Western
Why You Should Seek Out “The Searchers”
There’s little question that director John Ford and actor John Wayne forged one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the history of movies.
Romance
How “Pillow Talk” Produced One Special Friendship
When producer Ross Hunter decided to make “Pillow Talk” early in 1959, many industry insiders doubted his judgment. After all, the golden era of romantic comedy was long past. William Powell had already retired, and Cary Grant had only a few films left, most of which were not romantic comedies.
Biographical
The Turbulent Saga of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds
It’s striking just how alike they were: both petite women with big personalities and talent who achieved overnight success in iconic movies at age 19; both immensely driven professionals who, in the face of personal challenges and misfortune, channeled their prodigious energies into their work.
Actors
The Wittiest Quotes from Character Actress Thelma Ritter’s Most Memorable Roles
Given all she accomplished, it’s astonishing that Thelma Ritter only broke through on the big screen when she was pushing fifty. In this case, definitely better late than never.
Actors
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” — The Movie Almost Born On the Fourth of July
Every couple of years, right around Independence Day, I revisit this beloved 1942 musical biopic, and it’s always the same joyful, rousing experience.
Actors
Why Lino Ventura Was France’s Coolest Tough Guy
As far as legendary tough guy actor Lino Ventura is concerned, to know him is to love him. The question is, do you know him? If not, you should. He happens to be a personal favorite of mine, and I want others to recognize — or be reminded of — just how talented he was. All it takes is watching some of his best films.
Directors
Kurosawa and Mifune: The Director and Actor Who Were Meant for Each Other
Rarely if ever has a collaboration between artist and muse yielded such rich cinematic treasure. Master director Akira Kurosawa and his favorite actor Toshiro Mifune worked together on sixteen films in as many years. Most of these titles achieve a very high level of quality and hold up beautifully, while a few are truly brilliant.
Actors
Beautiful Survivor: The Stranger-than-Fiction Journey of Jennifer Jones
Today, the name Jennifer Jones is largely lost to history, but in her prime, this raven-haired beauty was one of Hollywood’s most bankable female stars. And her personal story may be more dramatic than any of her movies.
Directors
The 14 Most Legendary Film Composers and Their Most Unforgettable Scores
With the gradual passing of opening movie credits, we also lost a vital element that distinguishes many so-called “classic” movies: the original music score, including a heroic, memorable opening theme. What’s the last film you remember that had a score you could hum while walking home from the theater — a piece of music you knew you'd always remember and associate with the film?