lured, for example.. George Sanders and Lucille Ball are both favorites, so that was an easy pick). A few times, however, either the plot or the fact that I know absolutely nothing about the cast will inspire the selection. This was the case with Sanctuary. Sure, I was familiar with Lee Remick from television but couldn’t recall ever seeing one of her movies. As for her co-stars, not a one of them rang a bell.

It was intriguing enough to make me grab a tall glass of iced tea and settle in.

Lee Remick (Temple) in Sanctuary

While I did enjoy the movie and while I was blown completely away by Lee Remick and Odetta (more about their performances in a minute), make no mistake about it – this is a disturbing movie. There is one “scene” where Lee Remick’s character “Temple” is presumably sexually attacked by a man nicknamed “the Candy Man.” The scene goes black before you actually see anything other than her horrified expression.

That’s disturbing enough, of course… but then Temple falls in love with The Candy Man. In fact, when relaying the story to another character, she basically claims that she was never forced into anything. Add this to the murder of a child AND the way race was dealt with in what seems like prehistoric times in some movies and you have a disturbing movie.

However…

You knew there’d be a however, right? Lee Remick’s breathtaking and complex performance as Temple causes you to make sense of where she’s coming from. She’s young with emotions and hormones that are wired for trouble. The job this lovely, innocent-looking actress does with this character is phenomenal. Before I go on raving about her more, just let me remind you that I’ve seen countless movies and even more actor and actress performances in my life. I’m in no way new to movies or the fascinating world of acting.

Odetta (Nancy) in Sanctuary

After watching Sanctuary, I will never be able to talk about an actor or actress giving the performance of a lifetime without mentioning Lee Remick and her multi-layered Temple. She glides from innocent little rich girl to unpredictable hellcat as easily as a professional ice skater glides across the ice.

Another outstanding performance in this movie was turned in by beautiful Odetta. I wasn’t familiar with Odetta before. This talented lady was a songwriter, guitarist, actress, and legendary black folksinger. She was actually trained in opera singing as a teenager. I’m currently looking for movies Odetta starred in and am VERY anxious to hear her sing. Her performance in Sanctuary would have completely stole the movie, if not for Lee Remick’s outstanding work as Temple.

Odetta in Sanctuary

The movie also stars Yves Montand, Bradford Dillman, Howard St. John, and Harry Townes, but make NO mistake about it, it’s the two ladies who carry this movie. Sanctuary is, honestly, worth watching for Lee Remick and Odetta, alone.

Sanctuary, based on the William Faulkner novel of the same name, takes place in the South in the 1920s. The governor’s pampered and adored daughter (Temple) makes a shocking confession to the governor in hopes of keeping a household servant (Nancy) from execution for the murder of Temple’s child and the governor’s grandchild.

Disturbing? Make no mistake about it. Worth watching? Again… make no mistake about it. These are two outstanding performances and, if you love movies, you don’t want to miss them.

Watch the full movie below or on YouTube

The Haunted Castle: Review of a Silent Movie That’s Perfect for this Time of Year

October 20, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Olga Tschechowa and Lulu Kyser-Korff

Before getting to the review of The Haunted Castle, let me say (right up front) that this isn’t a horror movie like you’re probably used to. I’m not sure I’d even classify it as “scary,” although the eye makeup and a couple of scenes come about as close as most Silents are going to come. It is a really good movie, however, and very much worth taking the small amount of time it’d take to watch it.

Oddly enough… even though I’ve been completely obsessed with the Golden Age of Hollywood since I was a pre-teen… I am very new to the world of Silent movies. Confession time – this is only the fourth silent movie I’ve ever watched and the first was just three weeks ago. I honestly never thought I’d enjoy a silent movie and yet, here I am, rounding them up on YouTube like I round up groceries at Kroger.

I’m smitten and I’m hooked. I mean, I’ve watched four within a month, that’ll tell you something! The reviews for the others will be coming soon – I’m adding a silent movie category under Old Movie Reviews because they’ve become very important to me.

