philadelphiastorygirl Reviews

McLintock! (1963)

Best Kept Secrets: McLintock

[10/10 · 14 June 2007]

Another day dawns and the master of the ranch has come home drunk again. G.W. McLintock (played by John Wayne) has been frequenting the bar ever since he and his wife separated almost two years ago. Trouble arises when new settlers come into town declaring that they have come for the free land the government has promised them. Upon their arrival McLintock warns them that there is no such thing as free land and the environment is not conducive to farming. McLintock has earned the respect of the community and has a reputation for his generosity. While the town is preparing for the homecoming of McLintock's daughter, Becky, he is informed that his wife, Katherine (Maureen O'Hara) has returned to town.

John Wayne has tremendous presence. The moment he appears on the screen it is obvious he is in charge. Maureen O'Hara magnificently holds her own with John Wayne. She is not overpowered but successfully stands up to him. James Edward Grant shows his talent as writer through the complexity of Katherine's character. It is indescribably funny. The ensemble cast appears to have great fun working together. There are numerous small roles but each of them are worth noting. The film also deals with racism against Native Americans and the rivalry between the upper and hard working classes. It is a high spirited film that is entirely worth watching.

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Best Kept Secrets: Night of the Hunter

[10/10 · 14 June 2007]

"Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." These are the words that foreshadow the impending doom that follows Preacher Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) to the Harper's house. During the Depression countless of families suffered. One act of desperation leaves Willa Harper (Shelley Winters) a widow. Ben Harper shared a cell with Harry Powell, who discovered that Harper had stolen ten thousand dollars that had never been found. After Ben Harper's execution, Harry Powell travels to comfort the family Ben left behind.

It did not take much effort to convince Willa Harper that she should marry the preacher in order to provide a father for her two young children. John Harper (Billy Chapin) is the only person in town who does not trust the stranger. Before his father was taken away, John promised him that he would always watch over his younger sister, Pearl, and would never tell anyone where the money was hidden. Willa seems to be under a spell, she has changed from a pretty young woman into a frumpy religious fanatic.

A significant amount of the film is seen from an aerial perspective. The animal imagery enforces the theme of defenseless creatures being hunted. The film deals with some fascinating themes like the strength of a single woman and the resiliency of children. As a director, Charles Laughton was heavily influenced by silent films and mimicked their style. The film was not well received initially, consequently Laughton vowed he would never direct another film. However, in The Night of the Hunter, Laughton used the typical elements that make a film eerie: black and white cinematography, children, repetitive singing, and religious ideas. Robert Mitchum ingeniously portrays the psychopathic preacher. Billy Chapin is heartbreaking as the orphan who has to find a way to save his sister. The Night of the Hunter is exceptional because of its performances and artistic style.

The Apartment (1960)

Best Kept Secrets: The Apartment

[10/10 · 14 June 2007]

The film industry has benefited many times when friends have decided to work on a picture together. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise are some examples. But none are greater than Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon. In The Apartment, Jack Lemmon plays C.C. Baxter, a lonely man living and working in New York City. He works at an insurance company called Consolidated Life. His desk is on the nineteenth floor but his superiors have been using him with the promise that they will recommend him for a promotion. A key has been floating around the office and Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray) on the twenty-seventh floor calls Baxter into his office to question him about it. Mr. Sheldrake tells Baxter that it has come to his attention that there are four rotten apples in the company. It soon becomes obvious that Mr. Sheldrake also wishes to use the apartment. Once Baxter allowed one colleague to use his apartment to change into his tuxedo on the way to a function, he has not been able to refuse it to anyone. But one night changes his outlook. Jack Lemmon is amazing with his subtle humor and genuine kindness. He expertly portrays the sweet but disappointed C.C. Baxter. Fred MacMurray is sleazy and despicable as the careless adulterer. The role of Fran Kubelik was perfectly cast with Shirley MacLaine. She is excellent as the broken hearted woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life. The Apartment was written and directed by Billy Wilder. His screenplay is filled with witty comments but also sincere brutal honesty about the issues people deal with. The main character is forced to choose what he believes in: working his way to the top in any way he can or being a good, honest person. The cinematography in this film is very beautiful. Wilder used interesting shots of New York City for the setting of his tale. It is easy to understand why this film won the best picture academy award.

Come Live with Me (1941)

review

[10/10 · 14 June 2007]

Love and marriage are two of the most prevalent topics in our society today. It seems every novel, movie, and song has something to say about it. When marriage is discussed, it is usually followed by the most recent divorce statistic. Virginia Van Upp and Patterson McNutt have written one of the best theories on this subject.

Bill Smith (James Stewart) is an unsuccessful writer who is literally down to his last dime. Johnny Jones, played by the gorgeous Hedy Lamarr, has just found out some devastating news. She is an illegal immigrant from "what used to be Austria." Immigration has finally tracked her down and is giving her a week to find a husband or she will be deported and face certain death. But their lives change for the better one night when Bill and Johnny both enter a little restaurant to get out of the rain. One thing leads to another and Bill gets into a fight. Johnny, having witnessed the whole thing comes to his defense and they are both thrown out. She is delighted to hear that he has no money and decides to propose a marriage of convenience. Johnny asks Bill to marry her in exchange for the cost of living. Bill is very much opposed to the idea but in the end she talks him into it with the understanding that when he sells his novel, he will pay back everything.

Johnny visits Bill once a week to give him the check and Bill begins to write about their situation. Bill falls for Johnny, and soon finds out that there is another man in her life. When Bill learns he's sold his manuscript he visits Johnny to sign the divorce papers but under one condition. "In my opinion it's perfectly alright for two strangers to get married but you've got to know each other before you get a divorce," he says.

