tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141990262024-03-18T20:09:46.892-07:00Pre-Coded MessagesA blog devoted to sound movies released in America from 1928 - 1934 before the Hays Office got tough with the Production Code, with occassional forays into other classic films that fall outside this all too short period.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-31090148393668166122008-04-04T18:13:00.000-07:002008-12-08T19:57:59.687-08:00Bette Davis at 100<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8hePWrGPJOWKJQN5wK8Jl2ju4HZ-c6b2IUd34PiX8avPFXLQdtDEwBsD2IyY86me9a_iSh1N9vG2Hy4iN7YZSNGl7kfd8qnitcQ5v-s5WM2yN-YxPX7cVzw32lvAXyM08iSh/s1600-h/Bdsgcrp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8hePWrGPJOWKJQN5wK8Jl2ju4HZ-c6b2IUd34PiX8avPFXLQdtDEwBsD2IyY86me9a_iSh1N9vG2Hy4iN7YZSNGl7kfd8qnitcQ5v-s5WM2yN-YxPX7cVzw32lvAXyM08iSh/s320/Bdsgcrp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185614209081178818" /></a><a href="http://www.bettedavis.com/">Bette Davis</a> is usually either remembered for her early '40s heyday at Warner Brothers or her campy '60s comeback in a variety of lurid, over-the-top roles (Baby Jane Hudson, anyone?). In celebration of what would have been Bette's 100th birthday (Saturday, April 5th), the <a href="http://www.stanfordtheatre.org/stf/calendars/Bette%20Davis,%20early.html">Stanford Theatre</a> is showing many of her rare early pre-code films. <br /><br />Davis arrived in Hollywood with her mother in 1930 and was soon signed to a contract with Universal Pictures. However, they didn't seem to know what to do with her. She appeared in six films (some on loan-out), and her contract was dropped in 1932. However, she landed at Warner Brothers, first starrring in "The Man Who Played God." She really established herself as a major star when Warners loaned her to RKO for "Of Human Bondage," the first film version of Maugham's novel. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V5v0spjsk1Y&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V5v0spjsk1Y&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Critics responded with good notices for Davis, and there was talk of a write-in Oscar campaign for her. Though no offical nomination materialized, Davis soon wound up with better roles at Warners (and she got her nomination and Oscar the next year for "Dangerous").<br /><br />The Stanford Theatre kicks off "The Complete Early Films of Bette Davis: 1931-1938" this weekend with "Of Human Bondage" and one of her most famous films, William Wyler's "Jezebel."<br /><br />And if you can't get to Palo Alto, TCM is also <a href="http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=193632">celebrating</a> with 24 hours of Bette on Saturday, May 4. First up at 3:00 am PT, Bette has to wash her hair in "The Cabin in the Cotton." Other highlights include the aforementioned "Jezebel" at 7:30PM, as well as an "Essentials" viewing of "All About Eve" with comments by Robert Osborne and co-host Rose McGowan.<br /><br />You can also celebrate Bette with two new DVD sets: Warner Home Video's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012OX7DA?ie=UTF8&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012OX7DA">Bette Davis Collection, Volume 3</a>" (six films) and Fox's "Bette <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012KSUTK?ie=UTF8&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012KSUTK">Davis Centenary Celebration Collection</a>" (five films, with a new two-disk version of "All About Eve". Each contains commentaries, featurettes and other extras for your Bette Davis eyes only.