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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 Big Sleep (1946)
What Genre Is It? Noir/Crime Why Watch The Big Sleep? Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) finds himself caught in the midst of blackmail, murder, love, and mystery in this classic Noir. When asked by General Sternwood to investigate a blackmail case involving his youngest daughter, Carmen Sternwood, Philip Marlowe thought the case routine. However, after the blackmailer is murdered, Marlowe is baffled—even more so when the body just disappears. There are only two clues– both in the blackmailer’s living room: a statue with a hidden camera (but no film) and a clueless Carmen who was in the room when the murder happened (but not in a clear state of mind). The…
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Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Guess who’s back for more laughs and spooks in this classic twist on the invisible man? What Genre is it? Burlesque Comedy Definition of Burlesque Comedy A burlesque form of comedy is when a story mocks a subject or when a particular subject is presented in an ironic, over-exaggerated way. Abbott and Costello do this style of comedy very well. They usually have fast dialogue with one in the duo playing the straight man and the other the comic. Why Watch Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man? After graduating from Dugan’s Detective Training course, Abbott and Costello open their own private eye practice. Everything is going great. Until, 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.…
