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Reviews
Three Hearts for Julia (1943)
A really fun movie!
I enjoyed this movie, finding it well acted and mostly well written. A movie about a female violinist, an all female orchestra, a conductor, and a writer/reporter made this film different from most. Ann Sothern was good, as usual, and seemed to know how to handle a violin. Apparently her father was a violinist, a fact which didn't surprise me after I saw this film. The only rough spot seemed to be Julia's kidnapping. That made the Melvyn Douglas' character seem a little extreme. Also the scene where Douglas was playing a saw in a bar was far fetched, since the availability of a saw in a bar seems unlikely. Otherwise I enjoyed the intelligent, cultured characters, the classical music, and the feminist edge of women musicians and an independent wife. The patriotic ending was well conceived.
Sanditon (2019)
Fell in love with this series
At first I didn't like the modernization of the story with regard to sex. It seemed that Mr. Davies was trying to hard to piece the old with the new. I've read all of the Austen novels at least once, and they were certainly much more tame. But after awhile I just went right along with it. After all, I'm certain that people were naughty in Jane Austen's era, as we are today! All of the leads (especially Ms. Williams) were wonderful actors. The sets were realistic and stylish, and the costumes were beautifully designed and seemed period. The storyline grew on me as the subtlety of the characters started to develop. Charlotte's dilemma of being an independent, intelligent young woman in that early 1800's era seemed to reflect Ms. Austen's interests. I appreciated the inclusion of Georgianna, which gave the story a little bit more of a humanistic, contemporary feel. I will miss this series!
Le genou de Claire (1970)
Very pretty, but.....
I think that French film makers were males and obsessed by longing for very young French schoolgirls. The character Laura looks to be about thirteen, and so Jerome's romantic interest in her takes on the character of pedophilia. Her sister, Claire, is a little older, but does she make it into the legal stage? Yuck. The scenery is beautifully filmed and it is always interesting to hear the lovely, musical French language, and view a culture different from my own (American). Perhaps much was lost in the sub titles? This doesn't seem deep or enlightening.
Paris - When It Sizzles (1964)
Simply awful
The worst movie made by these two wonderful actors. So very dumb! The "movie within a movie" sequences were entirely boring, with the exception of Tony Curtis' brief appearance and William Holden's moment as a vampire. Who knew that terribly attractive man could look so hideous! Audrey Hepburn looked frighteningly thin. She must have suffered from anorexia for much of her movie career. Two great starts burdened by addictions--anorexia and alcoholism.
Rose Marie (1954)
So enjoyed this movie!
This movie started out really slowly and I was prepared to dislike it....but it gathered momentum and became quite engrossing. All of the stars did an excellent job. They seemed to be acting in a very sincere way. I was amazed by the beauty of Ann Blyth's singing voice, and surprised that it was not used more by the movie industry. And of course there were the comic touches. I have always adored Marjorie Main.
The scenery of the Canadian Rockies was thrilling. The portrayal of Native Americans seemed more realistic than usual for the time period. Who can ever resist that incredibly beautiful song, "Indian Love Song?" A slow starting but very enjoyable movie, I think.
Two Tickets to Paradise (2022)
Entertaining and relaxing
I rarely watch these movies, but with the world the way it is...I needed just plain old feel-good entertainment, and this came close to filling the bill. I enjoyed the solid, sensible romances and the upbeat tone. And the scenery was beautiful. I also enjoyed the inclusion of a gay couple, and thought that might be different for this channel. Tolerance is always a good thing.
I also thought that his step-mother might be involved in a non-legal romance, which was refreshing as well. It's always good to at least try and mirror some of reality in our fictional efforts, I think.
My biggest complaint was the obviousness of the coincidences. They stretched the believability of the plot quite a lot.
Look in Any Window (1961)
Interesting movie
Although this movie contained some unrealistic moments, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was like a time capsule of 1961, a time I well remember! Women were expected to be only housewives, the men cheated, and the cops! The movie is an off-beat criticism of the era (which deserved criticism, believe me), and had strong performances, including by Paul Anka.....Who knew he could act? It also had a pretty good screen play with some good lines.... It captured the claustrophobic angst of the era, when women were trapped in marriages, and all of the old traditions were on the line. It was inexpensively made, I know, and this added to the gritty realism of the result. More money and technicolor would have ruined it, I'm sure.
Joy of Living (1938)
Love this movie
They certainly don't make them like they used to. This movie is entertaining! It is smart, with a good screen play and wonderful music. I love Irene Dunne's feminist character, a career woman not in search of a husband, and the her mooching family are fun as well. Who could beat Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in terms of charm and good looks? He gives an easy, breezy performance. I love this movie,