For one thing, they are an art form all in and of themselves. All acting and conveying of emotions must be done with facial and body movement. That takes a great deal of talent!

The Haunted Castle, 1921

They’re also completely relaxing, in some way. Maybe it’s the music that accompanies them – that, combined with the wonderful step back in time (way back!). As someone who frequently has family members (including a precious 10 month old grand baby I have the blessing of watching most days of the week) and cats around them, I find that it’s easier to watch a Silent on my iPad or iPhone than to try to follow a talkie. I mean, have you ever tried to hear over a husband or 10 month old?

How did I not become hooked on Silents years ago?!

The Haunted Castle was made in 1921 and… get this… was shot in 16 days. The movie takes place in a castle, Vogeloed, which is (of course) the haunted castle the movie refers to. Again, be warned, if you’re looking for a movie that’ll scare your socks off, this isn’t the one. Your socks will never even know you watched a movie.

Vogeloed: The Haunted Castle

The scariest parts of this movie are the outside shots of the castle and one guest’s really weird dream.

Plot: A group of aristocrats and other people of importance are gathered in Vogeloed. They are awaiting the arrival of baroness Safferstätt and her second husband. However, Count Oetsch (brilliantly played by Lothar Mehnert) invites himself to the gathering. Count Oetsch is the brother of baroness Safferstätt’s first husband and is suspected by nearly everyone of having murdered him! Count Oetsch maintains his innocence and vows to find the real killer. Realizing things could get awkward fast, the host and hostess attempt to convince Count Oetsch to leave but he refuses to budge.

It’s a darn good thing, too, because Lothar Mehnert is, unquestionably the star of the movie. He’s just wonderful. It hasn’t taken me long to discover that in Silents, there are two types of actors/actresses: those who GO BIG, often larger than called for (more about her in a minute!) and those who reign it in, allowing themselves to become woven into the story.

In all fairness, I’d imagine that the second group would be infinitely harder to do. It’d be easier to simply go full Susan Lucci and see what happens from there – but it’s much, much more enjoyable to watch the stars who allow the story to be the star. Lothar Mehnert did as fine a job of that as I’ve seen (in silents or talkies).

Remember the bit about going full Susan Lucci? Well, this is a good time to introduce you to Olga Tschechowa. You know what, on second thought, the saying may need to be changed to going full Olga Tschechowa because Mrs. Lucci has nothing on her.

Ever watched a movie with a character you detested so much you kind of wish someone would throw them out of a window. Like, from the third flour? Seventh, if you’ve got it? That was her character. See the picture at the top where Lulu Kyser-Korff’s character is draped all over her? I literally said, “Good! You’ve got her! Now take her out.” But, alas her character adored the baroness like I adore my daughters and didn’t do me the favor.

Was it the character, herself, I hated with unbridled hatred or the portrayal by the actress? Both. Absolutely both.

Now, I understand, this was the twenties and I understand that we’re dealing with a silent movie here. Emotions had to be conveyed through facial expressions and body movement… but, hot dang, this woman was hysterical without meaning to be.

Having said that… it’s still a darn entertaining movie. I don’t know, maybe her theatrics added to the amusement. In the end, though, it was simply a good script and the performance by Lothar Mehnert and the rest of the cast that pulled it off. The scenery is also stunning – I actually stopped and rewound about 10 times to “take in” the furniture, clothing, decor, etc.

Lothar Mehnert

When I watch a movie and/or come across new stars, I read everything I can get my hands on about them. I am having a horrible time finding out much about this cast…. except for Miss Olga. Olga (also listed as Olga Chekhova) was apparently one of the most popular stars of the silent film era. Maybe she was less… ummm… over the top in other roles. She was born in what is today Armenia. She had a wonderful film career in Europe and even had her own film production company, Venus-Film Olga Tschechowa. Incredibly impressive for a female at that time! Adolf Hitler reportedly fell for Olga after seeing her in several films in the 1920s…. not as impressive, but there you have it.

