Just some thoughts on current happenings:

Classic film screenings from around the world this January include:

In Melbourne, Australia The Astor Theatre is presenting Lawrence of Arabia (1962, a 70mm print) Tuesday, January 3, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) Wednesday, January 4, Citizen Kane (1941) Wednesday, January 4, and The Godfather Part II (1974, a 4k digital presentation) on Wednesday, January 4.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes are matinees only.

Click on the appropriate image for more information on this programme. To see the rest of January’s schedule, click on The Astor Theatre banner above.

In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present The Godfather (1972, a 35mm print, as part of The Prince Charles Theatre’s 60th Anniversary) Tuesday, January 3, Eyes Wide Shut (1999, a 35mm print) Wednesday, January 4, El Topo (1970, a new digital restoration) Wednesday, January 4 and Monday, January 9, The Holy Mountain (1973, a new digital restoration, in celebration of this film’s 50th Anniversary) Wednesday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 10, The Godfather: Part II (1974, a 35mm print) Thursday, January 5, Duck Soup (1933, in celebration of this film’s 90th Anniversary) Friday, January 6, Saturday, January 7, Tuesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 12, Vertigo (1958, a 4k presentation, in celebration of this film’s 65th Anniversary) Sunday, January 8 and Thursday, January 19, McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971, a 4k presentation) Wednesday, January 11, American Psycho (2000, a 35mm print) Tuesday, January 17 and Saturday, January 21, To Live and Die in L.A. (1985, a 35mm print, featuring a special Q&A and live podcast taping with WANG CHUNG in person for a conversation with Craig MacNeil of the “Craig & Friends” podcast) Tuesday, January 17, The Asphalt Jungle (1950) Sunday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 31, The Wages of Fear (1953, in celebration of this film’s 70th Anniversary) Monday, January 23, Sorcerer (1977, in celebration of this film’s 45th Anniversary) Monday, January 23, and Ride the High Country (1962, as part of The Prince Charles Theatre’s 60th Anniversary) on Tuesday, January 31.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes are matinees only.

Click on the film’s respective image for more information. To see January’s complete programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.

In Valencia, Spain, Culturarts Generalitat IVAC – La Filmoteca at the Edificio Rialto will be presenting La Habanera (1937, a brand new copy restored by the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Stiftung, as part of their TOWARDS ANOTHER HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CINEMA programme) Thursday, January 5 and Sunday, January 8, Harakiri aka Seppuku (1962, as part of their MASAKI KOBAYASHI programme) Saturday, January 7 and Thursday, January 12, The Ear aka Ucho (1990, although made in 1970, as part of their TOWARDS ANOTHER HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CINEMA programme) Tuesday, January 10 and Sunday, January 15, Mistletoe aka Fagyöngyök (1978, as part of their TOWARDS ANOTHER HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CINEMA programme) Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 27, and Samurai Rebellion aka Jôi-uchi: Hairyô tsuma shimatsu (1967, a 35mm print, as part of their MASAKI KOBAYASHI programme) on Saturday, January 21 and Thursday, January 26.

Click on the respective film’s image for more information on each screening. To discover more of January’s programming including films playing in Alicante Spain at the Arniches Theatre and in Castelló Spain at the Raval Theater and the Paranimf of the Universitat Jaume, click on the banner image above.

In San Francisco, California The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra will present Jurassic Park (1993) with live musical accompaniment featuring John Williams’ majestic score on Friday, January 6 and Saturday, January 7.

Click on the above image for more information.

In New York City, New York, Film Forum is presenting The Conformist (1970, a 4k restoration) Friday, January 6 through to Thursday, January 19, and WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY PRESTON STURGES: a series of films written and/or directed by the acclaimed filmmaker from Friday, January 20 through to Thursday, February 2. Highlights include The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944), Sullivan’s Travels (1941, a 35mm print), The Lady Eve (1941, a 35mm print), and Remember the Night (1937, a 35mm print).

For more information on The Conformist click on the movie still above. For information on all of the films in the Preston Sturges series, click on the appropriate image above. For a complete calendar of all the films playing this month, click on the Film Forum banner.

In Los Feliz (part of greater Los Angeles) California, The American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 Theatre will present Deep End (1970) Saturday, January 7, Viridiana (1961, a 35mm print, with an Introduction by filmmaker Ruben Östlund) Sunday, January 8, Johnny Eager (1942, a 35mm print, with an Introduction by Etheria Film Festival programmer Heidi Honeycutt ) on Sunday, January 15, and Eight Men Out (1988, a 35mm print) on Wednesday, January 18.

For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding above image. To see the entire month of January’s programming including other films showing at both the The Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz and Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, click on the American Cinematheque banner.

In Bergen, Norway The Cinemateket i Bergen will present Eraserhead (1977) Tuesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 12, Giliap (1975) Wednesday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 17, Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003, a 35mm print) Wednesday, January 18, and Zodiac (2007) on Wednesday, February 1.

