The favorite film: The Letter, a 1940 crime drama directed by William Wyler The cast: Bette Davis as Leslie Crosbie Herbert Marshall as Robert Crosbie James Stephenson as Howard Joyce Frieda Inescort as Dorothy Joyce Gale Sondergaard as Mrs. Hammond The synopsis: Leslie Crosbie has just shot and killed a man, Jeff Hammond. When pressed for details by her husband Robert, she claims that she … Continue reading Favorite things about… The Letter (1940)
For this week’s Collector’s Corner, it’s another edition of Star Collections! This time around, we’re taking a look at another one of my top five favorite actresses, the incomparable Bette Davis. Bette Books & Mags Most of my book collection is made up of happy accidents. Occasionally I hunt down specific titles recommended by fellow classic films buffs, but mostly I just see what I … Continue reading Collector’s Corner: Collecting Bette
Henriette (Bette Davis) is beginning a new job as a teacher at an all-girls school in New York, but she’s off to a rocky start. One of her students suspects that she may be the infamous “Mademoiselle D,” a woman caught in a scandal which was highly publicized in the French-language newspapers. Word begins to spread about Henriette’s past, and she’s forced to confront her … Continue reading All This, and Heaven Too (1940)
Tom Hurley (Ernest Borgnine) is a New York cab driver hoping to strike out on his own and buy a cab. Ending a shift at his current job, he returns to his apartment in the Bronx, where his family’s day is just beginning. Daughter Jane (Debbie Reynolds) announces to the family that she and her fiance, Ralph (Rod Taylor), have decided to get married in … Continue reading The Catered Affair (1956)
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 Clark). The fellas are on leave for three nights, and … Continue reading Second Looks: Hollywood Canteen (1944)
Sandra Kovak (Mary Astor) seems to have it all: beauty, a fantastic career as a concert pianist, an avaitor husband (George Brent). But when husband Pete learns that he and Sandra are not legally married (because her previous divorce has not yet been finalized), it has devastating consequences for their relationship. Also on Pete’s hook is Maggie (Bette Davis), a woman with whom he’s had … Continue reading The Great Lie (1941)
Nan Reynolds (Ann Dvorak) is a traditional housewife, raising her son and caring for the home while her husband works. Mr. Reynolds, Bill (George Brent), is very unhappy with his job. He gets no respect from the higher-ups, who shoot down every one of his ideas. His salary is pretty small, too, adding to his disappointment. When Bill’s company hires highly-paid Pat Berkeley (Bette Davis) … Continue reading Housewife (1934)
At the turn of the 20th century, the Giddens family is preparing for a visitor. Regina (Bette Davis) is hosting a dinner in honor of Chicago industrialist William Marshall (Russell Hicks), who may be building a new cotton mill in the town where the family lives. Regina’s daughter Alexandra (Teresa Wright), brothers Ben (Charles Dingle) and Oscar (Carl Benton Reid), Oscar’s wife Birdie (Patricia Collinge), … Continue reading The Little Foxes (1941)
Tommy Connors (Spencer Tracy) is headed to prison for robbery and assault, but confident he can easily bust out if he needs to. He underestimates Sing Sing and its warden, Paul Long (Arthur Byron). Tommy has a smooth-talking lawyer on his side, Joe Finn (Louis Calhern). Joe meets with Warden Long the day Tommy arrives to begin his sentence and tries to bribe Tommy’s way … Continue reading 20,000 Years in Sing Sing (1932)
It’s Love I’m After, dir. Archie Mayo Starring Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard Recommended | Highly Recommended | MUST-SEE It’s Love I’m After instantly became one of my favorite films when I watched it for the first time four years ago. The film tells the story of an actor (Leslie Howard) who is in love with his leading lady (Bette Davis), but at … Continue reading The Critical Eye: It’s Love I’m After (1937)
