ADDENDUM: HISTORIC FEATURE FILMS
The Chase 1946
Producer: Seymour Nebenzal Script: Cornell Woolrich (novel), Philip Yordan (script) Director: Arthur Rioley Cinematography: Frank F. Planer CAST: Robert Cummings, Peter Lorre, Michelle Morgan Music: Michel Michelet Production: Nero Films 86 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir production directed by Arthur Ripley and starring Robert Cummings, Peter Lorre, Michelle Morgan, etc.
"The Chase" is based on Cornell Woolrich's 1944 novel "The Black Path of Fear." The film stars Robert Cummings as Chuck Scott, a veteran who suffers from hallucinations. When he performs a kindly act by returning a lost wallet to violent criminal mobster Eddie Roman, Eddie offers to hire Chuck as his personal chauffeur but Chuck becomes mixed up in a plot to help Eddie's wife, Lorna run off to Havana, Cuba in order to escape her cruel abusive husband.
The overall reception to "The Chase" was generally positive. "The Chase" was an official entry in the 1947 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.The Hollwood Scene (Gene Arieel wrote: "The Chase" has flaws, to be sure, but it has additionally a good share of suspense and excitement."
Conspiracy 1930
Producer: William LeBaron Script: Robert B. Baker (play), John Emerson (play), Beulah Marie Dix (script) Director: Christy Cabanne Cinematography: Nicholas Musuraca CAST: Bessie Love, Ned Sparks, Hugh Trevor, Rita La Roy Music: Roy Webb Production: RKO Pictures 69 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code melodramatic mystery film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Bessie Love, Ned Sparks, Hugh Trevor, Rita La Roy, etc.
"Conspiracy" is the second adaptation (the silent version) of the 1912 play "The Conspiracy" by Robert B. Baker and John Emerson. "The Conspiracy" started filming in 1914 by the Famous Players Film Company, produced by Charles Frohman, and starring Emerson himself in the pivotal role of Clavering, reprised from his stint in the Broadway play.
Danger Lights 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Myles Connolly Script: James Ashmore Creelman Director: George B. Seitz Cinematography: Karl Struss, John W. Boyle CAST: Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong, Jean Arthur, Hugh Hubert Production: RKO Radio Pictures 74 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code railroad drama directed by George B. Seitz and starring Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong, Jean Arthur, Hugh Hubert, etc.
"Danger Lights" concerns railroading on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. The production was shot along that particular railroad's lines in Montana. The railway yard in Miles, Montana, was a primary setting, while rural scenes were filmed along the railway line through Sixteen Mile Canyon, Montana. Additional footage was captured in Chicago, Illinois, when it went out of business eventually in 1986.
"Danger Lights" was the first motion picture ever filmed in the new Spoor-Berggren Natural Vision Process.
The film features rare motion picture footage of a 'tug of war' between two steam locomotives, actual documentary film footage of the activities in the Miles City Yard, and what is believed to be the only existing motion picture footage of a dynamometer railroad car from the steam railroad era in the USA.
The Deadly Companions 1961
Producer: Charles B. Fitzsimmons Script: A.S. Fleischman (novel + script) Director: Sam Peckinpah Cinematography: William H. Clothier CAST: Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Chill Willis, Strother Martin Music: Martin Skiles Production: Carousel Productions 93 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Western war film directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Chill Willis, Strother Martin, etc.
"The Deadly Companions" is based on the novel by A. S. Fleischman and concerns an ex-army soldier who accidentally kills a woman's only son, and tries to make up for it by escalating the funeral procession through extremely dangerous Indian territory.
"The Deadly Companions" was Sam Peckinpah's directorial debut.
The film is also largely passed without hardly any notice and it is noted that "The Deadly Companions" was the least known of Sam Peckinpah's motion pictures.
Debbie Does Dallas 1978
Producer/Director: Jim Clark Script: Maria Minestra Cinematography: Billy Budd CAST: Bambi Woods, Richard Balla, Christie Ford, Robyn Byrd Music: Gerald Sampler Production: School Day Films 84 min. Color sound English dialog.
American X-rated adult entertainment film produced and directed by Jim Clark starring Bambi Woods, Richard Balla, Christie Ford, Robyn Byrd, etc.
"Debbie Does Dallas" follows a team of Dallas cheerleaders (presumably, Dallas) attempting to earn enough funds in order to send the title character (Debbie) to Dallas, Texas to try out for the famous "Texas Cowgirls" cheerleading squad. The fictional name "Texas Cowgirls" was viewed as an allusion to the real-life Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. The film's star Bambi Woods had previously tried out for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in real life, but was cut during auditions.
"Debbie Does Dallas" was highly successful in its day, selling 50,000 copies on video cassettes, making it the most successful adult entertainment home video release of its time. Some of the scenes had been filmed at the Brooklyn College athletic field and the Pratt Institute library in Brooklyn, New York. There was also an urban legend claiming certain sequences were shot at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, including the library scene.
Dementia 13 1963
Producer: Roger Corman Script/Director: Francis Ford Coppola Cinematography: Charles Hanawalt CAST: William Campbell, Patrick Magee, Luane Anders, Bart Patton Music: Ronald Stein Production: The Film Group 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American horror/thriller film produced by Roger Corman and written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola starring William Campbell, Patrick Magee, Luane Anders, Bart Patton, etc.
Although Francis Ford Coppola had been involved in at least two sexploitation films previously, "Dementia 13" served as his first mainstream "legitimate" directorial effort on his behalf.. Roger Corman had offered Coppola the chance to direct a low-budget horror film to be shot in Ireland utilizing leftover production funds from Corman's "The Young Racers" 1963), on which Coppola had been employed as a sound technician. Corman wanted an inexpensive "Psycho" (1960) copy, complete with gothic atmosphere and brutal killings, and Coppola briskly wrote a screenplay with Corman's specifications.
"Dementia 13" was released in the fall of 1963 as the bottom half of a double bill with Corman's "The Man with X-Ray Eyes" (1963).
Due to the rushed production and a somewhat incomprehensible screenplay, reviews of "Dementia 13" has been mixed. The New York Times wrote: "Under the stolid direction of Francis Ford Coppola, who also wrote the script, the picture stressed gore rather than atmosphere and all but buries a fairly workable plot."
The Devil Bat 1940
Producer: Jack Gallagher Script: George Bricker (story), John Thomas Neville Director: Jean Yarborough Cinematography: Arthur Martinelli, ASC CAST: Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien, Guy Usher Music: David Chudnow Production: Producers Releasing Corp. 68 min. Color sound English dialog.
American horror film directed by Jean Yarborough and starring Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien, Guy Usher, etc.
"The Devil Bat" concerns a mad scientist who manages to develop an aftershave lotion that causes gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it.
The picture was re-released following a brief ineffective first-run release in 1945 on a double bill with "Man Made Monster" (1941). The New York Times wrote at the time of the two movies: "Two of the scariest features on the market."
D.O.A. 1949
Producer: Leo C. Popkin Script: Russell Rouse, Clarence Greene Director: Rudolph Mate Cinematography: Ernest Laszlo CAST: Edmund O'Brien, Luther Adler, Neville Brand, Beverly Garland Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: Harry Popkin Productions 84 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir drama directed by Rudolph Mate who was previously a Polish/Hungarian cinematographer turned director who had collaborated with German director Fritz Lang. The picture had an outstanding cast, including Edmund O'Brien, Luther Adler, Neville Brand, Beverly Garland, etc.
"D.O.A." is considered a classic of the film-noir genre which concerns a fatally poisoned man who attempts to discover who poisoned him
The critical reception for "D.O.A." was mostly positive at the time of the film's release. The New York Times wrote: on May 1950: "A fairly obvious and plodding recital, involving crime, passion, stolen indium, gangland beatings and one man's innocent bewilderment upon being caught up in a web of circumstance that marks him for death. O'Brien's performance had a "good deal of drive," while Britton adds a "pleasant touch of blonde attractiveness."
Emperor Jones 1933
Producers: Gifford A. Cochran, John Krimsky Script: Eugene O'Neil (play), DuBose Heyward Director: Dudley Murphy Cinematography: Ernest Haller CAST: Paul Robeson, Dudley Digges, Frank H. Wilson, Fredi Washington Music: John Rosamond Johnson, Frank Tours Production: John Krimsky & Gifford Cochran Inc. 80 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code film adaptation of Eugene O'Neil's 1920 play directed by the iconoclast Dudley Murphy, penned for the screen by playwright DuBose Heyward and starring the well-known actor Paul Robeson in the title role as Brutus Jones, a role he had previously essayed on the stage. Actors Dudley Digges, Frank H. Wilson, Fredi Washington, etc.
"The Emperor Jones" was produced outside the Hollywood studio system, financed with private investment from neophyte wealthy producers Gifford A. Cochran and john Krimsky, who had been best known for bringing the 1931 Weimarian German film "Girls in Uniform" to U.S. theatre audiences. "The Emperor Jones" was the only film produced by the two as Cochran resigned as producer following a failed U.S. futile attempt at "The Threepenny Opera" that same year.
"The Emperor Jones" is a loosely based adaptation of O'Neil's play, but adds an entire backstory before O'Neil's actual play starts, and includes several new characters that do not appear in it. This motion picture provided what is today regarded as Paul Robeson's greatest dramatic performance in a motion picture.
Despite this, the picture's distributor United Artists was disappointed that the film did not love up to its cinematic art. "The Emperor Jones" was originally produced in black & white, however, the picture was tinted blue for the jungle scenes, though this tinting disappeared from most existing film prints as if it were an old silent cinematic relic. The FMHV version of this exceptional film classic has been color tinted which enhances this artistic cinematic masterpiece.
Fear and Desire 1953
Producer/Director/Cinematograpgy'Editing: Stanley Kubrick Script: Howard Sackler CAST: David Allen, Frank Silvera, Kenneth Harp, Paul Mazursky Music: Gerald Fried Production: Kubrick Family Films 78 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent anti war film produced, directed, shot and edited by master storyteller Stanley Kubrick (his directorial debut) and starring David Allen, Frank Silvera, Kenneth Harp, Paul Mazursky, etc.
"Fear and Desire" was produced with a team of fifteen film technicians, the picture premiered at the Venice Film Festival, in a program under the title "Festival of the Scientific Film and Art Documentary" - Shape of Fear." Though the film is not specifically about any particular war or military conflict, it was produced and released during the height of the Korean War conflict.
Stanley Kubrick received significant praise for "Fear and Desire" from cinema critic and screenwriter James Agee, who reportedly took Kubrick for a drink and told him, "There are too many good things to call 'Fear and Desire' arty"
"Fear and Desire' was not a commercial success, and Kubrick had to take a for-hire job directing a promotional short film "The Seafarers" (1953) in order to raise production funds for his next feature film "Killer's Kiss" (1955), which was co-written by Kubrick and Howard Sackler and star Frank Silvera, one of the "Fear and Desire" actors.
