Tonight's Movie: Something in the Wind (1947)

Today is the 90th birthday of one of cinema's great treasures, and one of my very favorite actresses and singers, the incomparable Deanna Durbin.

Since I'm down to just a handful of Durbin titles remaining to see for the very first time, I've been spacing out watching them, savoring them bit by bit. Deanna's birthday was the perfect occasion to see one of the last movies on my list, SOMETHING IN THE WIND.

Deanna plays Mary Collins, a disc jockey who becomes mixed up with a wealthy family of snobs. Donald (John Dall) has discovered a recently deceased relative was making payments to a Mary Collins, and mistakenly thinks it's the Mary played by Deanna, drawing all the wrong conclusions. In reality, the Mary was Deanna's Aunt Mary, played by Jean Adair, but it's complicated so we'll leave it at that!

Will Mary find a sponsor for her radio show? Will Donald dump his proper fiancee Clarissa (Helena Carter) when he finds out Mary's really a nice girl? Will Donald's lovelorn cousin Charlie (Donald O'Connor) win Clarissa?

The answers probably aren't in doubt, but what fun getting there! I may be unusual in that I prefer Durbin's '40s films to those she made as a child. She's sassy, confident, and a whole lot of fun to watch.

The film has a strong score by Johnny Green and Leo Robin, starting off in fine fashion with the opening number, the perky "Turntable Song," sung by Mary as she wraps up the latest episode of her radio show.

"You Wanna Keep Your Baby Looking Right" is slyly sung by Deanna to make Donald uncomfortable, and the lovely "Something in the Wind" provides an emotional turning point an hour into the film, as Donald and Mary realize their feelings for one another.

Deanna also duets "Miserere" from IL TROVATORE with Jan Peerce of the Metropolitan Opera, playing a singing policeman.

This was John Dall's second film, following THE CORN IS GREEN (1945). His best-known movies are probably Hitchcock's ROPE (1948) and Joseph H. Lewis's GUN CRAZY (1950). I felt he was rather wooden for much of the film, although a certain amount of that works with his initially stodgy, patrician character. He did warm up in the last third of the film and effectively convey his character's transformation. I thought he was pretty phony in his drinking scene with Donald O'Connor, but the audience probably wasn't supposed to take it all that seriously anyway!

The lively O'Connor adds some energy to the film, singing "I Love a Mystery" and a version of "Something in the Wind," backed by the four Williams Brothers, including Andy.

The film's supporting cast includes Charles Winninger and Margaret Wycherly. William Ching, seen a couple days ago as Marge Champion's beau in GIVE A GIRL A BREAK (1953), plays the master of ceremonies at a fashion show.

The director was Irving Pichel. The black and white cinematography was by Milton R. Krasner. The costumes were designed by Orry-Kelly. The film's running time was 89 minutes.

SOMETHING IN THE WIND is available on DVD in the six-film Deanna Durbin Sweetheart Pack, which contains some of her very best films. As I write, it's currently selling at Amazon for a price which is more than a bargain.

It's also been released on a Region 2 DVD and on VHS; the videotape includes two trailers. (Update: SOMETHING IN THE WIND is now available on DVD in the Universal Vault Series.)

Please visit the birthday tribute I posted one year ago today.

I have just four Durbin films left to see for the first time! Links for all Deanna Durbin films previously reviewed here at Laura's Miscellaneous Musings: FIRST LOVE (1939), HIS BUTLER'S SISTER (1943), NICE GIRL? (1941), FOR THE LOVE OF MARY (1948), BECAUSE OF HIM (1946), MAD ABOUT MUSIC (1938), THE AMAZING MRS. HOLLIDAY (1943), THREE SMART GIRLS (1936), THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP (1939), IT STARTED WITH EVE (1941), CAN'T HELP SINGING (1944), HERS TO HOLD (1943), IT'S A DATE (1940), LADY ON A TRAIN (1945), THAT CERTAIN AGE (1938), and ONE HUNDRED MEN AND A GIRL (1937).

