FILM DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 2021

 All titles are first watches unless marked with *.

MEDICINE BALL CARAVAN (1971)

One of several rock festival documentaries that followed in the wake of WOODSTOCK (1970), this film has the bizarre alternate title WE HAVE COME FOR YOUR DAUGHTERS. Musical performers include B.B. King, Doug Kershaw, Bonnie Bramlett and Alice Cooper. Nice scenes of interactions and conversations between concert goers.

*BURNT OFFERINGS (1976) Directed by Dan Curtis of DARK SHADOWS fame. A fairly ridiculous horror film that does have its moments of suspense and atmosphere. Starring Karen Black, Oliver Reed and Bette Davis.

*SPOOKS RUN WILD (1941) Bela and The East Side Kids having fun in an old dark house. The dialogue comes fast and furious.

*THE BLACK DRAGONS (1942) One of Bela Lugosi's Monogram Nine, this is a political thriller concerning a plot to physically transform a group of Japanese operatives to resemble prominent American leaders. Good performance by Mr. Lugosi. Featuring Joan Barclay and Clayton Moore.

*RETURN OF THE APE MAN (1944) Enjoyable mad scientist antics with Bela Lugosi and John Carradine teaming up to transplant an evolved brain into a caveman they discovered during an Arctic expedition. With George Zucco and Frank Moran. Another Lugosi Monogram Nine entry.

*MISS SADIE THOMPSON (1953) Miss Hayworth gives an excellent performance in this reworking of W. Somerset Maugham's RAIN. This version has a much happier ending. Featuring Jose Ferrer and Aldo Ray.

*FESTIVAL EXPRESS (2003) Excellent documentary about a rock concert tour that played in several Canadian cities in 1970. Featuring Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, The Band, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Buddy Guy and Ian & Sylvia. A real treasure of a time capsule for the music and the interactions between the legendary stars.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (1935) Warner Brothers went all out with this stylish adaptation of William Shakespeare's play. Impressive set designs, beautiful music by Mendelssohn, gorgeous B & W cinematography and directed by Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle. Many popular stars of the era were featured: Ian Hunter, Dick Powell, Mickey Rooney, James Cagney, Joe E. Brown, Jean Muir, Victor Jory, Anita Louise, Billy Barty, Frank McHugh, and Olivia De Havilland in her film debut.

*BEDLAM (1946) This was the last of Val Lewton's series of B horror films produced at RKO Pictures. Feisty Nell Bowen (Anna Lee) tries to reform the notorious St. Mary of Bethlehem Asylum for the Insane, known colloquially as Bedlam. She runs into opposition from her former mentor, Lord Mortimer (Billy House) and the cruel asylum master, George Sims (Boris Karloff). They arrange to have Bowen herself committed, but that doesn't stop her determination to help the wretched, abused inmates. Great performances by Karloff and Lee, who had previously worked together in the excellent THE MAN WHO CHANGED HIS MIND (1936). Directed by Mark Robson. Featuring Richard Fraser and Elizabeth Russell.

*THE MIRACLE WORKER (1962) An amazing film that I can watch again and again. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke both won Academy Awards for their performances in this story of young Helen Keller, left blind and deaf after a severe childhood illness, and therefore unable to communicate. Her parents hire Annie Sullivan to try and get through to Helen and teach her to understand sign language. Both actresses are excellent in their physically and emotionally demanding roles. Adapted from the hit play, also starring Bancroft and Duke. Directed by Arthur Penn. With Victor Jory, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine and Beah Richards.

WINGS OF DESIRE (1987) Fascinating film directed by Wim Wenders about angels who keep watch over the city of Berlin and try to give comfort to various people in distress. One of the angels, played by Bruno Ganz, falls in love with a woman and wants to enter human life. Filmed in black & white when showing the angels' point of view and in color when showing the human point of view. With Peter Falk.

ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS (1939) Excellent romantic drama directed by Howard Hawkes. American entertainer Bonnie Lee, trying to get back to the US, lands in the South American port town of Barranca. She meets Geoff Carter (Cary Grant), a pilot and manager of Barranca Airways, a struggling company that flies dangerous routes to deliver mail. Bonnie falls for Geoff and decides to stay in Barranca, in spite of Geoff's fatalistic attitude about his life and work. The teaming of these two marvelous stars makes for an enjoyable, involving experience. Also starring Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell and Rita Hayworth in her first substantial film role.

