Just some thoughts on this month’s happenings:

Classic film screenings from around the world this March include:

In New York City, New York The Fourth Annual Dr. Saul and Dorothy Kit Film Noir Festival will return to Lenfest Center for the Arts (part of Columbia University School of the Arts), March 1–5, 2023.

Their programme reads:

The Fourth Annual Dr. Saul and Dorothy Kit Film Noir Festival
Beyond the Femme Fatale: The Women Who Made Noir

Programmed by Rob King, Film & Media Studies
Managed by Rob King, Film & Media Studies and Alexandre Ilic, Film
MARCH 1–5, 2023

The 2023 Kit Noir Film Festival will examine women’s contributions to noir as film producers, screenwriters, novelists, and, in one instance, as a director. Rather than dwell on the character types that women played in noir (such as the notorious “femme fatale”), the festival instead draws attention to what women provided from behind the camera. In the process, it uncovers a period much like our own, in which women have occupied a prominent place in the popular imaginary of crime.

Screenings will be accompanied by discussions with film scholars Julie Grossman, Dana Polan, and Shelley Stamp, as well as a panel featuring crime writers Megan Abbott and Sarah Weinman.

The lineup features 10 films released between 1946 and 1964, with some titles screening on 35mm film.

See the festival schedule for full details on films and showtimes.

This festival is funded by a generous gift from alumnus Gordon Kit (CC '76), in honor of his parents.

For the complete schedule, further details and tickets, click on the banner image above.

In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Taxi Driver (1976, a 4k presentation) Wednesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 15, King Kong (1933, a 35mm print, in celebration of this film’s 90th Anniversary) Thursday, March 2, Fantasia (1940, a 35mm print) Friday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 28, The Manchurian Candidate (1962, a 35mm print) Friday, March 3, Dunkirk (2017, a 35mm print) Saturday, March 4, The Wild Bunch (1969, a 35mm print) Sunday, March 5 and Thursday, March 16, Thief (1981, a 35mm print) Tuesday, March 7, The Godfather (1972, a 35mm print) Wednesday, March 8, Heat [Director’s Definitive Edition] (1995, a 4k presentation) Saturday, March 11, American Psycho (2000, a 35mm print) Sunday, March 12, Collateral (2004, a 35mm print) Wednesday, March 15, The Age of Innocence (1993, a 4k presentation) Friday, March 17, Saturday, March 18 and Monday, March 20, Straw Dogs (1971, a 35mm print) Tuesday, March 21, Friday, March 24 and Thursday, March 30, The Godfather: Part II (1974, a 35mm print) Thursday, March 23, and Nosferatu (1922, featuring a live score performed by Hugo Max) on Sunday, March 26 and Tuesday, April 4.

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

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

In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is presenting Hard Eight (1996) Thursday, March 2, The Remains of the Day (1993, as part of this film’s 30th Anniversary) Sunday, March 19, Bambi (1942) Sunday, March 26, and Manhattan (1979) on Tuesday, March 28.

To obtain more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of March’s programming, click on the Academy banner above.

In Valencia, Spain, Culturarts Generalitat IVAC – La Filmoteca at the Edificio Rialto will be presenting Touchez Pas au Grisbi (1953, as part of their FRENCH FLEECE programme) Friday, March 3 and Sunday, March 5, Blue Velvet (1986, as part of their LYNCH UNIVERSE series) Saturday, March 11 and Friday, March 24, Des femmes disparaissent (1959, as part of their FRENCH FLEECE programme) Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23, and Les yeux cernés (1964, a 35mm print, as part of their FRENCH FLEECE programme) on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26.

Click on the respective film’s image for more information on each screening. To discover more of March’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 Montréal, Canada The FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir and the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal will present The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) with live musical accompaniment featuring Howard Shore’s magnificent score on Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5.

Click on the above image for more information.

In New York City, New York, Film Forum is presenting JEANNE MOREAU, ACTRICE: a series of films featuring French actress Jeanne Moreau from Friday, March 3 through to Thursday, March 16.

The programme reads:

Retrospective of the iconic star’s greatest performances, in films by Truffaut, Malle, Demy, Antonioni, Buñuel, Welles, Fassbinder, et al., including JULES AND JIM, ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS, BAY OF ANGELS, LA NOTTE, DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID, THE IMMORTAL STORY, QUERELLE, and many others.

