List of Fives Part Two
Five Classic Films Everyone Should See:
1. Rain – This is a Joan Crawford film from 1932. Crawford was breaking away from her “flapper girl” roles to more serious work and this one is the start of them all. Crawford plays Sadie Thompson, a loose and free gal who comes into conflict with an evangelical preacher named Davidson, played by Walter Huston. What I love about this film, besides the obvious “saint vs. sinner” story, is that human nature wins in the end, for good or ill. It is set in the South Pacific and the flavors of the region play an integral part of the plot and mood. It’s just a beautifully told and photographed film and showcases Crawford’s talent splendidly.
2. The Man Who Came to Dinner – My sister spotted this on TCM one afternoon while at work and asked me if I had ever seen it. I had not so I rented it because she said that what she saw of it looked funny. What a marvelous treat! Bette Davis rarely did comedic roles and her portrayal of Maggie is a delight. She serves as the personal assistant to insufferable critic Sheridan Whiteside, the titular character, played by Monty Woolley. Convalescing at the home of some patrons after a nasty spill, Sheridan bellows and bullies his way through the Christmas holidays, interfering in everyone’s lives. This film is smart, witty, and laugh-out-loud hilarious.
3. Arsenic and Old Lace – During a recent Cary Grant kick, I decided to rent this film. I had no idea what it was about, though I had heard it was a comedy. This is a hilarious film and a new “Halloween” feature for me. Cary Grant plays confirmed bachelor Mortimer Brewster, trying to get away with his new bride as quietly as possible. (Having been so outspoken against marriage, he reasons that the fewer people who know about his nuptials, the better.) As he tells his doting aunties of his plans, he learns a secret of theirs. These two old maids have been quietly poisoning lonely old men and burying them in the cellar for years. Chaos ensues.
4. The Petrified Forest – Another Bette Davis film, this one also starring Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart. Disillusioned World War I vet Alan Squier (Howard) has been wandering the country for years. He stumbles into a small town in New Mexico and meets dreaming café waitress Gabrielle, who finds his worldliness attractive. The two have various existential conversations and form a bond that is tested when notorious gang leader Duke Mantee (Bogart) takes the patrons of the café hostage. Bogart is brilliant in his performance, as is Davis. I just love this film.
5. Witness for the Prosecution – I rented this film for one reason or another (maybe because I had heard of it but never actually sat down and watched it) so I took a chance. WOW! I don’t know which I enjoyed more, the playful banter between Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester or the remarkable performances by Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power. The story, penned by Agatha Christie, is peppered with plot twists and misdirection. Keep guessing until the very end!
Honorable mention: They Died With Their Boots On – I had to add one Olivia de Havilland film. I recently watched this one and, though it is not one of my favorite Errol Flynn films, it is one of his better performances. Playing George Custer, Errol is confident and exuberant. Though it is a very sympathetic character portrait, the film is of special interest because it is the last film Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland made together. Watch the scene when George and Libby say goodbye just before his “last stand.” Watch it and try not to cry.
1. Rain – This is a Joan Crawford film from 1932. Crawford was breaking away from her “flapper girl” roles to more serious work and this one is the start of them all. Crawford plays Sadie Thompson, a loose and free gal who comes into conflict with an evangelical preacher named Davidson, played by Walter Huston. What I love about this film, besides the obvious “saint vs. sinner” story, is that human nature wins in the end, for good or ill. It is set in the South Pacific and the flavors of the region play an integral part of the plot and mood. It’s just a beautifully told and photographed film and showcases Crawford’s talent splendidly.
2. The Man Who Came to Dinner – My sister spotted this on TCM one afternoon while at work and asked me if I had ever seen it. I had not so I rented it because she said that what she saw of it looked funny. What a marvelous treat! Bette Davis rarely did comedic roles and her portrayal of Maggie is a delight. She serves as the personal assistant to insufferable critic Sheridan Whiteside, the titular character, played by Monty Woolley. Convalescing at the home of some patrons after a nasty spill, Sheridan bellows and bullies his way through the Christmas holidays, interfering in everyone’s lives. This film is smart, witty, and laugh-out-loud hilarious.
3. Arsenic and Old Lace – During a recent Cary Grant kick, I decided to rent this film. I had no idea what it was about, though I had heard it was a comedy. This is a hilarious film and a new “Halloween” feature for me. Cary Grant plays confirmed bachelor Mortimer Brewster, trying to get away with his new bride as quietly as possible. (Having been so outspoken against marriage, he reasons that the fewer people who know about his nuptials, the better.) As he tells his doting aunties of his plans, he learns a secret of theirs. These two old maids have been quietly poisoning lonely old men and burying them in the cellar for years. Chaos ensues.
4. The Petrified Forest – Another Bette Davis film, this one also starring Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart. Disillusioned World War I vet Alan Squier (Howard) has been wandering the country for years. He stumbles into a small town in New Mexico and meets dreaming café waitress Gabrielle, who finds his worldliness attractive. The two have various existential conversations and form a bond that is tested when notorious gang leader Duke Mantee (Bogart) takes the patrons of the café hostage. Bogart is brilliant in his performance, as is Davis. I just love this film.
5. Witness for the Prosecution – I rented this film for one reason or another (maybe because I had heard of it but never actually sat down and watched it) so I took a chance. WOW! I don’t know which I enjoyed more, the playful banter between Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester or the remarkable performances by Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power. The story, penned by Agatha Christie, is peppered with plot twists and misdirection. Keep guessing until the very end!
Honorable mention: They Died With Their Boots On – I had to add one Olivia de Havilland film. I recently watched this one and, though it is not one of my favorite Errol Flynn films, it is one of his better performances. Playing George Custer, Errol is confident and exuberant. Though it is a very sympathetic character portrait, the film is of special interest because it is the last film Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland made together. Watch the scene when George and Libby say goodbye just before his “last stand.” Watch it and try not to cry.
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