Four 40’s Films Every Movie Lover Should See (Even If They’re Not in to Classics)

March 08, 2019 in Collections

I admit, quite openly, I am not the biggest fan of classic films. While I appreciate their rich storylines, delicate scores, and over-the-top stars, many leave me laughing when inappropriate, or shuddering when I should be smiling. But ever so often, I stumble upon a classic movie I find to be an engaging, thought-provoking timeless gem. This month, we are celebrating the 1940s as part of DVD Netflix’s year-long campaign examining each decade of film, so here are four ‘40s films that you shouldn’t miss, no matter your taste.

Val Lewton: Producing From The Shadows

March 08, 2019 in Collections

When David O. Selznick needed someone to edit the meandering script of Gone With the Wind, he gave it to Val Lewton. And it was Lewton who added the now-famous long, wide shot of the Atlanta rail depot showing the casualty of war. And when Selznick needed someone to edit a script for a British director’s first American film, he tapped Lewton. That film, Rebecca, would earn Hitchcock his only Oscar nomination. To this day, when sound editors want to manufacture a scare on screen, they refer to the “Lewton bus.”

Films of the Forties

March 06, 2019 in Collections

Another month, another decade of film to celebrate! The historical context of the forties is obviously dominated by World War II. The Great Depression has ended, FDR has been in office since 1933 and will stay there until 1945. The US enters the war in 1941, but it takes some time for this to be reflected in film. Here are some of my favorite movies of the decade.

An Atmosphere of Paranoia: Hitchcock, Tension, and World War II

March 05, 2019 in Collections

Hitchcock’s most taut, nail-biting output came during the 1940s, a decade fraught by global war. It was a time laced with suspicion, doubt, daring, and misplaced trust. It would have been nearly impossible to find a person who hadn’t been affected in some way. He knew what plagued an audience’s psyche and he used it.

5 Underrated Films from the 1940s That You Should Watch

March 05, 2019 in Collections

Some cinephiles may not be aware of director John Brahm, but let me just say that he is a solid chap. If you've not had a chance to check out his films HANGOVER SQUARE or THE LODGER (which he did better than Hitchcock), do seek them out forthwith. Both are dark and moody gothic tales told well. I was lucky enough to catch a double bill of the two films at L.A.'s Egyptian Theater some years back and it was one of the best doubles I've ever seen there. Sadly, I let Brahm slip off my radar for a while, but I was glad to be reminded of him again via several nice Blu-ray releases from Kino Lorber in the last few years.

5 Movies of the 1930s During The Great Depression

February 28, 2019 in Collections

To say the 1930s was a devastating decade is an understatement. The Great Depression is known as the worst economic downturns of the industrialized world, starting with a stock market crash in October 1929 that obliterated the accounts of millions of investors and created panic worldwide. It’s amazing that the entertainment industry thrived during that period.

Hollywood helped people from completely falling apart. Movies generated optimism and a sense of hope. Big bands and swing music were popular. Many of the films showcased bandleaders, such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. I enjoyed compiling a list of movies of the 1930s during the Great Depression.

Hollywood’s Greatest Year: 1939

February 27, 2019 in Collections

The year of 1939 is often cited as Hollywood’s greatest year. And, as films released that year turn 80, there are a few that are usually touted – Gone with the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz, The Women (you can rent all of these on DVD Netflix)!

However, there are so many excellent films released in 1939 that you need to make sure they all are included in your viewing. Here are several you can find on DVD Netflix that will help you see why this year is so special:

Classic Films Celebrating 75th Anniversaries in 2019

February 25, 2019 in Collections

Who says old movies are boring? Not me! This year, we’re celebrating the 75th anniversary of films released in 1944. What a year for cinema. Literary adaptations, film noir, comedies, musicals, and some thoroughly enjoyable melodramas hit theaters, absolutely delighting audiences. Still in the throes of WWII, moviegoers needed an escape from the harsh realities of war and Hollywood delivered.

Underrated Films From the 1930s Worth Watching

February 21, 2019 in Collections

The 1930s was a very fascinating time for cinema and I feel like I had written the period off a bit as "too old to be good," outside of a few classics, until I really started to dive in and explore just how much goodness the decade had to offer. The fact that the production code was not fully in place until nearly midway through the ‘30s makes for an interesting before-and-after contrast, but the freewheeling nature of Hollywood in this period can be felt, especially in its comedies. Here are a few gems that I feel like may need a little more attention.

Newman, McQueen, & Garner: Auto Racing Movie Stars

February 20, 2019 in Collections

What did Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and James Garner have in common? Besides being acting legends, they also shared a passion for race car driving and a need for speed. In the 1960s, this trio became synonymous with Hollywood’s love affair with motor racing.

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