GAS-S-S-S (1970) Directed by Roger Corman and released by American-International Pictures. Described as a "post-apocalyptic black comedy", this was a huge waste of time. I was unable to find any comedy, black or otherwise. In fact, it was mostly offensive. Corman really flopped with this one. With Bud Cort, Talia Shire, Ben Vereen, Cindy Williams and Country Joe McDonald.

*FUNNY FARM (1988) Chevy Chase does his usual, enjoyable thing in this comedy about a city couple moving to the country and having one mishap after another. Co-starring Madolyn Smith. Directed by George Roy Hill.

*FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982) I realize that just about everyone loves this movie, but, personally, I hate it. I saw it when it first came out and wasn't all that crazy about it. Recently I decided to revisit it and found it unbearable. Sorry, universe. Sean Penn became a star because of this. Apparently most people see that as a plus for the general culture. With Jennifer Jason Leigh and several other unlikable teenagers. 

A BLUEPRINT FOR MURDER (1953)

Not bad little mystery has Jean Peters suspected of killing her young stepdaughter with poison in order to gain an inheritance. Brother-in-law Joseph Cotten tries to find out the truth before she tries to kill her stepson in the same way. With Gary Merrill and Catherine McLeod.

MRS. MINIVER (1942) Classic Oscar winning wartime picture about a stalwart English family trying to cope with the changes in their lives as the country undergoes the Blitz. Fine performances by all concerned. Very moving. Well directed by William Wyler.

SEPARATE TABLES (1958) Star studded drama that takes place in a residential hotel in Southwestern England. Their lives and domestic complications all intersect in the somewhat confined quarters. Brilliant performances by all concerned. Starring Deborah Kerr, Rita Hayworth, David Niven, Burt Lancaster, Wendy Hiller and Gladys Cooper.

NANCY GOES TO RIO (1950) When Jane Powell passed away, I took two of her movies down from the shelf where they had been gathering dust for years. I realized I'd only seen Miss Powell in a few films over the years. This is a fine example of her work during her years as an MGM contract star. Her lovely singing voice and her warm likable personality make this movie a pleasure to watch. Forget the silly plot. There's not much new going on here. But that doesn't matter, and it won't interfere with the colorful experience and delightful music. Co-starring another lovely MGM singer, Ann Sothern, who plays Jane's mother.

TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE (1950) Another delightful example of the magic of Jane Powell. This time the setting is at the turn of the 20th Century, and involves everyday dramas and complications of a typical American family on vacation. 

Young Jane, coming into her womanhood, falls for dashing Ricardo Montalban, while father Louis Calhern and mother Ann Harding try to keep a loving control over their children. Young MGM contract players Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter have a career boosting showcase with the song Abba Dabba Honeymoon. Yes, this was another world!

YOU WERE NEVER LOVLIER (1942)

After their successful teaming in YOU'LL NEVER GET RICH (1941), Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth were brought back together for this delightful bit of cotton candy filled with the music of Jerome Kern. Both stars are at their peak, and the dancing is terrific. Beautiful Black & White cinematography.

PAL JOEY (1957) The Hollywood musical comes full circle with this somewhat cynical look at life and romance. Frank Sinatra plays Joey Evans, a singer, dancer, womanizer and a confirmed heel who manages to hurt or offend nearly everyone in his life. He gets involved with wealthy, influential Vera Simpson, an ex-stripper, and becomes her kept man and business partner. This causes pain for showgirl Linda English (Kim Novak), the woman he really loves. Loaded with romantic drama, the film is filled with Rodgers and Hart tunes and colorful dance routines staged by Hermes Pan. Directed by George Sidney. Features the songs "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and "My Funny Valentine".

*THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999)

Matt Damon brings Patricia Highsmith's mastermind of murder to life, and manages to gain the viewer's sympathy in spite of his dastardly deeds. Brilliantly conceived story. Good performances by all concerned. With Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett.

