The Vanishing Virginian (1942), starring Frank Morgan, Kathryn Grayson
Frank Morgan stars in a rare leading role in The Vanishing Virginian and does it well. It’s a sweet, tender story – with moments of bitter-sweetness. The funeral scene for Josh is truly touching, as well as giving Kathryn Grayson an opportunity to sing beautifully.
The Cabinet of Caligari (1962), starring Glynis Johns
First off, it needs to be noted that this is not a remake of the classic horror film. It is, instead, more of a psychological thriller. The Cabinet of Dr. Calibari begins with young Jane (played by the lovely Glynis Johns – the mother in Mary Poppins, the heroine in The Court Jester) driving along, and having a tire blowout. She walks for what seems like hours until she happens upon a house. Where she is taken in by the titular Dr. Caligari (Dan O’Herlihy). But the next day, when she wants to leave, she finds she cannot. She is a prisoner in the house, along with several others — and the doctor’s staff.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) starring George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Angela Lansbury, Donna Reed, Peter Lawford
The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of the great movies. It’s about a young man who, after an off-hand wish, finds himself unaging, with age — and corruption — affecting his portrait. But he himself is apparently untouched. He is guided down the path of corruption and self-indulgence. He leads, directly or indirectly, to multiple deaths and suicides. Can he find salvation?
Boris Karloff is superb in a dual role as twin brothers (one evil, one good), born to the ruling family in the early 1800’s in Czechoslovakia. The bad twin inherits the castle and becomes infamous for his sadistic behavior and murders the good twin, assuming his identity so that he might continue his heinous acts.
M (1931) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Peter Lorre
I’ve known for a long time that Fritz Lang was a ground-breaking movie director (Metropolis for example)–but I’ve never truly appreciated that for myself, until I recently saw his black and white movie about a search for a child murderer, titled M. Fritz Lang described M as a documentary, and I would have to agree with that–it looks, and feels, like a documentary.
Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945), starring Edward G. Robinson, Agnes Moorehead, Margaret O’Brien
Synopsis of Our Vines Have Tender Grapes
An endearing and quietly rhapsodic slice of Americana about a single year among the Norwegian immigrants in a Wisconsin farm town, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes enthralled 1945 audiences and critics with its timeless joys. Told from the viewpoint of little Selma (Margaret O’Brien), the film explores grand childhood adventures: making friends, a pet calf, Christmas, a terrifying trip down a flood-swollen river, a barn fire and a ride on a circus elephant’s trunk. In a change-of-pace role, Edward G. Robinson is a revelation of wisdom and compassion as Selma’s father, leading a fine cast that illuminates the profound power of everyday triumphs and sorrows.
A Hole in the Head (1959), starring Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Eddie Hodges, Eleanor Parker, Carolyn Jones, Keenan Wynn directed by Frank Capra
Synopsis of A Hole in the Head
Frank Sinatra stars as Tony Manetta, a widower living well beyond his means. He lives in Miami where he’s raising his young son, Alvin (Eddie Hodges). With a limited understanding of the word “responsibility,” Tony, finding himself in debt. With his back against the wall, decides to reach out to his older brother, Mario. For yet another in a string of loans. He lies that the money is needed for Alvin who has taken ill. The plot takes full-swing when Mario and his wife decide to pay Tony and Alvin a visit.
The Stranger (1946) starring Orson Welles, Edward G. Robinson, Loretta Young
Synopsis of The Stranger
In The Stranger, Wilson of the War Crimes Commission is seeking Franz Kindler, mastermind of the Holocaust, who has effectively erased his identity. Wilson releases Kindler’s former comrade Meinike and follows him to Harper, Connecticut, where he is killed before he can identify Kindler. Now Wilson’s only clue is Kindler’s fascination with antique clocks; but though Kindler seems secure in his new identity, he feels his past closing in.
Anastasia (1956) starring Ingrid Bergman, Yul Brinner, Helen Hayes
Synopsis of Anastasia
Russian exiles in Paris plot to collect ten million pounds from the Bank of England by grooming a destitute, suicidal girl to pose as heir to the Russian throne. While Bounin is coaching her he comes to believe she is really Anastasia. In the end, the Empress must decide her claim.
The Hasty Heart (1949) starring Richard Todd, Ronald Reagan, Patricia Neal
Synopsis of The Hasty Heart
In The Hasty Heart, a group of Allied soldiers are recovering in a hospital of Burma, when a dour Scot is added to their ranks. The Scot is dying, unknown to himself. Can the soldiers and nurse reach out to him?