Tonight's Movies: Seven Sinners (1925), Insure Your Wife! (1935), and Goldie (1931) at Cinecon

Sunday was my busiest day at last weekend's Cinecon, as I saw half a dozen feature films and three shorts!

My description of the first half of the day's films may be found here.

I found the third of the four silent films I saw at the festival, SEVEN SINNERS (1925), quite entertaining. It was presented with live musical accompaniment by Jon Miralis.

SEVEN SINNERS was a Warner Bros. film which was believed for years to be a "lost" film, listed by the studio as having been destroyed due to deteriorated film stock. A copy was discovered a few years ago in an "end of the distribution line" location, in this case Queensland, Australia, and has been restored.

Scenes which had deteriorated beyond being usable were filled in with production stills or a written description of the scene, but that didn't come up particularly often and the movie was quite watchable in this format.

SEVEN SINNERS is a mashup of romantic comedy and suspense film, written and directed by Lewis Milestone from a story by Milestone and Darryl F. Zanuck. It's a 76-minute film photographed by David Abel. Incidentally, it has no relationship that I can discern with either the 1936 or 1940 films of the same name.

When security guards in a posh Long Island community go on strike, several burglars target a particular mansion. Molly (Marie Prevost) is a safecracker; she falls for the polished Jerry (Clive Brook) who at first convinces her he's the home owner!

As more and more burglars arrive on the scene (including Claude Gillingwater and Mathilde Brundage), along with a policeman (Fred Kelsey), things get mighty complicated -- and quite amusing, as Molly and Jerry find themselves posing as maid and butler for "guests" -- who are actually more crooks. I liked this one a lot.

The next movie on the schedule, INSURE YOUR WIFE! (1935), was a real curiosity.

This film, which is titled in Spanish ASEGURE A SU MUJER!, was shown at UCLA last fall in the Latin American Cinema in Los Angeles series, but I was unable to see it then, so I was quite glad to have a second chance thanks to Cinecon.

During the '30s Fox made films specifically for the Latin American market, sometimes with an equivalent English-language version. According to Michael Schlesinger's program notes, it looks as though perhaps it was originally intended there would also be an English film version of this script; there are hints of this in that all of the characters have Anglo surnames, and several cast members are bilingual. The most likely explanation for this film only existing in Spanish may be that it was ultimately judged too racy to get past the Production Code in English!

INSURE YOUR WIFE! is a nutty 83-minute screwball comedy in which Ricardo Randall (Raoul Roulien) comes up with a fresh idea to boost an insurance company's bottom line: Insuring that wives won't be unfaithful! This includes company investigators watching the insured to make sure the company won't need to pay out.

It gets a little crazy when Bernardo Perry (Luis Alberni) wants to sneak around on his wife Mona (Barbara Leonard) with Rita Martin (Mona Maris). Meanwhile Ricardo's long-suffering assistant Camelia Cornell (Conchita Montenegro) keeps finding him in compromising situations and despairs of having him all to herself.

This film was pretty amusing, and I also found it historically interesting. The production values are on a par with any U.S. Fox film of the period, and some of the faces in the cast, including Montenegro, Alberni, Maris, and Leonard, are also known to me from English-language films. I was interested to learn that the San Francisco-born, blonde Leonard spoke multiple languages.

INSURE YOUR WIFE! was directed by Lewis Seiler and filmed by Daniel B. Clark.

I don't know how many U.S. made films of this type there are but I'd certainly buy a boxed set of them! I thought this film was a really interesting discovery, along with being a fun watch.

GOLDIE (1931) was the only film of the festival which I found disappointing. This 68-minute film was simply "blah," despite the presence of Jean Harlow.

Spencer Tracy and Warren Hymer play sailors who brawl with each other as they travel from country to country, with Tracy's Bill always getting to the ladies ahead of Hymer's Spike. Eventually Spike falls for Goldie (Harlow) and wants to marry her, but it turns out that like every other woman they know, Goldie once had a relationship with Bill and is not on the level with Spike.

This pre-Code film was something of a yawner. I was thankful it was short! Tracy is unappealing, and top-billed (?!) Hymer even less so. Harlow doesn't show up until halfway into the movie, and she looks more haggard here than she would in her glamorous MGM roles.

One moment which did cause me to sit up and take notice toward the end was recognizing George Raft in a bit role. GOLDIE was made not long before he hit it big.

GOLDIE was directed by Benjamin Stoloff and filmed by Ernest Palmer.

To my knowledge none of these three films are currently available for home viewing in any format.