Go For Broke 1951
Producer: Dore Schary Script/Director: Robert Pirosh Cinematography: Paul C. Vogel CAST: Van Johnson, Richard Anderson, Don Haggerty, Lane Nakano Music: Alberto Colombo Production: MGM 92 min. Color sound English dialog.
American WWII film written and directed by Robert Pirosh starring Van Johnson, Don Haggerty, Lane Nakano, etc.
"Go For Broke" dramatizes the real-life story of the 442nd, which was composed of Nisei (2nd generation Americans born of Japanese parents) soldiers.
Fighting in the European theater during WWII, this unit became the most heavily decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military, as well as one of the units with the highest casualty rates.
"Go For Broke" is a Hollywood rarity for its era in that it features Asian Americans in a positive light, highlighting the wartime efforts of Japanese Americans on behalf of their country even while that same country confined their families in relocation camps.
The Gorilla 1939
Producer: Harry Joe Brown Script: Ralph Spence (play), Rian James, Sid Silvers Director: Allan Dwan Cinematography: Edward Cronjager CAST: Bela Lugosi, Jimmy Ritz, Harry Ritz, Al Ritz, Anita Louise Music: David Buttolph, David Raksin, Cyril J. Mockridge, Alfred Newman Production: 20th Century-Fox 66 min. Color sound English dialog.
American horror/comedy film directed by Allan Dwan and starring Bela Lugosi and the Ritz brothers (Jimmy, Harry and Al), Anita Louise, etc.
"The Gorilla" is based on the 1925 play by Ralph Spence concerning investigators who are hired to protect a wealthy man from a gorilla-themed murderer.
"The Gorilla" premiered on May 26, 1939 to not too favorable review from The New York Times who wrote: "It's all supposed to be either really funny or shockingly thrilling, depending on how you look at it."
The Ritz brothers were often compared with the antics of The Three Stooges by film critics at the time.
The Great Flamarion 1945
Producer: W. Lee Wilder Script: Vicki Baum (short story), Heinz Herald, Richard Weil, Anne Wigton Director: Anthony Mann Cinematography: James S. Brown, Jr. CAST: Erich von Stroheim, Mary Beth Hughes, Dan Duryea, Stephen Barlay Music: Alexander Laszlo Production: W. Lee Wilder Productions 78 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir thriller directed by Anthony Mann and starring Erich von Stroheim, Mary Beth Hughes, Dan Duryea, Stephen Barclay, etc.
"The Great Flamarion" follows Flamarion, an expert marksman who is entertaining people in a show which features a woman by the name of Connie and her husband, Al Flamarion. The two manage to fall in love with each other and decide to get rid of her alcoholic husband.
Half Shot at Sunrise 1930
Producer: William LeBaron Script: Anne Caldwell, James Ashmore Creelman, Ralph Spence, Fatty Arbuckle Director: Paul Sloane Cinematography: Nicholas Mursuraca CAST: Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Dorothy Lee, E.H. Calvert Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 78 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code comedy film directed by Paul Sloane and starring the comedy duo Wheeler & Woolsey (Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey), Dorothy Lee, E.H. Calvert, etc.
"Half Shot at Sunrise" was comic duo Wheeler & Woolsey's fourth film and the second starring cinematic vehicle for the two, following the success of "The Cuckoos" (1930)
The screenplay was penned by Anne Caldwell, James Ashmore Creelman, Ralph Spence, and Fatty Arbuckle, which had been made to fit to highlight the comedic talents of the duo.
The story concerns the comic duo as they disguise themselves as two soldiers who go AWOL in Paris, France during WWI.
The Hitch-Hiker 1953
Producer: Collier Young Script: Ida Lupino, Collier Young Director: Ida Lupino Cinematography: Nicholas Musuraca CAST: Edmond O'Brien, Frank Lovejoy, William Talman, Wendell Niles Music: Leith Stevens Production: RKO Radio Pictures 71 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent film-noir thriller co-written and directed by Ida Lupino starring Edmond O'Brien, Frank Lovejoy, William Talman, Wendell Niles, etc.
"The Hitch-Hiker" was based on the 1950 killing spree of Billy Cook, who was a mass murderer of six people, including a family of five, on a 22 day rampage between Missouri and California during 1950-1951. The story follows two friends who are taken hostage by murderous hitchhiker Billy Cook during an automobile trip to Mexico.
"The Hitch-Hiker" is the first film-noir motion picture directed by a female.
The critical reaction to Ms. Lupino's picture was mixed upon release. The Philadelphia Enquirer wrote: "With nothing more than three able actors, a lot of rugged scenery and their own impressive talents as producers, authors, and director, Collier Young and Ida Lupino have brewed a grim little chiller."
Hook, Line and Sinker 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Miles Connolly Script: Ralkph Spence, Tim Whelan Director: Edward F. Cline Cinematography: Nicholas Mursuraca CAST: Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Dorothy Lee, William B. Davidson Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 72 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code slapstick comedy directed by Edward F. Cline starring Wheeler & Woolsey (Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey), Dorothy Lee, William B. Davidson, etc.
"Hook, Line and Sinker" was the third starring cinematic vehicle for the comic duo and was one of the largest financial successes for RKO Radio Pictures.
The picture opened at the Mayfair Theatre in New York in December 23, 1930.
Indestructible Man 1956
Producer/Director: Jack Pollexfen Script: Vy Russell, Sue Dwiggins Cinematography: John L. Russell CAST: Lon Chaney, Jr., Max Showalter, Marian Carr, Ross Elliot Music: Albert Glasser Production: C.G.K. Productions 72 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Sci-Fi/horror crime film produced and directed by Jack Pollexfen starring Lon Chaney, Jr., Max Showalter, Marian Carr, Ross Elliot, etc.
"Indestructible Man" was independently produced by C.G.K. Productions and released in the USA by Allied Artists. The picture was distributed theatrically in 1956 on a double bill with "World Without End" (1956) and in some areas billed with "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956).
Lon Chaney, Jr. has almost no dialog in the film. His character's emotions were shown through physical gesture reminiscent of his iconic father's silent, motion picture persona and extreme close-up shots of his horrific face.
Inside the Lines 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Roy Pomeroy Script: Earl Derr Biggers (play), John Farrow, Ewart Adamson Director: Roy Pomeroy Cinematography: Nicholas Musuraca CAST: Betty Compson, Ralph Forbes, Montagu Love, Mischa Auer Music: Roy Webb Production: RKO Radio Pictures 72 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code espionage drama co-produced and directed by Roy Pomeroy starring Betty Compson, Ralph Forbes, Montagu Love, Mischa Auer, etc.
"Inside the Lines" is based on the 1915 Broadway play by Earl Derr Biggers and the 1918 silent film version of the same title.
The story is set during WWI as Imperial German spies will apparently stop at nothing to monitor Allied war plans stored in Gibraltar.
The Jackie Robinson Story 1950
Producers: Mort Briskin, William J. Heineman Script: Arthur Mann, Lawrence Taylor Director: Alfred E, Green Cinematography: Ernest Laszlo CASTl Jackie Robinson (himself), Ruby Dee, Minor Watson, Louise Bevers Music: Herschel Burke Gllbert Production: Jewel Pictures 77 min. Color sound English dialog.
American biographical sports film directed by Alfred E. Green and starring Jackie Robinson (as himself), Ruby Dee, Minor Watson, Louise Bevers, etc.
"The Jackie Robinson Story" is based on Jackie Robinson's own struggle with the racial abuse of bigots as he becomes the first Black American Major League Baseball player of the modern era. The production is in part based on Robinson's own autobiography, "My Own Story" (1948).
Much the production took place in the off-season following Robinson's third season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. A good deal of the picture was shot at Gilmore Field, home of the PCL Hollywood Stars.
As for the film's initial reception upon release, even during its distribution in the era of racial segregation, "The Jackie Robinson Story" received critical praise and fared extremely well at the box-office. According to The New York Times movie critic Bosley Crowther wrote: "What is surprising in the new film is the sincerity of the dramatization and the integrity of Mr. Robinson playing himself. Too often, in films of this nature about sports figures, fanciful or real, the sentiments are inflated and the heroics glorified."
The Joe Louis Story 1953
Producer: Stirling Stilliphant Script: Robert Sylvester Director: Robert Gordon Cinematography: Joseph C. Brun CAST: Coley Wallace, Hilda Simms, Paul Stewart, James Edwards Music: George Bassman Production: Walter P. Chrysler Productions 88 min. Color sound English dialog
American film noir sports film produced by Stirling Stilliphant and directed by Robert Gordon starring Coley Wallace (as Joe Louis), Hilda Simms, Paul Stewart, James Edwards, etc.
"The Joe Louis Story" is a biographical motion picture concerning the true story of boxer Joe Louis from his rise out of poverty to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.
Kansas City Confidential 1952
Producer: Edward Small Script: Rowland Brown (story), Harold Greene (story), George Bruce (script), Harry Essex (script) Director: Phil Carlson Cinematography: George E. Diskant CAST: John Payne, Preston Foster, Neville Brand, Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam Music: Paul Sawtell Production: Associated Players and Producers, Edward Small Productions 99 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independently-produced film-noir crime film directed by Phil Carson and starring John Payne, Preston Foster, Neville Brand, Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam, etc.
"Kanas City Confidential" was originally titled "Kansas City 117," the title based on a police code. The story opens in Kansas City, but most of the picture actually takes place at a fictitious fishing resort, Borados, in Mexico.
"Kanas City Confidential" was director Phil Carlson's second crime production, he also directed "Scandal Sheet" (1952), which proved to be a modest commercial success.
"Kansas city Confidential" had been popular enough to usher in a series of "Confidential" films from Edward Small - "New York Confidential" (1955), "Chicago Confidential" (1957), and "Hong Kong Confidential" (1958). Variety wrote upon the release of "Kansas City Confidential": "With the exception of the denouement (story structure), director Phil Carlson reins his cast in a grim atmosphere that develops momentum through succeeding reels, Payne delivers an impressive portrayal of an unrelenting outsider who cracks the ring."
The plot of "Kansas City Confidential" served as an inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" (1992).
Kept Husbands 1931
Producers: William LeBaron, Louis Sarecky Script: Louis Sarecky (script), Forest Halsey (adaptation), Alfred Jackson (adaptation) Director: Lloyd Bacon Cinematography: Jack MacKenzie CAST: Joel McCrea, Dorothy Mackaill, Ned Sparks, Mary Carr Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code comic drama film directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring Joel McCrea, Dorothy Mackaill, Ned Sparks, Mary Carr, etc.
"Kept Husbands" is primarily a drama film, but also contains elements of comedy as well. The picture centers around the class struggles and stereotypes between the working class and the wealthy, which was particularly striking during the Great Depression era when the picture was produced. The film also points out the stereotypical gender roles which were quite prevalent at the time.
