"Now Listen to Me..."
Just some thoughts on current happenings:
Classic film screenings from around the world this month include:
The Fool Killer
Hail, Mafia!
Three Cases of Murder
Ladybug Ladybug
Laura
Nightmare Alley
In Hollywood, California, The American Cinematheque Egyptian Theatre will present a series of rare films, all 16mm prints, from the personal collection of Joe Dante and Jon Davison. The Fool Killer (1965, aka Violent Journey) will be shown on Saturday, November 2 with Joe Dante scheduled to appear in person. Hail, Mafia! (1965) will be presented Saturday, November 9, Three Cases of Murder (1955) on Saturday, November 16 and Ladybug Ladybug (1963) on Saturday, November 23. The Cinematheque is also presenting a series of 33mm Nitrate Prints including Laura (1944) and Nightmare Alley (1948) on Sunday, November 17.
For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding above image. To see the entire month of November’s programming for both The Egyptian and Aero Theatre (the latter in Santa Monica) click on the American Cinematheque banner.
In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, in 70mm, a new 'Unrestored' Print) Saturday, November 2 and Saturday, November 30, Rashomon (1950) Saturday, November 2, Death Becomes Her (1992, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 2, The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three (1974, in celebration of this film’s 45th Anniversary) Tuesday, November 5, Witchfinder General aka The Conqueror Worm (1968) Tuesday, November 5, Jason and the Argonauts (1963, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 9, True Romance (1993, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 9, Man on the Moon (1999, a 35mm print) Tuesday, November 12, Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979, a 35mm print and celebrating the film’s 40th Anniversary) Friday, November 15 through Thursday, November 21, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954, a 35mm print and celebrating this film’s 65th Anniversary) Sunday, November 17, Casablanca (1942, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 23 and The Shop Around the Corner (1940, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 30 and Thursday, December 5.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of 2019’s programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.
In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Sunday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 6 and Die Hard (1988) on Sunday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 13.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.
Throughout various locations in Australia, Event Cinemas will host Hollywood Classics On the Big Screen. This month's showings will include All the President’s Men (1976) Monday, November 4, Ordinary People (1980) Monday, November 11 and Bonnie and Clyde (1967) on Monday, November 18.
Click on the respective image for more information. For a list of the theatres hosting these films, and their complete schedule throughout the remainder of the year, click on the banner image above.
Also throughout various locations in Australia, Event Cinemas will host In The House. This month's showings will include Excalibur (1981) on Monday, November 11 and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982, The Director’s Cut) on Monday, November 25.
Click on the respective image for more information. For a list of the theatres hosting these films, click on the banner image above.
In Belo Horizonte, Brazil The Associação Cine Theatro Brasil - Vallourec will present Fahrenheit 451 (1966) Monday, November 4, Mad Max (1979) Monday, November 11 and The Matrix (1999) on Monday, November 18.
Click on the respective image for more information. To find out more information (in Spanish) about the theatre and its other programming, click on Cine Theatro Brasil banner above.
In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present Hard Eight (1996, a 35mm print) on Monday, November 4 at 2pm only, Murder by Contract (1958, a 35mm print) Wednesday, November 6 at 2pm only, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 with both screenings at 2pm only, Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967, a 35mm print of the full technicolor version) along with Justine (1969, a 35mm print) Monday, November 11, a double bill in honour of the late Robert Forster, Medium Cool (1969, a 35mm print) along with The Don is Dead (1973, a 35mm print) Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14, this double bill also in honour of the late Robert Forster, Jason and the Argonauts (1963, a 35mm print) Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 both screenings at 2pm only, The Stalking Moon (1968, a 35mm print) along with Pieces of Dreams (1970, a 35mm print) Monday, November 18… both films featuring fine performances from Robert Forster, The Big Sleep (1946, a 35mm print) Wednesday, November 20 at 2pm only and Mulholland Drive (2001, a 35mm print) on Saturday, November 30, a special midnight screening.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of November’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.
In San Francisco, California The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema have recently added an additional showing of Man-Trap (1961) Thursday, November 7 at 10:45pm (the earlier 7:30pm performance that same day is sold out). This additional presentation will also be hosted by Film Noir Foundation founder Eddie Muller and writer James Ellroy in attendance. Click on the above image for more information and ordering tickets.
