It's a battle between two railroads. The Central Pacific and the Union Pacific are in a race to see which can be the first to reach Ogden, Utah. If the Central Pacific succeeds, bank president Asa Barrows (Henry Kolker) stands to make a whole lot of money... so, naturally, he hires some help to make … Continue reading Union Pacific (1939)
Originally published in 1948, Niven Busch's novel The Furies was adapted to film with director Anthony Mann at the helm. Released in 1950, the film tells the story of the Jeffords family. Patriarch T. C. (Walter Huston) owns a New Mexico ranch, "The Furies." His wife is long dead. His son (John Bromfield) is soon to … Continue reading Book vs. Film: The Furies
Margot Weston (Barbara Stanwyck) is waiting for her fiance in the park, where they plan to meet up and head to the courthouse to wed. Though she makes small talk with another waiting bride about the prospect of being stood up, Margot is sure her man will arrive any minute. They're truly in love. But fate … Continue reading Always Goodbye (1938)
A nun is giving a tour of Arlington Cemetery when a child asks her why Lt. Richard Perry (Robert Taylor), whose headstone they pass, is not listed in the guidebook. The nun gives a generic response about how surely he performed some "unusual service" for the country. The child may never know the answer, but … Continue reading This Is My Affair (1937)
This review was written for the Barbara Stanwyck filmography project, my quest to watch every film the actress ever made! For more reviews from this project, visit the dedicated index. Julia Sturges (Barbara Stanwyck) has boarded the Titanic with her two children, Annette (Audrey Dalton) and Norman (Harper Carter). She plans to take them to … Continue reading Second Looks: Titanic (1953)
NOTE: This review was written for the Barbara Stanwyck Filmography Project. For more Stanwyck reviews, visit the dedicated project index! Pop Jones (Morris Ankrum) is headed to Montana with his daughter Sierra Nevada (Barbara Stanwyck) and cowhand Nat (Chubby Johnson), leaving their Texas ranch behind for a new start on an inherited plot of land. … Continue reading Cattle Queen of Montana (1954)
Hollywood Canteen is a famously star-packed variety show with appearances by Jack Benny, the Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Brown, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Ida Lupino, and more! When it isn't busy offering up its plethora of star cameos, the film follows Slim Green (Robert Hutton) and his pal Sgt. Nolan (Dane … Continue reading Second Looks: Hollywood Canteen (1944)
Today's review was written for TMP's Barbara Stanwyck Filmography Project, my quest to watch every film Barbara Stanwyck made. For more reviews, visit the Stanwyck Project index! Frank Devereaux (Rod LaRocque) has invited his father's secretary Ann (Barbara Stanwyck) out for a date. Much to Ann's surprise, Frank takes her to a "rum boat" -- … Continue reading The Locked Door (1929)
Eight men in New York City have come together for a noble purpose: to compile an encyclopedia of all human knowledge. Professor Bertram Potts (Gary Cooper) has decided his latest contribution will be to research modern American slang for addition to the encyclopedia. The men work slowly but diligently, in a house they share, which … Continue reading Second Looks: Ball of Fire (1941)
Happy Manning (Sam Hardy) is a man who lives up to his name. The owner of a saloon in a town on the border of Mexico, Happy is a well-liked and friendly man. Perhaps his mood is so bright because he's in love. Happy's lady is Rose (Barbara Stanwyck), an affectionate but money-hungry young woman. … Continue reading Mexicali Rose (1929)
