Monday, January 01, 2024

Tonight's Movie in 2023: The Year in Review

Happy New Year!!

It's once again time for my annual look back at the past year's movie viewing! 2023 was yet another terrific viewing year, filled with a wide variety of films, including a significant number of "big screen" experiences.

I saw 194 films in 2023.

That compares to 179 films in 2022, 190 films in 2021, 198 films in 2020, 238 films in 2019, 282 films in 2018, 284 films in 2017, 275 in 2016, 310 movies in 2015 (my record to date!), 286 movies in 2014, 277 films in 2013, 220 in both 2012 and 2009, 226 in 2011, and 211 movies in 2010.

I saw 56 movies in a theater this year. That's up from the last few years, with 42 theatrical films in 2022, 28 big screen films in 2021, and 9 big screen films in 2020. Looking further back, I saw 91 big screen films in 2019, 116 theatrical films in 2018, 102 in 2017, 75 in 2016, 115 in 2015, 78 in 2014, 50 in 2013, and 55 in 2012.

13 of my theatrical viewings were brand-new 2023 films. More information on the new titles seen follows below.

74 of this year's 194 films were repeat watches, with 32 of those repeat viewings coming on a big screen. Oftentimes my repeat watches occur at film festivals. I also made it a goal to revisit some post-2000 releases this year, such as MICHAEL CLAYTON (2007) and MONEYBALL (2011), to name two.

For comparison, in 2022 there were 60 repeat watches. In 2021 there were 74 repeat watches, in 2020 there were 64 repeats, and in 2019 there were 81 repeat watches. In 2018 there were a whopping 92 repeat watches, while in 2017 there were 68 repeat films, 62 in 2016, 76 in 2015, 68 in 2014, 41 in 2013, 36 in 2012 and 2009, 15 in 2011, and only 13 in 2010.

As always, each hyperlinked title in this post links to a past review. It's always my hope that the linked reviews will help provide readers with information to assist in their own future viewing. To this end, each linked review includes options available for watching each title, particularly focusing on physical media.

The next section of this post will look at some additional stats, including films seen at festivals and lists of most-seen actors. The final section is a roundup of some monthly viewing of titles not previously mentioned in this post.

Here's a deeper dive on my 2023 movie viewing year!

...I attended four film festivals this year, beginning with the TCM Classic Film Festival in April, followed by the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in May. Later in the year I attended the Noir City Film Festival and the Lone Pine Film Festival.

...At this year's TCM Classic Film Festival I saw 15 films, four of which were new to me: THE WISER SEX (1932), THE CRIMSON CANARY (1945), SORRY, WRONG NUMBER (1948), and CLASH OF THE WOLVES (1925), which I reviewed later in the year when it was released on Blu-ray.

...Previously reviewed films seen at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival, listed in the order viewed: SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943), FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933), THE KILLERS (1946), WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE (1951), UNFINISHED BUSINESS (1941), HEAVEN CAN WAIT (1943), and THE RED SHOES (1948). I also revisited THE STRAWBERRY BLONDE (1941) and reviewed it when it was released on Blu-ray shortly after the festival.

...Also revisited at the festival: THAT TOUCH OF MINK (1962), HARVEY (1950), and OCEAN'S 11 (2001).

...At the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival, held in May in Palm Springs, I saw a dozen films, five for the first time. New to me were: THE SHANGHAI GESTURE (1941), DECOY (1947), THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE (1947), DIAL 1119 (1950), and SCANDAL SHEET (1952).

...Previously reviewed movies seen at the Arthur Lyons Fest were THIS GUN FOR HIRE (1942), THE NAKED CITY (1948), BLOOD ON THE MOON (1948), THE LADY GAMBLES (1949), APPOINTMENT WITH DANGER (1950), THE BIGAMIST (1953), and THE KILLING (1956).

...The Noir City Film Festival took place in August at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. A DOUBLE LIFE (1947) was a first-time watch for me, and I also enjoyed revisiting several films on the big screen: THE VELVET TOUCH (1948), CRY OF THE CITY (1948), TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (1947), WHIPLASH (1948), and BODYGUARD (1948). As a side note, in 2024 the Noir City Hollywood Festival will return to the Egyptian Theatre from March 22nd to 31st.