It was a wonderful movie day! Coming next, my post on the final day of the festival, when I watched THE SHAKEDOWN (1929), THE VIRGINIA JUDGE (1935), and MISS TATLOCK'S MILLIONS (1948).

Previously: Cinecon Classic Film Festival Opens in Hollywood August 30th. (This post contains links to all Cinecon 54 coverage.)

Notable Passings

Taking time out to remember a number of actors who have recently passed on:

...Universal Pictures singing star Gloria Jean has died at the age of 92.

Gloria Jean was something of a backup to the studio's biggest star, Deanna Durbin, initially able to perform younger roles as Durbin grew out of child stardom and became a young lady. A charming performer in her own right, Gloria Jean appeared in a number of films with Donald O'Connor, as well as IF I HAD MY WAY (1940) with Bing Crosby and NEVER GIVE A SUCKER AN EVEN BREAK (1941) with W.C. Fields.

I thought she was absolutely lovely in DESTINY (1944), which was originally part of the anthology film FLESH AND FANTASY (1943) before being edited into a stand-alone film. She's seen above in DESTINY with Alan Curtis.

...Lydia Clarke Heston, the widow of Charlton Heston, has died at 95. She is survived by her children Fraser and Holly, as well as grandchildren.

Clarke was reviewed here in THE ATOMIC CITY (1952). In 2010 I was fortunate to watch THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (2010) in her presence at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

...Actor Robert Dix has died at 83. Dix, the son of Richard Dix -- a favorite actor of this blogger -- appeared in small roles at MGM throughout the '50s and was reviewed here in a lead role in the minor but enjoyable 20th Century-Fox film, AIR PATROL (1962). He appeared onscreen until the early '70s.

Richard Dix died in 1949, when Robert was a teenager, and Robert also lost his twin brother, Richard Jr., a few years later in an accident. His stepfather, Walter Van De Kamp, was a major player in the Southern California restaurant scene, founding Lawry's The Prime Rib and Tam O'Shanter restaurants. Robert Dix wrote a memoir about himself and his father, OUT OF HOLLYWOOD: TWO GENERATIONS OF ACTORS.

...Television stalwart Bill Daily has passed away at 91. As a kid I suspect I saw every episode of his two best-known series, I DREAM OF JEANNIE (1965-70) and THE BOB NEWHART SHOW (1972-78).

...Christopher Lawford, who appeared on ALL MY CHILDREN and GENERAL HOSPITAL, has passed away at 63. The son of Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy, he overcame substance addiction and was also known as an advocate for sobriety.

...Character actor Fredd Wayne has died at 93. He was known for his frequent portrayals of Benjamin Franklin, including in a memorable episode of BEWITCHED. He also appeared in a couple of episodes of my favorite series, MAVERICK, in the late '50s. Terry wrote a nice tribute to Wayne at A Shroud of Thoughts.

...GENERAL HOSPITAL actress Susan Brown has died at 86.

Brown, seen above with costar Peter Hansen, was a Daytime Emmy nominee as Best Supporting Actress in 1979 for her role as Gail Baldwin. Her costar Hansen won the Emmy the same year; he passed on last year at the age of 95.

...As was previously noted here, Burt Reynolds has died at 82. He was a big name when I was growing up, though the only films I actually recall watching him in were HOOPER (1978) and THE CANNONBALL RUN (1981).

Thanks to all for the memories!

Revisiting Enchanted (2007) at the El Capitan Theatre (Plus a Tribute to Burt Reynolds)

Earlier this week I spent time at the Cinecon Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. (More on that coming soon!) Last night I returned to Hollywood Boulevard, this time to the El Capitan Theatre, for a "throwback" screening of Disney's ENCHANTED (2007).

I attended numerous screenings of classic Disney films -- linked at the bottom of this post -- at the El Capitan from 2012-2015; then from 2015-16 I skipped drives to Hollywood when I was able to see older Disney films locally as part of the "Disney Screen" series (linked here). It was wonderful to return to the historic El Capitan tonight!

The El Capitan opened as a legitimate theater in 1926, converting to a movie theater in 1941. Beginning in 1989 the theater was restored by Disney, which has operated it since 1991. It's a beautiful venue, with many screenings preceded by a mini concert on a huge Wurlitzer organ.

The periodic "Throwback" screenings are a great deal, with popcorn and soda included in the price.

An important note: Anyone who attends should be sure to park at the Hollywood & Highland Center across the street; parking is validated at the El Capitan and it only costs $2.00, a huge bargain both for that parking facility and for Hollywood parking in general.

