Welcome! Put up your feet and feel the cool breeze coming in from the shore.Movies
Here are some of my favorite movies. The “IMDb listing” link takes you to more information about the movie from the Internet Movie Database, a great way to answer almost any question about almost any movie.
Henry V
When Kenneth Branagh gives the “We happy few” speech, the hair stands up on the back of my neck. And yet, for all the bravado and celebration of personal valor, Branagh never sugarcoats what war is, and the climactic battle scene is heartbreaking.
Sullivan’s Travels
Directed by the great Preston Sturges. Funny as heck, and more relevant today than when it was first released — 60 years ago! Joel McCrea is a director of movie comedies who wants to make a “serious” film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou!” (from which the Coen brothers, who are obviously fans, got the title for their movie).
Chariots Of Fire
A true story of moral choices and personal triumph at the 1924 Olympics. Harold Abrahams runs against anti-Semitism, while Eric Liddell runs to please God and give himself a forum from which to share his faith. Long, and hard to follow at first, but well worth the effort.
Mister Roberts
Lt. (jg) Doug Roberts discovers true purpose aboard a cargo ship in the South Pacific. Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, William Powell, and James Cagney are all incredible. I played a small role in a community theatre production of the play in spring 2003.
Casablanca
An absolute joy, and for my money the essential Hollywood classic. “I’d like to think you killed a man — it’s the romantic in me.” The latest DVD is terrific, with wonderful special features.
The Philadelphia Story
Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart in the ultimate romantic screwball comedy.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension
Quirky sci-fi fun, about a brain surgeon / physicist / rock & roll musician who saves the universe in his spare time. No matter where you go, there you are. The DVD includes an alternate opening sequence with a silent cameo by Jamie Lee Curtis as Buckaroo’s mother, as well as a wonderful commentary track where “Reno Nevada” (the voice of novelist Earl Mac Rauch, who created the characters) comments on the relative accuracy of the “docudrama.”
Amazon DVD | IMDb listing | Banzai Institute (official web site)
Harvey
Jimmy Stewart again. “Well, I’ve wrestled with reality for 35 years, doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it.” My brother Mike once portrayed Elwood P. Dowd in a repertory theater production.
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Thoughtful, high-minded sci-fi from an era which is better known for men in rubber monster suits. An alien visitor arrives with a message of hope — and a stern warning. Klaatu barada nikto!
The Princess Bride
Sly satire, wonderful wordplay, and a great cast. Mandy Patinkin is pitch-perfect — but so is everyone else: Cary Elwes, Andre the Giant, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Peter Falk, Fred Savage and on and on.
Ben-Hur
Look up the word “epic” in the dictionary, and you’ll see a little picture of Charlton Heston in the big chariot race. If it isn’t there, it ought to be.
Where Eagles Dare
Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, with a script by Alistair McLean. It’s a World War II espionage adventure which, after a slow start, features a non-stop thrill ride of stunts and scares. Loads of fun.
Young Frankenstein
That’s “Frahnkentsteen.”
Sergeant York
Alvin C. York, one of my real-life heroes, agreed to let this movie be made only if he was played by Gary Cooper. Perfect choice, and the movie is closer to the truth than a lot of other Hollywood biographies made during that area.
Amazon VHS | IMDb listing | More about the real Alvin C. York
A Face In The Crowd
Andy Griffith plays a populist folk hero who turns into a power-hungry egomaniac once he discovers television. Walter Matthau and Patricia Neal are both excellent, and Griffith is nothing at all like Andy Taylor.