...As I have for the last several years, I traveled to Lone Pine in October for the Lone Pine Film Festival, where I saw five films: GUNS OF HATE (1948), HELL BENT FOR LEATHER (1960), TRAIL TO SAN ANTONE (1947), RIDE LONESOME (1959), and BAR 20 RIDES AGAIN (1935). Of those films, only the last film, a Hopalong Cassidy entry, was new to me.

...I attended a handful of other special screenings this year, including THE STRANGE AFFAIR OF UNCLE HARRY (1945) and RAMROD (1947) at UCLA. RAMROD, in fact, was part of a fun two-film, two-theater day which began with seeing LAURA (1944) at the Aero in the afternoon before heading to UCLA after dinner.

...I saw 13 brand-new films theatrically in 2023: PLANE (2023), MARLOWE (2023), FAST X (2023), SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (2023), THE LITTLE MERMAID (2023), ELEMENTAL (2023), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE (2023), BARBIE (2023), OPPENHEIMER (2023), RETRIBUTION (2023), THE HILL (2023), GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023), and WISH (2023). I enjoyed all of these to varying degrees but my favorites were probably PLANE and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE which were both purely enjoyable, and especially in the case of MI, thoughtful as well.

...I also saw a Fathom Events screening of KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE (1989) at my local Cinemark Theatre; it was my first time to see that delightful film, and it won't be the last. It's now my second-favorite Miyazaki film, after MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (1988).

...I saw only one feature-length documentary this past year, but it was a good one: SOUTH: ERNEST SHACKLETON AND THE ENDURANCE EXPEDITION (1919). It's a remarkable documentation of history!

...On the other hand, I saw 14 silent films this year! That's a very nice number for me. I'll link to some of those titles later in this post.

...Hallmark films enjoyed in 2023: A CHRISTMAS COOKIE CATASTROPHE (2022), HANUKKAH ON RYE (2022), EAT, PLAY, LOVE (2017), HAUL OUT THE HOLLY (2022), A BIG FAT FAMILY CHRISTMAS (2022), and HAUL OUT THE HOLLY: LIT UP (2023). From Lifetime I saw BAKING ALL THE WAY (2022). My favorite of these was probably a tie between HANUKKAH ON RYE and HAUL OUT THE HOLLY.

...The worst picture I saw in 2023 was THE ANDERSON TAPES (1971), which I really didn't care for. Past "winners" in this category: HULLABALOO (1940) from my 2009 list, FORT BOWIE (1958) in 2011, INHERIT THE WIND (1960) in 2012, a tie between DAVY CROCKETT, INDIAN SCOUT (1950) and FLYING BLIND (1941) in 2013, FORT YUMA (1955) in 2014, THE ROBIN HOOD OF EL DORADO (1936) in 2015, MAKE MINE LAUGHS (1949) in 2016, DEJA VU (1985) in 2017, GOLDIE GETS ALONG (1933) in 2018, MADAME X (1966) in 2019, THE MOONLIGHTER (1953) in 2020, THE ART OF LOVE (1965) in 2021, and AMERICAN FLYERS (1985) in 2022. Fortunately it's quite rare when I don't find at least some things in a film to enjoy, and it actually took me a while to come up with a title for this year's "worst" list.

...This year I was happy to continue my monthly Westerns column for the terrific Classic Movie Hub site. The index for all of my Western RoundUp columns may be found here. In addition to articles on a variety of topics, I wrote longer reviews of seven Westerns: THE FURIES (1950), RANCHO NOTORIOUS (1952), TOMBSTONE (1993), DESTRY (1954), THE LONE HAND (1953), SHOWDOWN (1963), and GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL (1957).

...I also surveyed a quartet of short "B" movies at Classic Movie Hub: HIDDEN VALLEY (1932) with Bob Steele, RIDERS OF DESTINY (1933) with John Wayne, BORDERTOWN GUN FIGHTERS (1943) with Bill Elliott and Anne Jeffreys, and the Hopalong Cassidy film HEART OF THE WEST (1936).

...Audie Murphy was my most-seen actor in 2023, in seven films, thanks largely to Kino Lorber releasing multiple volumes of his Westerns. He was followed by Boris Karloff and Grant Withers at five films apiece, again thanks to Kino Lorber, which released a delightful Mr. Wong Collection.