The two-week festival will be followed by JEANNE MOREAU, CINEASTE :

showcasing Moreau’s unseen work as a director, running from March 17 through March 23 (one week), including new restorations of LUMIÈRE (1976), THE ADOLESCENT (1979), and the documentary LILLIAN GISH (1983).

Also this month, Film Forum will present Beauty and the Beast (1946, a 35mm print) Saturday, March 11, The Scarlet Letter (1926, a 35mm print) Saturday, March 18, The Wind (1928, a 35mm print) Sunday, March 19, and The Night of the Hunter (1955) on Wednesday, March 22.

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

For more information on these screenings, click on the appropriate still above. For a complete calendar of all the films playing this month, click on the Film Forum banner.

In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present a double bill of Near Dark (1987, a 35mm print) and Ravenous (1999, a 35mm print) Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, a double bill of Elevator to the Gallows (1958, a 35mm print) and The Lovers (1958, a 35mm print) Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24, and Nashville (1975, a 35mm print) on Friday, March 31.

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

In Los Feliz (part of greater Los Angeles) California, The American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 Theatre will present The Conformist (1970, a new 4k restoration) Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4, Samurai Wolf aka Kiba Ôkaminosuke (1966) Sunday, March 5, Samurai Wolf 2: Hell Cut aka Kiba Ôkaminosuke: jigoku giri (1967) Sunday, March 12, and Violent Streets aka Bôryoku gai (1974) on Sunday, March 19.

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

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

In Hyogo, Japan The Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra will present City Lights (1931) with live musical accompaniment featuring Charlie Chaplin’s divine score on Saturday, March 4.

Click on the above image for more information.

In Perth, Western Australia Rooftop Movies is presenting The Princess Bride (1987) on Sunday, March 5.

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.

In theatres across the U.S., Fathom Events is presenting Casablanca (1942) on Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 8.

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 Melbourne, Australia The Astor Theatre is presenting The Big Lebowski (1998) Monday, March 6, a double bill of Double Indemnity (1944) and Touch of Evil (1958) Sunday, March 26, a double bill of Soylent Green (1973, a 35mm print) and Westworld (1973, a 35mm print) Monday, March 27, and a double bill of Videodrome (1983, a 4k digital presentation) and The Thing (1982, a 4k digital presentation) on Thursday, March 30.

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

Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

In Bergen, Norway The Cinemateket i Bergen will present Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) Wednesday, March 8, and Weekend (1967) on Thursday March 16 and Thursday, March 23.

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 Bergamo, Italy The Orchestra Sinfonica Giovanile di Milano will present Psycho (1960) with live musical accompaniment featuring Bernard Herrmann’s thrilling score on Friday, March 10.

Click on the above image for more information.

Hi Mom! / Who’s That Knocking at My Door?

In Los Angeles, California Secret Movie Club is presenting at the Secret Movie Club Theater a double bill of Performance (1970) and The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976, a 35mm print) Friday, March 10, and a double bill of Hi Mom! (1970, a 35mm print) and Who’s That Knocking at My Door? (1967) on Wednesday, March 15.

Also showing at The Million Dollar Theater Movie Palace is Seven Samurai (1954, a 35mm print) on Saturday, March 25.

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

In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting The Ten Commandments (1956) on Sunday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 29.

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

There are 27 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

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 Thursday, March 2 at 10:15 am PST.

After World War II, many returning servicemen were disillusioned to find jobs 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 returning 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 commence on TCM Friday, March 3 at 2 pm PST.

If I was in charge of choosing a single film noir for someone only willing to see one in the entire canon, I would select Double Indemnity as its most fulfilling and accomplished representative. It has been previously reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Double Indemnity. Thoughts of adultery, greed and murder will manifest themselves immediately following The Best Years of Our Lives on TCM Friday, March 3 at 5 pm PST.

A true romance film and of the highest artistic calibre has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Brief Encounter. Director David Lean's stirring "encounter" will begin on Sunday, March 5 at (early morning) 3:15 am PST.

