2014 Classic Film Challenge

One of my goals for 2014 is to watch more classic films again.  It seems that somewhere down the line, I stopped watching mostly classic films and instead, watched a lot more things made after 1980.  For the most part, this was a great move, allowing me to catch up on some of the classics from the later half of the 21st century.  However, I have quite a Sight and Shame List building.  So, when I saw Raquel's post earlier this week, it inspired me to tackle some of that list.

This challenge is simple.  Select 10 classic films you haven't seen and watch them over the course of the year.  In no particular order, here are my selections.

The Grass is Greener (1960)

Johnny Guitar (1954)

Touch of Evil (1958)

White Heat (1949)

The Mark of Zorro (1940)

Humoresque (1946)

That Touch of Mink (1962)

The Third Man (1949)

Crash Dive (1943)

Airport 1975 (1974)

When I was deciding on films, I chose ones from my favorite actors that I haven't gotten around to watching yet and added a few classics that I totally should have seen but haven't.  I haven't seen much of Cary Grant's later career, but have always been interested in it, so I added two to the list.  I have viewed almost all of Dana Andrews' films and these two are some of the last I need to watch.  Same with Joan Crawford -- I started to work on her filmography and never finished.

I think it's really interesting to watch these stars progress though their careers, especially during the Studio System, where many stars were typecast.  I always like to see if they broke out of that once the Studio System fell apart or if they stayed with it; either because it worked for them or because other roles weren't offered to them because of their previous typecasting.

So what makes your list?

Calling All Vintage Magazine Collectors....

...I am in need of your help. I am currently working on my graduate thesis for my MA degree and have hit a bit of a bump. I have chosen to look at the representation of Dana Andrews in Fan magazines for my topic and have really been enjoying the research (hence my lack of any real posts lately).

I would like to include this article above, however, I only own a clipping and have no idea what magazine it came from. I have narrowed down the year to be 1951 and I am thinking it came from Movieland, considering that the font for the page numbers seems to match other issues identically. I am also thinking that it came from an issue around April, May, or June, according the the release dates for the movies mentioned in text. But, again, I am not too sure about this either.

If anyone has a copy of Movieland from this year/month or knows where I can find this article in full, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks! And I can't wait to get back into regular blogging once I am done with this project!

Emily

Film Fashion Friday: The Dark Corner (1946)

Hello Readers!! Welcome to week three of actress month. This week's Lucy selection come from 1946, The Dark Corner. This has to be my favorite non-Dana Andrews film noir. Lucy and Mark Stevens are great together!! Mark plays a PI who gets framed for a murder. Lucy is his eager to help secretary -- in one of her best nonmusical roles (in my opinion). This is a wonderful Fox noir that features a great supporting cast, including Clifton Webb.

Kay Nelson designed the costumes -- putting Lucy in a slue of post war suits complete with great coats and bags. Other great Nelson pictures include Leave Her to Heaven, Boomerang, Gentleman's Agreement, and Miracle on 34th Street.

While Lucy's costumes are more "everyday" clothes, I think this film does a great job of accurately representing the normal middle class; something I think many Classical Hollywood films struggle with. Plus, I just love Lucy's role as Mark Stevens' "Girl Friday!"

Every time I watch The Dark Corner, I can't get over how much Mark Stevens looks like a combination of Dana Andrews and Robert Walker. I have a mad crush on Andrews!! I think like Dana Andrews, Mark Stevens is a very underrated actor. He is pretty good in this film, especially for a studio produced B film and some of his other films are exceptionally wonderful pictures.

This week's honorable mention has Lucy playing a money hungry chorus girl -- a more typical role for Ball -- in Dance, Girl, Dance (1940). For that reason, I have put this selection in the honorable mention section rather than the main film. This film is included in a box set of Lucy films and often gets brought up when thinking about Lucy's early career before I Love Lucy.

My goal with this series is the feature lesser known films and roles for big stars. I don't think The Dark Corner doesn't get talked about enough and my hope is that many of you will check out the film. Both of these films are available on DVD and Netflix.

Check back next Friday for the final Lucy week. If you would like to see another actress month, leave a comment with the actress of your choice. There will be an Audrey Hepburn week, as I have had a few request for her.

Emily