May 2018 Update: I've reposted this review with additional information and a photograph which wasn't included in this original review.

2021 Update: SOMETHING IN THE WIND will be released on Blu-ray by Universal in September.

Around the Blogosphere This Week

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

...Barry Livingston of MY THREE SONS has a new book out, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNIE: FROM MY THREE SONS TO MAD MEN, A HOLLYWOOD SURVIVOR TELLS ALL. In an interview with Susan King in the Los Angeles Times, Livingston remembers MY THREE SONS star Fred MacMurray as "a sweet man."

...The L.A. Times ran an interesting interview yesterday with Richard Rhodes, the author of the new book on Hedy Lamarr and her inventions, HEDY'S FOLLY.

...Home Media Magazine reports that Amazon should ship a whopping 4 million Kindle Fires by the end of the year. I'm going to be looking for one under our tree, and so is our college-age son.

...Sir Roger Moore, who is 84, stars in the new Hallmark Channel movie A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS (2011), which is airing multiple times this month. Susan King interviewed Moore in the L.A. Times.

...Leonard Maltin recently shared thoughts on British TV mysteries on DVD. I'd like to catch up with TOMMY & TUPPENCE at some point, with James Warwick and Francesca Annis (LILLIE).

...At Another Old Movie Blog, Jacqueline has a series of posts underway on the aftermath of World War II, Uneasy Victors. The first film discussed was A FOREIGN AFFAIR (1948), with Jean Arthur, John Lund, and Marlene Dietrich. I confess this film didn't do much for me when I saw it, despite my being a fan of both Arthur and the underrated Lund, but after reading Jacqueline's commentary and the comments which follow, I feel as though I should give it another chance!

...Mike Clark of Home Media Magazine reviews the Twilight Time release of THE LEFT HAND OF GOD (1955), starring Humphrey Bogart and Gene Tierney.

...At Classic Movies Digest, Rupert pays tribute to one of my favorite movies, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944). He plans more Christmas movie posts over the course of the month.

...I enjoyed discovering the Roy Rogers Christmas film TRAIL OF ROBIN HOOD (1950) last Christmastime, thanks to Toby at 50 Westerns From the 50s. I was delighted to come across another post giving this film a thumbs up at Kevin's Movie Corner. It's a fun movie to add to the Christmas viewing rotation.

...ClassicFlix has a list of five Columbia Classics titles coming in January, including Ann Miller in CAROLINA BLUES (1944) and Tom Neal, Evelyn Keyes, and Bruce Bennett in THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT A SOLDIER (1943).

...Actor Gaius Charles, who played "Smash" on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, has graduated from Drew Theological School. He plans to return to acting, saying "Acting can be a ministry, as well." (Via LarsRood.)

...This extended commercial for the new DALLAS series is hilariously bad. It's interesting to note that the only actors in the ad who seem to have any charisma are the "old guys," Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy.

...Here's a lovely story on a fan meeting Jane Powell published in the Guardian. (Via KC at Classic Links.)

...Toby's got an interesting project in the works on the making of Marlon Brando's ONE-EYED JACKS (1961). Stay tuned! He's got a Tumblr page of photos set up as a preview. It includes a great photo of Ben Johnson, one of my faves.

...I was happy to see a new post by Moira at Skeins of Thought! It includes some lovely Christmas photos and biographical information on Ginger Rogers and Boris Karloff, an interesting combination!

...Judy posted a detailed essay on LOVE IS A RACKET (1932) at Movie Classics. Pre-code fans will want to be sure to check it out. The movie stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Frances Dee, and Ann Dvorak. (For additional reading on this film, I reviewed it in 2008.)

...The Academy will be celebrating the centennial of Paramount Studios by screening WINGS (1927), the first Best Picture winner, on January 18th. The screening at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater will include live organ music. Information is at the Academy website.

...Has it really been four decades since THE HOMECOMING (1971)?! The WALTONS family recently reunited on TODAY.

...Notable Passing: Margie Peterson, who made a $100 million gift to the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles last spring (link here), has passed away at the age of 76.