...Also seen regularly in 2023, with four films each: Tom Cruise, Tony Curtis, Charles Drake, Glenn Ford, Joel McCrea, and Walter Pidgeon.

...Seen in three films apiece: Scott Brady, James Cagney, Bob Hope, Jack Carson, Broderick Crawford, Preston Foster, Leif Erickson, Jimmy Hunt, Alan Ladd, Burt Lancaster, Edmond O'Brien, Tyrone Power, Robert Preston, George Sanders, Don Taylor, and Anthony Quinn.

...This year there was a three-way tie for my most-seen actress of 2023; Joan Crawford, Gene Tierney, and Anna May Wong were each seen in four films apiece.

...Also seen regularly in 2023, with three films apiece, a particularly eclectic group of actresses: Lucille Ball, Peggy Dow, Irene Dunne, Mona Freeman, Dorothy Hart, Signe Hasso, Martha Hyer, Ossi Oswalda, Marjorie Reynolds, and Esther Williams.

...Below is a month-by-month look at some additional titles not already listed above which I found especially memorable viewing in 2023.

...I kicked off 2023 with a New Year's Day viewing of the classic Astaire-Crosby musical HOLIDAY INN (1942)...I also saw Bing Crosby in GOING HOLLYWOOD (1933) the first week of the year...Additional January-February viewing included A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE (1948), a murder mystery I really enjoyed starring Charles Boyer and Ann Blyth...The suspense film THE UNGUARDED MOMENT (1956) was a nice surprise starring Esther Williams and George Nader...INVADERS FROM MARS (1953) was an unsettling sci-fi film, beautifully presented on Blu-ray...WIFE VS. SECRETARY (1936), starring Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, and James Stewart, is an old favorite...I enjoyed revisiting the excellent Argentinian film noir THE BLACK VAMPIRE (1953), aka EL VAMPIRO NEGRO, thanks to Flicker Alley's outstanding release...I also had fun revisiting Dennis O'Keefe in THE DIAMOND WIZARD (1954)...BRIGHT VICTORY (1951) was a moving film about a blind WWII vet starring Arthur Kennedy and Peggy Dow...Tony Curtis was excellent as a boxer in THE SQUARE JUNGLE (1955), costarring Ernest Borgnine...I'm fond of I WAS A SHOPLIFTER (1950), a fun little Universal Pictures film starring Scott Brady, Mona Freeman, and Andrea King.

...March and April viewing included revisiting the silent Joan Crawford film OUR DANCING DAUGHTERS (1928)...I finally caught up with Edgar G. Robinson in CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY (1939), which was really worthwhile...IF I WERE KING (1938), scripted by Preston Sturges and starring Ronald Colman and Frances Dee, was really delightful...Audie Murphy played an up-and-coming boxer in the enjoyable WORLD IN MY CORNER (1956)...I caught up with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL (2011) which was lots of fun...I loved revisiting an Esther Williams favorite, NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER (1949), on a beautiful new Blu-ray...I liked Dana Andrews in THE FEARMAKERS (1958)...I also loved Blu-ray releases of favorites FLAMINGO ROAD (1949) with Joan Crawford and COUNSELLOR AT LAW (1933) with John Barrymore...LUCKY JORDAN (1942) is an enjoyable film for Alan Ladd fans...BORDER RIVER (1954) with Joel McCrea and Yvonne De Carlo is a relatively minor yet entertaining Western I've watched multiple times...I finally saw Hitchcock's THE PARADINE CASE (1947) and despite its low reputation in some quarters, I quite enjoyed it!

...The May-June time frame begin with another good Yvonne De Carlo Western, TOMAHAWK (1951), also starring Van Heflin...UNDERTOW (1949) is another good Universal film starring Scott Brady, costarring the always-delightful Peggy Dow...LITTLE MISS MARKER (1934) was a high quality Shirley Temple film I quite enjoyed...KING OF CHINATOWN (1939) was part of Kino Lorber's three-film Anna May Wong collection, a "B" film which was both different and fun to watch...It was great to revisit THE BIG EASY (1986) with Dennis Quaid for the first time in many years...The new KING SOLOMON'S MINES (1950) Blu-ray was absolutely stunning compared to the quality of the film's prior DVD release, can't recommend it enough...Scott Brady also turned up again in UNDERCOVER GIRL (1950), a Universal film with Alexis Smith in the title role...JUGGERNAUT (1974) was a very good suspense film with fascinating location work on a cruise ship in bad seas...I finally saw WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968) with Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood for the first time...Reginald Denny starred in OH, DOCTOR! (1925) a cute silent movie opposite Mary Astor...THE MISSISSIPPI GAMBLER (1953) is a favorite Tyrone Power film...and SPY HUNT (1950) was an engaging espionage film starring Marta Toren and Howard Duff.