For more information on each film’s showing, click on the appropriate movie image above. For more information on the other films being presented at The Cinemateket, click on the banner image above.

In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is presenting as part of Academy's “Wet Hot Academy Summer programme of sexy Summer classics Jan 13 - Feb 05 2023” the following recommendations: Summertime (1955) Monday, January 16, Body Heat (1981) Tuesday, January 17, Jaws (1975) Wednesday, January 18, Cape Fear (1962) Monday, January 23, and The Night of the Iguana (1964) on Monday, January 30.

To obtain more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of January’s programming, including other films in the “Wet Hot Academy Summer” series, click on the Academy banner above.

In Los Angeles, California Secret Movie Club is presenting at the Secret Movie Club Theater a double bill of Rebecca (1940, Format Unconfirmed) and Foreign Correspondent (1940) on Saturday, January 14.

For more information on this presentation, click on the appropriate movie image. To discover other screenings organised by this group, click on the above theatre image.

In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present Spartacus (1960, a 35mm print) Sunday, January 15, a double bill of Attack! (1956, a 35mm print) and Ten Seconds to Hell (1959, a 35mm print) Monday, January 16 and Tuesday, January 17, Enter the Void (2009, a 35mm print) Friday, January 27, Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29, and The Long Goodbye (1973, a 35mm print) on Monday, January 30 with Elliott Gould scheduled to appear in person this screening only and Tuesday, January 31.

Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of January’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.

Noir City will take place in Oakland, California from January 20 - January 29.

From the Noir City Site:

“NOIR CITY 20 Celebrates Its Emerald Anniversary

NOIR CITY, the most popular film noir festival in the world, celebrates its 20th anniversary in the Bay Area with a ten-day extravaganza featuring 24 films from the heart of Hollywood's noir movement, 1948. Every film on the schedule is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with several of the movies having never before been screened at NOIR CITY. Join Film Noir Foundation founder and Turner Classic Movies host Eddie Muller and a slew of special guests for a swanky, sexy, and sinister excursion back in time.

With the ongoing turmoil over the future of San Francisco's Castro Theatre, the festival's home for most of its existence, Muller opted to move NOIR CITY across the bay to Oakland, a decision that proved successful last spring when the Grand Lake Theatre was filled with appreciative fans for an abbreviated 4-night version of NOIR CITY 19.”

Highlights include a double bill of Key Largo (1948) and The Lady from Shanghai (1948), a double bill of Larceny (1948, a 35mm print) and The Spiritualist aka The Amazing Mr. X (1948), a double bill of Hollow Triumph (1948) and The Hunted (1948, a 35mm print), a double bill of They Live by Night (1948) and Moonrise (1948, a restored 35mm print courtesy of UCLA Film and Television Archive), a double bill of Raw Deal (1948) and He Walked by Night (1948, a 35mm print), and a double bill of Sorry, Wrong Number (1948) and Kiss the Blood Off My Hands (1948).

To see Noir City 20’s complete schedule, click on the poster image above.

In Vancouver, British Columbia, The Cinematheque will be present Bambi (1942) on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22.

* Note: These showtimes are matinees only.

For more information about the individual screening mentioned, click on the appropriate image. For all of the films scheduled this month at The Cinematheque, click on the theatre banner above.

In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Gone with the Wind (1939) Sunday, January 22 and Wednesday, January 25 and The Birds on Sunday, January 29 and Wednesday, February 1.

Click on the poster image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.

In theatres across the U.S., Fathom Events is presenting Roman Holiday (1953, as part of this film’s 70th Anniversary) on Sunday, January 22 and Wednesday, January 25.

Click on the film’s poster image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.

In Perth, Western Australia Rooftop Movies is presenting All About Eve (1950) on Tuesday, January 31.

For more information about the individual screening mentioned, click on the appropriate image. For other films scheduled at Rooftop Movies, click on the banner above.

There are 19 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

Those who are familiar with John Cassavetes’ unique brand of auteurism, may be surprised to find his directorial credit on 1963's A Child Is Waiting, written by Abbey Mann and produced by Stanley Kramer. I reviewed A Child Is Waiting when it aired on TCM here. This sensitive and superbly acted film awaits your arrival Monday, January 2 at 10 pm PST.

A pre-code charmer sure to delight fans is Blonde Crazy with Jimmy Cagney and Joan Blondell enchanting as a couple of cons. This recommendation was previously made here. The fun will begin Tuesday, January 3 at 9:45 am PST.

One of Steve McQueen’s most iconic characterisations appears in Bullitt, reviewed here. Bullitt will speed its way onto TCM Wednesday, January 4 at 5 pm PST.