...London's Daily Telegraph and the Independent have published obituaries for POLDARK actor Richard Morant, whose passing was noted here two weeks ago.

...The incomparable Deanna Durbin is 90 years old today! Here's a link to last year's birthday tribute.

Have a great week!

Tonight's Movie: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR is a particularly enjoyable Hallmark Channel Christmas movie, which features a good script and engaging, natural performances by the three lead actors, Henry Winkler, Brooke Burns, and Warren Christie. I watched pretty much the entire movie with a smile on my face; this is a film I'll be revisiting at Christmastime in the years to come.

Jennifer Cullen (Burns) is the single mother of Brian (Connor Levins). An inveterate list maker who's pleasant but a bit rigid, she's on the verge of being engaged to Richard (Woody Jeffreys), a boring but "safe" choice as a potential husband.

Jennifer's Uncle Ralph (Winkler) comes to visit for Christmas. Ralph is recently widowed and also recently retired from the police force. While traveling to Jennifer's, Ralph makes friends with handsome young Morgan (Christie), a chef. When Morgan's connecting flight is cancelled due to bad weather, Ralph convinces Jennifer to let Morgan spend the night bunking at her house instead of in an airport lobby. After all, 'tis the season!

Things develop about as one might expect in a Hallmark film, but the story is really well played by the cast, especially Winkler, who's completely charming and believable as feisty, lovable Uncle Ralph. His performance in particular makes the movie special.

The movie has a warm, Christmasy feel to go along with the romance. (The wintry exteriors were filmed in British Columbia.) There's a touch of poignance -- a scene where Ralph gives Jennifer her late aunt's earrings is very touching -- and there are also a number of humorous scenes. I knew I was going to enjoy the movie right off the bat when Winkler's character confronted a mugger. It was hilarious.

My one criticism of the film is that Richard, the boyfriend, is so cartoonishly controlling and unpleasant that it's hard to see what Jennifer ever liked about him in the first place -- but it certainly makes writing out such a character easier to do.

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR has been released on DVD. It is rerun regularly on the Hallmark Channel.

This movie definitely provides the viewer with a warm holiday glow. Recommended.

TCM in December: Christmas Movies

Turner Classic Movies has quite a lineup of Christmas movies in store this month!

Christmas films will be shown in prime time on Tuesdays, starting December 6th. Christmas movies will also be shown on Sunday mornings beginning tomorrow, December 4th, as well as on December 22nd-25th and several other dates on the calendar. Three consecutive Mondays celebrating the Charles Dickens Bicentennial will include various versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Some of the most popular titles, including A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938), CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945), MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947), THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947), and HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949), will be shown multiple times in December. Be sure to consult the TCM schedule for complete listings.

With so many Christmas titles scattered throughout the schedule, it can be difficult to keep track! For the convenience of interested movie fans, here's an overview of the wonderful holiday-related movies showing on TCM this month:

...The lineup on Sunday morning, December 4th, contains a good title not often shown at Christmas: MR. SOFT TOUCH (1949) starring Glenn Ford and Evelyn Keyes. Ford is a WWII vet who runs into trouble with the mob and hides out in a settlement house at Christmastime. I was fortunate to see this at the Noir City Film Festival earlier this year.

The other titles on the 4th are FITZWILLY (1967) with Dick Van Dyke, which is one of my children's favorites, and THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947), which is in my top two or three most favorite Christmas movies. It's an exceptionally lovely film, and when I hear the familiar voices and dialogue it really feels like Christmas. THE BISHOP'S WIFE stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.

...The Dickens Bicentennial Celebration kicks off on the 5th with several films including the MGM version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938). This short and sweet version is one of my favorites. It stars Reginald Owen as Scrooge and the Lockharts (Gene, Kathleen, and June) as the Cratchits. Ann Rutherford was cast as an atypical Ghost of Christmas Past.

...TCM's brand-new special A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: MERRY CHRISTMAS! (2011) will kick off the prime time lineup on Tuesday, December 6th. It will be reprised December 18th and 20th.