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-33713000692499417072007-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:002008-12-08T19:57:59.863-08:00TCM Director of the Month William Wellman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOtZRMG-oSTPRLZKRVw9OKtLMWveEwND1TDF811RUtBn68DMXeZkXU8L6McJTIObjlJWuiLQaSArrjb9PpGyvNHiNP7kc0nrgpkSBo3mkQbN1OOCu1UZSNXCh4M3_Ffk5kOAS/s1600-h/lillyA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOtZRMG-oSTPRLZKRVw9OKtLMWveEwND1TDF811RUtBn68DMXeZkXU8L6McJTIObjlJWuiLQaSArrjb9PpGyvNHiNP7kc0nrgpkSBo3mkQbN1OOCu1UZSNXCh4M3_Ffk5kOAS/s320/lillyA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141481481565294194" /></a>Turner Classic Movies' <a href="http://www.tcm.com/schedule/index.jsp?startDate=12/12/2007&timezone=EST&cid=N">December schedule</a> salutes prolific director <a href="http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=182320">William Wellman</a>, whose career spanned over 80 films from the '20s to the late '50s. Wellman was equally at home with romance and screwball comedy as he was with adventure and western films. His contributions to the Pre-Code era are particularly memorable for their frank and at times raw material (which actually may have led to the crackdown on enforcement of the code). But he also dealt openly with social issues in many of his early talkies at Warner Brothers. <br /><br />Wednesday 12/12 (all times eastern)<br /><br />8:00pm Night Nurse - This racy feature (coming out on DVD in '08) stars Wellman favorite Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Blondell, and Clark Gable in a rare villainous role.<br /><br />9:15pm The Purchase Price - Stanwyck and Wellman team again for a bad girl story involving mail-order brides!<br /><br />10:30pm <a href="http://www.nyu.edu/projects/wke/notes/huff/imagefiles/huff_650323.2.jpg">Safe in Hell</a>- Gritty pre-code drama featuring nearly forgotten silent star Dorothy Mackaill.<br /><br />12:00am Lilly Turner - Woman's picture featuring the great <a href="http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/2440/chatterton.html">Ruth Chatterton</a> as a single expectant mother working at a carnival.<br /><br />1:15am Midnight Mary - Not a personal favorite, but there is no denying star Loretta Young's beauty in this MGM film from 1933.<br /><br />2:30am Frisco Jenny - Wellman tries his hand at restaging the San Francisco earthquakei in this Chatterton vehicle from Warner Brothers.<br /><br />3:45am Other Men's Women - Early Jimmy Cagney along with pre-code favorites Regis Toomey, Joan Blondell, and Mary Astor.<br /><br />5:00am Love is a Racket - Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. as a New York reporter in this lesser known Wellman flick.<br /><br />December 20 <br /><br />6:00am <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hatchet_Man">The Hatchet Man</a>- Edward G. Robinson as an Chinese hit man (!) in a pre-code drama with drugs, violence, and adultery references that were shocking for the time.<br /><br />Wellman's better known films are also being featured this month ("A Star in Born," "Nothing Sacred", "The High and the Mighty"), along with an expanded version of the 1970's documentary "The Men Who Made the Movies: William Wellman." Wellman's son <a href="http://www.williamwellmanjr.com/">William Wellman, Jr.</a>, will be joining Robert Osborne to introduce many of the films.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-67540722377232693512007-11-05T14:23:00.000-08:002007-11-16T19:35:11.910-08:00Shearer, Stanwyck and Chatterton Highlight Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume 2<a href="http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/">DVD Times</a> is reporting the March 4th release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTCM-Archives-Forbidden-Hollywood-Collection%2Fdp%2FB000YRY7VC&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">TCM Archives: Forbidden Hollywood Volume 2</a>. This time we have 5 precode classics along with an all-new documentary, "Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood." Here's the much-anticipated lineup of films:<br /><br />Norma Shearer in "The Divorcee" and "A Free Soul" on Disc One.<br /><br />Bette Davis, Ann Dvorak, and Joan Blondell make "Three on a Match" along with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Chatterton">Ruth Chatterton</a>'s racy business exec in "Female" on Disc Two.