Top Ten: Cinema's Most Treasured Image #81

In my prior review of Casablanca, I made some criticism regarding its emotionally underwhelming Parisian flashback. Prior to this film, however, Casablanca's producer Hal Wallis and one of its contributing writers, Casey Robinson, made Now, Voyager where the romance witnessed from start to finish comes alive with fervour, maturity and elegance. Previously reviewed here, Now, Voyager will set sail immediately after Brief Encounter on Sunday, March 5 at 5 am PST.

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 Sunday, March 5 at 9:30 am PST.

Many readers have taken me to task for my inclusion of Casablanca on a list of “All that Glitters”: The Overrated. I would simply ask that they read what I wrote about this revered classic before judging me too harshly. There is much to praise about the film contained in my review and the weaknesses I've observed are, I feel, worthy of consideration. In any event, please indulge in this motion picture's magic and let me know if my criticisms have merit. The journey begins Sunday, March 5 at 5 pm PST.

MGM's 1952 musical Singin' in the Rain was not adapted from a theatrical production, though the film was later turned into one, being first presented on stage in 1983. Its abundant creativity, innovation and driving energy place this film at the top of all cinematic musicals ever produced. Singin' in the Rain has been reviewed as a past Blu-ray selection here and will joyously dance its way onto TCM Monday, March 6 at 3 pm PST.

Please have a read here and see why Gold Diggers of 1933 is as enjoyable and pertinent as the shows these spirited characters struggle to produce. The show must go on Monday, March 6 at 9:15 pm PST.

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 Wednesday, March 8 at 7 pm PST.

Next up is Alfred Hitchcock's dazzling thriller, Foreign Correspondent, previously reviewed here. His main character’s precarious globe trotting assignment will begin Thursday, March 9 at 7:45 am PST.

(From left) Some guy reading a newspaper, Joel McCrea

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 Thursday, March 9 at 12 pm PST, worth their while.

(From left) Patrick McGoohan, Rock Hudson

This next TCM recommendation is made for its John Williams composed score more than anything else. Close Encounters of the Third Kind has a few words pertaining to both the film and its soundtrack here with the former being shown on TCM Friday, March 10 at 5 pm PST.

Make way for the rapturous Stanley Donen directed musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, reviewed here, Saturday, March 11 at 7:15 am PST.

The caper film first laid its roots in The Asphalt Jungle previously reviewed here. The depth of its characters and their fascinating interactions as the drama builds to a cathartic resolution is why this film has become one of America's finest cinematic achievements. The 'planning' will start on TCM Monday, March 13 at 7:15 pm PDT.

For those who enjoy the best in creative romantic comedy, be sure to tune in for Pillow Talk (reviewed here) Friday, March 17 at 7 pm PDT.

Another top of the line screwball comedy is The Lady Eve (1941) reviewed here. See for yourself on Friday, March 17 at 11 pm PDT.

(From left) Charles Coburn, Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda

Otto Preminger’s directed classic, 1944’s Laura, is the exacting director’s slick and assured amalgamation of mystery (whodunnit) and film noir (obsessive desire, gruesome murder etc) elements. This film was briefly reviewed here. Included is a comparison between the detective played by Dana Andrews and James Stewart’s retired investigator in Vertigo. Laura will come to life on TCM Sunday, March 19 at 1 pm PDT.

Immediately following Laura is the aforementioned Vertigo. Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo is loaded with multi-faceted insights and hidden rumination on human relationships, providing viewers with much to ponder long after this tale of romantic obsession ends. This cinematic treasure was previously opened here, and will avail its visual and aural riches Sunday, March 19 at 2:45 pm PDT.

Anatomy of a Murder is one of the most authentic and enthralling courtroom dramas of all time. Previously reviewed here, the trial will begin Tuesday, March 21 at 11:15 pm PDT.

My next recommended feature is The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, a romantic fantasy/drama that provides viewers with an incredibly moving emotional experience. It has been previously reviewed here. This timeless romance begins on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:45 pm PDT.

A film well worth seeing is Network (1976), previously reviewed here. This “mad as hell” exposé of just how far some TV executives will go to exploit for profit a former news anchor’s severe “on the air” mental breakdown, will itself air on TCM Friday, March 24 at 6:45 pm PDT.