The Lady Refuses 1931
Producers: William LeBaron, Bertram Millhauser Script: Guy Botton (story), Robert Milton (story), Wallace Smith (script) Director: George Archainbaud Cinematography: Leo Tover CAST: Betty Compson, John Darrow, Gilbert Emery, Ed Norton Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 72 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code melodrama directed by George Archainbaud and starring Betty Compson, John Darrow, Gilbert Emery, Ed Norton, etc.
"The Lady Refuses" follows a destitute young woman on the verge of becoming a prostitute, who is hired by a wealthy man to woo his ne'er-do-well son away from the clutches of a gold-digger.
A Lady to Love 1930
Producer/Director: Victor Sjostrom Script: Sidney Howard (play + script) Cinematography: Merritt B. Gerstad CAST: Vilma Banky, Edward G. Robinson, Robert Ames, Richard Carle Music: William Axt Production: MGM 92 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code romantic drama produced and directed by Victor Sjostrom starring Vilma Banky, Edward G. Robinson, Roert Ames, Richard Curle, etc.
"A Lady to Love" was based on Sidney Howard's 1924 play "They Knew What They Wanted" (1924).
Sjostrom's picture was released on February 28, 1930 by MGM. Vilma Banky and Edward G. Robinson appeared in the German language version also produced and directed by Victor Sjostrom. Otherwise with a different cast, it was released a year later in the USA under the release title "Die Sehnsucht Jeder Frau" ("Every Woman's Longing" (1931)
Contemporary reviews were mixed upon the release of "A Lady to Love" - The New York Times praised the acting talent of Edward G. Robinson but found the rest lacking, writing: "The picture lacks a pictorial mobility, but its range of acting, as offered by Mr. Robinson, from the lightest humor of emotions, as depicted during the scene when he discovers himself forsaken by his loved ones, is most gratifying."
Lawful Larceny 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Henry Hobart Script: Samuel Shipman (play), Jane Murfin (script) Director: Lowell Sherman Cinematography: Roy Hunt CAST: Bebe Daniels, Kenneth Thomson, Lowell Sherman, Olive Tell Production: RKO Radio Pictures 67 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code melodrama directed by Lowell Sherman and starring Bebe Daniels, Kenneth Thomson, Lowell Sherman, Olive Tell, etc.
"Lawful Larceny" was based on the play by Samuel Shipman, which originally was a comedy. The picture was a remake of the 1923 silent film version, produced by Famous-Players-Lasky Corp.
The story concerns a woman of low morals who operates a gambling operation in her home takes pride in destroying the men she traps in her net. One of these men's wives will not let her get away with it, however. She poses as a young single girl to obtain employment by the woman as an executive secretary and then proceeds to singlehandedly destroy her operation.
The Leatherneck aka Leathernecking 1929
Producer: Ralph Block, Harry Poppe Script: Elliot J. Clawson, John W. Krafft Director: Howard Higgin Cinematography: John J. Mescall CAST: William Boyd, Alan Hale, Robert Armstrong, Fred Kohler Music: Amedeo De Filppi Production: Ralph Block Productions 65 min. Color sound/silent Intertitles w/music score English version.
American Pre-Code sound part-talkie military drama film directed by Howard Higgin and starring William Boyd, Alan Hale, Robert Armstrong, Fred Kohler, etc.
In addition to scenes with audible dialog or talking sequences, "The Leatherneck" features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with English Intertitles.
At the 2nd Academy Awards in the category Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay.
"The Leatherneck" featured a theme song entitled "Only for You' which was composed by Josiah Zuro, Francis Groman and Charles Weinberg.
The story of "The Leatherneck" concerns male bonding set at the end of WWI, two U.S. Marines manage to make friends with a simple-minded German soldier and manage to win his friendship and convince him to become a U.S. citizen. All three men are still in peacetime Marines when a highly dishonorable character steals one of the Marines woman and his two military chums go off to rescue the woman. However, when they don't return, one of his buddies goes in search of their comrade. In the end, one of the U.S. Marines is forced to face a military court-martial for desertion.
Letter of Introduction 1938
Producer/Director: John M. Stahl Script: Sheridan Gibney, Leonard Spiegelgass Cinematography: Karl Freund CAST: Adolphe Menjou, Edgar Bergen, Ann Sheridan, Eve Arden Music: Frank Skinner Production: Universal Pictures 104 min. Color sound English dialog.
American comedy drama produced and directed by John M. Stahl starring Adolphe Menjou, Edgar Bergen, Ann Sheridan, Eve Arden, etc.
"Letter of Introduction" concerns an aging actor by the name of John Mannering who is surprised when his estranged daughter, Kay, Martin, shows up. Kay is an actress trying to succeed on Broadway. John is persuaded to likewise perform on Broadway for the first time in twelve years in a play with her. John is anxious about his performance, so turns to alcohol in order to overcome his self-doubt. He tries to reestablish his relationship with his daughter while trying to hide from the press that she is in reality his daughter.
Life with Father 1947
Producer: Robert Buckner Script: Clarence Day (play), Howard Lindsey (play), Russel Crouse (play), Donald Ogdon Stewart (script) Director: Michael Curtiz Cinematography: William V. Skall, J. Peverall Marley CAST: William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor, Edmund Gwen, Zasu Pitts, Music: Max Steiner Production: Warner Bros. 116 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American Technicolor comedy directed by Michael Curtiz and starring William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor, Edmund Gwen, Zasu Pitts, etc.
"Life with Father" is based on the 1939 play, which was inspired by the autobiography of American writer and The New Yorker essayist Clarence Day.
The story follows the true story of Clarence Day and his family in the 1880s. His father, Clarence, Sr., seeks to be master of his house, but finds his wife, Vinnie, and his children ignoring him until they start making demands for him to change his life. The story draws largely on Clarence's stubborn, sometimes ill-tempered nature and Vinnie's insistence that he is baptized.
Leading film critics in 1947 gave "Life with Father" high marks, especially with regard to the quality of Warner Bros. ' screen adaptation of the popular Broadway play and the quality of the cast's performances. The New York Times in its review directed special attention to William Powell's portrayal of Clarence Day: "A round-robin of praise is immediately in order for all those, and they were many indeed, who assisted in filming "Life with Father."
"Life with Father" was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (William Powell), Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Technicolor (Robert M. Hans, George James Hopkins), Best Cinematography, Color and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic , or Comedy Picture.
The Little Princess 1939
Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck, Eugene Markey Script: Francis Hodgen Burnett (novel), Ethel Hill (script), Walter Ferris (script) Director: Walter Lang Cinematography: Arthur C. Miller, William Skall CAST: Shirley Temple, Cesar Romero, Arthur Treacher, Richard Greene Music: Charles Maxwell, Cyril J. Mockridge, Herbert W. Spencer, Samuel Pokrass Production: 20th Century-Fox 93 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American musical/drama produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and directed by Walter Lang starring Shirley Temply, Cesar Romero, Arthur Treacher, Richard Greene, etc.
"The Little Princess" is loosely based on Frances Hogdson Burnett's 1905 novel "A Little Princess." This picture was the first Shirley Temple feature film shot entirely in Technicolor and was consequently her last major success as a child star. "The Little Princess" was the third of three in which Shirley Temple and Cesar Romero appeared in together, following "We Willie Winkie" (1937) and Ali Baba Goes to Town" (1937).
Although the film maintained the novel's Victorian London setting, "A Little Princess" introduced several new characters and storylines and used the 2nd Boer War and the siege of Mafeking as a backdrop to the action on the screen. Temple and Arthur Treacher had a musical number together, performing the song "Knocked 'Em in the Old Kent Road. Temple also appeared in an extended ballet scene.
"The Little Princess" had positive reviews at the time of its initial release. Variety wrote: "Transposition of the Frances Hogdon Burnett several generations favorite, Sara Crown, is accomplished most successfully. The fairy-tale story is still sacchanne to the 5th degree, but once the basic premise is established, it rolls along acceptably."
Little Shop of Horrors 1960
Producer/Director: Roger Corman Script: Charles B. Griffith Cinematography: Archie R. Datzell CAST: Jonathan Haze, Jack Nicholson, Mel Welles, Dick Miller Music: Fred Katz, Ronald Stein Production: The Filmgroup, Santa Clara Productions 72 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent horror/comedy film produced and directed by Roger Corman starring Jonathan Haze, Jack Nicholson, Mel Welles, Dick Miller, etc.
"Little Shop of Horrors" is a comic/horror farce about a florist's assistant who cultivates a bizarre plant that feeds on human blood.
Originally produced under the title "The Passionate People Eater," the picture employs an original style of comedy, combining dark comedy with farce and incorporating Jewish humor and cinematic elements of spoof. Corman's picture slowly gained a cult following through word of mouth when it was distributed as the "B" movie in a double feature with Mario Bava's "Black Sunday" (1960) and later with "Last Woman on Earth" (1960). The film's popularity later increased with with local television broadcasts, and the presence of Jack Nicholson, whose minor role in the picture has been prominently promoted when it was later released on home video.
"The Little Shop of Horrors" was screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival on the strength of its reviews in American film periodicals at the time.
The picture's critical reviews were positive. One review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes. it has an approval rating of 92% based on reviews from 12 movie critics. Variety wrote: "The acting is pleasantly preposterous . Horticulturists and vegetarians will love it!."
Lonely Wives 1931
Producer: E. B. Derr Script: Pordes Milo (vaudeville act), Walter Schuett (vaudeville act), Eric Urban (vaudeville act), Walter DeLeon (script) Director: Russell Mack Cinematography: Edward Snyder CAST: Edward Everett Horton, Esther Ralston, Laura La Plante Music: Francis Gromon Production: Pathe Exchange 85 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American comedy film directed by Russell Mack and starring Edward Everett Horton, Esther Snyder, etc.
"Lonely Wives" was based on a successful German vaudeville act entitled "Tantzanwaltz" ("Dance Lawyer"), penned by Pordes Milo, Walter Schuett, and Dr. Eric Urban.
Critical reviews for "Lonely wives" was positive. The New York Times wrote: "The direction is skillful" and singling out the performance of several of the actors. "Horton delivers a wonderfully clever dual impersonation and is wonderfully amusing."
Love Affair 1939
Producer/Director: Leo McCarey Script: Mildred Cram (story), Leo McCarey (story), Delmer Daves (script), Donald Ogdon Stewart (script) Cinematography: Rudolph Mate CAST: Irene Dunne, Charles Boyer, Maria Ouspenskaya, Lee Bowman Music: Roy Webb Production: RKO Radio Pictures 87 min. Color sound English dialog.
American romance film produced, co-written and directed by Leo McCarey starring Irene Dunne, Charles Boyer, Maria Ouspenskaya, Lee Bowman, etc.
"Love Affair" is based on an original story by Leo McCarey and Mildred Cram. Controversial on concept the official script was re-tooled and re-written in order to appease Hollywood censorship and relied on actor input and improvisation , causing long delays and production budget extensions.