ENCHANTED is one of my favorite films of the last couple decades. As I described it in 2014: "A terrific Menken-Schwartz score and a delightful acting and vocal performance by Amy Adams in a film filled to the brim with sly tributes to many of Disney's great animated films. It perfectly walks the line of being a funny riff on Disney's animated princesses and storytelling conventions without actually making fun of them, thanks in part to Adams' sincere performance. Strong support by Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel."

Curiously, the film seems to be rather overlooked by Disney itself, which hasn't made much effort over the years to use the marvelous score at Disneyland or create ENCHANTED-inspired merchandise.

But speaking of merchandise, a funny thing, at the El Capitan everyone receives a free raffle ticket upon entering the theater -- and when the numbers were called before the movie, I won a stuffed Pip! (For those who haven't seen the film, he's an animated squirrel.) I also won tickets to return to the theater later this month for COCO (2017) which I just might do!

This was at least the fourth time I've seen ENCHANTED since its original release; what a joy to see it on a big screen again! I'm not sure I stopped smiling for the duration of the screening.

ENCHANTED artwork on display in the El Capitan lobby:

Stills from the film rotated on the screen prior to the movie beginning:

As it happens, Burt Reynolds' Walk of Fame star is on the sidewalk right in front of the El Capitan. As is tradition, a wreath was placed on his star after his passing at the age of 82 was announced yesterday:

There was quite a media scene there when we exited the theater last night, with multiple news trucks, a big crowd...and a flashy Trans Am, calling to mind one of Reynolds' most famous films:

Rest in peace, Mr. Reynolds.

Tonight's Movies: The Golden Horde (1951) and Outside the Law (1920) at Cinecon

After a great opening night at Cinecon 54, I took a couple days off from the festival before returning on Sunday and Monday.

In total I saw a dozen films at Cinecon, plus three two-reeler shorts, all of them new to me except for one film. It was a diverse group of movies which included silents, comedies, dramas, adventure, and even a 1935 Spanish-language screwball comedy released by Fox.

I loved the random nature of the selections -- which became even more random when it turned out that the cans for the final film of the festival had been mislabeled. Alas, I was tired out and had headed home since I'd previously seen ON THE AVENUE (1937) -- only to later learn I'd missed a marvelous chance to see THE PIED PIPER (1942), which was unexpectedly found hiding in the ON THE AVENUE cans! Ah, well. I'll focus on all the fun things I saw rather than the one I missed!

My look at the first three films I saw at the festival on opening night is here, and I'll provide quick overviews of the additional films I saw in a series of posts, beginning with Sunday morning's THE GOLDEN HORDE (1951) and OUTSIDE THE LAW (1920).

THE GOLDEN HORDE is a colorful Universal Pictures adventure film set in the days of Genghis Khan. David Farrar (BLACK NARCISSUS) and Richard Egan play knights who come to the aid of Princess Shalimar of Samarkand (Ann Blyth) when Khan threatens her kingdom, sending his son Juchi (Henry Brandon) to conquer it.

Princess Shalimar plots to save Samarkand by pitting another enemy against Juchi, while the greatly outnumbered knights plan a battle.

In all honesty this one is kind of lame as Universal period adventures go -- it rather pales compared to titles like THE DESERT HAWK (1950) or FLAME OF ARABY (1951). Its chief deficiency is Farrar's bland (and at times boorish) leading man.

That said, I still liked it. These types of Technicolor Universal adventures are right up there with Universal Westerns for me, the equivalent of movie candy. They're simply a lot of fun to watch, even the lesser titles. Blyth is enjoyable playing a courageous ruler, and she and Peggie Castle, as her chief handmaiden, look marvelous in Technicolor!

George Sherman directed this 77-minute film, which was filmed by Russell Metty. Though IMDb says it was shot in Death Valley, parts of it look like Vasquez Rocks, further to the south.

The supporting cast included George Macready, Howard Petrie, and Marvin Miller.

I really wish Universal would put this out on DVD, as they have done with some similar titles. Take my money, please! In the meantime, those who move quickly might get a chance to see it on YouTube before it inevitably disappears.

For more on this movie, check out the post by Ann Blyth's biographer, Jacqueline Lynch, at Another Old Movie Blog.

OUTSIDE THE LAW (1920) was one of a couple reconstructed silent films seen at the festival. Thought lost for decades, a nitrate print of this Universal Pictures film was found in a barn in Minnesota, of all places! Tod Browning directed and William Fildew was the cinematographer, with Lon Chaney in a pair of supporting roles, one a good guy and one a villain.

