Lists by jimjo1216
Mae Clarke was a beautiful and talented screen actress whose career shone most brightly in early-1930s "pre-Code" films. She's become a favorite of mine, so I'd like to share my top picks for the uninitiated.
My picks for viewers looking to delve into the career of classic tough guy James Cagney.
My personal picks to introduce new viewers to classic Hollywood star Ginger Rogers.
My personal picks for the Hitchcock novice.
Alfred Hitchcock ("The Master of Suspense") directed about a film a year for decades, and all of his work has merit. So it's tough to come up with such a small sample.
Alfred Hitchcock ("The Master of Suspense") directed about a film a year for decades, and all of his work has merit. So it's tough to come up with such a small sample.
My personal picks for viewers looking to acquaint themselves with Hollywood legend James Stewart.
Jean Harlow was one of Hollywood's biggest sex symbols during her tragically short career. She didn't make a ton of films, but a novice might not know where to start in order to fully appreciate Harlow's talent.
These are my personal picks.
These are my personal picks.
Contents of the DVD set (the 3-disc version).
Contents of the DVD set.
Contents of the DVD set.
My picks for the most essential movies of Greer Garson's celebrated Hollywood career, for beginners.
My personal picks for new viewers interested in the legendary Bogart.
Part 2 of my Bogart picks, for those who survived his essential films listed in Part 1.
Welcome to the gritty world of Pre-Code Hollywood! Watch for these movies on TCM or find them on DVD.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is a selection of pre-Codes that stood out to me, for one reason or another. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is a selection of pre-Codes that stood out to me, for one reason or another. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Welcome to the world of Pre-Code Hollywood! Watch for these movies on TCM or find them on DVD.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out to me. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out to me. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Welcome to the world of Pre-Code Hollywood! Watch for these movies on TCM or find them on DVD.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out to me. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out to me. Check 'em out and whet your appetite.
Welcome to the world of Pre-Code Hollywood! Watch for these movies on TCM or find them on DVD.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out.
Since its strict enforcement starting in 1934, the Production Code sanitized Hollywood movies for decades. Viewers accustomed to the innocent classics of the Golden Age may be surprised at what they find in films released prior to 1934: racy dialogue, gritty violence, indecent exposure, immorality and stories that didn't have a happy ending. And no background music score. This gives movies from the early sound/pre-Code era (1929-1934) a unique flavor that I've learned to like.
This is another grouping of pre-Codes that stood out.
There are elements common to all great "prison movies". The cell block and the inmates who live there, in close quarters. The dirty uniforms. The noisy mess hall. The dynamic between the inmates and the guards. The dynamic between fellow inmates, be it friendly or unfriendly. Riots. Plans for escape. Scenes of violence.
The films in this modest list define what we consider a "prison movie", with the genre's foundations dating back to the gritty Pre-Code era. Each film is a shining example of what makes prison stories so compelling.
The films in this modest list define what we consider a "prison movie", with the genre's foundations dating back to the gritty Pre-Code era. Each film is a shining example of what makes prison stories so compelling.
My personal picks for a beginner's guide to the slick star of classic Hollywood.
They thought they could fool us, their different surnames belying their close relationship. These pairs of actors/actresses are in fact siblings, and viewers can sometimes spot the family resemblance.
Hollywood recycles stories all the time, but one trend that used to be popular was remaking non-musical films as musicals with new songs and dances.
Also included in this list are movie musicals adapted from Broadway musicals which were based on non-musical films or common source material. (It can get pretty complicated.)
Also included in this list are movie musicals adapted from Broadway musicals which were based on non-musical films or common source material. (It can get pretty complicated.)
All ten Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers musical pairings.
Fred Astaire was a genius dancer and Ginger Rogers was his most celebrated onscreen partner. Their films together are great fun, mixing screwball comedy with charming romance and some of the best music ever written.
The Astaire/Rogers films introduced many songs that would become pop standards from well-known composers like Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Dorothy Fields.
Although the storylines sometimes seem recycled (if freshened up), each film is a delight thanks to the stars and the music.
Fred Astaire was a genius dancer and Ginger Rogers was his most celebrated onscreen partner. Their films together are great fun, mixing screwball comedy with charming romance and some of the best music ever written.
The Astaire/Rogers films introduced many songs that would become pop standards from well-known composers like Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Dorothy Fields.
Although the storylines sometimes seem recycled (if freshened up), each film is a delight thanks to the stars and the music.
company.