...My July-August summer viewing consisted of THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN (1973), a very good police procedural with Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern...I finally saw ANGEL FACE (1952), with Jean Simmons as a very twisted woman and Robert Mitchum as the man who falls for her against his better judgment...I enjoyed a bunch of short little Mr. Wong mysteries in the second half of the year, starting with MR. WONG, DETECTIVE (1938)...I saw the highly entertaining MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION (2015) for the first time in the run-up to the new MI film releasing in July...THE FASTEST GUN ALIVE (1956) is a solid Western starring Glenn Ford and Jeanne Crain...STEP DOWN TO TERROR (1958) was a minor film which was nonetheless rather fascinating, remaking SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943)...Like the previously mentioned FLAMINGO ROAD, THE DAMNED DON'T CRY (1950) is a favorite Joan Crawford film which I enjoyed revisiting...I'm a Diane Lane fan and enjoyed watching UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN (2003) for the first time in years...I also revisited the very entertaining MISS SLOANE (2016) starring Jessica Chastain...THE PREVIEW MURDER MYSTERY (1936) was a terrific little "B" film shown on Turner Classic Movies...I liked Gena Rowlands saving a little boy from the mob in GLORIA (1980)...LIGHTHOUSE (1947) might have been my favorite "B" movie of the year, starring June Lang, John Litel, and Don Castle...I revisited MRS. MINIVER (1942) for the first time in a great many years and its excellence blew me away...I enjoyed returning to SIERRA (1950) with Audie Murphy and Wanda Hendrix...THE CRUSADES (1935) is top Cecil B. DeMille, starring Loretta Young and Henry Wilcoxon.

...In September and October I enjoyed Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), with Harrison Ford excellent as Branch Rickey...WICHITA (1955) is a favorite telling of the tale of Wyatt Earp, starring Joel McCrea...I liked HUMAN DESIRE (1954), starring Glenn Ford and Gloria Grahame, a lot more than I had when I first saw it a dozen years ago...FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND (1951) is a terrific sequel to FATHER OF THE BRIDE (1950), and the new Blu-ray rescuing the film from years of awful public domain prints was a joy...THE SPANISH DANCER (1923) was a terrific silent film starring Pola Negri...ONE WAY STREET (1950) is a worthwhile film with James Mason, Marta Toren, and Dan Duryea...I really liked the creatively staged silent film PICCADILLY (1929) starring Anna May Wong...THE TATTERED DRESS (1957), with Jeff Chandler leading a strong cast, is an excellent crime melodrama...CONVICTED WOMAN (1940) was a very enjoyable "B" prison film with Rochelle Hudson and Glenn Ford leading a strong cast.

...Viewing was fairly low in November and December, thanks in part to my spending a week at Disney World and all the work I had to do ahead of traveling!  I really enjoyed the sci-fi film IT! THE TERROR FROM BEYOND SPACE (1958)...DANCE, FOOLS, DANCE (1931) was an engrossing melodrama with Joan Crawford plus an electric Clark Gable in a supporting role...STORM FEAR (1955) was an interesting crime melodrama starring and directed by Cornel Wilde...And it was good to revisit HANNAH AND HER SISTERS (1986) for the first time in many years.

As I wrap this up, I'd like to again very sincerely thank everyone who visits this blog, both occasional visitors and "regulars." This was a challenging year for me in some ways, and while I was able to keep the blog going steadily, I regret I was unable to always promptly answer comments; every comment is read and greatly appreciated. Hopefully I'll be able to get back on track in that regard in 2024.

posted by Laura @ 5:00 PM  6 comments

Sunday, December 31, 2023

TCM in January: Highlights

Happiest New Year wishes to all for a wonderful 2024!

It's time for a detailed look at the January 2024 schedule for Turner Classic Movies.