Olga Tschechowa was, indeed, a lovely actress. The makeup they had on her in this particular film (for most of the movie) forbid it to shine through. The makeup was so morbid, in fact, at the first of the movie I thought both female leads were being played my males – kind of like old Shakespearean plays. The picture below kind of gives you an idea of why my brain took that route.

The Haunted Castle, 1921 (love the clothes!)

You can watch The Haunted Castle below, in its entirety. I do highly recommend it – it’s just a really fun-to-watch and cool-to-say-you-watched movie.

Did you know that you can find A LOT of old movies (including silent movies) on YouTube in their entirety?!? I have folders in my YouTube Library that include…

Barbara Stanwyck
Rita Hayworth
Lucille Ball
Joan Crawford
Marilyn Monroe
Silent Movies
Abbott and Costello
etc….

It’s breathtakingly lovely to be able to access classic movies on your laptop, iPad, iPhone, or desktop – and when you’re in the middle of one, it’ll keep your place. I instantly collect all the movies my personal favorites ever made, simply because it’s the right thing to do, and never let it be said I don’t do the right thing, even if it means spending a fortune on dvds – however, I love to actually watch most movies to see if I want to add them to my collection or not.

I’m currently watching a wonderful Lee Remick movie from 1961, Sanctuary. She’s giving an Academy Award level performance in this movie. I’m sure I’ll be writing a raving review about it and her soon here on the blog.

In the meantime…. do check out The Haunted Castle. It is VERY much worth watching and this is the time of year to watch all the scary movies you can… even those that just think they’re scary!

Find more Silent Movies (and silent movie collections) on Amazon (affiliate link).

The Bat: FUN Classic Horror Movie With Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price (Review)

October 8, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Vincent Price and Gavin Gordon in The Bat

Although the weather here in Kentucky doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo, we are fast-approaching Halloween. What better time to focus a few movie reviews on delicious old horror films?!

First up to bat… well… The Bat!

I’m sure I’ve mentioned in my Old Hollywood movie reviews before that there are precious few classic movies I dislike. I am so completely in love with the Golden Age of Hollywood that I’m very easy to please when it comes to movies. Honestly, I’d rather re-watch the movies I don’t particularly like (Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Prince and the Showgirl, Mogambo) than to watch anything from Hollywood since 1980.

But that’s just me.

So, there will inevitably be movies now and then that I like or even love that others (possibly even you) may feel lukewarm about or even hate with a vengeance. The movie I want to rave about today might just be the poster child for such a situation. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever read anyone liking The Bat as much as I do.

The Bat was made in 1959, so you have to be understanding when it comes to special effects. Of course, those of us who pretty much live for our next old movie understand that.

The movie stars the always perfect Vincent Price and one of my favorite actresses, Agnes Moorehead. The wonderful cast is round out by Lenita Lane, Gavin Gordon, BEAUTIFUL Elaine Edwards (all caps… yes, deserving), John Sutton, and Darla Hood. Yes! That Darla Hood, from The Little Rascals. You’ll know her the minute she walks in the room – same face, same hair. It’s as though little Darla was simply stretched out and gussied up. Her role isn’t a large one, but she’s memorable.

Plot: A crazy killer known as “The Bat” is on the loose in a mansion (“The Oaks”) filled with people. Agnes Moorehead plays mystery writer Cornelia Van Gorder who has rented The Oaks, along with her secretary/friend Lizzie (played by Lenita Lane… quite the scene-stealer).

{Review Continued Below…}

Agnes Moorehead in The Bat

Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price, and Lenita Lane are outstanding in this movie. Somehow it just seems Mr. Price was born for this type of film, doesn’t it!?

Ironically, in an interview on Sinister Image in 1987, Vincent Price revealed that the stage version of “The Bat” had absolutely terrified him when he was a child. Apparently this is why he accepted the role in this film because he thought the filmmakers “would revive it and bring it up to date.” Sadly, he was disappointed with the final result because he didn’t believe it was a good script.