Molly Madden (Priscilla Dean) goes bad when her father (Ralph Lewis) is framed for a crime and goes to prison. She agrees to participate in a jewel robbery, but "Dapper Bill" (Dean's real-life husband, Wheeler Oakman) eventually tells her of a plan to frame her and the two of them abscond with the jewels, leaving the rest of the robbery gang high and dry.

Molly and Bill hide out in an apartment and gradually start to reform thanks to the innocence of a little boy who lives next door, and they decide to return the jewels and go straight so they can live a happy life together and raise a family. But returning the jewels might be more difficult than they hope...

This was an interesting film, though probably my least favorite of the four silent films I saw at the festival. Dean's Molly isn't very likeable for much of the film, being a surly miss who is a rather unique leading lady; that said, Dean is quite effective playing the transition when the little boy finally cracks open Molly's heart. All in all, a worthwhile 75-minute tale, well told, and seeing a silent film with live music is always a plus! Jon Mirsalis provided the music.

Like THE GOLDEN HORDE, OUTSIDE THE LAW can presently be found on YouTube.

2021 Update: OUTSIDE THE LAW is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.

After a lunch break and the amusing short THE INFERNAL TRIANGLE (1935), I saw the only film of the festival I'd seen before: INFERNAL MACHINE (1933), which I first saw at last year's Festival of Preservation at UCLA. I felt pretty much the same about this Chester Morris-Genevieve Tobin film as I did then; it's not particularly good, but it's short and it goes down pretty easily thanks to the 65-minute running time, the lead actors, and the visual appeal of the Art Deco ship.

Next up: Comments on another restored silent, SEVEN SINNERS (1925); the Spanish-language comedy INSURE YOUR WIFE! (1935); and GOLDIE (1931) starring Spencer Tracy and Jean Harlow.

Previously: Cinecon Classic Film Festival Opens in Hollywood August 30th. (This post contains links to all Cinecon 54 coverage.)

Tonight's Movie: This Could Be the Night (1957) - A Warner Archive DVD Review

Jean Simmons plays a teacher who takes a second job at a nightclub in THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT (1957), available on DVD from the Warner Archive.

I thought this film, directed by the great Robert Wise and filmed in crisp black and white by Russell Harlan, was quite a delightful treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sorry when it ended and I had to say goodbye to the film's unique assortment of characters.

Simmons plays Anne Leeds, who's recently graduated from college in Massachusetts and taken as job as a schoolteacher in New York City. Needing a higher income, she takes a second job working nights at a nightclub owned by Rocco (Paul Douglas) and Tony (Anthony Franciosa). (Given her schedule, I wondered when she would ever have time to correct school papers!) Rocco and Tony both spend quite a bit of time fretting about the virtue of this very nice young woman in the midst of their slightly seedy nightclub.

Before long Anne is wrapped up in the lives of everyone in the place, helping kooky dancer Patsy (Neile Adams) enter a cooking contest and win a stove, while also making sure busboy Hussein (Rafael Campos) passes algebra; meanwhile, eccentric regular customer Stowe Devlin (Tom Helmore) starts eating his meals in Anne's office.

Rocco has a bit of a crush on Anne, but she only has eyes for Tony, who's not the marrying kind -- but who is shaken to his core when he trades some passionate kisses with Anne. Anne resigns when Tony says he's not in love with her, but soon he's turning up at her school and at her new night job, certain that she needs his protection -- and clearly feeling things for Anne he can't verbalize.

The characters at the nightclub also include bandleader Ray Anthony (as himself), curvy singer Ivy Corlane (Julie Wilson), Patsy's mother Crystal (Joan Blondell), and Leon, the chef (J. Carrol Naish). It's great fun seeing how Anne is absorbed into this ersatz family; one might think they would all be suspicious of the "college girl" but to a person they are charmed by her direct and friendly manner.

Simmons and Franciosa have terrific chemistry, particularly in the scene where she visits his apartment. I was a bit surprised when the movie ended without a definite conclusion to their storyline, but then again that was part of the movie's offbeat charm. There was definitely an "all's right with the world" feeling with the ending and the assumption that their relationship will go forward, even if it's not shown.

THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT runs 104 well-paced minutes. The screenplay was by the reliable Isobel Lennart, who turned out engaging scripts for MGM for the better part of two decades; it was based on short stories by Cornelia Baird Gross. The supporting cast includes Frank Ferguson and Zasu Pitts as Anne's landlords.

THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT is a beautiful widescreen print. I did find the sound a bit muffled at times; given the nightclub setting, there's constant noise and music in the background and the sound balancing could have been better in some scenes, especially given the leading lady's British accent. The disc includes the trailer.

Recommended.

Thanks to the Warner Archive for providing a review copy of this DVD. Warner Archive releases are MOD (manufactured on demand) and may be ordered from the Warner Archive Collection at Amazon or from any online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold.

TCM in September: Highlights

Summer is sadly just about over, but there's a great month ahead on Turner Classic Movies as we edge closer to fall!

Dean Martin is the September Star of the Month.

22 Martin films will be shown spread across Wednesday evenings this month, including favorites such as RIO BRAVO (1959) on September 12th and BELLS ARE RINGING (1960) on the 5th. There will not be a separate Star of the Month post for September.

The TCM Spotlight on Tuesdays and Thursdays will focus on "The Black Experience on Film," including "African-American Musicals," "Hollywood Confronts Racism," and "Black Romance in Film."

Saturday morning programming will feature early '40s Tim Holt RKO Westerns, the continuation (from July) of the serial TAILSPIN TOMMY IN THE GREAT AIR MYSTERY (1935), and the Gordon Scott Tarzan films; the Saint series will begin the last Saturday in September with THE SAINT IN NEW YORK (1938).

The month's Noir Alley titles are Laraine Day, Robert Mitchum, and Brian Aherne in THE LOCKET (1946) on September 1st and 2nd; Steve Brodie, Audrey Long, and Raymond Burr in Anthony Mann's DESPERATE (1947) on September 8th and 9th; Robert Mitchum, Jean Simmons, and Mona Freeman in ANGEL FACE (1953), airing September 15th-16th; Loretta Young, Orson Welles, and Edward G. Robinson in THE STRANGER (1946) on September 22nd and 23rd; and Barry Sullivan, Belita, and Joan Lorring in THE GANGSTER (1947) on September 29th and October 1st.

All three of the noir titles I've seen are good; I particularly enjoy DESPERATE, which may be a minor film but has the charming Audrey Long -- the blonde seen at left with Carol Forman -- and the reliably creepy Raymond Burr. I've seen and enjoyed it multiple times. (As for why I've not yet seen ANGEL FACE or THE GANGSTER, I keep delaying in hopes I'll see them for the first time at a film noir festival!)

Also of particular note in September is a September 30th showing of the WWII film NONE SHALL ESCAPE (1944), starring Marsha Hunt and Alexander Knox, which recently screened at the TCM Classic Film Festival, and September 9th screenings of the documentaries DAWSON CITY: FROZEN TIME (2016) and FRAGMENTS: SURVIVING PIECES OF LOST FILMS (2011).

Below are a few of this month's additional TCM highlights. Click any hyperlinked title to read the corresponding film review and learn more about the cast.

...Before THE LOCKET tonight, September 1st, there's a double bill of highly entertaining pirate movies: Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara in THE BLACK SWAN (1942), pictured at the right, and Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in CAPTAIN BLOOD (1935).

...I first saw INTERNATIONAL VELVET (1979) on TV while on a college trip to London in the early '80s. It's always stuck with me, though it's been many years since I took a second look. Christopher Plummer, Anthony Hopkins, and Nanette Newman star along with Tatum O'Neal. It's on Sunday, September 2nd.

...The AFI Life Achievement Award special honoring George Clooney airs on September 3rd, along with a showing of his film UP IN THE AIR (2009).

...A day of hotel themed films on September 4th includes the evergreen HOLIDAY INN (1942) with Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, and Marjorie Reynolds, plus a score of Irving Berlin classics.

...I can't resist recording SON OF SINBAD (1954) with Dale Robertson and Sally Forrest. Sounds like fun to me! Airing on September 5th.

...Last year I reviewed the interesting drama OIL FOR THE LAMPS OF CHINA (1935), which is being shown on September 6th. Pat O'Brien and Josephine Hutchinson star. It's part of a fun "Family vs. Career" themed day which also includes Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr in I TAKE THIS WOMAN (1940), Clark Gable and Myrna Loy in MEN IN WHITE (1934), and Robert Taylor and Elisabeth Mueller in THE POWER AND THE PRIZE (1956).

...Very early on September 7th there's a double bill of films starring Claude Jarman Jr., who celebrates his 84th birthday on September 27th. The movies are INTRUDER IN THE DUST (1949), which I recently purchased, and a favorite Western, ROUGHSHOD (1949), also starring Robert Sterling and Gloria Grahame.