<br /><br />And Disc Three brings us Blondell with Barbara Stanwyck and a menacing Clark Gable in "<a href="http://monsterhunter.coldfusionvideo.com/Night_Nurse.html">Night Nurse</a>" along with the original documentary on pre-code films!<br /><br />Warner Home Video has upped the ante this time with some additional extras, including two commentaries and original trailers for some of the movies.<br /><br />Artwork and pricing to follow.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-26761963774171737772007-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:002008-12-08T19:58:00.080-08:00Cinecon 43<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrer651Tal5fRqnyBf62Kx5-sUoYIVYfZMz1HSX7rSSlXGEnqxS-IqfBJ5ZOZH0Y_Kgq_UR5v0pofhMNhLEn4Rv5pdda2pZzX__Oqizh3zf1Lw75bCdIBIABmDmurFFQoshIl0/s1600-h/gildedlily.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100615865204314434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrer651Tal5fRqnyBf62Kx5-sUoYIVYfZMz1HSX7rSSlXGEnqxS-IqfBJ5ZOZH0Y_Kgq_UR5v0pofhMNhLEn4Rv5pdda2pZzX__Oqizh3zf1Lw75bCdIBIABmDmurFFQoshIl0/s200/gildedlily.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Classic film lovers will gather in Hollywood Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 3) for the annual <a href="http://www.cinecon.org/">Cinecon</a> festival. The full <a href="http://cinecon.org/cinecon_schedule.html">schedule</a> has just been announced, and it is chock full of rarely screened silents, pre-code features, and the ever popular selected shorts.<br /><br />I am actually going to make the trip this year, and I am look forward to seeing these highlights:<br /><br />The Gilded Lily - Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert's first screen pairing from 1935. This was Colbert's first comedy following her smash "It Happened One Night" for Columbia.<br /><br /><a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0023018/">Hollywood Speaks</a> - Dark Pre-Code drama about the sordid side of show business.<br /><br />Interference - William Powell stars in Paramount's first all-talking picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oscars.org/events/lost_found/index.html">Her Wild Oat</a> - Restored version of this long thought lost Colleen Moore silent comedy from 1928.<br /><br />Guests at the festival include John Saxon, <a href="http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/5828/">Piper Laurie</a>, and character actor Dick Miller.<br /><br />Though I am excited about seeing these films at the famed <a href="http://egyptiantheatre.com/egyptian/egypt.htm">Egyptian Theater</a>, I also hope to do some sightseeing in LA. Going to try to schedule a <a href="http://www.paramount.com/paramount.php">Paramount Studio Tour</a> for Friday, if possible. </div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-85014029623408610662007-07-22T10:49:00.000-07:002008-12-08T19:58:00.208-08:00Spinach Remastered: Popeye Classic Shorts on DVD<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFaj3cO81eQtRKhu8AZGGP8ZDDM1ZpmUmAMSaowUOoNoIeT0785jkImkqtTmpT6LnlmIh_T56aiiC5wt8k-a6zy7_APHPOwwDhJ9QGrqlW7lNpi__C02xRscs9JSkEl9TBI1N/s1600-h/NDVD_000.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090090591607426674" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFaj3cO81eQtRKhu8AZGGP8ZDDM1ZpmUmAMSaowUOoNoIeT0785jkImkqtTmpT6LnlmIh_T56aiiC5wt8k-a6zy7_APHPOwwDhJ9QGrqlW7lNpi__C02xRscs9JSkEl9TBI1N/s200/NDVD_000.JPG" border="0" /></a>Warner Brothers Home Video has a treat in store for fans of classic animation with the July 31st release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPopeye-Sailor-1933-1938-Vol-1%2Fdp%2FB000P296AS%2F&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325">Popeye the Sailor: 1933-1938 Volume One</a>. I got my copy early and it's clear much care has been put into this project. The remastered shorts have been cleaned up and restored to their uncut form. I have not finished watching the whole set, but I am really enjoying it. Popeye is not my favorite animated character, but the inventiveness and whimsy of these <a href="http://www.bcdb.com/bcdb/page.cgi?g=Paramount_Pictures%2FFleischer_Studios%2F">Fleischer Studios</a> cartoons is eye-popping. There is so much going on in each frame that these cartoons beg to be watched over and over again. The set is popping with extras about the history of the character and early animation efforts, along with numerous commentaries and featurettes. This set includes two Technicolor Popeye double length shorts from the late '30s. There is talk that Warners will produce four Popeye DVD sets in all.