The favorite film: Dial M for Murder, a 1954 domestic thriller by Alfred Hitchcock The synopsis: When Tony Wendice’s plan to have his wife killed goes awry, he decides to instead get rid of her by having her locked up for murder. The cast: Ray Milland as Tony Wendice Grace Kelly as Margot Wendice Robert Cummings as Mark Halliday John Williams as Inspector Hubbard Anthony … Continue reading Favorite things about… Dial M for Murder (1954)
The day we’ve all been dreading has arrived: FilmStruck is officially closing up shop. I didn’t get to spend as much of November as I wanted eating up the rest of my FilmStruck queue, but I’ve found several new favorite films through the service in recent months, and throughout my time as a subscriber. To say farewell to my favorite streaming service, today I’ll be … Continue reading Farewell, FilmStruck: My Favorite Discoveries
Corky Jones (Dennis Morgan) and Gil Borden (Don DeFore) are looking for jobs in Burbank, California when they’re plucked from obscurity to champion the war effort at the very respectable Lockheed aircraft factory. Though the U.S. is technically still neutral when they’re hired on, it’s preparing for war, producing large numbers of fighter jets and bombers. While awaiting his first paycheck, Corky stays with his … Continue reading Wings for the Eagle (1942)
When her father and her boyfriend are killed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, pregnant and unwed Jenny Sandoval (Ruth Chatterton) must find a way to survive. She takes up residence in the Chinese district and is able to make ends meet, but not necessarily through legal methods. Mixed up with gamblers and running a brothel, Jenny finds herself in a world of trouble when … Continue reading Frisco Jenny (1932)
The last Collection Update on TMP covered acquisitions from March through June. Since then, I’ve had a birthday, run across some wonderful thrift store finds, and taken advantage of a few Criterion discounts. Here’s everything that I’ve added to the collections since June! Books Chaplin by Robert Manvell Debbie: My Life by Debbie Reynolds and David Patrick Columbia The Devil to Pay (Ellery Queen pocket … Continue reading Collector’s Corner: Collection Update, Vol. 7!
Duck Creek, Connecticut is a sleepy town full of friendly people. Cindy Kimball (Jane Powell) is one of the town’s most beloved residents — the daughter of the town judge and a soloist in the church choir. One Sunday evening, the Kimball family is enjoying a meal after church when they’re interrupted by a policeman looking for the judge. Big city fella Rick Belrow Livingston … Continue reading Small Town Girl (1953)
Beverly Boyer (Doris Day) is a happy housewife. Her husband Gerald is a successful doctor. They have two young children and a very nice, large house. All is well. One evening, while having dinner with one of Gerald’s patients, Beverly tells a cute story about her kids and their new love for “Happy Soap” — a product that just so happens to be made by … Continue reading The Thrill of It All (1963)
The war is on, and Dave Stewart has been on active duty for over a year with his buddy Fixit Gilman. They’re finally being given a short leave to visit California. While on their three-day pass, Dave and Fixit head to Pasadena, where Dave went to college. On the bus, they meet Cora Colton (Faye Emerson) and Janet Wheeler (Eleanor Parker). Girl-crazy Fixit is instantly … Continue reading The Very Thought of You (1944)
Another week has passed, so it’s time for more Summer Under the Stars recommendations! Here’s what I think you should watch over the next week. (All times are listed in EST.) Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments! August 16: Miriam Hopkins 7:30 am – The Richest Girl in the World (1934) 6:00 pm – Old Acquaintance (1943) 2:30 am – Wise … Continue reading Summer Under the Stars 2018: Recommendations, August 16 – 22
Frank Enley (Van Heflin) was lucky to survive his time spent as a prisoner of war in a Nazi camp during the second World War. When he returns home and settles down in a small California town, he is known as a war hero and a well-respected member of the community. Frank’s Wife, Edith (Janet Leigh), knows that Frank moved them across the country from … Continue reading Act of Violence (1949)