Could the script have been better? Well, yes. But that simply points out how wonderful the cast and director were to take an “okay” script and make a very entertaining film out of it.

The Bat would be the last film for both Lenita Lane and Darla Hood. Each actress would go on to live out their life outside of movies rather than in them.

The Bat isn’t, in my opinion, a very frightening film, but it IS very enjoyable and entertaining and absolutely perfect for this time of year!

On Amazon:

Vincent Price 5 Frightening Features (The Bat, Shock, The Jackals, The Last Man on Earth, and House on Haunted Hill )
Horror Hall of Fame Gift Set (Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, Donald Sutherland, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing…)

Review: Grand Hotel with Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore… and Joan Crawford!

June 26, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Before I go any further, I want to completely own up to having off-beat and fairly unique tastes when it comes to “Old Hollywood,” “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” “Classic Movies…” or whatever phrase best fits your fancy. The stars I often adore most are often the ones others overlook. By the same token, many legendary favorites not only don’t float my boat, they don’t even get it in the lake!

I hope you never take anything I say personally if you’re a fan of any of these legends – after all, they’re legends, after all, and that means that you are undoubtedly right and I am as wrong as can be. But I can live with it if you can.

I am a huge fan of the movie “Grand Hotel,” but it’s (undoubtedly) not for the reason you’d imagine… In fact it’s IN SPITE of the reason you’d imagine. Okay, you guessed it. I’m not the biggest Greta Garbo fan on the planet.

I apologize!

There are times, on screen, when she is brilliant. She was certainly an incredibly fascinating woman in real life – and, undeniably beautiful. The grace, the confidence, the voice… stunning. I personally simply don’t embrace her acting style. Embrace? Heck I don’t even hold its hand.

I apologize!

If, by now, you aren’t convinced that my tastes march to the beat of an odd drummer, I also put Laurence Olivier in that category. Yes. That Laurence Olivier. Like Garbo, I have not seen all of Olivier’s movies, so I’m basing this on a sample size I personally possess. If I were to see more of their films, it’s possible that my opinion of each would evolve, but as it is… I’d rather watch an rerun of The Brady Bunch (your pick) than either of these stars at work.

Apologies… plural. They’re really racking up now.

So, how does someone who is not a Garbo fan come to love Grand Hotel? Two words… Joan Crawford. As is the case with all of her roles, I think she is simply mesmerizing in this movie. It’s one of her earlier films, yet the star quality is still there. So much so, in fact, that she upstages much (at the time) bigger names. She plays a stenographess, Flaemmchen, and it’s impossible to remove your attention from her grip whenever she’s on the screen.

“I want to be alone.” – Grusinskaya (Garbo)

The Plot: A gorgeous, luxurious hotel in Berlin is the setting for this star-studded, fast-paced film. I’d imagine it was the inspiration for television series such as Love Boat and Hotel, as well as many films since. The movie takes place over the course of 24 hours as life plays out for the colorful characters – each of which will never be the same after the day they’ve had!

John Barrymore plays jewel thief Baron Felix von Geigern. He finds himself attracted to both a prima ballerina Grusinskaya (Greta Garbo) and the beautiful Flaemmchen (Joan Crawford).

Along with Joan Crawford, I’d give the “star of the movie” to Lionel Barrymore who plays terminally ill Otto Kringelein. He’s also simply wonderful in this movie. John Barrymore is also perfect in the movie – I think I just always held his character against him. I mean, come on now… how can you even look at the prima ballerina or anyone else once you’ve had Flaemmchen in your sights?! When his character tells Garbo’s that he’s never seen anything in his life as beautiful as her… I all but yell at the screen, “You darn sure have!!!”

Have I mentioned how mesmerizing Crawford is in Grand Hotel?