In theatres across the U.S., TCM and Fathom Events are presenting The Godfather Part II (1974) Sunday, November 10, Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13. Also being presented this month is The Twilight Zone: A 60th Anniversary Celebration featuring six digitally restored versions of the landmark TV series along with an all-new documentary short "Remembering Rod Serling" on Thursday, November 14. In addition, Princess Mononoke (1997) will be shown Sunday, November 17 (dubbed), Monday, November 18 (subtitled) and Wednesday, November 20 (dubbed).
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the next few month’s schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.
In Leeds, United Kingdom, First Direct Arena will present Titanic (1997) with live musical accompaniment featuring James Horner’s epic score on Sunday, November 10.
Click on the image for more information.
In San Francisco, California, the Roxie Theatre will host Mid-Century Production’s 6th annual The French Had a Name For It: French Film Noir - The Sixties from November 14 - 18. This festival will feature many rare gems. For more information, click on the image above.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, The Cinematheque will be presenting Crave Hot Docs Showcase, five outstanding documentaries presented by The Cinematheque and Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, November 15 - 17. For more information about the titles and showtimes, click on the top image above. For these and other films scheduled this month at The Cinematheque, click on the theatre banner above.
In St. Ingbert, Germany The Saarland State Orchestra will present City Lights (1931) with live musical accompaniment featuring Charles Chaplin’s fabulous score on Friday, November 15.
Click on the image for more information.
There are 18 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:
John Ford's masterpiece The Searchers was previously reviewed here. It is Top Ten Western #2 and is as likely as any film to provide one with a truly unforgettable, rich and rewarding movie watching experience. The search will begin Saturday, November 2 at 12:30pm PST and take place again Wednesday, November 6 at 2:30pm PST and Thursday, November 21 at 7:15pm PST.
John Wayne
Despite its ridiculously hard to follow plot, this film's wildly entertaining detective yarn is worth getting up for. Previously reviewed here, The Big Sleep will awaken Sunday, November 3 at 5pm PST and again on Saturday, November 9 at 11:15am PST.
Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart
Next up is a film not often shown on TCM and a review which is sure to have some “unfriend” me in our Facebook chat room: Chinatown. “It’s okay with me” if one has a go at this reviewer but please see the film first and have a read of what I actually wrote before doing so. Chinatown was previously reviewed here and can be visited Sunday, November 3 at 7pm PST.
After being trounced upon by some of Chinatown’s devoted fans in various Facebook chat rooms, comes TCM’s next recommendation and a review of mine (previously made here), sure to gather up even more outrage: 1944's Academy Award Best Picture Winner Casablanca. Like the aforementioned widely acclaimed film, this even more revered classic is also included on a list of overrated motion pictures. There is no denying the fact that Casablanca casts a magical spell and is certainly capable of sweeping one up in its appealing blend of romance, sacrifice and political intrigue. Besides, for those who haven't seen it or seen it enough, how are they to know if my criticisms are sound? This is one of Hollywood's proudest, and should be included on all movie fans’ cinematic itinerary Wednesday, November 6 at 5am PST.
In 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, Michael Madsen’s parolee Vic Vega is set up with a phoney job that will serve to hide his continued illegalities. A little over a half-century earlier, Robert Taylor’s ex-con Johnny Eager, in the 1941 film of the same name, establishes his own fake employment so that he too can pursue his criminal endeavours with less suspicion. This provides Johnny Eager with an attention grabbing twist of an introduction, a gutsy surprise foreshadowing other narrative wonders to come.
Lana Turner, Robert Taylor
(From left) Robert Taylor, Van Heflin
Taylor deftly communicates Eager’s outward resourcefulness and internal insecurities while Lana Turner’s irresistible social reform student provides more than adequate impetus for both. There’s the always devoted Barry Nelson, Paul Stewart, Edward Arnold and Glenda Farrell who all deliver fine supporting turns but it’s Van Heflin as Eager’s alcoholic confidant, conscientious alter ego and sardonic observer, who really shines. Heflin justifiably won a Best Supporting Academy Award for his sympathetic but layered characterisation.