The rest of the evening has a "Christmas Kids" theme, with the lineup including A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983), the classics MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944), and Margaret O'Brien in TENTH AVENUE ANGEL (1948). I love Margaret O'Brien but last time I saw it I have to admit I found TENTH AVENUE ANGEL pretty sappy.

...December 9th the centennial of Oscar-winning actor Broderick Crawford's birth is celebrated. The Crawford titles that night include LARCENY, INC. (1942); the film's Christmas Eve finale finds Crawford and Edward G. Robinson hiding from the bad guys by wearing Santa Claus suits.

...Sunday morning, December 11th features NEVER SAY GOODBYE (1946), a romantic comedy about the reunion of a divorced couple, played by Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker. Christmas Eve finds Flynn running around in a Santa costume!

That's followed by Doris Day and Gordon MacRae in the wonderful musical ON MOONLIGHT BAY (1951), based on stories by Booth Tarkington. Day's father is played by Leon Ames of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS; Rosemary DeCamp is her mother. Doris sings the lovely "Merry Christmas All."

The 11th is also the month's first showing of CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. Whenever I see the latter film I have the urge to make pancakes!

...The Dickens festival on Monday the 12th includes the TCM premiere of the 1951 Alastair Sim version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I've not yet seen this version but there are those who consider it the best of all CHRISTMAS CAROL films.

...December 13th features Christmas comedies. THE LEMON DROP KID (1951) has its TCM premiere. This movie starring Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, and Lloyd Nolan was the original source of one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, the classic "Silver Bells."

That's followed by another showing of FITZWILLY (1967), and then THE GREAT RUPERT (1950), a film I've never seen which stars Jimmy Durante, Tom Drake, and Terry Moore.

The evening closes out with Debbie Reynolds and Dick Powell in SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954) -- check out the gorgeous 1950s set design and Christmas decorating -- and PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT (1962) starring Jane Fonda, Tony Franciosa, Jim Hutton, and Lois Nettleton.

...Friday, December 16th, there's an evening of "Christmas Romance," reprising THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947) and CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945), followed by the month's first showing of THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940). SHOP stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan in the story also used in IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, SHE LOVES ME, and YOU'VE GOT MAIL.

...The 1936 version of the Christmastime Western THREE GODFATHERS airs on December 17th. It stars Chester Morris, Walter Brennan, and Lewis Stone.

...Sunday morning, December 18th, features the 1933 version of LITTLE WOMEN, starring Katharine Hepburn, Joan Bennett, Frances Dee, and Jean Parker as the March sisters. Of course, most of LITTLE WOMEN isn't a Christmas film, but the Christmas opening to the film is so memorable it feels like one.

Next is ALL MINE TO GIVE (1957), a Glynis Johns film which sounds rather tragic, and then another showing of THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940).

Later that day SINCE YOU WENT AWAY (1944) has its first airing of the month. This superb WWII "homefront" film isn't a Christmas film, per se, but it has an extremely touching Christmas conclusion that's guaranteed to induce tears in any viewer with a sentimental heart. It stars Claudette Colbert, Joseph Cotten, Jennifer Jones, Robert Walker, and Shirley Temple, with an excellent deep supporting cast.

...The theme on Sunday evening, December 18th, is "houseguests," with the Christmas films IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE (1947) and THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942) the featured titles. I hope to catch up with IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE this year. THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, with Monty Woolley in the title role, is a lot of fun. It's interesting to note that Woolley also has significant supporting roles in both SINCE YOU WENT AWAY and THE BISHOP'S WIFE. (December 11th Update: I've now posted a review of THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER.)

...On Monday the 19th, the Dickens night includes the musical SCROOGE (1970).

...The theme on December 20th is "Christmas shopping." The evening starts with a TCM premiere, GOOD SAM (1948), starring Gary Cooper and Ann Sheridan. I've never seen this one and am looking forward to it!