Robert Mitchum will be the January Star of the Month, with over 40 of his films shown on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. I'll be posting the complete Star of the Month schedule with review links here on January 2nd.  (Update: Here is my post!)

The January Noir Alley titles will be PICKUP (1951) on the 6th and 7th, I DIED A THOUSAND TIMES (1955) on January 13th-14th, STAGE FRIGHT (1950) on January 20th and 21st, and WOMAN IN HIDING (1950) on the 27th and 28th.

The TCM Spotlight will focus on the centennial of Columbia Pictures every Wednesday, while this month's Special Theme, on Thursdays, is The Power of Film.

It should be noted that as I write this there are still a handful of "TBA" blanks on the schedule, so there may be a surprise or two in store as the month goes on.

Here's a look at some of the many interesting movies being shown on TCM this month. Please click any hyperlinked title for a full-length review.

...TCM's celebration of the Columbia Pictures centennial kicks off on January 3rd with titles including the Oscar-winning Frank Capra films IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934) and YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (1938).

...A Jane Wyman birthday tribute on January 4th includes THE DOUGHGIRLS (1944), costarring Ann Sheridan, Alexis Smith, and Eve Arden.

...January 5th brings us "Movies on Ice," including three films starring Belita: SILVER SKATES (1943), costarring fave Patricia Morison; SUSPENSE (1946) with Barry Sullivan and Bonita Granville; and THE HUNTED (1948) with Preston Foster.

...Speaking of wintry movies, don't miss the very fun SNOWED UNDER (1936) on January 7th. George Brent, Genevieve Tobin, and a great cast make for perfect January viewing.

...Sunday evening on the 7th there's a terrific Charles Boyer double bill consisting of HISTORY IS MADE AT NIGHT (1937) and CLUNY BROWN (1946). Both are gems. Recommended!

...I'm excited about January 8th, when TCM will show two films for the first time, the newly restored THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD (1926), starring George O'Brien and Janet Gaynor, who would later costar in the classic SUNRISE (1927), and ANNIE LAURIE (1927), starring Lillian Gish.

...The second evening of Columbia Pictures films, on January 10th, includes the classic Rita Hayworth-Glenn Ford film GILDA (1946) and the "Ranown" Western RIDE LONESOME (1959), my favorite of the films Randolph Scott and Budd Boetticher made together.

...January 11th is Rod Taylor's birthday, which will be celebrated with a seven-film Taylor lineup on TCM. I especially recommend one of my favorite romantic comedies, SUNDAY IN NEW YORK (1963). I'll always be grateful I got to see Robert Osborne introduce it at the TCM Classic Film Festival -- on a Sunday, no less!

...Eight SAINT mysteries (1938-43) are playing on January 12th. I believe I've seen all of them, and I find it a most enjoyable series.

...BABY BOOM (1987) is playing on TCM in prime time on January 14th. It's a film I especially love, as I wrote about here; this Diane Keaton comedy is a "newer" film with a classic film sensibility, while also being a fascinating '80s time capsule.

...There are several very good, underrated 1950s musicals playing on January 16th, including KISMET (1955), LOVELY TO LOOK AT (1952), TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE (1950), and EASY TO LOVE (1953). This is a particularly great day to relax on the sofa and enjoy TCM!

...HOMECOMING (1948) is an excellent, underrated film about wartime relationships which stars Clark Gable, Lana Turner, and Anne Baxter. It airs on January 18th.

...George O'Brien and a young Laraine Day, billed as Laraine Johnson, star in the "B" Western ARIZONA LEGION (1939) on the 20th.

...I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING (1945) is a movie which offers pure joy no matter how many times you've seen it. It will be shown January 21st.

...A day of films set on California's Catalina Island, airing January 23rd, includes Doris Day and Rod Taylor in THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT (1966). TCM's creative theming never disappoints!

...TCM will celebrate the birthday of Joan Leslie on January 26th with a seven-film lineup. I've seen most of the films and they're all worthwhile, but I'll particularly highlight THE SKY'S THE LIMIT (1943), the underrated musical she made with Fred Astaire. It has a wonderful Mercer-Arlen score including "One For My Baby" and "My Shining Hour."

...TCM will celebrate the January 28th birthday of Colleen Moore in prime time with a lineup which includes the TCM premiere of THE SCARLET LETTER (1934).