(From left) Robert Taylor, Barry Nelson
No stranger to gangland, Mervyn LeRoy’s direction is customarily smooth and authoritative. Unlike some of his 1930s genre classics, however, 1941’s Johnny Eager has migrated to film noir territory which transverses the more cerebral province of its underworld characters adding depth to, and reason for, their actions. Nevertheless, films noir often have an impulsive, less conceptualised look than what Johnny Eager’s parental company, MGM, typically provides. LeRoy may be comfortable with the studio’s more polished productions: a thought solidified by the director’s 1940 MGM vehicles Escape and Waterloo Bridge, both of which also star Taylor. Two of LeRoy’s previous decade’s rough and tough crime dramas, both made at Warner Brothers, Little Caesar and I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, contain the milieu’s prerequisite vim and vigour. Although MGM’s Johnny Eager has its own type of inventive vitality, the studio’s well oiled machinations clash with the best of noir’s attitude of reckless abandon. Film noir fans, therefore, might be disappointed in Johnny Eager’s implied “eagerness to please” atmosphere. It’s as if the setting’s moral boundaries are purposely defined and for its populace, less instinctive when crossed. Still, this film has plenty of style and substance to recommend it, generously provisioned by John Lee Mahin and James Edward Grant’s rich, sincere and highly original screenplay that manages an altogether impressive integration of distinctive characters, romantic and film noir elements. Johnny Eager is scheduled to arrive (updated) Thursday, September 7 (2023) at 4:30 am PDT.
TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.
Johnny Eager is also November’s DVD pick of the month. See the last entry in this column for more details.
After World War II, many returning servicemen were disillusioned to find jobs were scarce and their wives’ (or girlfriends’) faithfulness even scarcer. The Best Years of Our Lives addresses this reality head on when the Dana Andrews character finds it impossible to please either his previous employer or trophy wife upon his return to civilian life. Perhaps for this narrative distinction, authors Borde and Chaumeton referred to The Best Years of Our Lives in their highly respected book “Panorama of American Film Noir 1941 - 1953”, the first to be published on the subject.
Dana Andrews holding the Mayo… Virginia Mayo that is
The film portrays no crime, the focus is not on Andrews’ experiences alone, and he comes out better off at the end without his superficial but admittedly gorgeous wife, which for myself, collectively place this film well outside of noir’s dark and gloomy world of illegal activity. Previously, I highly praised The Best Years of Our Lives for its exceptional musical score composed by Hugo Friedhofer in the first part of a series entitled Top Ten: Motion Picture Music Treasures. This emotionally powerful tour de force will appropriately commence on Veteran’s Day Monday, November 11 at 6am PST.
My next must-see TCM film recommendation is Italian director Vittorio De Sica's neo-realist masterpiece The Bicycle Thief (Ladri di biciclette), one of the most emotionally devastating films of all time (See: Top Ten World Cinema Treasures). No amount of superlatives can possibly describe the spiritual rewards one gleans from witnessing this simple but profound odyssey taken by a father and his dutifully loving son while desperately searching for a stolen bicycle. It airs on Wednesday, November 13 at (early morning) 3:15am PST.
Another one of our Top Ten World Cinema Treasures is The Battle of Algiers (La battaglia di Algeri). The intensity of resolve and emotional dedication is so resolute on both sides of the conflict portrayed, it'll take a miracle for the invested viewer to fully recover after witnessing this stunning cinematic spectacle. The battle will commence Wednesday, November 13 at 9:45am PST and again Saturday, November 30 at 5pm PST.
Some cinephiles take aim at those films identified as film noir if their stories’ setting occur during an earlier time than the classic period (1940 - 1959) in which they were made. They insist that this alone would disqualify a film from being categorised as such, even though the dark criminal surroundings and emphasis on character motive are present and accounted for. The Tall Target is such an example and for myself, joins other so called “period noirs” that are rightfully embraced in the film noir canon. Anthony Mann's 1951 effort, a prior recommendation here, is well worth checking out. Viewers should set their sights on The Tall Target Thursday, November 14 at 10:30am PST.
(From left) Ruby Dee, Marshall Thompson, Dick Powell, Paula Raymond
A true romance film of the highest artistic calibre has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Brief Encounter. Director David Lean's emotionally stirring "encounter" will begin on Friday, November 15 at 9:45am PST.
Despite a rather familiar premise, the supremely talented creators of this melodrama were able to deliver a storyline that is mature, sophisticated and genuinely heartfelt. Previously reviewed here, Now, Voyager will set sail Friday, November 15 at 9:15pm PST and again on Tuesday, November 19 at 11am PST.
