WINNING (1969)

Auto racing is a particularly special subject for a film.  The speed, the danger, the flashy cars and people make for a larger than life story.  Technically, race day (and night depending if you are doing a 24 hour event) offers the opportunity for interesting camera work.  All these come together in WINNING (1969), plus... Continue Reading →

SCOTTY AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD (2017)

Being gay in Hollywood was not a thing. It was reduced to a smile or a look the other way.  What makes the 2017 documentary SCOTTY AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD (2017) extraordinary is its scope and genuine sadness. Director Matt Tynaur weaves a story of Scotty Bowers by following his life today as... Continue Reading →

BEGGARS IN ERMINE (1933)

    There are some curios that were released during the early thirties in those glorious days of Pre code Hollywood (1929 to mid-1934). The treatment of women, the institution of marriage and reverence to the Church, lead of by the Catholic Legion of Decency, are some of the subjects often under fire.   Hence that... Continue Reading →

DANGEROUS YOUTH (1957)

    The British musical drama DANGEROUS YOUTH (1957) or THESE DANGEROUS YEARS (1957) represents two of my great interests: the film is an early rock and roll story and it is set in Liverpool. The significance of Liverpool is self-explanatory to the music history; my interest is in the city itself and the football... Continue Reading →

KING FOR A NIGHT (1933)

Stories about quick jabs and combinations get to me. Boxing has figured a lot in film.   It is a double edged blade as the fight game was depicted as a last resort for poor people or a dubious game of revenge controlled by nefarious folk that doesn’t end well.  It does not help that I... Continue Reading →

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