...There are several fun little movies about artists airing on January 29th, including THE GIRL FROM JONES BEACH (1949) starring Ronald Reagan and Virginia Mayo. I found it quite entertaining.

...The Columbia Pictures series ends on January 31st with a collection of "newer" films all being shown on TCM for the first time ever, including CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000).

For more on TCM in January 2024, please check out Quick Preview of TCM in January and TCM Star of the Month: Robert Mitchum, along with TCM's online schedule.

Happy New Year!

posted by Laura @ 7:20 PM  2 comments

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!


Here's Janis Paige in a 1947 publicity still to help us ring in the new year. She turned 101 in September!

Best wishes for a very happy, healthy 2024!

Previous classic film New Year's photos: Joan Leslie, Anita Louise, Dorothy Patrick, Mona Freeman, Joan Caulfield, Esther Williams, Ann Blyth, Doris Day, Ann Miller, Loretta Young, and Dorothy Lamour.

posted by Laura @ 5:00 PM  2 comments

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) at Classic Movie Hub

My latest Western RoundUp column has just been posted at Classic Movie Hub!

This month I continue my occasional series looking at Wyatt Earp films, reviewing GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL (1957). It was my first time to see this version of the famed Western tale.

GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL stars Burt Lancaster as Wyatt Earp and Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday, supported by a strong cast. It was directed by John Sturges.

Please click over to Classic Movie Hub to read my review, and as always, thanks for your support of my column!

Previous Classic Movie Hub Western RoundUp Column Links: June 2018; July 2018; August 2018; September 2018; October 2018; November 2018; December 2018; January 2019; February 2019; April 5, 2019; April 30, 2019; May 2019; June 2019; July 2019; August 2019; September 2019; October 2019; November 2019; December 2019; January 2020; February 2020; March 2020; April 2020; May 2020; June 2020; July 2020; August 2020; September 2020; October 2020; November 2020; December 2020; January 2021; February 2021; March 2021; May 2021; June 2021; June 2021 (No. 2); July 2021; August 2021; September 2021; November 2021; December 2021; December 2021 (No. 2); January 2022; February 2022; March 2022; April 2022; May 2022; June 2022; July 2022; August 2022; September 2022; November 2022; November 2022 (No. 2); January 2023 (No. 1); January 2023 (No. 2); March 2023; April 2023; May 2023 (No. 1); May 2023 (No. 2); June 2023; July 2023; September 2023; September 2023 (No. 2); October 2023; November 2023.

posted by Laura @ 9:45 AM  0 comments

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Around the Blogosphere This Week

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

...There's a great deal of news to cover, as it's been four weeks since my last roundup. We'll dive in with Kino Lorber's recent announcements. Although I'm not a horror fan, I'm very intrigued by BACK FROM THE DEAD (1957), which is "coming soon" from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. It stars two favorite leading ladies, Peggie Castle and Marsha Hunt.

...Additional "Coming Soon" titles from Kino Lorber Studio Classics include MR. BUG GOES TO TOWN (1941), THE CRUEL SEA (1953), GAS-OIL (1955), and FRANCES (1982).

...Coming from Kino Lorber February 6th, a better-looking version of their 2014 release of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1958). Additionally, several interesting titles have now been announced for release on February 13th: LET'S DANCE (1950), MAN-EATER OF KUMAON (1948), BLOOD ON THE SUN (1945), and ALASKA SEAS (1954). Please click any of these titles for Kino Lorber's announcement Tweets with cast and extras info.

...The final bit of Kino Lorber news is that the Dark Side of Cinema XVII Collection is coming on February 27th. It will feature a trio of films starring Edgar G. Robinson, VICE SQUAD (1953), BLACK TUESDAY (1954), and NIGHTMARE (1956).

...I've preordered the UK StudioCanal release of CIRCLE OF DANGER (1951). This very enjoyable film, starring Ray Milland and Patricia Roc, will be released in February. Extras include interviews with film historians Imogen Sara Smith and Christina Lane.

...Coming to Blu-ray and DVD this March from Classic Flix: A restored edition of the public domain film MEET JOHN DOE (1941). It will be sourced from the "best available materials" at the Library of Congress.

...Also coming in March, from Arrow Films in the UK: THE SHOOTIST (1976). It's a 2K remaster from the original 35mm camera negative and comes loaded with extras.