The title of the movie comes from the first line in Christopher Marlowe's The Passionate Shepherd to His Love. James Stewart is marvelous as the country boy who is willing to fight for what he wants. Hedy Lamarr is excellent as the Viennese refugee trying to make the best life she can for herself. Come Live With Me is more than just another typical romantic comedy. It is intelligent and heart-warming, and discusses things like modern marriage, reality being stranger than fiction, and a happy ending versus a realistic ending.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Best Kept Secrets: Some Like it Hot

[1 March 2007]

In America today, it seems at least every other movie that opens is a remake. But if you're willing to put forth a little effort, an original, worthwhile film can always be found.

Some Like It Hot begins in Chicago in the year 1929 and later moves to Florida. Jerry, played by the impeccable Jack Lemmon, and Joe, portrayed by Tony Curtis, are the dynamic duo that makes this film truly spectacular. When the two friends witness the St. Valentine's Day massacre, they are forced to flee the state. They decide to go undercover and take a job with an all girl band. Only Billy Wilder could have imagined the hilarity that ensues.

Tony Curtis' role, posing as the millionaire was based on Cary Grant and is superb. Jack Lemmon's comedic timing and delivery stand out. There are numerous priceless role reversals between Joe and Jerry. Marilyn Monroe's performance is tolerable. It is interesting to realize she wasn't the thinnest actress in Hollywood but has become a legend because of her beauty.

The film was written, produced, and directed by the masterful Billy Wilder. It is a parody of the 1920's with several witty references including the stock market crashing and prohibition. Billy Wilder is fantastic at creating tense situations as the characters switch back and forth between their roles. Pay careful attention and you won't be disappointed.

Gaslight (1944)

Best Kept Secrets: Gaslight

[1 March 2007]

The first scene establishes the dreary tone of the film. It is nighttime in London and a murder goes unsolved. The magnificent Ingrid Bergman portrays Paula, the niece of the deceased woman. After living ten years trying to forget the past, Paula returns to her house in London at the suggestion of her new husband, Gregory (Charles Boyer). "I've found peace in loving you," Paula says and decides with the help of her husband, she is ready to face the past. Fear is an essential element in the story. It seems the police cannot find a motive for the murder but when a new young assistant comes to Scotland Yard, he sees something that others did not notice or would not pursue. The murderer remains at large and his next potential victim has returned to the very house where the first murder was committed.

The cast's flawless talent makes the film absolutely unforgettable. Charles Boyer is exceedingly ominous as Paula's obsessive husband. As the high-strung wife, Ingrid Bergman gives an outstanding performance. She is startling and brilliant. Brian Cameron, played by Joseph Cotton, makes his appearance later in the film but is wonderful nonetheless. Watch for the emphasis on foreshadowing and the beautiful lighting achieved in Gaslight, as well as the particular attention to the many details that make it spectacular. George Cukor's fantastic direction of this intriguing and suspicious tale will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

the best movie ever made

[10/10 · 22 January 2007]

The Philadelphia Story begins with a fight. Tracy Lord has thrown her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Dexter) out of the house. In the opening scene, the fight between husband and wife is portrayed similar to silent films. There is no dialogue but the action and the music say everything. A year later they are divorced and Tracy has plans to get remarried. Tracy is a very strong, moral character who imposes her belief on others. "She sets extremely high standards for herself and others aren't always apt to live up to them," says her mother. Dexter's alcohol addiction was disgusting to Tracy; instead of helping him deal with it, she wanted nothing to do with him. In addition to Tracy's idealism, she considers pride, privacy, and independence to be crucial. Katherine Hepburn's performance as Tracy Lord is the best of her performances. It is not surprising that this role was responsible for her comeback, as she had previously been labeled box office poison. Tracy Lord is adamant but undergoes a change of heart, beautifully portrayed by Hepburn. James Stewart (Mike) and Cary Grant (Dexter) play opposite Hepburn. Stewart is captivating in his academy award winning performance. Cary Grant has tremendous silent strength when he appears on the screen. Dexter has been affected by Tracy's standards, however he has come back to keep her from making a grave mistake.

The dialogue of the film is very quick, intelligent, witty, and entertaining. The film addresses the division of classes and the prejudices between them, destructive pride, midlife crisis, selfishness, selflessness, and the importance of an understanding heart. Director George Cukor's deliberate placement of the actors allows for beautiful interaction. The Philadelphia Story is the perfect example of everything a film should be: well written, ingeniously performed, and beautifully executed. Although this film was made a little more than a few years ago, it is still completely original and remains a truly significant film.

Life as a House (2001)

watch it

[10/10 · 20 November 2006]

This is a very refreshing movie to watch. The characters are well written and well developed. It is a character study that is honest and poignant. In my opinion it, has not received the recognition it deserves. Kevin Kline does an amazing job portraying a man who wants to change. It is the best performance I have seen from Hayden Christensen. It is a wonderful drama with a million little things that make it so great and worthwhile. So many movies today do not seem to have a story or plot. Content is becoming increasingly less significant but this film proves that there are still good writers out there. It is beautifully made and is an excellent watch. There are two lines from the film that stick with me. The first is: "I haven't been touched in years." It is devastating that society today has become too hectic to care about what's happening to the person next to you. The other line I like is: "What you think you know doesn't have much to do with reality." As I said before there are just a myriad of elements that make this film incredibly enjoyable. It touches on relevant topics and should be remembered as one of the best films released in 2001.