Next is one of film noir's finest, Gun Crazy, previously reviewed here. Noir's most distinguishing feature, a focus on their criminal participants' psychology, marks a major shift regarding motive. In the earlier "gangster" films, money and power provided enough reason for the pursuit of illegal gains whereas in noir, the internal cause behind the action is paramount, and runs so much deeper... and darker. See for yourself, Wednesday, January 4 at 9:15 pm PST.

Does anyone notice anything peculiar in this shot considering this film was made during the Production Code?

Next is Strange Cargo which I previously listed as one of my TOP TEN Guilty Treasures. "Strange" is the word for this uneasy but fascinating blend of religious parable, hardened convicts, a test of survival and wisecracking romance. Strange Cargo will dock at TCM Friday, January 6 at 6:15 am PST.

(From left) Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Peter Lorre

My next TCM recommendation is 1955's modern-day take on the American Western, Bad Day at Black Rock, previously reviewed here, as well as being a former entry in Eddie Muller’s Noir Alley. * This exceptional suspense-thriller's day will occur on TCM Saturday, January 7 at 3:30 pm PST.

* which may come as a surprise for those who, unlike myself, do not consider this to be a film noir.

My next recommendation is Straight Time.

This is Hidden Gem #51, its strong authenticity due to having been made from ex-con Edward Bunker's novel, the author's participation in writing the screenplay and consultation during production. Plus, director Ulu Grosbard (See: End Credits) provides his customarily derived natural performances from an incredible ensemble cast (chosen by the film's star Dustin Hoffman). The prisoner is being released at TCM Sunday, January 8 at (early morning) 1 am PST.

(From left) M. Emmet Walsh, Dustin Hoffman

Bonnie and Clyde is a seminal gangster saga heavily influenced by the French iconoclast Jean-Luc Godard. A prior review here includes a special contribution from Bob DiMucci who informatively reports on some of the film's critical responses at the time of its release. Following that, are my personal recollections at the age of 12 upon seeing this radically-new expeditious approach to American cinematic storytelling. The Barrow Gang will strike on TCM Tuesday, January 10 at (early morning) 12 am PST.

Faye Dunaway, Warren Beatty, Michael J. Pollard

One of David Lean's more ambitious projects may have turned out less artistically accomplished than its director intended. Still, it has many attributes making Doctor Zhivago well worth seeing. Afterwards, I'd be truly appreciative if readers had a look at my review here. This epic scale romance will begin Wednesday, January 11 at 5 am PST and repeat again on Thursday, January 19 at 1:15 pm PST.

My enthusiasm for the next film may be “icier” than say Howard Hughes’, however, viewers may find enough intrigue, suspense and supportive factors to make the journey to Ice Station Zebra, previously reviewed here and commencing at TCM Wednesday, January 11 at 2:15 pm PST, worth their while.

(From left) Patrick McGoohan, Rock Hudson

After directing Colorado Territory, Raoul Walsh’s very next film retained all of that film’s energy and even added some for White Heat, previously reviewed here. TCM's screen will heat up Saturday, January 14 at 1:15 pm PST.

Immediately following White Heat, is a fine western with Randolph Scott, Top Ten Western #4 in fact: Sam Peckinpah's elegiac Ride the High Country, which will ride into TCM territory Saturday, January 14 at 3:15 pm PST.

Randolph Scott as Gil Westrum (on the left) and Joel McCrea as Steve Judd

The multi-talented Gordon Parks made his directorial debut at age 57 with 1969's The Learning Tree based on his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. This touching coming of age story was previously lauded, along with its creator Parks, in an article entitled: Exploring the Artefacts #5: The Alchemist. Included are some clips of Parks' music compositions for The Learning Tree and Shaft's Big Score. The Learning Tree can be studied Monday, January 16 at 1 pm PST.

James Garner, Rod Taylor and Eva Marie Saint star in the intriguing “Mission Impossible” prototype espionage thriller 36 Hours, previously reviewed here. The hour to watch will occur Tuesday, January 17 at 11 am PST.

(From left) Rod Taylor, James Garner, Eva Marie Saint

Many experts have claimed that this next TCM recommendation is the first identifiable film noir made in the U.S. and released during the category's classic time period (1940 - 1959): Boris Ingster's 1940 Stranger on the Third Floor. Viewers can glean just how many of noir's stylish traits are inherent in this film by reading my brief review here. If you're a noir fan and have never seen this little RKO gem, be a stranger no more Friday, January 20 at 8:15 pm PST.

Noir photographic artistry care of Nicholas Musuraca

Next up is an unassuming little film that didn’t get much attention upon its release either critically or commercially. Its modest ambitions and lack of heroics amidst big scale action set pieces have obscured for many a finely crafted western with ample suspense, subtle but sincere emotions and a meaningful subtext of historical relevance, 1968's The Stalking Moon.

