Jennifer “Smitty” Smith (Jane Wyman) is a consumer protection expert, head of the Buyer’s Research Institute. She’s just received news that she’ll be getting an endowment to allow her to continue her research, and decides to celebrate with an afternoon out on her boat. When the boat is capsized by a rising submarine, Smitty insists that the sub’s captain, who calls himself “Davey Jones” (Dennis … Continue reading The Lady Takes a Sailor (1949)
Vivian (Jane Wyman) is newly married to Arthur Halstead (Jack Carson) and they’re headed to Washington, D.C. Arthur will be working there, as aide to the Administrator of Inter-Bureau Coordination. Upon arriving in D.C., Arthur and Vivian find that their hotel room is still occupied by its previous tenants, Julian (John Ridgely) and Edna Cadman (Ann Sheridan). Edna is furious to be thrown out, as … Continue reading The Doughgirls (1944)
Greg Morella (Gilbert Roland), like many casino-running men of his time, has decided to move his operation to the water to avoid the law. Anchoring his ship, Sylvania, three miles off the coast, Morella assures his operation is safe from the clutches of the police. Aboard the ship one particular evening is Jim Carver (Wayne Morris), a reporter who has a cordial relationship with Morella. … Continue reading Gambling on the High Seas (1940)
The favorite film: All That Heaven Allows, a 1955 melodrama from the soap king himself, Douglas Sirk The synopsis: In a well-to-do suburban town, Cary Scott lives alone. Her two children are in college, and her husband has died, leaving her with an empty home and a less-than-active social life. Her friend Sara and admirer Harvey do their best to bring her out of her … Continue reading Favorite things about… All That Heaven Allows (1955)
Bob Merrick (Rock Hudson) is a daredevil. Notorious for pulling off dangerous stunts, he’s an adrenaline junkie. One day, while driving his speedboat too fast on the lake, he crashes. In the small town of Brightwood, there’s only one resuscitator, so it’s brought to the scene of the crash from the house of Dr. Wayne Phillips, the head of the local hospital. Bob survives thanks … Continue reading Second Looks: Magnificent Obsession (1954)
Skip Davis (Walter Catlett) is a boxing manager hoping to discover the “next big thing” in the sport. When he happens upon the scene of singing waiter Steve Nelson (John Payne) engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a few hecklers, Skip thinks he may have found his star. Steve isn’t too interested in making his name with his fists, though, instead hoping to win fans as a … Continue reading Kid Nightingale (1939)
A custody battle is raging between Millard Lannon (John Eldredge) and his ex-wife Mona (Gloria Dickson). In attempt to discredit his ex-wife, Millard has called upon the Nation-Wide Detective Agency. Agency head Simmy Sanger (Selmar Jackson) tells top detective Myrna “Jinx” Winslow (Jane Wyman) that she must testify against Mona. Firm in her belief that Mr. Lannon only wants custody in order to have access … Continue reading Private Detective (1939)
Barry Granville (Ross Alexander) and Pinky Blair (Lee Dixon) are writers and wannabe theatrical producers. They’ve had trouble scrounging up funding for their latest production, but they’re finally able to secure a backer… who will give them the dough as long as they hire British actress Jane Clarke (Winifred Shaw) to take on the starring role. J. Van Courtland (Allen Jenkins) is a theatrical agent, … Continue reading Ready, Willing and Able (1937)
J. Chalmers Maxwell (Edward G. Robinson) — known as “Pressure” by his buddies in the underworld — has big plans for his new life after being released from prison. Another prisoner, Leo Dexter (Anthony Quinn), has proposed that they work together on a bank heist. Instead, Pressure wants to go straight and build an upstanding life with his adopted daughter, Denny (Jane Wyman). Pressure’s plans … Continue reading Larceny, Inc. (1942)
Gary Stuart (Ray Milland) is a Broadway composer… and somewhat of a habitual liar. He frequently tells his wife, Connie (Jane Wyman), that he’s going out of town. Really, he remains in New York, hanging out and performing at various clubs throughout the city. Mrs. Stuart, described by Gary’s brother as “the perfect wife,” isn’t exactly devoid of talent in the music department. She’s been … Continue reading Let’s Do It Again (1953)