It's followed by HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949), BACHELOR MOTHER (1939), BUNDLE OF JOY (1956), and IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949). Despite its title, the last film is almost entirely set in the winter! HOLIDAY AFFAIR and BACHELOR MOTHER are particular favorites in our house. HOLIDAY AFFAIR stars Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh, while BACHELOR MOTHER has a really wonderful performance by Ginger Rogers in the title role, supported by David Niven and Charles Coburn.

...THE THIN MAN (1934) may not be thought of as a Christmas film, but it's set at Christmastime...who can forget William Powell's Nick Charles shooting the ornaments off the tree with his new air gun? THE THIN MAN, along with all the other films in the series, will be shown on December 22nd.

Preceding THE THIN MAN is another showing of SINCE YOU WENT AWAY (1944).

...Christmas films on December 23rd include BEYOND TOMORROW (1940), starring Richard Carlson and Jean Parker, as well as a reprise of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938), followed by the month's only showing of John Ford's 3 GODFATHERS (1948), with John Wayne, Harry Carey Jr., and Pedro Armendariz. Next come repeat showings of SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954), THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942), and SCROOGE (1970).

...Later on December 23rd there's an evening of "Christmas noir." The first film is BACKFIRE (1950), with Virginia Mayo, Gordon MacRae, and Dane Clark; the story opens at Christmastime.

Next is LADY IN THE LAKE (1947), Robert Montgomery's "first person" take on a Philip Marlowe mystery. The seasonal setting, including cheery Christmas music over the credits, provides an ironic contrast to the murder mystery. The evening concludes with Dick Powell's Marlowe in MURDER, MY SWEET (1944).

...The morning of December 24th kicks off with LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY (1938) and the 1949 MGM version of LITTLE WOMEN, with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh, and Margaret O'Brien in the title roles.

Frak Capra's MEET JOHN DOE (1941), starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, makes its first December appearance on the 24th, followed by IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE (1947), HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949), IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949), and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944).

...On Christmas Eve, Robert Osborne's "Christmas Eve Picks" are MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) followed by Jeanne Crain in MARGIE (1946), a hard-to-find Fox film which is beloved by many classic film fans. It's not a Christmas movie, yet viewers should find its warm and nostalgic mood perfect company on Christmas Eve.

MARGIE will be followed by AUNTIE MAME (1958) and one more showing of THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947).

...Christmas Day features films with religious themes, including THE MIRACLE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA (1952), BEN-HUR (1959), and KING OF KINGS (1961).

That night, "Christmas By Leo McCarey" starts off with Bing Crosby in GOING MY WAY (1944).

Recommended films which won't be shown on TCM this year but are available on DVD: REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940), starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck; HOLIDAY INN (1942) with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, along with the debut of the song "White Christmas"; I'LL BE SEEING YOU (1944) with Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotten; Deanna Durbin as the LADY ON A TRAIN (1945) who sees a murder when en route to visit her aunt for Christmas; and of course WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954). Later this month I'll be seeing a theatrical production of WHITE CHRISTMAS; it will be interesting to see how it translates to the stage!

For more on TCM in December, please visit TCM in December: Highlights and TCM Star of the Month: William Powell.

Merry Christmas!

Tonight's Movie: Give a Girl a Break (1953)

GIVE A GIRL A BREAK is a neglected MGM musical which has just been released in a beautiful remastered print by the Warner Archive. Hopefully new audiences will now discover a pretty swell little movie.

GIVE A GIRL A BREAK was directed by Stanley Donen, who also choreographed the film along with leading man Gower Champion. Gower plays Ted Sturgis, the director of a Broadway show which loses its leading lady (Donna Martell) shortly before opening night.

Ted auditions three potential replacements: unknown Suzy Doolittle (Debbie Reynolds), who immediately captures the heart of Ted's assistant Bob (Bob Fosse); Joanna Moss (Helen Wood), a ballerina favored by the show's composer (Kurt Kasznar); and Ted's ex-wife, Madelyn (Marge Champion), who's been off the stage for a couple of years. Most of the movie is enjoyably spent deciding which girl will get the break.