“Grand Hotel… always the same. People come, people go. Nothing ever happens.” – Dr. Otternschlag (Lewis Stone)

Grand Hotel Fast Facts:

Grand Hotel won Oscar for Best Picture.
Garbo purrs her now famous line, “I want to be alone.” in this film.
John Barrymore was so excited about appearing in this film with Greta Garbo that he accepted a three picture deal with MGM.
Oscar winner Wallace Beery stormed out of rehearsals at one point, saying he would only come back “when Joan Crawford learns to act”. You’ll notice I’ve all but left him out of my review. So there.
Joan Crawford was actually nervous about accepting the role of Flaemmchen. She was afraid of backlash because of the overtly sexiness of her character. Though director Edmund Goulding and producer Irving Thalberg assured her that everything would be tastefully done and that her misgivings weren’t founded, her instinct was (in the end) warranted. Many conservative censor boards cut the majority of her scenes for indecency.
Greta Garbo was nervous about playing a prima ballerina – she was afraid she wasn’t young enough for the role.
John Barrymore (Felix von Geigern) and Lionel Barrymore (Otto Kringelein) were, of course, brothers. Lionel was the older brother.
Lionel Barrymore would become most famous for his role as Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). It was actually Barrymore who convinced James Stewart to take the role of George Bailey. Apparently Stewart felt that he was not up to the role so soon after World War II. Thank goodness Barrymore convinced him – I cannot imagine the movie OR Stewart’s career without him bringing George Bailey to life.
Garbo was also unhappy about appearing in a film with so many additional stars. Producer Irving Thalberg was able to set her diva mind at ease when he told her she would be billed her by her last name only in the credits. This was a huge honor which was reserved for only largest stars.
Though rumors circulated that Joan Crawford was irked by Greta Garbo’s top billing, this is completely false. In 1932 (when the movie was released), Garbo was by far the more established and famous star. Joan Crawford would have certainly been aware of this.

I don’t want to give away anything in regard to the various storylines or the characters, so I will simply say that if you love old movies, you have to see this legendary film. If you’re a huge Greta Garbo fan (my apologies to you for my sentiments, if you are, and I promise to see more of her films!), this is as MUST SEE a movie as you’ll ever encounter. She’s full steam Garbo, here, and you’ll devour every second.

Amazon

Joan Crawford fan? See. The. Movie. Buy. The. Movie. You’ll revel in our girl’s playfulness and sexiness. I may apologize for my lack of love for some stars, but I certainly don’t apologize for this opinion – Joan Crawford and Lionel Barrymore make this movie the masterpiece it is.

Side Note: Watching the Barrymore brothers again in Grand Hotel caused me to read more about their fascinating family. When you get a chance, Google John’s beautiful daughter Diana Barrymore. Drew Barrymore’s resemblance to her is STRIKING.

Critic’s Choice Starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope (Review)

June 8, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Critic’s Choice (Official Trailer)

When it comes to watching old movies, I’m obsessive and not the least bit confined. Many (most??) have a particular era or genre they’re most passionate about – the 40s, silents, musicals, the 50s, the 60s, westerns, etc. I’d imagine that specializing would make things a lot less complicated. There’d be fewer movies to DVR, fewer movies to add to actor/actress collections, and fewer favorite actors and actresses to name when asked for your favorites. You can see how that goes for me on the Hollywood Yesterday About page!

I will, however, be the first to admit that some 60s movies are a breed all their own. As I’ve often said about much earlier films, you have to accept them for what they are… films made very, very long ago. I believe the problem a lot of people have with films from the 60s is that our brain sees they are in color, so we automatically think of them as “modern,” somehow, at least when compared to classics such as Top Hat, Christmas in Connecticut, and Casablanca.

It pays to remind yourself, when watching a colorful oldie that it’s still an oldie. I have to remind myself of this from time to time. I actually had to pause Two for the Road (1967) twice (once for each of the “Two,” I guess!) and give myself a wake up call. This particular era is fascinating to me because it’s so beautifully unique. Movie makers were trying new things… being more daring and bold, while clinging to many traditional plots and scenes.

Fascinating… yet, at times… well… in need of a pause or two.

