This and That

...It must be only a few more weeks until Christmas, because it's time for the release of the annual Starbucks Christmas compilation CD! This year's title is SLEIGH RIDE SIDE BY SIDE, and it features songs by Lena Horne, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and more.

...Don't miss the tribute to Deanna Durbin at Greenbriar Picture Shows. There are some beautiful photos, with links to more at the bottom of the post.

...Coming January 25, 2011: the Ronald Reagan Centennial Collection, an attractive regrouping of eight previously released titles, including KINGS ROW, THE HASTY HEART, and DESPERATE JOURNEY.

...I was delighted to see Leonard Maltin's enthusiastic review of MORNING GLORY (2010). I'm looking forward to seeing it.

...Leonard's also got a rundown of new film books to check out. The Hugh Martin autobiography and the James D'Arc book on location filming in Utah look particularly interesting. D'Arc did a superb commentary track on BRIGHAM YOUNG (1940).

...Among the new releases coming to Warner Archive November 30th: a remastered print of the memorable, underrated MGM wartime classic THE HUMAN COMEDY (1943); Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker in NEVER SAY GOODBYE (1946), which includes a Christmas sequence making it perfect December viewing; Flynn's FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK (1941); Barbara Stanwyck's THE SECRET BRIDE (1934); and last Friday night's movie, THE MAN WITH A CLOAK (1951).

...For those who enjoy Hallmark movies, the Hallmark Channel is running a huge number of Christmas-themed films over the next few weeks, including two brand-new titles starring Lauren Holly, THE TOWN CHRISTMAS FORGOT and CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE, a sequel to last year's MRS. MIRACLE. The first week of Hallmark's Christmas movie schedule is here.