Like the same year's breezy I LOVE MELVIN (1953), which also starred Reynolds, this movie is a great deal of fun. GIVE A GIRL A BREAK's 82-minute running time is five minutes longer than I LOVE MELVIN, and the script by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett (THE THIN MAN, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS) has a little more substance and tang, based on a story by Vera Caspary (LAURA). That said, it's still mostly an excuse for a string of musical numbers, and that's just fine.

The Burton Lane-Ira Gershwin score for the most part isn't memorable, but musical fans should nonetheless enjoy the film tremendously thanks to one great dance after another, choreographed and performed by some of the best in the business. My favorite sequence is a highly charged rooftop number danced by the Champions that's as good as anything in better-known MGM musicals. The Champions always bring interesting layers of emotion and heat to their routines, along with their impressive dancing and athletic skills.

And it may not be possible to get any cuter than Bob Fosse and Debbie Reynolds dancing "In Our United State," which like so many Fosse numbers includes a hat in the routine, not to mention an impressive backflip. (A clip of the entire dance is available at the TCM website.) This is perhaps the best song in the movie, and an instrumental version is used later in the film for a Fosse-Reynolds dance on a set filled with colorful balloons; Fosse and Reynolds' yellow and white outfits, along with the red and blue balloons, look absolutely terrific in this lovely print.

It's also a lot of fun to see two future directors of classic Broadway musicals, Gower Champion and Bob Fosse, dancing together in "Nothing is Impossible" -- although I kept wishing Kurt Kasznar would get out of the way, as his presence keeps the dance from completely taking off the way it should, given the talent involved.

The weakest number is perhaps the bland finale, "Applause, Applause," featuring Reynolds and Gower Champion, but even there, it's fun to spot George Chakiris dancing in the background.

Early on in the movie Helen Wood seems more of a human pretzel than a ballerina, but she has a chance to shine as a dancer later in the film. She's also got a couple of cute scenes with Richard Anderson, who plays her musician husband.

The supporting cast includes Lurene Tuttle as Reynolds' pushy stage mother, Larry Keating as the show's producer, and William Ching as Marge Champion's controlling beau.

The Technicolor cinematography was by William C. Mellor. Helen Rose designed the women's colorful costumes.

GIVE A GIRL A BREAK was released on VHS back in 1998.

This movie can also be seen from time to time on Turner Classic Movies.

New on DVD: The Andy Hardy Collection, Volume I

I mentioned last weekend that a set of Andy Hardy films would be coming out from the Warner Archive, but didn't have details on the release date.

I'm very happy to say that the Andy Hardy Collection, Volume 1 is now available for purchase from the Archive. The first 400 copies sold, which are now sold out, were autographed by Mickey Rooney. Pretty special!

The movies seem to have been selected somewhat randomly, rather than going in strict chronological order. The six titles included in Volume 1:

YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG ONCE (1937), the second film in the series and the first to star Lewis Stone as Judge Hardy and Fay Holden as Mrs. Hardy. Lionel Barrymore and Spring Byington played the roles in the very first film, A FAMILY AFFAIR (1937). I reviewed the first two films briefly in 2006. Hopefully A FAMILY AFFAIR will be included in a future set.

OUT WEST WITH THE HARDYS (1938), guest starring Ralph Morgan and Virginia Weidler.

JUDGE HARDY AND SON (1939), with June Preisser and Martha O'Driscoll.

ANDY HARDY MEETS DEBUTANTE (1940), with Diana Lewis, who became Mrs. William Powell the same year.

ANDY HARDY'S PRIVATE SECRETARY (1941), featuring the film debut of Kathryn Grayson (pictured at the right).

LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY (1941), with Judy Garland and Patricia Dane.

The Archive listing states "Each film in this collection has either been newly remastered, or digitally upgraded from a recent progressive master source. Although none of these films have been 'fully restored,' the result is a distinct improvement in quality, and the first new work done to any of these films in decades."