Next is a sterling example of how to present complex and enthralling characters, all of whom develop naturally while still holding our intense fascination: Citizen Kane,

a previous TCM recommendation here. This American film masterpiece, the only U.S. film represented on our Top Ten: World Cinema Treasures, will begin Sunday, March 26 at 8:30 am PDT.

In our Facebook chat room (all readers are welcome to join here), Citizen Kane came under significant fire for being boring and overrated. It seemed the best defence enthusiasts could muster was based primarily on the film’s technical achievements which prompted me to make the following response:

"Citizen Kane is, for myself, aside from all of the technical razzle-dazzle, an insightful, exploratory look into the human psyche. The relationships are chronicled with immense creativity and dynamism, having personalities rich in intellectual and emotional development, and yet remain consistent with each individual's temperament. It's not simply Welles' flashy style to admire here... it is how ingeniously he fuses those techniques into his narrative's progression that serves to enhance such a passionate overview of his characters while providing a thorough understanding of their experiences from each one's unique perspective, particularly in how some view their past.

I think those who look to a film like Citizen Kane for superficial entertainment qualities are apt to miss out on the profound relationship developments inherent in the narrative. These are rich, multilevel characters with complex emotions responding to their ever changing circumstances. To appreciate the kind of sophisticated delineation of individuality requires a substantial investment on the viewer's part, some may not be accustomed to giving. This is perhaps due to the overwhelming number of lesser cinematic fare providing simple and identifiable personas easy to assimilate as well as instantly gratifying resolutions to their conflicts. Others may be dismissive toward films like this one because they don't like seeing what are perceived as negative traits recognisable in themselves and/or other important people in their lives, plus the fact that, just like in real life, Citizen Kane’s populace tend to suffer through them rather than being provisioned with artificial heroic triumphs. Many films offer an escape from reality. Citizen Kane confronts us with it. Both types have value but when such an enlightening story is told with so much drive, innovation and passion, it transcends both categories.”

One of my past TCM recommendations, reviewed here, is The Lost Weekend. Billy Wilder's portrayal of a struggling alcoholic contains a powerhouse performance by Ray Milland. The bottle can be found on TCM Sunday, March 26 at 1 pm PDT.

“What a story! Everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end.”

All About Eve is really all about the spoken word and is a prior TCM recommendation here. She will make her appearance Sunday, March 26 at 5 pm PDT.

One of director John Frankenheimer’s more accomplished films is Birdman of Alcatraz which will be reviewed as part of our newly added “Dish of the Day” series and posted appropriately on the day of its arrival at TCM Tuesday, March 28 at 11:45 pm PDT.

#Edit: My review for Birdman of Alcatraz can now be seen here.

“The mattress is soft and there're hangers in the closet and stationary with "Bates' Motel" printed on it in case you want to make your friends back home envious.”

My final TCM recommendation was at the time (including throughout its primary creator’s career) the most audacious cinematic assault ever perpetrated on the movie going public or the Motion Picture Production Code for that matter. 1960's Psycho was previously reviewed here. The terror will begin Friday, March 31 at 5 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.

This month’s Happy Birthday shout-out goes to actor, singer and longtime political activist Harry Belafonte who turns 96 on March 1.

A few of his amazing performances can be seen in the films Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959), Odds Against Tomorrow (1959, pictured), The Angel Levine (1970), Buck and the Preacher (1972), Uptown Saturday Night (1974), White Man's Burden (1995), Kansas City (1996), Bobby (2006), and BlacKkKlansman (2018).

The Soundtrack recommendation for the month is James Horner's powerhouse score to the political thriller Clear and Present Danger (1994).

This is actually a surprisingly solid action drama that manages to delineate its complex plot in a coherent fashion… which is more than can be said for most other recent films of this type. It also contains some rather ballsy governmental policy breaches which add to the intrigue, engagement factor and suspense.

James Horner’s score is, as usual, ruggedly thematic enhancing the drama every step of the way. La-La Land Records and Paramount Pictures are presenting this remastered and expanded 2-CD soundtrack as a limited edition (only 2000 units created). Click on the soundtrack image for more information and ordering from La-La Land Records.

Birdman of Alcatraz is this month’s former TCM, and current Blu-ray, recommendation.

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

Your purchase of this title goes to help our friends at DVDBeaver.

A.G.

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