One film from the 60s that never needs a pause is Critic’s Choice (1963) starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m an insanely huge fan of each of these household names or if it’s the fun pace of the movie, itself, but I can’t get enough of it. The humor is as hilarious today as it was then.

Bob Hope plays popular New York theater critic Parker Ballantine. He has a reputation for greatly impacting a star or play’s longevity or success with his reviews. The level of glee he gets from shredding what he considers to be a flop is priceless. As always, he is wonderful in each and every scene.

Speaking of wonderful, Lucille Ball plays Angie Ballantine, Parker’s wife. All’s fine and well until she decides that she wants to write a play. Things get especially tense when her play is made into a play. Parker doesn’t have a very high opinion of it which means, if he reviews it, it could be the end of his marriage. However, if he doesn’t, it could be the end of his self respect in a career he values very highly.

This is one of those movies you can turn on and watch again and again – Bob Hope and Lucille Ball are, without a single doubt, two of the greatest entertainers of ALL TIME. Each line… each expression… each move – they’re each pure magic, so when you combine the two… look out!

The always regal-looking Jessie Royce Landis (Angie’s mother, Charlie) and adorable Ricky Kelman (Parker’s son/Angie’s stepson, John) are major scene stealers in this movie – which is no small feat when the stars are Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. I remember Ricky from an episode of Gunsmoke but I’m really surprised he didn’t have more movies in his filmography. Not only was he a great little actor, he had a special something that made him stand out. When he was in a scene, you wanted to watch his reactions to what was playing out around him.

If you’ve never seen Critic’s Choice, I hope you’ll watch it asap and see exactly what I’m talking about with Ricky.

As for Jessie Royce Landis, the greatest compliment I can give her is that her beauty and screen presence stood next to that of Lucille Ball’s and didn’t diminish one bit. Each time I see the movie, I’m left wanting more scenes with her in them. When I watched the movie for, probably the third time, it occurred to me why this actress resonates so much with me – she has equal parts of two of my all time favorites – Maureen O’Hara and Lucille Ball.

Can’t beat that combo!

The movie serves as a perfect reminder (as though we even need it) of just how talented and special Bob Hope and Lucille Ball were. They broke the mold with these two, didn’t they?! As an Old Hollywood fanatic, I am just so thankful we have movies and television shows with these two legends side by side. They were very talented actors – a fact that they sometimes gets lost in the shadows cast by their glittery super stardom. They almost shined too bright for their own good. The same thing can be said of other wonderful entertainers who went on to become household names – often without households recognizing why they became household names in the first place. Elvis, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Betty Davis, Marilyn Monroe… there is so much more to these individuals than the tiny little compartments people tend to place them in.

Old movies are an exceptional place to let them break loose and show you what they have.

One final word about Lucille Ball (not only is she one of my top three favorite actresses, she’s one of my absolute favorite people, so bear with me!) – we remember her, rightly, for being so deliciously funny. The woman was hysterical – there’s no other way to put it. Her timing, expressions… the things she did with her voice. Pure genius.

However, as I always point out when talking about her (which, admittedly, I do a great deal of) is this: She was absolutely, uncommonly, ridiculously beautiful. The gorgeous eyes, flawless skin, perfect figure (she had a dancer’s body… as enviable as that is), and beautiful “I-Dare-You-Not-To-Notice-Me!” red hair – they all went together to make one stunning human being.

I re-watched another of her movies recently, “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (review should be up next week), and was blown away by just how lovely she was.

Most beautiful clown in the world.

Movie Review: To Please a Lady with Barbara Stanwyck and Clark Gable

May 17, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

To Please A Lady (Official Trailer)

Some movies are tougher to write movie reviews for than others. Naturally, I could rave on and on about favorite movies such as Christmas in Connecticut, Top Hat, Lone Star, Autumn Leaves, etc… I also find movies that I really, really dislike easy to review. In fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s kind of fun to write reviews for the “stinkers.” Maybe it’s my way of exacting revenge for my misery.