"Love Affair" became a surprise box-office hit of 1939, showing McCarey's versatility following a long career of comedies, and launching the surprising team-up of Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer.
Academy Award nominations included Best Actress for Irene Dunne, Best Supporting Actress for Maria Ouspenskaya, Best Original Song, Best Writing (original), and Best Picture to producer Leo McCarey.
The reviews for "Love Affair" reported that the picture's release had the potential to be premiered in late January or early February 1939 at Radio City Music Hall. The praise among cinema critics was reflected in Clark Wales' critical grip, writing: "Recommending a Leo McCarey production is something like recommending a million dollars or beauty or a long and happy life" while The New York World-Telegram wrote: "The most absorbing and delightful entertainment of its kind in a long time."
The picture's popularity was later dwarfed by McCarey's 1957 remake "An Affair to Remember, which later spawned its own remakes as recent as 1994.
The Lucky Texan 1934
Producer: Paul Malvern Script/Director: Robert N. Bradbury Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: John Wayne, Barbara Sheldon, George "Gabby" Hayes, Eddie Parker Production: Legend Films, Paul Malvern Productions 55 min. Color sound English dialog.
American "B" movie Western adventure film was written and directed by Robert N. Bradbury starring John Wayne, Barbara Sheldon, George "Gabby" Hayes, Eddie Parker, etc.
"The Lucky Texan" featured John Wayne five years prior to the production of John Ford's "Stagecoach" (1939). The story concerns John Wayne (as Jerry Mason), a young Texan, and his sidekick Jake Benson (essayed by George "Gabby" Hayes), an old rancher, becomes partner and manage to strike it rich with their own discovery of a gold mine. Although the two manage to find the gold in a mine, they make the mistake of trusting the local sheriff who has negative designs on this new discovery by the two cowboys.
Made for Each Other 1939
Producer: David O. Selznick Script: Rose Franken (story), Jo Swerling (script), Frank Ryan (script) Director: John Cromwell Cinematography: Leon Shamroy CAST: Carole Lombard, James Stewart, Ward Bond, Charles Coburn Music: Oscar Levant Production: Selznick International Pictures 92 min. B/W sound
American rom/com directed by John Cromwell and starring Carole Lombard, James Stewart, Ward Bond, Charles Coburn, etc.
The story concerns a man by the name of John Mason, a misguided young attorney in New York who is employed by Judge Doolittle. Mason has an opportunity to become a partner at his law firm, especially if he marries Doolittle's daughter Eunice..
"Made for Each Other" was critically praised during its initial release. Frank S. Nugent of The New York times wrote: "Thoroughly delightful."
The Man from Utah 1934
Producer: Paul Malvern Script: Lindsley Parsons Director: Robert N. Blackbury Cinematography: Louis Clyde CAST: John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Polly Ann Young, Anita Campillo Music: Bernard B. Brown, Norman Spencer, Lee Zahler Production: Paul Malvern Productions 55 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code Monogram Western directed by Robert N. Bradbury and starring John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Polly Ann Young, Anita Campillo, etc.
The story of "The Man from Utah" concerns an impoverished saddle tramp from Utah, John Weston (John Wayne), rides into a small town seeking employment. John finds himself gunning down a trio of men robbing a local bank. The town marshal (George "Gabby" Hayes) sees the fearless, quick-drawing, sharp-shooting, hard-riding stranger as the man for the marshal's plan of discovering who is behind a crooked rodeo. There is a further mystery involving several rodeo riders have died of snakebite. Westen enters the rodeo while solving the crime, including the snakebite mystery, and winning the affection of the local judge's daughter.
John Wayne is in a "singing cowboy" scene in the picture, wherein his dialog is dubbed.
The Man with the Golden Arm 1955
Producer/Director: Otto Preminger Script: Nelsen Algren (novel), Walter Newman (script), Lewis Meltzer (script), Ben Hecht (script) Cinematography: Sam Leavitt CAST: Frank Sinatra, Elanor Parker, Kim Novak, Darren McGavin Music: Elmer Bernstein Production: Caryle Productions 119 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent film-noir drama produced and directed by Otto Preminger starring Frank Sinatra, Elanor Parker, Kim Novak, Darren McGavin, etc.
"The Man with the Golden Arm" is based on the 1949 novel by Nelson Algren concerns the story of a narcotics addict who manages to get clean while in prison, but struggles to stay clean in the outside world. The picture was controversial for its treatment of the then taboo topic of drug addiction. and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Frank Sinatra) in a Leading Role, Joseph C. Wright and Darrel Silveria for Best Art Direction and Elmer Bernstein for Best Music Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture.
Manos: The Hand of Fate 1966
Producer/Script/Director: Harold P. Warren Cinematography: Guidry CAST: Harold P. Warren, John Reynolds, Diane Mahree, Jackey Neyman Music: Russ Hudleston, Robert Smith, Jr. Production: Sun City Films 70 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent horror film written, produced and directed by Harold P. Warren.
"Manos: The Hand of Fate" follows a family getting lost during their vacation road trip through the Texas desert and becoming stranded at the lodge of a polygynous pagan cult led by the Master who ends of deciding their fate.
"Manos: The Hand of Fate" developed a cult film status as "one of the worst ever produced." Warren's picture has been criticized for continuous deficiencies in editing, continuity, audiovisual synchronization, pacing, acting, and several inexplicable and disconnected scenes.
The film had its premiere at the Capri Theatre in El Paso, Texas on November 15, 1966, as a benefit for cerebral palsy.
In 2005, Dan Neil of The Los Angeles Times wrote: "After screening "Manos" for probably the tenth time, I've concluded it has to do with intimacy. Because it is such a pure slice of Warren's brain - he wrote, produced and directed and starred, and brooked no collaboration - Manos amounts to the man's cinematically transfigured subconscious subconscious."
McLintock! 1963
Producer: Michael Wayne Script: James Edward Grant Director: Andrew V. Mclaglen Cinematography: William H. Clothier CAST: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Stephanie Powers, Chill Wills, Yvonne De Carlo, Jerry Van Dyke, Strother Martin, Edgar Buchanan, etc.
American Western comedy film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Stephanie Powers, Chill Wills, Yvonne De Carlo, Jerry Van Dyke, Strother Martin, Edgar Buchanan.
"McLintock" is loosely based on William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and was shot in Technicolor and Panavision, and produced by John Wayne's production company, Batjjac Productions.
The picture was a box-office hit, and a family one, since "The Alamo" (1960) had cost John Wayne in both financial and "box-office capital" terms." Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote: "The broadly comic Western sounded like a promising idea. The scenery is opulent and the action out of doors, the color lush, and the cast made up of almost entirety of recruits from John Ford's long cinematic cycle commemorating the tradition of the American frontier.
Meet John Doe 1941
Producer/Director: Frank Capra Script: Richard Connell (magazine story), Robert Presnell, Sr. (magazine story), Robert Riskin (script) Cinematography: George Barnes CAST: Gary Cooper. Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold, Walter Brennan, Gene Lockhart Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: Frank Capra Productions 122 min. Color sound English dialog.
American comedy/drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra starring Gary Cooper (as John Doe), Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold, Walter Brennan, Gene Lockhart, etc.
"Meet John Doe" concerns a "grassroots" political campaign created unwittingly by a newspaper columnist with the involvement of a hired homeless man and pursued by the newspaper's wealthy owner.
Frank Capra's production was critically acclaimed a commercial success upon its first-run release. The New York Times wrote: "With an excellent script by Mr. Riskin - overwritten in many spots, it's true - Mr. Capra has produced a film which is eloquent with affection for gentle people, for the plain, unimpressive little people who wants reassurance and faith. Many of his camera devices are magnificence in the scope of their suggestion, and always he tells his story well, with his customary expert spacing of comedy and serious drama. Only space prevents us from enthusing loudly about individual "touches."
Millie 1931
Producers: Charles R. Rogers, Harry Joe Brown Script: Donald Henderson Clarke (novel), Charles Kenyon (script), Ralph Morgan Director: John Francis Dillon Cinematography: Ernest Haller CAST: Helen Twelvetrees, Joan Blondell, Robert Ames Music: Arthur Lange, Nacio Herb Brown Production: RKO Radio Pictures 85 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code drama film directed by John Francis Dillon and starring Helen Twelvetrees, Joan Blondell, Robert Ames, etc.
The story of "Millie" concerns a young woman (Millie) engaged in a new toroid love affair that turns bad, so she makes the conscious decision to recklessly play the field with men she never met from that point on.
when Millie discovers that one of her boyfriends from her past has now been able to influence her own daughter. Millie then takes matters info her own hands after this and is suddenly and abruptly thrown into a courtroom attempting to find a better legal defense plea than being simply nothing more than a mother and becomes now an honor defense protection instead.
My Dear Secretary 1948
Producer: Leo C. Popkin Script/Director: Charles Martin Cinematography: joseph F. Baroc CAST: Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn, Rudy Vallee Music: Heinz Roemheld Production: Harry Popkin Productions 94 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code comedy film written and directed by Charles Martin starring Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn, Rudy Vallee, etc.
"My Dear Secretary" concerns a romance novelist would hires a would-be writer as his new secretary. The new secretary is initially shocked by her employer's so-called work ethic as well as his "playboy" lifestyle, but in the end they end up falling in love.
Of Human Bondage 1934
Producer: Pandro S. Berman Script: W. Sommerset Maugham (novel), Lester Cohen (script) Director: John Cromwell Cinematography: Henry W. Gerard CAST: Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Alan Hale, Reginald Owen Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 83 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code drama directed by John Cromwell and starring Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Alan Hale, Reginald Owen, etc.
The story of "Of Human Bondage" is based on W. Sommerset Maugham's 1915 novel and concerns a young man (Leslie Howard) who finds himself being attracted to a harsh, unfeeling waitress whom he feels might ultimately destroy both of them.
Bette Davis was reportedly very nervous about the audience's reaction to her dramatic performance, so she had opted not to attend the premiere screening of the picture in Santa Barbara, California, although her mother Ruth and husband Harmon O. Nelson did attend and later stated "For one hour and a half of horrible realism, we sat riveted without speaking a word, with only a fleeting glance now and then at each other."
Interestingly, "Of Human Bondage" received mostly positive critical reviews when the picture was released. The New York Times wrote: "The Maugham novel has come through the operation of being transformed to the screen in an unexpectedly healthy fashion. It may not possess any dramatic strength, but the very lifelike quality of the story and the marked authenticity of its atmosphere cause the spectators to hang on every word uttered by the interesting group of characters."
Although Bette Davis had been considered a shoe-in for Best Actress by many, however, she was ignored in favor of Grace Moore for "One Night of Love" which also did not win the coved Oscar. The eventual Oscar winner ended up being Claudette Colbert for "It Happened One Night."
The Painted Hills 1951
Producers: Kenneth Bennett, Chester M. Franklin Script: Alexander Hull (novel), True Boardman (script) Director: Harold F. Kress Cinematography: Alfred Gilks, Harold Lipstein CAST: Pal (Lassie), Paul Kelly, Bruce Crowling, Gary Gray Music: Danielle Amfittheatrof Production: MGM 68 Min. Color sound English dialog.
