Laura 1944 Directed by Otto Preminger and Rouben Mamoulian I really should watch this again; it has been quite a few years. So many movies, so little time...
This movie is about a tough as nails detective (Dana Andrews; previously in The Ox Bow Incident) as he tries to figure out what happened to Laura. There are lots of interesting secondary characters in this film as well. One man who is particularly fascinated with Laura is said to have been the first example of a man who wishes he was a woman in cinema.
Laura is one of those Nana-esque characters that all men automatically love the minute they see her. In fact, I see a lot of myself in Laura (jk). This is a fun whodunnit (though I would opt for The Thin Man series anytime) that perfectly encompasses the 40s era.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Ranked #4 in AFI's top 10 mystery movies.
Laura's Theme was actually titled "Judy" in honor of Judy Garland.
Queen Christina 1933 Okay, this is my fifth review for the day and I am getting tired of listening to myself. But I really wanted to get caught up. My reward will be a cookie. I am a very healthy person.
Greta Garbo plays Queen Christina of Sweden. Christina's story is actually incredibly interesting. I think I mentioned before though, that our history education is limited in the States to the American Revolution and the Civil War. We rarely even talked about Vietnam. Why on earth would Americans be ashamed of that one???
Anyway, almost every scene of this movie is Garbo's, so it is a good thing she did so well. I still am on Team Dietrich in this dispute but I have to admit Garbo was amazing. The parts of Christina's life they chose to dwell on, though, aren't very interesting which is a shame, because it could have been thrilling. i would definitely rent it. Cookie time!
Love Me Tonight 1932 I watched this a week ago when I played hooky. I got so much done and since this movie is so charming, it brightened my day even more. I also had a bagel, coke, and cookie for lunch. That was a fantastic day.
When we watch early gangster films, you can tell I am a bit lackadaisical. This is because I really don't like modern mob movies, so it is hard for me to be enthustiatic about the birth of the genre. I love musicals, however, so watching this was absolutely delightful. The story isn't the strongest one that you will ever see, but the songs are wonderful. They are song by an ensemble too so you don't have to worry about a bad vocalist ruining the movie for you (...ahem...42nd Street). The song "Isn't it Romantic?" is one of the best musical numbers I have ever seen and believe me, I have seen a lot. I liked Le Million a lot better than this one, though. Still, even though this movie will not make you think in the slightest, it will be a fun and frivolous hour and a half. Trust me.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
This film spreads the misconception that Paris is a romantic, far off wonderland. Do not be brainwashed!!
Very suggestive. I am dreading the end of pre-Code days.
Isn't it the best scene ever?! Wow, that was bad. I have to go to sleep soon.