Movies that I’m lukewarm on are a little tougher. If something doesn’t really inspire you one way or another, it’s hard to find the inspiration to even talk about it, you know?

For me, the absolute WORST movie to review is the one that stars one (or two or more) of your absolute favorites…. and yet, as a movie, leaves you wanting. You’re left lukewarm and can’t for the life of you wonder where the heat is. When you watch old movies as faithfully and for as long as I have, this is inevitably something you run into fairly often.

The following are some movies that starred some of my favorites (in parentheses) but scarcely scored a 3 on a scale of 1-10 for me:

A Farewell to Arms (Helen Hayes)
Mogambo (Ava Gardner and Clark Gable) – HATE this movie with a cruel, unbridled passion!
The Naked Spur (James Stewart)

Those are a few that come to mind that failed to rock my world, in spite of starring actors and actresses that did. The one I’m reviewing today is extra hard because it stars my main girl Barbara Stanwyck AND one of my absolute favorite actors, Clark Gable. How can a movie possibly miss with these two?!?!

That’s what I thought when I first sat down to watch To Please a Lady. While I have a lot of favorite actors and actresses (Hollywood Yesterday’s About Page will attest to that) – there is no one I’d put above Barbara Stanwyck and Clark Gable on any list.

TCM – To Please a Lady Intro by Robert OsborneI can actually remember the afternoon I sat down to watch To Please a Lady on TCM. I had my popcorn by my side, a cold glass of sweet tea, and a cat (Alexa) in my lap. She fully expected a lot from this movie, too (huge, huge, huge Clark Gable fan).

Now don’t get me wrong – To Please a Lady is not at all a bad movie and it’s far from being what I call a “stinker” (here’s mud in your eye, Mogambo), but it wasn’t anywhere near the earth-moving movie that this Stanwyck and Gable fanatic… or even her cat… expected. Is it possible we over-expected? Very possibly.. which is why I re-watched it a few years later. When I watched it the second time… going in without any “my world is about to be rocked off its axis” expectations, I enjoyed it a lot more. Like a lot of oldies, you simply have to hang on and enjoy the fun of the ride.

One of the things that caught me off guard was that neither of the stars’ characters were exactly lovable for the first half of the film. I had a pretty hard time figuring out who to pull for. Least favorite part of the movie? Gable’s character (Mike) smacks Stanwyck’s (Regina). I realize it was a different time then and that some things were perfectly acceptable THEN that make us cringe NOW, but I’ll be honest with you, a man smacking a woman will never NOT make me cringe so hard I can hear my mom saying, “Do you want your face to freeze like that?!” all the way from Heaven.

Had Regina returned the smack, I’d have accepted it – especially if she’d given worse than she got… but not only does she not belt him, she seems to find it irresistible. That seems to be the moment she falls for him. In spite of my pleas, “Smack him! Kick him! Run!,” she just stands there smitten.

Again, I realize the time the movie was made (1950), but still.

On to the positives!

While I’m not a huge racing fan, I have to admit that the cars and the racing were really cool. As I often say in my old Hollywood movie reviews, one of the funnest things about watching old movies is seeing the clothes, furnishings, buildings, and cars. They were all spectacular and were a lot of fun to see.

The chemistry between the two stars was pretty special. While I’d like to have seen a stronger movie and story-line for them, their chemistry was very strong and the two of them, somehow, actually make a pretty average script take flight.

I’ll also give To Please a Lady this – the ending was very nice (I love a good ending). It ironically had one of my favorite Barbara Stanwyck scenes (and one of my favorite movie scenes, period), as well – when she’s trying on shoes in her office. The expressions, movements… vintage Barbara Stanwyck. There really isn’t another actress quite like her, you know.

They broke the mold with this lady.

If you’ve never seen To Please a Lady, I hope you’ll catch it – especially if you’re a fan of its stars. Seeing two legends starring in a movie is a wonderful thing – even if the movie doesn’t shine quite as brightly as they do.