American Western drama film directed by Harold F. Kress and starring Pal (as Lassie), Paul Kelly, Bruce Crowling, Gary Gray, etc.
"The Painted Hills" was adapted by True Boardman from Alexander Hull's 1930 novel.
"The Painted Hills" concerns an intrepid dog (Lassie) who comes to the rescue when a young boy's life is put at risk by the greed which becomes inflamed by a gold strike. The picture was the fourth, and final MGM Lassie production.
The Pay-Off 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Henry Hobart Script: John B. Hymer (novel), Jane Murfin (script), John B. Hymer (script), Samuel Shipman (script) Director: Lowell Sherman Cinematography: J. Roy Hunt CAST: Lowell Sherman, Marian Nixon, Hugh Trevor, William Janney Production: RKO Radio Pictures 65 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code crime drama directed by Lowell Sherman (also starring), Marian Nixon, Hugh Trevor, William Janney, etc.
"The Pay-Off" is based on the play "Crime" bySamuel Shipman and John B. Hymer, which was performed at the Eltlinge 42nd street Theatre (Empire Theatre) in NYC from February to August 1927.
The story of "The Pay-Off" concerns a criminal robs a young couple of the rest of their money. But when the criminal's underworld boss learns of the robbery, he then returns their funds and then takes them under his wing. But the criminal , resentful of the couple, plots to organize a mutiny against the criminal boss, however when he is killed in a botched robbery, law enforcement then focus themselves on the young couple now.
Penny Serenade 1941
Producer/Director: George Stevens Script: Martha Cheavens (magazine story), Morrie Ryskind (script) Cinematography: Joseph Walker CAST: Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Edgar Buchanan, Beulah Bondi Music: W. Frankie Harling Production: Columbia Pictures 120 min. Color sound English dialog.
American romantic melodrama produced and directed by George Stevens starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Edgar Buchanan, Beulah Bondi, etc.
"Penny Serenade" concerns a loving couple (Irene Dunne and Cary Grant) who must somehow overcome adversity in order to keep their marriage and raise a child.
Cary Grant was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his dramatic performance in "Penny Serenade."
Plan 9 From Outer Space 1957
Producers: Edward D. Wood, Jr., J. Edward Reynolds Script (story + script)//Director: Edward D. Wood, Jr . Cinematography: William C. Thompson CAST: Ed Wood, Bela Lugosi, Gregory Walcott, Mona McKinnon Music: Gordon Zahler Production: Reynolds Pictures 80 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent Sci-Fi/horror cult film classic was produced, written and directed by Edward D. Wood, Jr. (and starred + edited), Bela Lugosi, Gregory Walcott, Mona Mckinnon, etc.
"Plan 9 From Outer Space" concerns extraterrestrials who will stop at nothing to prevent Earth humans from creating a doomsday weapon that was capable of destroying the entire Universe. The ET's then implement "Plan 9," a fiendish scheme to resurrect the dead of planet Earth. By causing literal chaos, the aliens hope the crisis will force Earth's humans to listen to them, otherwise, the ET's will destroy all humankind with dark enemies of the undead.
"Plan 9 From Outer Space" had its premiere on March 15, 1957, at the Carleton Theatre in Los Angeles under the first original production title "Grave Robbers from Outer Space." Following the premiere in Los Angeles, the picture was re-titled "Plan 9 From Outer Space," went into general release in July 1958 in Texas, Virginia, and several other U.S. states.
"Plan 9" was to be actor Bela Lugosi's final production prior to his death.
Though the production is primarily a Sci-Fi/horror exploitation film as well as being a "cult" film, in it's day "Plan 9 From Outer Space" clearly served its general purpose as a suitable offering for teenage theatre audiences at cinemas and drive-in movie theaters. In many locations, the picture did extremely respectable business in exhibitions, such as in Minneapolis where it was playing at the RKO Pantages as a companion tthe Alan Freed musical "Go, Johnny Go!" (1959); and Varietey noted "the show intended for kids and teenagers," earned a "tall $6,500. a week. Note that by comparison during the same theatrical runs, in the very same city the Frank Capra film "A Hole in the Head" (1959) starring Frank Sumatra , earned the exact same gross as "Plan 9."
Rage at Dawn 1955
Producer: Nat Holt Script: Frank Gruber (story), Horace McCoy Director: Tim Wheelan Cinematography: Ray Rennahan, A.S.C. CAST: Randolph Scott, Forest Tucker, Edgar Buchanan, Denver Pyle Music: Paul Sawtell Production: Nat Holt Productions 87 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American Technicolor Western adventure directed by Tim Wheelan and starring Randolph Scott, Forest Tucker, Edgar Buchanan, Denver Pyle, etc.
"Rage at Dawn" purports to tell the "true story" of the Reno Brothers, an outlaw gang which terrorized the American Midwest, particularly Southern Indiana, in the period immediately following the U.S. Civil War.
The story is set in 1866 Indiana, where the Reno Brothers gang terrorizes the state most notably in the town of Seymour which they use as a "hideaway", which includes the bribing of town officials. A detective named James Barlow of the Peterson Detective Agency poses as an outlaw in order to gain confidence of the town officials as well as the blockhead Reno Brothers. Making matters worse, Barlow's feelings for one of the Reno sisters named Laura, who has reluctantly served as the housekeeper for the Reno Brothers out of nothing more than family loyalty. But eventually events heat up quickly as Barlow sets the Reno Brothers gang up during a train robbery at dawn.
Rain 1932
Producer/Director: Lewis Milestone Script: John Cotton (play), W. Sommerset Maugham (play). Maxwell Anderson (script) Cinematography: Oliver T. Marsh CAST: Joan Crawford, Walter Huston, Fred Howard, William Gargan Music: Alfred Newman Production: Feature Productions 92 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code drama produced and directed by Lewis Milestone starring Joan Crawford, Waltrer Huston, Fred Howard, William Gargan, etc.
"Rain" is based on the 1922 play by John Colton and Clemence Randolph, which in turn was based on the 1921 short story "Miss Thompson" (later retitled "Rain") by W. Sommerset Maugham.
The story of "Rain" follows a newly arrived prostitute in the South Pacific finds herself at difficult odds with a severely stern missionary whom wants to "save her soul."
Randy Rides Alone 1934
Producer: Paul Malvern Script: Lindsley Parsons Director: Harry L. Fraser Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Alberta Vaughn, Earl Dwire Music: Bernard B. Brown, Abe Meyer, Norman Spencer Production: Lone Star Productions 53 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code Western adventure directed by Harry L. Fraser and starring John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Alberta Vaughn, Earl Dwire, etc.
In "Randy Rides Alone," John Wayne essays the role of a Western cowboy falsely accused of massacring all the occupants of a town saloon, with the exception of a beautiful young woman who hid out of sight all the time.
The Motion Picture Herald praised "Randy Rides Alone" writing: "The exhibitor has little opportunity to sell the film in any but the usual manner for Western material, but that, with the Wayne name, and played at the proper time, should be sufficient."
Retrospectively, the picture's opening has been cites as the "bloodthirstiness but most intriguing of any low-budget Western."
The Red House 1947
Producer: Sol Lesser Script: George Agnew Chamberlain (novel), Albert Maltz (script), Delmer Davies (script) Director: Delmer Davies Cinematography: Bert Glennon CAST: Edward G. Robinson, Judith Anderson, Rory Calhoun, Lon McCallister Music: Miklos Rozsa Production: Sol Lesser Productions 100 min. Color sound English dialog.
American psychological horror film written and directed by Delmer Davies starring Edward G. Robinson, Judith Anderson, Rory Calhoun, Lon McCallister, etc.
"The Red House" is based on the 1945 novel by George Agnew Chamberlain, which had been serialized in "The Saturday Evening Post.
The story follows a young woman raised by her brother and sister whom are concealing a secret involving an abandoned red farm house located deep in the woods on their sprawling property.
"The Red House" had a pre-screening at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California on December 30, 1946. prior to being released in the USA on February 7, 1947.
Delmer Daves' picture was positively reviewed by film critics upon its initial release. The New York Times wrote at the time:: "An edifying offering, which should supply horror-hungry audiences with the chills of the month. Told intelligently and with mounting tension."
Retrospective assessment of "The Red House" has noted its genre-dying elements, surreal music score, and provocative themes."
In 2019, Paste Magazine declared "The Red House" the Best horror film of 1947.
Riders of Destiny 1933
Producer: Paul Malvern Script/Director: Robert N. Bradbury Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Forest Taylor, Al St. Johns Music: Billy Barber Production: Paul Malvern Productions 53 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code Western musical written and directed by Robert N. Bradburg starring John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Forest Taylor, Al St. Johns, etc.
"Riders of Destiny" is the screen's second "singing cowboy" picture. It was the first of a series of sixteen Lone Star Westerns made for Monogram Pictures between 1933 and 1935, by John Wayne and director Robert N. Bradbury, and the pairing of John Wayne and George "Gabby" Hayes.
The story concerns a lone rider named Sing'n Sandy Saunders (John Wayne) rides into town in order to discover local ranchers being victimized by a land-grabbing villain who controls the water supply and covets their land. James Kincaid (Forest Taylor) controls the town's water supply and is about to force the local ranchers into making bogus land deals at overpriced rates. Saunders, however has a plan that will open up a lost river and proceeds to dry up Kincaide's ranch will revert to the townsfolk should he fail to deliver water for community
Road to Bali 1951
Producers/Script: Daniel Dare, Harry Tugend Script: Frank Butler (story), Frank Butler (script), Hal Kanter, William Morrow (script) Director: Hal Walker Cinematography: George Barnes CAST: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Carolyn Jones Music: Joseph J. Lilley Production: Bing Crosby Productions 91 min. Color sound English dialog.
American comedy film directed by Hal Walker and starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Carolyn Jones, etc.
"Road to Bali" was the sixth 'Road to..." productions and was the only entry shot in Technicolor and was the first feature film surprise cameo role appearances from other well-known Hollywood stars of the day which included, Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Jane Russell.
Paramount rented the Bijou Theatre in NYC on November 15, 1952, in order to preview the picture to theatre exhibitors and critics. Hal Walker's production opened in the USA on December 25, 1952, and opened to position at the box-office. The NYC premiere took place at the Astor Theatre on January 23, 1953.
The New York Times wrote on the occasion's of the film's general release: "It is apparent that this veteran and camera scarred team is the neatest, smoothest combo of comics now working the fun side of the screen."