My next recommendation is another highly regarded romance film which also happens to be a previous Top Ten: “All that Glitters…” selection. Doctor Zhivago (reviewed here) does have enough discernible attributes to make this distinguished film’s viewing worthwhile and will air Wednesday, November 20 at (early morning) 3:15am PST. My hope is that one will see the film first before reading the review which is admittedly more analytical than the majority of my other TCM recommendations.
Julie Christie, Omar Sharif
Later on Wednesday, TCM is showing one of the most astute explorations of small town American life, The Last Picture Show, previously reviewed here. This is one of the finest films of the ‘70s and can be seen Wednesday, November 20 at 9:30pm PST.
(From left) Timothy Bottoms, Ben Johnson, Sam Bottoms
If by chance one hasn't seen the explosively confrontational The Wild Bunch, remedy that Wednesday, November 20 at (late evening) 12am PST. For those who have, please see my review Opening Up a Treasure: The Wild Bunch as to why it was, and still is, one of America's finest contributions to the cinematic arts.
Robert Ryan
What better way for film lovers to celebrate cinema's vast diversity after watching the preceding selection, than to indulge in the light-hearted, almost make-believe world of a Princess' Roman Holiday? One can indulge in this delightful fairy tale, previously reviewed here, Sunday, November 24 at 5pm PST.
Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck
All About Eve is really all about the spoken word and is a prior TCM recommendation here. She will maker her appearance Tuesday, November 26 at 5am PST.
(From left) Anne Baxter, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, George Sanders
This next recommendation is not only a must-see classic, it is a must-see numerous times American film classic, because of the impossibility of taking in all of its vast number of dazzling storytelling riches in a single viewing. One of the Top Ten: World Cinema Treasures, Citizen Kane is a previous TCM recommendation here and will present himself Wednesday, November 27 at 9pm PST.
Orson Welles
Finally, there's Preston Sturges' masterpiece Sullivan's Travels, a previous Blu-ray recommendation here. His comedic albeit enlightening adventures will begin Friday, November 29 at 5pm PST.
Veronica Lake, Joel McCrea
TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.
This month’s Happy Birthday shout-out goes to playwright, film director, screenwriter and author David Mamet who turns 72 on November 30th.
This incredibly gifted artist has given us some of the most auspicious and strikingly original theatrical and cinematic experiences to treasure in relatively recent times. He made his film directorial debut with his own adapted play House of Games in 1987 and followed that engrossing motion picture with Homicide (1991), The Spanish Prisoner (1997), Heist (2001), Spartan (2004) and the TV movie Phil Spector (2013) amongst other always intriguing directorial efforts. All of the aforementioned films he wrote as well. As a writer for the screen, Mamet is probably best known for adapting his critically lauded play Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Additionally he wrote the screenplays for The Verdict (1982), The Untouchables (1987), Hoffa (1992) and Wag the Dog (1997, with co-adaptor Hilary Henkin).
November’s Soundtrack recommendation is Leigh Harline’s captivating score to the engrossing King Lear-like western Broken Lance.
This composer is perhaps best known for creating (along with lyricist Ned Washington) the song “When You Wish Upon a Star” for what is probably Disney’s greatest animated triumph, Pinocchio (1940). Harline deserves further recognition for underscoring a diverse range of films, e.g. the biopic The Pride of the Yankees (1942), horror film Isle of the Dead (1945), films noir Johnny Angel (1945), Crack-Up (1946) and They Live by Night (1948), comedy Monkey Business (1952) war The Desert Rats (1953) and The Enemy Below (1957) and especially westerns such as Man of the West (1958), Warlock (1959) and the film represented here Broken Lance (1954). Broken Lance‘s thematically rich and robust score brilliantly underlines and enhances the psychological turmoil at the story’s centre and makes for an exciting and memorable stand-alone listening experience. The limited edition CD (only 3,000 copies) was issued by Film Score Monthly and is still available as of this writing from Screen Archives Entertainment. Click on the image for more information including international ordering.
November’s recommended DVD is to the above reviewed Johnny Eager on the Warner Archive label (Region Free). For more information including ordering from Amazon.com, click on the accompanying image.
A.G.