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Jane Eyre (1943)
What Genre Is It? Romance/Drama Why Watch This Version of Jane Eyre? Joan Fontaine plays Jane Eyre in this 1943 adaptation. Joan’s facial expressions (especially the haunting look in her eyes), and her ability to capture the meek nature of Jane Eyre make this particular film version of this timeless classic stand out. Joan Fontaine captures the core of this character so perfectly it is hard to imagine anyone else playing this role more exceptionally during the time of this filming. Complimenting Joan Fontaine’s performance is Orson Welles. His vocal technique and powerful transformation into the domineering, mysterious employer make him an excellent Mr. Rochester. Some might say that Orson…
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Undercurrent (1946)
What Genre Is It? Noir/Thriller Why Watch Undercurrent? Katherine Hepburn, Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum, Marjorie Main, and Edmund Gwenn star in this thrilling noir. Ann Hamilton (Katherine Hepburn) adores her father (Edmund Gwenn) and enjoys helping him with his work. She is happy with her single life until one night when Alan Garroway (Robert Taylor) comes to see her father about a business venture. Suddenly, romance blossoms, and before long, Ann agrees to marry Alan. The newlywed couple set off for their home in Washington, D.C. Ann’s life seems perfect at first. Until, Alan pushes her in front of his society without first allowing her to prepare. She comes across…
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The Birds (1963)
What Genre Is It? Thriller Why Watch The Birds? The Birds is a fascinating story of intrigue, mystery, love, and secrets. When Melanie Daniels meets Mitch Brenner in a pet shop, she is both irritated and curious about this dashing man who seems to know so much about her. Hoping to cross paths with him again, she decides to purchase the love birds he was looking for and deliver them to his house in Bodega Bay. Little did she realize, the chaotic, bizarre events that would follow. After Melanie arrives in Bodega Bay, strange bird encounters begin. Birds start attacking the school, village, and farms. No one knows why the…
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Midnight Lace (1960)
What Genre is it? Mystery/Thriller Starring Doris Day, Rex Harrison, and Myrna Loy, Midnight Lace is not your typical Doris Day film. Suspense, intrigue, lies, and deception lace this Mystery/Thriller. Why Watch Midnight Lace? Kit Preston (Day) loves her husband Anthony Preston (Harrison). Everything about this couple’s life seems ideal. Anthony’s business endeavors have been very successful according to business partners, and Kit’s fallen in love with her new home in foggy London. Until one day when the unexpected sends Kit into a dizzy spiral of confusion. While walking home, a voice in the park threatens her and shatters her seemingly perfect world. Worse yet, even at home, Kit is not safe.…
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Rebecca (1940)
What Genre is it? Mystery/Romance Why Watch Rebecca? A Hitchcock masterpiece, Rebecca tells the tale of a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who falls in love with a troubled widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). Far and wide, the de Winter name is famously associated with the gorgeous Manderley estate. It is only natural that after the young woman and Maxim marry, they are eager to return to Manderley; that is until the house comes into view. Dread and foreboding seem to wait for the happy couple. The well-kept gardens, intricate architecture, and ocean view are not all that encompass Manderley. Secrets of the first Mrs. de Winter, who died the…