Rock, Rock, Rock 1956
Producers: Max Rosenberg, Milton Subotsky Script: Phyllis Coe (script), Milton Subotsky (script) Director: Will Price Cinematography: Morris Hartzband Music: Milton Subotsky, Frank Virtue, Ray Ellis, Chuck Berry, Charles F. Calhoun, Buddy Dufault, Connie Francis, George Goldner, Leroy Kirklamd, Freddie Mitchell, Glen Moore, Johnny Parker, Aaron Schroeder, Al Sears, Al Weisman, Ben Weisman CAST: Alan Freed, Tuesday Weld, Connie Francis, Bert Conway, Valerie Harper, etc. Production: Vanguard Productions 85 min. Color sound English dialog.
American musical drama directed by Will Price starring Alan Freed, Tuesday Weld, Connie Francis, Bert Conway, Valerie Harper, etc.
"Rock, Rock, Rock" is an early 'jukebox' musical featuring performances by established rock and roll singers of the fifties, including Chuck Beery, LaVern Baker, Teddy Randazzo, the Moonglows, the Flamingos, and the Teenagers with Frankie Lymon as lead singer.
The picture concerns a young teenager girl (Tuesday Weld) who is desperately trying to earn enough funds to purchase a dress for a high school rock & roll dance.
The Royal Bed 1931
Producers: William LeBaron, F. Harman Weight Script: Robert E. Sherwood (play), J. Walter Ruben (script) Director: Lowell Sherman Cinematography: Leo Tover CAST: Lowell Sherman, Mary Astor, Anthony Bushell, Hugh Trevor Music: Max Steiner Production: RKO Radio Pictures 73 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code satirical comedy written, directed and starring Lowell Sherman along with co-players Mary Astor, Anthony Bushell, Hugh Trevor, etc.
"The Royal Bed" was adapted by J. Walter Ruben from Robert E. Sherwood's 1928 play "The Queen's Husband." This picture would be one of a handful of RKO movies which were produced in both English and French language version.
The story of "The Royal Bed" concerns a minor king in a tiny European country whom is forced to put up with the over-domineering queen, a thoroughly lowsome scheming son who wishes only to be the monarch of the country himself, who is also scheming to takeover at the right moment, his daughter who only seeks to leave and elope with her boyfriend, and lastly, a peasant revolt in the country.
Reception for "The Royal Bed" was mostly positive. Photoplay Magazine wrote: "I must complement the plot, dialogue and acting, a fine talkie."
Salt of the Earth 1954
Producer: Paul J. Jarrico Script: Michael Wilson Director: Herbert J. Biberman Cinematography: Stanley Meredith, Leonard Stark CAST: Rosaura Revueltas, Will Greer, David Bauer, David Sarvis Music: Sol Kaplan Production: Independent Productions 94 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American independent social drama directed by Herbert J. Biberman and starring Rosaura Revueltas, Will Greer, David Bauer, David Sarvis, etc.
Due to all three individuals had been blacklisted by the Hollywood establishment due to their alleged involvement in "communist" politics, "Salt of the Earth" was one of the very first fully independent motion pictures produced outside the Los Angeles film studio system. "Salt of the Earth" is also one of the first motion pictures to advance the feminist social and political point of view. The plot of the picture centers on a long and difficult strike, based on the 1951 strike against the Empire Zinc Company in Grant County, New Mexico. The company is identified as "Delaware Zinc," and is set in "Zinc Town," New Mexico. "Salt of the Earth" depicts how the minors, the Zinc firm, and local law enforcement react during the strike. The production is filmed in a cinematic style influenced by Italian realism, and making atmospheric usage of New Mexico's landscapes, "Salt of the Earth" employed mostly local Mexican miners and their families as actors in the production. But "Salt of the Earth" was initially mired in the "Red Scare" controversy and was heavily suppressed. Eventually though, the picture was seen by more and more moviegoers until it was finally recognized as an important artistic, cultural, political and aesthetic cinematic work.
With "McCarthyism" in full force at the time of its theatrical release, "Salt of the Earth," the motion picture establishment did not embrace the film. Pauline Kael, who reviewed "Salt of the Earth" for Sight and Sound, panned it as "a simplistic left-wing "morality play" and said it was "clearly a piece of propaganda which belongs in union halls rather than theatres." However, Bosely Crowther of The New York Times, reviewed "Salt of the Earth" much more favorably writing: ""Salt of the Earth" is, in substance, simply a strong pro-labor film with a particularly sympathetic interest in the Mexican-Americans with whom it deals."
Although Herbert J. Biberman's picture received limited distribution in Western and Eastern Europe in the 1950s and won awards there, it was nearly impossible to see it in the fifties in the USA. After opening in NYC, it languished for a decade because only 13 movie theatres in the nation were willing to show it. Roy Brewer of the IATSE leveraged his ties with the projectionists' union to cancel numerous bookings. The American Legion threatened to picket any movie theatre that exhibited the film. "Salt of the Earth" was denounced by the U.S. House of Representatives for its "communist sympathies," and the FBI investigated the movie's financing, searching for evidence of foreign enemy funds that could justify prosecution under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. In 1959, officials from the U.S. Information Agency testified before a House Appropriation subcommittee that a handful of movies, including "Salt of the Earth,": "were giving the United States trouble overseas." U.S. Representative Frank T. Bow (R.-OH) said: "such films were painting a false picture abroad of the United States and that something should be done about it." It was not until 1965 that "Salt of the Earth" was re-released.
The film was honored with the Grand Prix -Crystal Globe for Best Feature Film at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival i n Czechoslovakia in 1954-
International Grand Prix from the Acadamie du Cinema de Paris in 1955-
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians 1964
Producer: Paul L Jacobson Script Genville Mareth (story), Paul L. Jacobson (script) Director: Nicholas Webster Cinematography: David L. Quaid CAST: John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck, Bill McCutcheon Music: Milton Delugg Production: Jalor Productions 81 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Sci-Fi Christmas holiday/comedy directed by Nicholas Webster starring Leonard Hicks, Vincednt Beck, Bill McCutcheon, etc.
"Santa Claus Conquerors the Martians" is based on a story by Glenville Mareth concerns the Martians, who end up engaged in a plot to kidnap Santa Claus as there is no one on the planet Mars to give their alien children holiday presents.
Nicholas Webster's film regularly appears on film lists as one of the worst movies ever produced being often featured in episodes of "Canned Film Festival" (1986), "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (1991), and "Elvira's Movie Macarbre."
"Santa Claus and the Martians" was released just in time for Christmas 1964 and following that, the picture was regularly exhibited around Christmas for matinee showings.
Scarlet Street 1945
Producers: Walter Wanger, Fritz Lang Script: Georges de la Fouchardiere (play + novel), Andre Mouezy-Eon (play), Dudley Nichols (script) Director: Fritz Lang Cinematography: Milton R. Krasner CAST: Joan Bennett, Edward G. Robinson, Dan Duryea, Margaret Landsay Music: Hans J. Saller Production: Walter Wanger Productions, Fritz Lang Productions, Diana Production Co. 102 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir mystery co-produced and directed by Fritz Lang starring Joan Bennett, Edward G. Robinson, Dan Duryea, Margaret Landsay, etc.
"Scarlet Street" concerns two criminals who take advantage of a middle-aged painter in order to srteal his works of art. The story is based on the French 1931 play by Georges de la Fouchardiere entitled "The Bitch" ("La Chienne") which had previously been dramatized on stage by AndreMouezy-Eon.
Fritz Lang's "Scarlet Street" is similar to "Woman in the Window" (also with Bennett & Robinson) in its cinematic themes, cast, crew and characters. Edward G. Robinson essays the role of a lonely middle-aged man, and Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea once again essay the role of the criminal couple. Though the film is considered a film-noir cinematic classic, along with Fritz Lang's earlier picture "Woman in the Window." Robinson, who noticed the thematic similarities between the two, found the production of "Scarlet Street" monotonous and was eager to complete it and move on to other film projects.
The critical response to "Scarlet Street" was, for the most part quite positive. Variety wrote at the time of the picture's first run release: "Fritz Lang's production and direction ably project the sordid tale of the romance between a milquetoast character and a gold-digging blonde. Edward G. Robinson is the mild cashier and amateur painter whose love for Joan Bennett leads him to embezzlement, murder and disgrace. Two stars turn in top work to keep the interest high, and Dan Duryea's portrayal of the crafty and crooked opportunist when Joan Bennett loves is a standout in furthering the melodrama."
The Screaming Skull 1958
Producer: John Kneubuhl Script: Francis Marion Crawford (magazine story), John Kneubuhl (script) Director: Alex Nichol Cinematography: Floyd Crosby CAST: John Hudson, Peggy Webber, Russ Conway, Alex Nichols Music: Ernest Gold Production: Madera Productions 68 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent horror film directed by Alex Nichols (also acted in), John Hudson, Peggy Webber, Russ Conway, etc.
The story of "The Screaming Skull" concerns a newlywed woman who believes she is being haunted by the ghost of her new husband's previous wife.
"The Screaming Skull" was released in August 1958.
Second Chorus 1940
Producer: Boris Morros Script: Frank Cavett (orig. story), Elaine Ryan (script), Ian McLellan Hunter, (script), Ben Hecht (script) Director: H.C. Potter Cinematography: Theodor Sparkuhl CAST: Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard, Artie Shaw, Burgess Meredith Music: Artie Shaw, Hal Borne, Johnny Mercer Production: Paramount Pictures 84 min. Color sound English dialog.
American musical comedy directed by H.C. Potter and starring Fred Astaire, Claudette Goddard, Artie Shaw, Burgess Meredith, etc.
"Second Chorus" concerns perennial college students Danny O'Neill (Fred Astaire) and Hank Taylor (Burgess Meredith) are forced to make it on their own so the competitive pair obtain employment with American Big Band leader Artie Shaw's band and reunite with former manager Ellen Miller (Paulette Goddard).
The Silver Horde 1930
Producers: William LeBaron, Billy Sistrom Script: Rex Beach (novel), Wallace Smith Director: George Archainbaud Cinematography: Leo Tover, John W. Boyle CAST: Joel McCrea, Evelyn Brent, Louis Wolheim, Raymond Hatton Music: Oscar Levant, Harry Tierney, Roy Webb Production: RKO Radio Pictures 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code Rom/Com drama directed by Heorge Archainbaud starring Joel McCrea, Evelyn Brent, Louis Wolheim, Raymond Hatton, etc.
"The Silver Horde" is an adaptation of the 1909 novel by Rex Beach entitled "The Spiders." The first filming of "The Silver Horde" was a silent 1920 film with the same title. The title of the production refers to the salmon fishing industry in Alaska, and featuring the vivid color of the salmon fish bulging in the fishermen's nets.
Sin Takes a Holiday 1930
Producer: E.B. Derr Script: Robert Milton (story), Dorothy Carins (story), Horace Jackson (script) Director: Paul L. Stein Cinematography: John Mescall CAST: Constance Bennett, Basil Rathbone, Zasu Pitts, Rita Le Roy Music: Francis Gromon Production: Pathe Exchange 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code Rom/Com directed by Paul L. Stein and starring Constance Bennett, Basil Rathbone, Zasu Pitts, Rita Le Roy, etc.