*THE WEST POINT STORY (1950)  This all-star Warner Brothers musical gives James Cagney another chance to strut his stuff as a dancer, and he looks to be enjoying himself for the entire picture. There are seventeen musical numbers, enough to make even the most dedicated musical fan cry "Stop already!!!" But how can you look at the sunny smile of Doris Day and not be happy?

Another big waste of time. Decidedly unfunny. Nothing to recommend it. Well, we do get to see Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello for a few seconds, but that's it.

MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (1946)

I finally got around to seeing a movie I've heard good things about for years, and it was in no way a disappointment. In fact, I'd say it was one of the best Westerns I've ever seen. Henry Fonda stars as Wyatt Earp in the story of the shootout at the OK Corral. With the gorgeous Linda Darnell as the title character. Directed by John Ford.

*A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS (1964)

I decided to revisit this film after more than thirty years, and I wasn't able to connect with it at all. After watching an emotional story like MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, this film seemed cold and sterile. Nothing against Clint Eastwood, but he's capable of so much more than this blank-faced robot cowboy. Yes, I know. Blasphemy!

*THE WAR WAGON (1967) 

Exciting latter day John Wayne Western action. Wayne and Kirk Douglas have great chemistry as adversaries who become reluctant partners in a scheme to rob a gold shipment. Lots of big stars in this one: Howard Keel, Robert Walker, Jr., Keenan Wynn, Bruce Cabot, Bruce Dern, Gene Evans and Sheb Wooley.

*BLOOD OF DRACULA (1957) This is a big favorite of mine. One of the best films in the Teenage Horror Angst category from the American-International filmography of the late 1950's. Sandra Harrison gives a strong performance as an unhappy girl in a boarding school who is used by an evil science professor in a Dracula-inspired experiment. Loads of fun, including a little rock and roll to go with the horror.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS (1966) It only took me 50+ years to get around to watching this classic film. Paul Scofield won a well deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Sir Thomas More, who refused to give his approval to the marriage of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. First rate drama in every respect. Directed by Fred Zinnemann. Featuring Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw, Susannah York, Orson Welles and John Hurt. Vanessa Redgrave appears briefly as Anne Boleyn.

*PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET (1953) Superior Film Noir drama with a political plotline from director Samuel Fuller. Richard Widmark gives a powerful performance as a low grade criminal who inadvertently gets mixed up in a Communist scheme to transmit government secrets to the enemy. Great performances also from Jean Peters and that old scene stealer, Thelma Ritter.

*THE LOST WEEKEND (1945)  I decided to revisit this Billy Wilder classic after watching a video discussing whether or not it should be regarded as Film Noir. While I don't consider it to be Noir, it is nonetheless a powerful character study and an uncompromising look into the mind of an alcoholic. Devastating performance by Ray Milland in his Oscar winning role. 

COME SEPTEMBER (1961)

Another so-called romantic comedy that is completely devoid of comedy. The convoluted plot couldn't possibly interest anyone, so the point here is to enjoy looking at popular stars like Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, while enjoying the Italian landscape. 

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989)

I'm sorry I waited so long to see this brilliant, heartbreaking film. Robin Williams shines as an offbeat professor in an exclusive boy's boarding school who challenges his students to think for themselves. Excellent performances by young actors Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke.

*FIGHTING TOMMY RILEY (2004)

I found this film at Big Lots a few years ago and was blown away at how well made and effective it is. For some reason, it hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves. Raw, visceral performance by J.P. Davis as the title character, a young, self destructive fighter trying to make it in the boxing world. Equally impressive is Eddie Jones as the older trainer who tries to help Tommy believe in himself and succeed. 

SWING KIDS (1993) Another terrific film that I only recently discovered. In a Germany that is increasingly controlled by the Nazis, an underground culture of young people celebrate American films and swing music, putting them at odds with the prevailing culture of repression. Lots of great music and dancing amid the high drama. Good performances by Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale, Frank Whaley and Barbara Hershey.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)  It's impossible for anyone with a beating heart not to love this romantic comedy. This film actually generates laughter while it grabs at your emotions. Brilliantly played by Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. Able support from Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle and Glynis Johns.