...March is a big release month! The Criterion Collection announced ALL THAT MONEY CAN BUY (1941), aka THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER. Extras details are here.

...The Film Noir Foundation announced its schedule for its 21st Noir City Festival in the Bay Area. The festival takes place in Oakland from January 19-28, 2024. The double bills will pair English-language film noir titles with foreign films, including HARDLY A CRIMINAL (1949), an Argentinian film I enjoyed at Noir City nearly a decade ago. The schedule is always interesting as a preview of some of the titles which may play in Hollywood later in the year. P.S. It's fun that the great historian Imogen Sara Smith, who now edits the Film Noir Foundation's magazine, is this year's Miss Noir City!

...Thanks to reader Christine for letting me know about the upcoming two-year renovation of the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.

...The January Criterion Channel streaming lineup will including a tribute to Ava Gardner and a collection of cat movies. I'm intrigued that Criterion was able to license Disney's THAT DARN CAT! (1965) and THE CAT FROM OUTER SPACE (1978) for the series, which also includes CAT PEOPLE (1942) and RHUBARB (1951).

...Coming to UCLA's Billy Wilder Theater from January through March: A 13-film Greta Garbo series. Tickets are free, on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations.

...Fathom Events announced its 2024 Big Screen Classics lineup, which includes THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939), MY FAIR LADY (1964), GONE WITH THE WIND (1939), and REAR WINDOW (1954). For the second year, each screening will be introduced by Leonard Maltin.

...Southern California historian Chris Nichols has written about Harold Lloyd's legendary Christmas tree for Los Angeles Magazine.


...The basic version of Amazon Prime Video streaming will be coming with commercials beginning January 15th. Those who don't want commercials will have to pay an additional $35.88 a year. Streaming continues to morph back into a form of commercial television we thought we might be leaving behind, as libraries are reduced and commercials are added by multiple streaming services.

...Older Angel City Press books which have recently caught my eye: HOLLYWOOD RIDES A BIKE by Steven Rea and BUNKER HILL LOS ANGELES by Nathan Marsak.

...Leonard Maltin's "New and Notable Film Books" for this month includes several titles I've purchased, reviewed, or will be reviewing in the future. A very interesting list which I recommend perusing. While you're at it, check out Andy Wolverton's list of the dozen books on film he enjoyed most in 2023.

...I found Maltin's review of FERRARI (2023) intriguing and might try it. It made his list of his favorite films of 2023.

...I've heard nothing but good things about THE BOYS IN THE BOAT (2023), an Olympics-themed film directed by George Clooney, and I definitely plan to see it. Here's a review by Pete Hammond for Deadline.

...I'm intrigued by a biography of Jean Peters coming in March from the University Press of Mississippi. JEAN PETERS: HOLLYWOOD'S MYSTERY GIRL is by Michelangelo Capua. It will hopefully provide interesting insights not only on Peters but on her one-time husband, Howard Hughes.

..."20 Classic Los Angeles Restaurants Every Angeleno Must Try," from Eater Los Angeles. I'm glad to say I've eaten at a number of them.

...Kim Luperi has a wonderful, photo-filled post on visiting Greer Garson's New Mexico ranch at I See a Dark Theater.

...I loved Colin's "10 of the Best" Western Women column for Riding the High Country.

...Here's Todd Gilchrist of Variety on the success of the 4K release of OPPENHEIMER (2023) in a world where retailers are removing physical media from shelves. I've seen movies disappear from my local Target.

...Glenn Erickson's latest CineSavant reviews for Trailers From Hell include two releases from Australia's Viavision Imprint, DIAMOND HEAD (1962) and Essential Film Noir Collection 5. The latter has some really interesting titles: ISLAND OF DOOMED MEN (1940), THE RED MENACE (1949), THE BURGLAR (1957), and 13 WEST STREET (1962). I'll add that it was lovely to find my name in Glenn's "thank you" Christmas list of correspondents.

...I love that POKEMON CONCIERGE on Netflix uses stop motion animation. Here's a trailer.

...KC of Watching Classic Movies recently discussed Veronica Lake in a podcast with Brian Brown of UCLA.

...I was excited to learn via Toby at The Hannibal 8 that Film Masters is releasing "B" films on DVD. Recent releases by Film Masters include CONVICT'S CODE (1939), which Toby wrote about, and LIGHTHOUSE (1947), which I reviewed after it was shown on TCM last summer. I urge readers to support these releases so we get more of them!