The story concerns a plan average everyday secretary who is employed with a divorce attorney whom only dates married women. In order to avoid having to deal with the matrimonial goals of any of his prospect romances. So he offers the woman financial support should she decide to wed him in name only.
Sinners in Paradise 1938
Producer: Ken Goldsmith Script: Harold Buckley (story), Lester Cole (script), Harold Buckley (script), Louis Stevens (script) Director: James Whale Cinematography: George Robinson CAST: Madge Evans, John Boles, Marion Martin, Gene Lockhart Music: Oliver Wallace, Charles PrevenF, Karl Hajoes, Heinz Roemfeld, clifford Vaughan, Franz Wazman Production: James Whales Productions 65 min. Color sound English dialog
American south seas adventure directed by James Whales and starring Madge Evans, John Boles, Marion Martin, Gene Lockhart, etc.
The story pertains to a desperate group of an aircraft crash incident,
in the Pacific, the group of survivors work feverishly on a deserted island. They begin to normalize at a certain point and manage to change their self-centered stubborn ways.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro 1952
Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck Script: Ernest Hemingway short story), Casey Robinson (script) Director: Henry King Cinematography: Leon Shamroy CAST: Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava Gardner, Hildegard Knef Music: Bernard Hermann Production: 20th Century-Fox 114 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American Technicolor romantic adventure produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and directed by Henry King starring Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava Gardner, Hildegard Knef, etc.
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is based on the 1936 novel by Ernest Hemingway, considered by the author himself to be his finest short story which had been published by Esquire Magazine in 1936 and then republished in "The Fifth Column and the First Forty=Nine Stories" (1938).
Henry King's production was both a commercial and critical success upon release and quickly became the third highest-grossing film of 1952. The picture was nominated for two Oscars at the 25th Academy Awards, for Best Cinematography, Technicolor and Best Art Direction.
The production was shot on location in Namibia, Kenya, Cairo, Egypt, and the French Riviera.
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" was much acclaimed y film critics, although some varied in their opinion of it, ranging from "simply plodding" to "much-maligned."
Bosely Crowther of The New York Times wrote: "the cinematography is magnificent. The overall production in wonderful color is full of brilliant detail and surprise and the mood of nostalgia and wishful sadness that is built up in the story has its spell."
The Southerner 1945
Producers: Robert Hakim, David L. Lowe Script: George Sessions Perry (novel), Hugh Butler (script), Jean Renoir (script) Director: Jean Renoir Cinematography: Lucien Andriot CAST: Zachery Scott, Paul Harvey, Betty Field, J. Carrol Nash Music: Werner Jannsen Production: Producing Artists, Jean Renoir Productions 92 min. Color sound English dialog.
American southern drama directed by Jean Renoir starring Zachery Scott, Paul Harvey, Betty Field, J. Carrol Nash, etc.
"The Southerner" is based on the 1941 novel by George Sessions Perry entitled "Hold Autumn in Your Hand."
The story concerns the life of the poor Tucker family who work as cotton pickers but decide to obtain their own farmland, but nature and society seem bent against them
Jean Renoir's picture was nominated for Best Director, which was the only U.S. Oscar nomination he received; Original Music Score and Sound Jean Renoir was named Best Director by the National Board of Review, which also named "The Southerner" as the Third Best Film of 1945.
The Hollywood film industry publication Variety wrote at the time of the film's release: "The Southerner" creates too little hope for a solution to the difficulties of farm workers who constantly look forward to the day when they can settle forever their existence of poverty with a long sought harvest - a harvest that invariably never comes. Zachery Scott and Betty Field give the performances, as do Belulah Bondi, the grandmother, Percy Kilbride, Charles Kemper and J. Carroll Nash."
The Star Packer 1934
Producer: Paul Malvern Script/Director: Robert N. Bradbury Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: John Wayne, Georege "Gabby" Hayes, Glenn Strange, Verna Hillie Music: Abe Meyer Production: Paul Malvern Productions 54 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Western written and directed by Robert N. Bradbury starring John Wayne,, George "Gabby" Hayes, Glenn Strange, Verna Hillie, etc.
The story is set in the Wild West where U.S. Marshall John Travers (John Wayne) and his native American companion Yak (Yakima Canutt) are in pursuit of the mysterious Shadow gang which has been terrorizing the town. When Sheriff Davis (Thomas Lingham) is murdered, Travers becomes Sheriff of the threatened town. Apprehending the gang members, Travers discovers the room where the hoodlums gets their orders from behind a concealed wall safe and makes plans to trap the Shadow once and for all.
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers 1946
Producer: Hal B. Wallis Script: John Patrick (play), Robert Rossen (script) Director: Lewis Milestone Cinematography: Victor Milner CAST: Barbara Stanwyk, Kirk Douglas, Van Hefflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson Music: Miklos Rozsa Production: Hal Wallis Productions 116 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir tragedy directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Barbara Stanwyk, Kirk Douglas, Van Hefflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson, etc.
"The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" is based on the short story "Love Lies Bleeding" by playwright John Patrick, which follows a man reunited with his childhood friend and her husband, both the childhood friend and her husband believe that the man knows the truth about the mysterious death of the woman's wealthy aunt years prior.
Lewis Milestone's production first premiered in London on June 14, 1946 and opened in the USA IN NYC on July 14, 1946, and its release expanded wide on September 13, 1946.
The New York Times wrote: "reminding one of a jigsaw puzzle, there are long sketches in "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" when it seems as though the director Lewis Milestone, and Robert Rossen, the author, will not be able to gather in all the piece of the rambling plot. But they manage it expeditiously, if with less finesse and surprise that one could wish."
Suddenly! 1954
Producer: Robert Bassier Script: Richard Sale (story + script) Director: Lewis Allen Cinematography: Charles G. Clarke CAST: Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason, Nancy Gates Music: David Raskin Production: Libra Productions 82 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American film-noir crime film directed by Lewis Allen and starring Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason, Nancy Gates, etc.
"Suddenly!" concerns a small California town whose tranquility is shattered when the train of the president of the USA is scheduled to make a stop there, and a hired assassin and his henchmen take over a residence that provides a perfect vantage point from which to assassinate the president.
"Suddenly!" was positively reviewed by contemporary critics upon its release. Bosely Crowther of The New York Times wrote: "Yet such is the role for that Mr. Sinatra plays in ":Suddenly," a taut little melodrama that shapes up as one of the slickest recent items in the minor movie league."
Swing High, Swing Low 1937
Producer: Arthur Hornblow, Jr. Script: Arthur Hopkins (play), George Manker Watters (play), Virginia Van Upp (script), Oscar Hammerstein II (script) Director: Mitchell Leisen Cinematography: Ted Tetzlaff CAST: Carole Lombard, Fred MacMurry, Anthony Quinn, Charles Butterworth Music: Phil Bouteije, Victor Young Production: Paramount Pictures 92 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Rom/Com directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Carole Lombard, Fred MacMurry, Anthony Quinn, Charles Butterworth, etc.
"Swing High, Swing Low" is the second of three adaptations of the popular 1927 Broadway play "Burlesque" by George Manker Watters and Arthur Hopkins, after "The Dance of Life" (1929) and before "When My Baby Smiles at Me" (1948).
The story concerns a hair-dresser stranded in Panama who moves in with an ex-soldier and his hypochondriac roommate; she and the former manage to fall in love, but their romance is threatened by commercial success and the arrival of his old girlfriend.
Teenagers from Outer Space 1959
Producer/Script/Cinematograpgher/Editor/Director: Tom Graeff CAST: David Love, Dawn Bender, Bryan Grant, Harvey B. Dunn Music: Tom Graeff, Geordie Hormel, William Loose, Spencer Moore, Fred Steiner Production: Tom Graeff Productions 86 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent Sci-Fi/horror film produced, written, shot, directed and edited (also starring) Tom Graeff along with co-players David Love, Geordie Hormel, William Loose, Spencer Moore, etc.
"Teenagers from Outer Space" follows a young extraterrestrial named Derek manages to become a fugitive on planet Earth after he defies his space crew's directive to wipe out all humankind in order to use Earth as grazing grounds for giant voracious creatures they refer to as "Gargons."
"Teenagers from Outer Space" opened on June 3, 1959 to negative, but not crippling reviews. The New York Times wrote: "What a curious little film this is. There are flashed of astonishing sensitivity half-buried in the mess of tristisms."
The Terror 1963
Producer/Director: Roger Corman Script: Leo Gordon, Jack Hill Directorial Collaboration: Francis Ford Coppola, Dennis Jakob, Monte Hellman, Jack Hill, Jack Nicholson CAST: Boris Karloff, Jack Nicholson, Dick Miller, Sandra Knight Music: Ronald Stein, Les Baxter Production: The Filmgroup, Roger Corman Productions 81 min. Color sound English dialog.
American independent horror film produced and directed by Roger Corman with directorial collaborations with Francis Ford Coppola, Dennis Jakob, Monte Hellman, Jack Hill and Jack Nicholson starring Boris Karloff, Jack Nicholson, Dick Miller, Sandra Knight, etc.
"The Terror" has often been linked with Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe cycle, a series of motion pictures based on the famous author's classic literary works, however, "The Terror" is not based on any text actually written by Poe but instead relies on the Poe theme of a deceased wife continues to haunt the husband such as in "Ligeia" and "Morella" which were part of the Cycle.
"The Terror" was released as a double feature with "Dementia 13" in September 1963. The Los Angeles Times wrote: "Too spooky with a slow, lazy plot. Excellent photography and settings, however. it moves like a stately Pavan but the authors exhibit some of that old Edgar Allan Poe touch for haunted happenings."
The Terror of Tiny Town 1938
Producer: Jed Buell Script: Clarence Marks Director: Sam Newfield Cinematography: Mack Stengler CAST: Billy Curtis, Yvonne Moray, Little Billy Rhodes, John T. Bambury Music: Edward Kilenyl Production: Jed Buell Productions 62 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western musical film directed by Sam Newfield and starring Billy Curtis, Yvonne Moray, Little Billy Rhodes, John T. Bambury, etc.
The original inspiration for "The Terror of Tiny Town" came about when producer Jed Buell overheard an employee jokingly stated, "If this economic dive keeps going, we'll be using midgets as actors." Using a conventional Western story with an all-'small person' cast, the filmmakers were able to showcase gags such as cowboys entering the local saloon by walking under the swinging doors, climbing into cupboards to retrieve items and 'small person' cowboys galloping around on Shetland ponies while roping calves.
"The Terror of Tiny Town" was released twice, first independently by producer Sol Lesser's Principal Pictures in July 1938, and then on a larger scale by Columbia Pictures six months later. Box-office returns proved to be so good that in 1938 the producer, Jed Buell, announced in the Hollywood entertainment trade magazine Variety, that he had closed a deal with Sol Lesser. He had plans for multiple series of sequel films featuring the entire cast. For whatever reason, none of these projects ever progressed.
