Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the internet...

...I mentioned last week that Kino Lorber plans Blu-ray releases this summer of SON OF ALI BABA (1952) and BUCCANEER'S GIRL (1950). Turns out their part of a much larger slate of colorful adventure films coming this summer, including Maria Montez and Jon Hall in ARABIAN NIGHTS (1942) and ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES (1944); Gregory Peck and Ann Blyth in THE WORLD IN HIS ARMS (1952), originally reviewed by me on DVD in 2012; and Errol Flynn and Maureen O'Hara in AGAINST ALL FLAGS (1952), originally reviewed by me on DVD in 2007.

...Also coming from Kino Lorber: Sissy Spacek, Mel Gibson, and Scott Glenn in THE RIVER (1984), which I saw on its original release but don't recall much about. It was one of a couple films on struggling farmers released within a few months of each other; at the time I liked the other film, COUNTRY (1984), more. That said, I'm curious to take a fresh look at THE RIVER. I do recall liking John Williams' score.

...With more time available during the current "shutdown" I've been revisiting a number of films along with screener reviews and new-to-me titles. This past week I rewatched STAR OF MIDNIGHT (1935) for the first time in over a decade. I'd forgotten just how cute William Powell and Ginger Rogers are together; they have nice chemistry. It's available from the Warner Archive.

...On the way from ClassicFlix this August: Hal Roach Streamliners, Volume 4: The Musicals. Meanwhile, I should have a review of the first film or two from Volume 1 (The Tracy & Sawyer Military Comedies) posted here in the near future.

...Dick Dinman and the Warner Archive's George Feltenstein discuss the exciting new Blu-ray releases of BLOOD ON THE MOON (1948) and RACHEL AND THE STRANGER (1948) -- both of which will be reviewed here in the coming weeks. (Hat tip: Glenn Erickson at CineSavant.)

...Looking ahead to fall cookbook time: MODERN COMFORT FOOD: A BAREFOOT CONTESSA COOKBOOK from Ina Garten. I have several of her books, and a number of the recipes have become oft-repeated family favorites.

...My friend Andy takes his first look at Joel McCrea in Jacques Tourneur's WICHITA (1955) at Journeys in Darkness and Light.

...Here's a thoughtful, enjoyable article on U.S. food history by Megan McArdle: "The Economics Behind Grandma's Tuna Casseroles." Although I just discovered it, it was originally published by Bloomberg in 2015.

...Caftan Woman's "One for May on TCM" choice is PICCADILLY (1929) with Anna May Wong. My DVR is set!

...Ben Model continues his "Silent Movie Watch Party" with live musical accompaniment every Sunday at noon Pacific Time. Here's info on the May 3rd broadcast, including a schedule for additional time zones. Sunday's selections include THE BALLOONATIC (1923) starring Buster Keaton.

...Here's a fun-looking recipe for homemade Pop-Tarts. (Found via Katie Prejean McGrady.)

...Larry Edmunds Cinema Bookshop is posting photos of some of its inventory available for purchase on Instagram. Great idea. The fundraiser to help the store survive the pandemic shutdown has raised over $37,000 to date. Many people love and rely on this unique, historic store.

...Chris Nichols writes at Los Angeles Magazine about a thorny problem affecting Hollywood's century-old Musso and Frank Grill and many other businesses: Their insurance company says they were shut down due to the pandemic, which is excluded from coverage. The restaurant says they've never had an issue with the pandemic and were ordered to close by the government, so should be covered. Interesting issue.

...Notable Passings: Harold Reid of the Statler Bros. has passed on at 80...Singer and movie dubber India Adams died at 93. Adams notably sang for Cyd Charisse in THE BAND WAGON (1953) and Joan Crawford in TORCH SONG (1953).

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my April 25th roundup.

Have a great week!