Journeys in Classic Film

36 Hours (1964)

Films have always revisited eras of the past to question whether hindsight would or would not affect the outcome, and no actor was greater at this specific genre than James … Continue Reading 36 Hours (1964)

Posted 1 month ago2 Comments 1940s

Lady Scarface (1941)

The gangster genre is traditionally male-dominated, so imagine my surprise at seeing the arrival of Lady Scarface from Warner Archive. A gangster who’s a woman?! What’s next, mixing French fries … Continue Reading Lady Scarface (1941)

Posted 1 month ago1 Comment 1940s

Road to Morocco (1942)

When Kino Lorber made plans to release several of the Bing Crosby/Bob Hope “Road to…” movies I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve never taken a trip with Bing and Bob, … Continue Reading Road to Morocco (1942)

Posted 2 months ago 1930s

Ticklish Business Episode #66: Stagecoach (1939) and the Complicated Legacy of John Wayne

In honor of John Wayne’s birthday the Ticklish Trio discuss Wayne’s star introduction in the 1939 John Ford Western, Stagecoach. They also find time to discuss his complicated views in 2019, … Continue Reading Ticklish Business Episode #66: Stagecoach (1939) and the Complicated Legacy of John Wayne

Posted 2 months ago 1950s

Three Coins in the Fountain (1954)

I sound like a broken record, but I don’t like the majority of films Jean Negulesco directed. I can count the number of films of his I’ve liked on one … Continue Reading Three Coins in the Fountain (1954)

Posted 2 months ago Book Reviews

The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick

One of the great fallacies about filmmaking is that it’s only recently that women have taken part in it. But as we’re seeing through the release of works like Be … Continue Reading The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick

Posted 2 months ago Podcast

Episode #65: Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954)

Samantha and Kristen are back honoring the 65th anniversary of Creature From the Black Lagoon. They discuss the film’s origins, Millicent Patrick’s creature work, and whether the Creature is supposed to … Continue Reading Episode #65: Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954)

Posted 2 months ago 1930s

TCMFF Review: Tarzan and His Mate (1934)

Tarzan is an ubiquitous character in film history, becoming a franchise that dominated the 1930s into the ’50s and making Johnny Weissmuller an unconventional star. I say all this having … Continue Reading TCMFF Review: Tarzan and His Mate (1934)

Posted 3 months ago 1940s

Ticklish Business Episode #64: The Black Swan (1942)

In honor of Tyrone Power’s birthday Samantha and Kristen look at his career and his 1942 swashbuckler, The Black Swan. They also answer your listener questions and announce the winner of … Continue Reading Ticklish Business Episode #64: The Black Swan (1942)

Posted 3 months ago 1940s

TCMFF Review: Road House (1948)

Director Jean Negulesco and I have a contentious cinematic relationship. His patented blend of noirish melodrama doesn’t always sit right with me, yet I’ve seen so many of his features … Continue Reading TCMFF Review: Road House (1948)

Posted 3 months ago 1950s

Ticklish Business Episode #63: Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)

In honor of Jayne Mansfield’s birthday I’m joined by guest, Mansfield biographer April Vevea sits down to talk with me about the buxom actress, Frank Tashlin’s directorial prowess, and the … Continue Reading Ticklish Business Episode #63: Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)