godsnewworldiscoming-1 Reviews

Harriet Craig (1950)

Joan Crawford in an excellent performance.

[10/10 · 6 August 2007]

She was dominant! In my opinion, she is in the top five of all time great actresses. Her presence captivates you. There are actors and actresses that you will watch any movie they are in. She is one of the handful.

The supporting cast was terrific as well. However, this movie was all Crawford. Most of her movies have slipped into relative obscurity today. Its unfortunate, because she was on the same level as Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis. The problem with Joan was that she never appeared in a legendary movie. Every star from that era had a movie which made legends. Hepburn had the Philadelphia's story, and Davis had all about eve. Mildred Pierce was a great movie in my opinion, However, its not highly regarded like the other classics. Enjoy this movie for superb acting and a lesson in why warmth and honesty should never be neglected.

On the Town (1949)

The best feel good musical ever!

[10/10 · 24 June 2007]

This may come as a shock to most people, But I believe that "on the town" was slightly better than "singin in the rain." The overall cast had prodigious talents, and chemistry together. There was no hint of pessimism or violence. This is why I believe musicals are the best genre of movies always.

Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly were one of the best combo's in cinema history. Their work together in anchors aweigh, take me out to the ballgame and on the town, is what made these movies so full of exuberance. Jules Munshin facetiousness added a great element to this movie.

The female leads were wonderful as well. All had prominent careers because of their manifold talents. Who could forget Ann Miller's dancing in easter parade, or Vera-Ellen in white Christmas? Betty Garrett also achieved acclaim in Take me out to the ballgame, and also on Broadway.

Take the time to see this movie, to see how having fun and looking for love, can come together splendidly!

Mildred Pierce (1945)

On the same level as Casablanca.

[10/10 · 23 May 2007]

Michael Curtiz was brilliant. This movie is underrated, in comparison to some of his other work. The greatness of this movie only validates the legacy of the golden age of Hollywood. This is because Mildred pierce is almost never mentioned in the lists of the greatest movies of this era. That era of movie-making was so great, that movies like this were common.

Joan Crawford was dominant in her performance. She conveyed vulnerability, selflessness and tenacity throughout the movie. It is interesting to note, that Bette Davis rejected the opportunity to play the lead role. I believe that they were the only two actresses who could have excelled in the role of "Mildred Pierce." Max Steiner's musical score was outstanding as well. For those of you that know very little about his legendary career, he did the musical score for classics like king Kong, Casablanca, and now voyager.

Unfortunately, Joan Crawford's movies are not as renowned as those of her contemporaries. This one however, is vintage Crawford, punctuated by her Oscar win for best actress for her performance.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

the best feel good movie ever!

[10/10 · 16 November 2006]

This is the pinnacle of great movie making. Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'connor exhibited sterling chemistry in this movie. The ability to incorporate history and romance seamlessly, is what made this movie riveting for me.

The music was tremendous. Kelly and O'connor collaborating on the song "moses supposes" was my favorite. Debbie Reynolds exudes charm and vivaciousness, while singing "good mornin" with her co-stars. Kelly, singing "you were meant for me" to Reynolds, was touching. This movie definitely warrants consideration as the greatest movie ever. If you are ever blue, watching this movie will have you singin in the rain!

Now, Voyager (1942)

Inspirational film.

[10/10 · 13 November 2006]

One of the all time great classics. I would place the quality of this movie on the same level as Casablanca and gone with the wind. I loved Greer Garson in Ms. Miniver, But Bette Davis probably should have garnered the academy award for best actress. She was convincing and sympathetic in her role. You vicariously felt the characters pain.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who struggles with low self-esteem and self-doubt. No matter what trauma or bad experience you have had, you can still be the person you want to be when you receive Love and friendship. Just as Charlotte Vale found a sense of belonging in helping Jerry's daughter, we all can find permanence when we show compassion to distressed people.

I am finding out more of the prodigious talents that Max Steiner possessed. The musical score in this movie was outstanding. To those who dismiss black and white movies as obsolete, you definitely need to see Now Voyager to find out why the Golden age of Hollywood is far superior to movie-making today.

For Me and My Gal (1942)

Underrated movie is wonderful!