Three Guys Named Mike 1951
Producer: Armand Deutsch Script: Ruth Brooks Flippen (story), Sidney Sheldon Director: Charles Walters Cinematography: Paul G. Vogel CAST: Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan Music: Bronislav Kaper Production: MGM 90 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Rom/Com directed by Charles Walters and starring Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Howard Keel, Barry Sullivan, etc.
Often referred to as a lighthearted and lightweight romantic comedy, "Three Guys named Mike" chronicles the story of an airline stewardess and her three suitors named Mike.
"Three Guys named Mike" is based on the story by Ruth Brooks Flippen, from suggestions made by Ethel 'Pug" Wells.
The New York Times wrote at the time of the picture's initial release: "For services rendered in the advertising line, that company (American Airlines) should award (Marcy) a gold star. But if she's still hostessing, it should keep an eye on her. We suspect she spends too much time reading those leather bound slick magazines rather than attending to the business of serving her real-life passengers in relation to the glamorized portrayal of airline travel."
Too Late for Tears 1949
Producer: Hunt Stromberg Script: Roy Huggins (serial + script) Director: Byron Haskin Cinematography: William C. Mellor, ASC CAST: Lizabeth Scott, Dan Duryea, Arthur Kennedy, Denver Pyle Music: R. Dale Butts Production: Hunt Stromberg Productions 100 min. Color sound English dialog.
American film-noir mystery directed by Byron Haskin and starring Lizabeth Scott, Dan Duryea, Arthur Kennedy, Denver Pyle, etc.
"Too Late for Tears" follows a ruthless woman who is forced to resort to multiple homicides in an attempt to retain a suitcase containing a fortune in cash that does not belong to her.
"Too Late for Tears" received mixed reviews from film critics and financially, the production was a box-office bomb. Though panned by critics during its own day, the picture has been historically noted for featuring Lizabeth Scott's strongest and vicious dramatic performance as a femme fatales ever put on screen to date.
The New York Times reviewed Haskin's picture during its initial release, writing: "If proof be needed at this point that money is the root of all evil - a theme, incidentally, which has been the root of more than one motion picture - then "Too Late for Tears," which came to the Mayfair on Saturday, is proof positive."
Topper Returns 1941
Producer: Hal Roach Script: Thorne Smith (character creator), Jonathan Latimer, Gordon Douglas, Paul Gerard Smith Director: Roy Del Ruth Cinematography: Norbert Brodine CAST: Joan Blondell, Billie Burke, H.B. Warner Music: Werner B. Heymann Production: Hal Roach Studios 88 min. Color sound English dialog.
American supernatural comedy thriller produced by Hal Roach and directed by Roy Del Ruth starring Joan Blondell, Billie Burke, H.B. Warner, etc
"Topper Returns" is the third and final installment in the initial film the series "Topper" supernatural comedy movies inspired by the novels of Thorne Smith, it succeeds "Topper" (1937) and "Topper Takes a Trip" (1938).
As in the prior "Topper" films, Cosmo Topper, a mousy banker manages to get into trouble due to his ability to see and speak with ghosts, and his wife who is constantly befuddled by his rather odd, strange behavior The story revolves around a murder mystery. Joan Blondell essays the role of a slain woman who seeks the reluctant Topper and enlists his help in identifying her murderer and saving her friend, essayed by Carole Landis. Most of the action in the story takes place in a spooky mansion filled with strange, eccentric characters, trapdoors and secret rooms.
"Topper Returns" was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Special Effects and Best Sound.
Utopia 1951
Producer: Raymond Eger Script: John D. Klorer, Frederick Kohner, Piero Tellini, Rene Wheeler Director: Leo Joanon Cinematography: Armand Thirrd CAST: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Suzy Delair, Max Ellory Music: Paul Misraki Production: Films EGS, Fortezza Film, Franco-London Films 100 min. Color sound English dialog.
Franco/Italian co-production of the comedy vain was directed by Leo Joanon andf starring comedy team Laurel & Hardy (Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy), Suzy Delair, Max Ellory, etc.
"Utopia" concerns Laurel and Hardy who inherit a yacht and a South Pacific island. Ollie and Stan sail there with two other crewmen. However, on the voyage, they manage to become shipwrecked and marooned on an atoll which has just emerged from the nearby ocean. Along with their chef, a stowaway and a young girl who is fleeing her fiancée, they set up their own system of government on the island. It is a strike of fortune that Uranium is discovered and consequently, international governments are now fighting over legal ownership of the island.
Vengeance Valley 1951
Producer: Nicholas Nayfack Script: Luke Short (novel), Irving Ravetch (script) Director: Richard Thorpe Cinematography: George J. Folsey CAST: Burt Lancaster, Ray Collins, Hugh O/Brien, Robert Walker Music: Rudolph G. Kopp Production: MGM 83 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American Technicolor Western film directed by Richard Thorpe and starring Burt Lancaster, Ray Collins, Hugh O'Brien, Robert Walker, etc.
"Vengeance Valley" concerns the sons of a Colorado cattle baron who takes care of a young orphaned boy and raises him as his own, causing the other son to resent his adopted father. As the boys get older, the resentment grows and grows and soon turns into pure hatred, and eventually the real son frames his stepbrother for fathering an illegitimate child and only wants to get rid of his brother in order that he can have his father's land and property for himself.
The Wasp Woman 1959
Producer/Director: Roger Corman Script: Zinta Zertuche (story), Leo Gordon (script) Cinematography: Harry Neumann CAST: Roger Corman, Susan Cabot, Fred Eisley, Barbara Morris Music: Fred Katz Production: The Filmgroup, Santa Cruz Productions 73 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American independent Sci-Fi/horror film produced and directed by Roger Corman starring Corman, Susan Cabot, Fred Eisley, Barbara Morris, etc.
"The Wasp Woman" concerns a woman whom is the head of a major cosmetics firm begins experimenting on herself with a youth formula in mind produced from royal jelly extracted from wasp insects, but the formula's hidden side effects have deadly and monstrous consequences.
Variety wrote at the time of the theatrical release of "The Wasp Woman": "The film has interesting points and looks polished but it's pretty slow and not very frightening."
West of the Divide 1934
Producer: Paul Malvern Script: Oliver Drake, Robert N. Bradbury Director: Roert N. Bradbury Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, Virginia Brown Faire Production: Lone Star Productions 54 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film co-written and directed by Robert N. Bradbury starring John Wayne, George "Gabby" Hayes, "Virginia Brown Faire, etc.
"West of the Divide" concerns Ted Hayden (John Wayne) who poses as the deceased killer Cat Ganns in order to learn the true identity of his father's murderer and to find his long lost young brother.
White Zombie 1932
Producer: Edward Halperin Script: William Seabrook (novel), Garnett Weston (script) Director: Victor Halperin Cinematography: Arthur Martinelli CAST: Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Joseph Cawthorne, Robert W. Frazer Music: Guy Bevier Williams, Hugo Riesenfeld, Xavier Cugat, Nathaniel Dett, Gaston Borch, Leo Kempenski, Hen Herkan, H. Maurice Jacquet Production: Halperin Productions 70 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code horror film directed by Victor Halperin and starring Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Joseph Cawthorne, Robert W. Frazer, etc.
"White Zombie" is based on William Seabrook's 1929 novel "The Magic Island" concerning a young woman's transformation into a zombie at the hands of an evil voodoo master (Bela Lugosi). Halperin's production is considered as the very first full-length "zombie"-themed motion picture ever produced.; a loose sequel, "Revolt of the Zombies," opened in 1936.
"White Zombie" experienced distribution difficulties from the beginning, and went through several film studios, including Columbia Studios and Educational Pictures before its initial release. United Artists had been distributing several independent and foreign movies that year and acquired the rights to release "White Zombie." The first preview of the picture took place on June 16, 1932 in NYC. The critical response to "White Zombie" was mostly negative during its own day. Contemporary reviewers have been much more kind to the production, however. Some critics have praised the picture's atmosphere and compare it to the 1940s horror movies of Val Lewton.
Wives under Suspicion 1938
Producer: Edmund Granger Script: Ladislas Fodor (novel), Myles Connolly Director: James Whale Cinematography: George Robinson CAST: Warren William, Gail Patrick, Ralph Morgan, William Lundigan Music: Charles Henderson, Charles Previn, Frank Skinner Production: Universal Pictures 69 min. Color sound English dialog.
American crime film directed by James Whale and starring Warren William, Gail Patrick, Ralph Morgan, William Lundigan, etc.
"Wives under Suspicion" is based on the 1932 play "The Kiss Before the Mirror." The story concerns a district attorney named Jim Stowell (Warren William) realizes his own wife (Gail Patrick) might be having an affair while he is prosecuting a cold-blooded murder.
The Strange World of Planet X 1958
Producer: George Maynard, John Bash Script: Paul Ryder, Josef Ambor Director: Gilbert Gunn Cinematography: Josef Ambor CAST: Forest Tucker, Gaby Andre, Martin Benson, Aec Mango Music: Robert Sharpies Production: George Maynard Productions 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
British independent "B" Sci-Fi/horror film directed and shot by Josef Ambor starring Forest Tucker, Gaby Andre, Martin Benson, Alec Mango, etc.
"The Strange World of Planet X" is based on an adaptation by Paul Ryder and Josef Ambor from the 1957 Rene Ray novel, produced by George Maynard and John Bash distributed in the U.K. in February 1958 by Eros Films.
The story concerns a monomaniacal scientist who creates ultra-sensitive, disruptive magnetic fields, which have unexpected side effects, while at the same time also attracting unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from outer space.
On its first original theatrical release, "The Strange World of Planet X," the production was unsuccessful in the U.K. regretfully. In the USA, the picture was released by Distributors Corporation of America who had a deal with a series of drive-in movie theaters across the country. As a result, the film was promoted much more in those media markets, thus more widely released there.
Critical reception for Ambor's picture was mostly negative during its initial theatrical release. The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This piece of British science-fiction is resourcefully directed, and only some badly handled process work lets the film down. The giant ants, spiders, worms, etc. are all too obviously stock micro-cinematographic material, and the spectacle of the cast running from them in terror is a little absurd. Only a moist unpleasant shot of an ant feeding off a human face makes the film unsuitable for younger audiences."
Ramona 1916
Producer: W.H. Clune Script: Helen Hunt Jackson (novel) Director: Donald Crisp Cinematography: Bert Glennon, Enrique Juan Vallejo CAST: Adda Gleason, Mabel Van Buren, Donald Crisp, Alice Davenport 150 min. silent w/music score English Intertitles.
American silent drama film directed by Donald Crisp and stars Adda Gleason, Mabel Van Buren, Donald Crisp, and Alice Davenport.
"Ramona" is based on the 1884 novel by Helen Hunt Jackson.
Upon the picture's release, The New York Times commended the picture for its "excellent photography, a wealth of picturesque and carefully considered detail, great work by a multitudinous company/"