...Tim Millard of The Extras podcast has reviewed the year with the Warner Archive's George Feltenstein. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings!

...Vulture recently featured an enjoyable joint interview with Hallmark stars Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell.

...This week Notable Passings, covering the past month, may be found in a separate post.

...I have a few more odds and ends which I'll save for next weekend, as this week's column is long enough! For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my December 2nd column.

posted by Laura @ 1:00 PM  4 comments

Notable Passings

A number of filmmakers and other significant people who worked in and around the entertainment industry have passed on since my last news roundup on December 2nd, so I'm going to pay tribute to them separately from my new Around the Blogosphere This Week column, coming later today.

...Actress Marisa Pavan has died at the age of 91. She outlived her twin sister, actress Pier Angeli, by over half a century. Pavan was the widow of actor Jean-Pierre Aumont, who died in 2001; when they married in 1956, Aumont was the widower of actress Maria Montez, who had died in 1951. Pavan films reviewed here include DOWN THREE DARK STREETS (1954), THE BIG LAND (1954), DIANE (1956), and THE MIDNIGHT STORY (1957).

...Ellen Holly, a pioneering black actress best known as Carla Hall on the soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIFE (1968-1985), has passed on at the age of 92.

...Longtime GENERAL HOSPITAL costume designer Bob Miller, a multi Emmy winner whose work included several memorable wedding gowns for the show's leading actresses, has died of cancer. His designs included the wedding gown Felicia (Kristina Malandro Wagner) wore when she married Frisco (Jack Wagner), seen here.

...Tom Smothers of the Smothers Brothers has passed on at 86. Survivors include his brother Dick and his wife, Marcy Carriker Smothers, a Disney historian who is the author of EAT LIKE WALT: THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY FOOD and WALT'S DISNEYLAND: A WALK IN THE PARK WITH WALT DISNEY.

...Jack Hogan, who appeared in countless TV guest roles over a 35-year span, has passed away at 94. His parts included a recurring role as a judge in a dozen episodes of JAKE AND THE FATMAN (1989-90). Hogan also worked as a casting director for MAGNUM, P.I. in the early '80s.

...Actor Richard Romanus, in films from 1968 to 2003, has passed away at 80. One of his best-known roles was as a loan shark in Scorsese's MEAN STREETS (1973).

...Actor Ryan O'Neal has died at 82. He was buried next to Farrah Fawcett at Westwood Village Memorial Park. Survivors include his daughter, actress Tatum O'Neal.

...Actress Casey Kramer, the daughter of producer-director Stanley Kramer, has died at 67. Survivors include her stepmother, actress Karen Sharpe-Kramer, and her sister, actress Kat Kramer.

...Norma Barzman, who was an uncredited cowriter of the screenplay for the classic twisty noir THE LOCKET (1944), has passed away at 103. She also wrote the story for NEVER SAY GOODBYE (1946), which starred Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker.

...Tap dancer Maurice Hines has died at 80. His film work included Francis Ford Coppola's THE COTTON CLUB (1984) alongside his brother, the late Gregory Hines.

...British actor Tom Wilkinson has passed on at the age of 75. I just rewatched him in his Oscar-nominated role in MICHAEL CLAYTON (2007) a few weeks ago.

...I was saddened to learn of the death of film historian Cari Beauchamp, author of several books including WITHOUT LYING DOWN: FRANCES MARION AND THE POWERFUL WOMEN OF EARLY HOLLYWOOD.and JOSEPH P. KENNEDY PRESENTS: HIS HOLLYWOOD YEARS. Beauchamp, who was a press secretary for California governor Jerry Brown before turning to writing, was 74. She was a regular presenter at the TCM Classic Film Festival; TCM paid tribute to Beauchamp on Twitter. I interacted with her from time to time on Twitter, where I found her friendly and informative.

...A longtime Twitter "mutual," TV interviewer Bobby Rivers, sadly died on December 26th at age 70. The news came as a shock to the Twitter classic film community, where he had last Tweeted December 18th. Again, TCM paid tribute in a Tweet. Bobby's friendly presence and film knowledge will be greatly missed on Twitter.

posted by Laura @ 9:30 AM  1 comments

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