It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is a favorite Christmas film for many people. Some folks don’t like it, because they don’t like Scrooge stories in general. It’s a Wonderful Life been shown on TV so many times it doesn’t really need a review. But the film had its 70th anniversary in 2016, so I think…
1946
Lisa’s Home Bijou: Holiday in Mexico with Xavier Cugat
Film Festival: Latin Flavor Holiday in Mexico (1946) gives us insight into teenagers of the 1940s, the diplomatic corps, and into Mexico City’s nightlife. Christine Evans (Jane Powell) is a bobby-soxer, US Ambassador Jeffrey Evans (Walter Pidgeon) is a diplomat (and Christine’s father), and Xavier Cugat, playing himself, is our guide to the bright lights…
Lisa’s Home Bijou: The Big Sleep film noir mystery
Film Festival: Vices The Big Sleep (1946) is a classic film noir that has women, Los Angeles at night, gangsters, and a persistent private detective. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star in a complicated Raymond Chandler plot with fantastic dialogue, directed by Howard Hawks. The VICE: Gambling (and a host of others!) Private eye Philip…
Lisa’s Home Bijou: The Postman Always Rings Twice
Film Festival: Vices The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) stars Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn and Leon Ames, each character having a depth of meanness and corruption you don’t initially expect. The chilling situation underlying the story: Have you ever befriended someone new because they seem just as nice as you are,…