[10/10 · 5 November 2006]

Gene Kelly makes his smashing screen debut in For me and my gal. That alone should make it a must see. This movie was a delight for numerous reasons. First, I like the fact that this movie was a musical/drama. So, we were able to get a full dose of the manifold talents of Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Second, the chemistry that Judy and Gene had in this movie was exceptional. The scene in which they are singing the title song is riveting. George Murphy was solid in his role as the amiable friend and colleague, who was a good example of selflessness.

This movie is not as renowned as other Garland classics such as the wizard of Oz and Meet me in St. Louis. However, I think this was her most endearing role. She was beautiful, sweet and vivacious in this movie. I can watch this movie repeatedly, and so should everyone else.

Made for Each Other (1939)

An underrated gem which exalts Lombard's talents.

[10/10 · 3 November 2006]

While other users will disagree with the accolades I give this movie, I was throughly impressed with Carole Lombard. While her legacy is her indisputable talent as a screen comedian, she was very touching and cogent in this serious role. What I like about the golden age of Hollywood was how they could take such simple plots and parlay them into unforgettable classics.

What newlywed couple today couldn't relate to the problems Stewart and Lombard contended with in this movie? Their tenacity and devotion to one another under duress was very simple and poignant. I have a funny feeling if I ever get married, I would want my future wife to watch this movie with me!

Stewart's role in this movie is not as heralded as his characters in Mr. Smith goes to Washington or in Its a wonderful life. That is certainly understandable. However, I will watch any movie which pairs up Hollywood legends. Any movie featuring James Stewart and Carole Lombard definitely warrants a look. If this movie came out any year other than 1939, it would be highly esteemed.

Stella Dallas (1937)

wrong message sent here.

[8/10 · 31 October 2006]

While this movie featured great acting by stanwyck and shirley, the message was disappointing. I say this because while stella should be lauded for her self-sacrifice, it reinforces in people the wrong notion that riches is the cure all for everything. Stella evidently figured that a wealthy lifestyle for laurel would mitigate the effects of being bereaved of her mothers companionship and nurturing. All the riches and education in the world can never supplant the love and family structure that every person alive needs. Sadly, people in this world don't understand this.

To underscore my point, consider that in the same year of 1937, another classic, captains courageous was made. In it, freddy bartholemew's character realized that the intangibles of love and friendship that he received from spencer tracy's character was greater than his privileged upbringing. Even worse, he never received this from his father. That friendship he received impacted him more than any riches could.

To be fair, I still recommend Stella Dallas to anyone who wishes to see impeccable acting from a legend like Barbara Stanwyck. This was the first time I ever saw Anne shirley and I must say she was marvelous.

Gentleman's Agreement (1947)

Kudos to John Garfield!

[10/10 · 25 September 2006]

This movie was very well done, and in my opinion should be shown to young people at school. That way it can help to prevent prejudices and bigotry from taking root in future generations. As John Garfield's character in the movie showed: discrimination and racial intolerance can be eliminated if we fight it. Garfield's willingness to take a supporting role in this movie because of the power of its message should compel the skeptics to watch this movie.

The sterling cast meshed together perfectly. Gregory Pecks gentility was exactly what the lead role in this movie had to have. Dorothy Mcguire was also excellent at conveying her emotions in such a demanding role. Its too bad that Garfield and Mcguire are not as well known as other Golden age stars.

The Sisters (1938)

Great unheralded movie!

[10/10 · 25 September 2006]

Everyone is familiar with Bette Davis's great movies like Jezebel, the letter and all about eve, but this one continues to go unnoticed. The reason I like this movie was because it was refreshing to see Bette play a sweet and compassionate female lead. Unfortunately, that was not how she was known by her peers. Whatever the case may be, she gave her all in her work. Because of her efforts, her legacy in cinema history is unrivaled.

This movie illuminates the difficulties that married men encounter. Struggling to provide for your household can be very humbling indeed. However, Bette's character in this movie shows us how compassion, resiliency and optimism can hold a marriage together.

The Joker Is Wild (1957)

Frank Sinatra is an underrated actor!

[10/10 · 25 September 2006]

If only this movie was available on DVD! This movie is good for those people who have had major setbacks in life, and need to start over. It reinforced in me the need to make the best of your situation in life.

Frank played the title role impeccably. I think its a travesty that his performance didn't garner him a best actor nomination. That just shows you how superior the actors of that era were in comparison to the actors of today.

Again, I'm befuddled as to why this movie is not available on DVD. Hopefully, it will be more accessible for viewers who know very little of the acting talents of old blue eyes!