Fans have been waiting for these films to come to DVD for a long time now, so this is a very exciting release! I'll be looking forward to the release of future volumes in this series.

For information on other recent Archive releases, including the Robert Montgomery Collection, please visit my post of November 17th.

Fox Movie Channel in December: Highlights

Here's a review of a few of the interesting classic films playing this month on Fox Movie Channel:

...On Friday, December 2nd, the beautiful romantic fantasy THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR (1947) will be shown. The movie stars Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney in the title roles, with the supporting cast headed by Natalie Wood and George Sanders. The film also has a memorable score by Bernard Herrmann.

...On December 3rd the schedule includes THE RAINS CAME (1939), with a superb cast including Tyrone Power, Myrna Loy, and George Brent. It won the Oscar for Best Special Effects.

...John Ford's UP THE RIVER (1930), starring Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart, will be shown on December 7th.

...CONEY ISLAND (1943) airs on December 5th. It's not one of Betty Grable's best films, but it's colorful. The movie costars George Montgomery and Cesar Romero.

...Alice Faye sang the Oscar-winning "You'll Never Know" in HELLO FRISCO, HELLO (1943), showing on December 6th. It's also worth seeing for the Oscar-nominated Technicolor cinematography. John Payne, Jack Oakie, and Lynn Bari are also in the cast.

...Also on December 6th, Alice Faye stars in GEORGE WHITE'S 1935 SCANDALS. Look for Eleanor Powell in a small early role, before she was snapped up by MGM.

...STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER (1952) is out in a combination Blu-ray/DVD package on December 13th. (It's inexplicably not beng sold as a single-title DVD.) The movie can also be seen on Fox Movie Channel in December, including on December 7th.

...THREE BRAVE MEN (1956) is an excellent drama starring Ray Milland, Ernest Borgnine, Dean Jagger, and Frank Lovejoy, supported by Nina Foch and Virginia Christine. It will be shown on December 8th.

...Preston Sturges' THE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE FROM BASHFUL BEND (1949), starring Betty Grable, Cesar Romero, and Rudy Vallee, airs on December 9th.

...The enjoyable EVERYTHING HAPPENS AT NIGHT (1939) will be shown on December 12th. It stars Ray Milland, Robert Cummings, and Sonja Henie. Among other things, it's a chance to see Milland and Cummings in a movie together 15 years before starring in Hitchcock's classic DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954).

...An interesting newer film airing on Fox this month is TOMORROW'S CHILD (1982), a TV-movie starring Stephanie Zimbalist and William Atherton as a couple who agree to have their baby grown in a laboratory rather than via a pregnancy. It was directed by Joseph Sargent, who did a lot of excellent TV work. I watched this film when it first aired but can't say I remember it very well; I'm going to record it on December 13th and check it out.

...I loved the colorful musical THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (1953), starring June Haver, Dan Dailey, and Dennis Day. It's shown December 14th. There are some wonderful numbers in this overlooked movie. This was Haver's last film; she married Fred MacMurray the following year.

...WHITE FEATHER (1955) is a Western starring Robert Wagner, Debra Paget, Jeffrey Hunter, and John Lund. I was glad to recently note that Fox is showing this CinemaScope film letterboxed. It's on the 15th.

...For those who missed recent showings, THUNDERHEAD - SON OF FLICKA (1945), starring Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster, and Rita Johnson, airs again on December 18th.

...Bette Davis and Richard Todd star in THE VIRGIN QUEEN (1955) on December 22nd.

...Don't bother to turn Fox Movie Channel on Christmas Day unless you're a huge fan of HOME ALONE (1990). That's all that's being shown that day...over and over and over again.

...James Mason and Joan Fontaine star in ISLAND IN THE SUN (1957) on December 27th. The excellent supporting cast includes Dorothy Dandridge, Joan Collins, Michael Rennie, John Williams, Diana Wynard, Patricia Owens, and Stephen Boyd.