...Later on the 7th, John Hodiak, Lucille Ball, and Lloyd Nolan are quite enjoyable in Jules Dassin's TWO SMART PEOPLE (1946). Hodiak and Ball play con artists who fall in love, with Nolan a genial police detective.

...Ball turns up again on the 8th in another minor film I'd like to check out, VALLEY OF THE SUN (1942) with James Craig.

...And even more obscure Lucille Ball on September 10th! Catch her in A GIRL, A GUY, AND A GOB (1941), costarring George Murphy and Edmond O'Brien. It's part of a seven-film birthday tribute to O'Brien.

...A September 11th "close quarters" theme on challenging apartment living includes a big favorite, THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE (1947), usually shown on TCM under its alternate TV title, ONE FOR THE BOOK. Eleanor Parker plays a lovelorn miss and Ronald Reagan the charming soldier who "crashes" on her sofa. Completely delightful!

...The wonderfully themed day The Algonquin Round Table Goes Hollywood on September 12th includes THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1941). Check out TCM's page on the day's movies for additional titles and much more info.

...There's a wonderful six-film birthday tribute to Claudette Colbert on September 13th. I've seen all but one of the films airing that day and they're all worthwhile, but I'd particularly like to recommend the underrated comedy WITHOUT RESERVATIONS (1946), also starring John Wayne and Don DeFore.

...September 14th features several films with the leading ladies wearing gowns designed by Adrian. I'm particularly fond of NO MORE LADIES (1935), starring Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery.

...The theme on the night of September 15th is "Contagious!" featuring a pair of terrific films from 1950, PANIC IN THE STREETS (1950) with Richard Widmark and Paul Douglas, plus Evelyn Keyes as THE KILLER THAT STALKED NEW YORK (1950).

...September 18th features some wonderful films photographed by the great Nicholas Musuraca. This is a day one could easily never move from the couch! I'd particularly like to single out the noir-tinged Western BLOOD ON THE MOON (1948), as it's not shown that often and is a wonderful movie. Robert Mitchum, Barbara Bel Geddes, Robert Preson, and Walter Brennan star.

...I like Jean Parker and have never seen LAZY RIVER (1934), costarring Robert Young, so my DVR will be set for that on September 19th!

...I remember CLAUDINE (1974) being advertised theatrically when I was young and have always been curious about it. Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones star, as part of the TCM Spotlight series on September 20th.

..."Genie in a Bottle" movies on September 21st kick off with the very colorful and entertaining A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS (1945), starring Cornel Wilde, Evelyn Keyes, and Adele Jergens. Keep a close eye on Princess Jergens' handmaidens, who include Nina Foch, Shelley Winters, Jeff Donnell, Janis Carter, and Dusty Anderson.

...What a treat on September 23rd, with TCM showing a pair of British films featuring Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding! The titles are SPRING IN PARK LANE (1948) and MAYTIME IN MAYFAIR (1949).

..."Lawyers of the 1930s" on September 24th includes several good-looking films. The Warner Bros. "B" movie ON TRIAL (1939) with John Litel, Margaret Lindsay, and James Stephenson sounds like my kind of film!

...Pre-Codes on the 27th include Kay Johnson and Reginald Denny in the marvelously wacky MADAM SATAN (1930) and Barbara Stanwyck in the classic BABY FACE (1933).

...NINE LIVES ARE NOT ENOUGH (1941) is a fun 63-minute exemplar of the Warner Bros. "B" film, starring Ronald Reagan and a terrific cast. It's on September 28th. The next film on the schedule, GAMBLING ON THE HIGH SEAS (1940), is fun too, starring Jane Wyman and Wayne Morris.

...I just saw MY SISTER EILEEN (1955) last weekend at UCLA. Why not take the opportunity to check out this musical choregraphed by and costarring Bob Fosse? He's seen in this photo with costars Betty Garrett, Janet Leigh, and Jack Lemmon. Tommy Rall also appears in the film and shares a great dance number with Fosse. The air date is September 29th.

...My DVR will definitely be set on September 30th for NONE SHALL ESCAPE (1944) on September 30th, starring Marsha Hunt and Alexander Knox. This film has been shown locally a couple of times but I've never managed to see it. It sounds like a difficult yet fascinating WWII film.

For more on the TCM schedule in September 2018, please visit my Quick Preview of TCM in September along with the complete online schedule.