The film is directed by Robert Mulligan and stars Gregory Peck as Sam Varner, an army scout first seen rounding up some Apaches who’ve escaped from their reservation. The director and actor famously collaborated, along with producer Alan J. Pakula, on 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Unlike their earlier work, both the director and actor here have less stridency in getting their message across regarding race relations. This time out, Peck’s character is not a crusader nor altogether virtuous, which is refreshing for viewers who appreciate a more naturalistic setting as well as a less didactic approach to storytelling and characterisation. There is a disturbing, ominous fear in the air established right from the start that continues to gain coverage over the proceedings by way of the practically supernatural powers of Salvaje, Varner’s nemesis. He’s an Apache whose name means “Ghost” and from the deadly destruction he single-handedly leaves in his wake, seems like one. Even though there is personal motive established for Salvaje to retake his son, he stands for all of the past victims of deathly injustice Native Americans have suffered by symbolising spiritual retribution. This aspect, along with the fact that Salvaje’s child is a half-breed with a desire to be with his father, makes the central conflict not one of a simplified good guys versus bad or Cowboys versus Indians variety. The Stalking Moon benefits from an unusual stillness, an introspective quality whereby scenes take place with the most minimal of dialogue. There’s also a natural affection and responsibility Varner maintains for those in his care, that replaces the embellished romanticised involvement often arising in less sophisticated drama. Right up to, and including, The Stalking Moon’s final standoff, a cumulative sense of dread accompanies conflicts of sustained suspense. Charles Lang provided the lustrous cinematography and Fred Karlin its haunting score. Eva Marie Saint, Robert Forster and Nolan Clay all make strong contributions by way of their delicate but dedicated performances. The Stalking Moon will arrive at TCM (updated) Thursday, July 25 (2024) at 7:15 pm 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.

The Stalking Moon is also this month’s Blu-ray recommendation. See the last entry in this month’s column for more information.

My next TCM recommendation is Nora Prentiss portrayed by Ann Sheridan. This first-class film noir, previously reviewed here, will make its striking impression Wednesday, January 25 at 12:45 pm PST.

My penultimate TCM recommendation this month is Steven Spielberg’s 1971 originally made for TV movie Duel reviewed in the CC’s debut daily column here and showing Wednesday, January 25 at 7 pm PST.

Western fans should check out the rock solid The Fastest Gun Alive, reviewed here, with a spectacular final showdown not to mention the tension-filled and expertly handled exposé leading up to it. The fastest gun will draw on TCM Saturday, January 28 at 1:15 pm PST.

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 writer, producer and director Steven Zaillian who turns 70 on January 30th.

His mature and intelligent writing can be marvelled at in: Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993, adapted from Fred Waitzkin’s book, which he also directed), Schindler’s List (1993, adapted from Thomas Keneally’s book), Clear and Present Danger (1994, co-adapted from Tom Clancy’s novel), Mission Impossible (1996, co-creator of the story based on the TV series), A Civil Action (1998, adapted from Jonathan Harr’s book, which he also directed), Hannibal (2001, co-adapted from Thomas Harris’ novel), All the King’s Men (2006, adapted from Robert Penn Warren’s novel, also directed) American Gangster (2007, his screenplay based on the article "The Return of Superfly" by Mark Jacobson), and The Irishman (2019, his screenplay based on the book by Charles Brandt). Mention should also be made of the outstanding TV mini-series he co-created and directed 7 out of 8 episodes for The Night Of (2016).

The Soundtrack recommendation for the month is John Williams' furious score to 1978's The Fury.

Like some of Stephen King's movie adaptations, too many telekinetic disorders contribute to disconnected threads that kind of merge by the end but unintelligibly. I get that this is not a Stephen King adaptation. Still, I think the comparison is apt. The director is in extreme tawdry mode here what with people flying around and exploding, slow motion scenes of Kirk Douglas running etc. For me this kind of embellishment cheapens the drama. It seems the filmmakers want us to root for their two young people and yet, they’re the ones gruesomely hurting/killing their victims. Their graphic revenge is as though (again the writer ripping off Stephen King) the characters are performing for us with Brian De Palma (in Carrie fashion) as our ringmaster calling attention to the horrifying details. If I knew either of these two young monsters I'd run like hell away from them (and not in slow motion) whereas every character in this film cannot wait to get their hands on them.

John Williams’ score oversees these sensational proceedings with his typical commanding authority and complex thematic development. In fact, he provides the only real complexity there is. La-La Land Records, 20th Century Fox and Sony Music are presenting the iconic composer’s score in an expanded and remastered 2-CD set. This is a limited edition of 3,500 units. One can discover more about this soundtrack including international ordering by clicking on the accompanying image.

The Stalking Moon is this month’s formerly reviewed >>> here <<< TCM, and current Blu-ray, recommendation.

Click on the video image below for more information on this Region Free release from Warner Bros. as well as ordering from Amazon.com

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

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