...THE HUNTERS (1958) is one of a couple films directed by Dick Powell and starring Robert Mitchum. (They also teamed on 1957's THE ENEMY BELOW.) It also stars Jeffrey Hunter. It will be shown on December 27th.

...Mitchum also stars in HEAVEN KNOWS, MR. ALLISON (1957) on December 29th. Deborah Kerr costars.

As always, keep in mind that Fox often shows films more than once per month; I've only listed one date per title. Check out the schedule for additional air dates.

TCM Star of the Month: William Powell

William Powell, one of my all-time favorite actors, is the December Star of the Month on Turner Classic Movies.

39 Powell films will be shown, including 13 of the films he made with Myrna Loy. Their only film not airing this month is the 1947 film THE SENATOR WAS INDISCREET, in which Loy made a brief cameo appearance.

Powell's films will be shown on Thursday evenings, beginning this evening, December 1st.

Today also marks Robert Osborne's return to his hosting duties, so December 1st is most definitely a special day on TCM!

Day One of the Powell festival will showcase 10 Powell films, playing well into December 2nd. Titles include the pre-Codes JEWEL ROBBERY (1932) with Kay Francis and LAWYER MAN (1933) with Joan Blondell. RENDEZVOUS (1935) with Rosalind Russell, CROSSROADS (1942) with Hedy Lamarr, and THE HOODLUM SAINT (1946) with Esther Williams are among the other films being shown.

Two of the most interesting films showing that evening are THIN MAN-style romantic comedy-mysteries, STAR OF MIDNIGHT (1935) with Ginger Rogers and the following year's THE EX-MRS. BRADFORD (1936) with Jean Arthur.

December 8th will feature nine comedies and musicals. The must-see of the evening is MY MAN GODFREY (1936), one of the very greatest of all screwball comedies, costarring Powell's ex-wife, Carole Lombard. I'm also very partial to THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY (1937), in which Powell and Joan Crawford play jewel thieves out to take Robert Montgomery.

ZIEGFELD FOLLIES (1946), in which he reprised his role from THE GREAT ZIEGFELD (1936), will also be shown on the 8th. (THE GREAT ZIEGFELD turns up later in the month.) RECKLESS (1935), costarring Jean Harlow, is also on that evening. Powell was in a serious relationship with Harlow at the time of her too-early death in 1937.

On December 15th some later Powell films will be shown, including the classic LIFE WITH FATHER (1947), costarring Irene Dunne, and the superb MISTER ROBERTS (1955). Doc in MISTER ROBERTS was Powell's final role before permanently retiring from the screen. He enjoyed nearly three decades of retirement with his wife, actress Diana Lewis; they married in 1940.

Also shown on the 15th will be one of Powell's classic films with Kay Francis, ONE WAY PASSAGE (1932). Be sure to visit Cliff's two posts on this film at Immortal Ephemera; if you'd like to avoid spoilers, enjoy them after the movie.

On December 22nd it's time for the THIN MAN series! All six films will be shown that night. The timing is particularly good since the first film has a memorable scene involving Nick and Nora's Christmas gifts.

Finally, December 29th features seven more Powell and Loy films. MANHATTAN MELODRAMA (1934), which I just saw at the Egyptian Theatre a few days ago, is one of the films shown that night; it was Powell and Loy's first film together.

I particularly recommend LIBELED LADY (1936), in which Powell and Loy costar with Spencer Tracy and Jean Harlow. It's one of my favorite screwball comedies; Powell has a priceless fly fishing scene!

The dramas THE GREAT ZIEGFELD (1936) and EVELYN PRENTICE (1934) are on the schedule that evening, as well as the comedies LOVE CRAZY (1941), I LOVE YOU AGAIN (1940), and DOUBLE WEDDING (1937).

For more on William Powell as Star of the Month, visit Immortal Ephemera.

There's much more information on December's movies in my posts TCM in December: Highlights and TCM in December: Christmas Movies.

Happy viewing!

May 2023 Update: William Powell is the TCM Star of the Month again this month!  For information on Powell's 2023 Star of the Month tribute please visit this post.