<br /><br />Now, if only someone do the same for <a href="http://www.bibi.org/box/archives/2006/05/betty_boop_cartoons.html">Betty Boop</a>!Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-45483561637362990482007-07-21T12:33:00.001-07:002008-12-08T19:58:00.455-08:00Matinee at the Bijou: The Return<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT6X-vV2igOlmZ4oDYlCrfF1GKUFfdZ-h713nmEwYkh_0NT4jB9peH_eqJFA-e4_sek8SwH3KWDLze2ay9SpcVozF3Xl8GIo6jJCjjvhYKEXwACKZm9K67IkRpNL3_blEHHGy/s1600-h/MATBsmLOGO.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089743270487101010" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT6X-vV2igOlmZ4oDYlCrfF1GKUFfdZ-h713nmEwYkh_0NT4jB9peH_eqJFA-e4_sek8SwH3KWDLze2ay9SpcVozF3Xl8GIo6jJCjjvhYKEXwACKZm9K67IkRpNL3_blEHHGy/s320/MATBsmLOGO.jpg" border="0" /></a>I started to develop a love for old movies when I was a teenager in the 80s, watching them on our local <a href="http://www.pbs.org/">PBS</a> station on the weekends. I remember staying up late on Fridays to watch <a href="http://www.silverclover.free-online.co.uk/foxmus.html">Fox Musicals</a> with Sonja Henie and Betty Grable. I also remember faithfully watching a series on Saturday afternoons called "Matinee at the Bijou." The show would put together short subjects (<a href="http://www.bettyboop.com/forums/index.php">Betty Boop</a> cartoons, newsreels, and cliffhanger serials) along with a feature film from the golden age. The show really did a great job of recreating the moviegoing experience of the 1930s for those of us not around to enjoy it the first time.<br /><br />I just discovered that they are producing a new series of the program to be hosted by Debbie Reynolds. Twelve new two-hour episodes will <a href="http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/12/15/matinee--at-the--bijou-to-bring-classic-cartoons-to-pbs-hd/">broadcast in HD</a> on PBS later this year or early next year. Keep track of the progress of the return engagement at <a href="http://matineebijou.blogspot.com/">Bijou is Back</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-26618913653072562322007-05-08T22:49:00.000-07:002008-12-08T19:58:00.644-08:00Barbara Stanwyck at 100<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPCgQbwtBUldzW2ukjIF5pAQ3UhLgDBayBzH2441jW50UKFe_rfMUdTGYTunp36wO33qXgwSg75MzdVyi6W0Tv0DCbwdH4nLX524np2TFlCaqYcmKK0Z6EccVzUx9YL-YUHoU/s1600-h/stanwyck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPCgQbwtBUldzW2ukjIF5pAQ3UhLgDBayBzH2441jW50UKFe_rfMUdTGYTunp36wO33qXgwSg75MzdVyi6W0Tv0DCbwdH4nLX524np2TFlCaqYcmKK0Z6EccVzUx9YL-YUHoU/s320/stanwyck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062452151401871442" border="0" /></a>For many, Barbara Stanwyck epitomizes pre-code film: her portrayals of hard-edged, strong women who were not afraid to use their sexuality to get ahead in the world most definitely contributed to stricter enforcement of the Hays Code starting in 1934. The fact is, Stanwyck remained a unique presence in American film and television in a career spanning over 50 years. Though one could argue that she often played variations on the "tough cookie" role, her range was quite extraordinary - film noir ("Double Indemnity," "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers"), westerns ("Forty Guns," "The Big Valley"), comedy ("<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLady-Eve-Criterion-Collection%2Fdp%2FB00005JH9B&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Lady Eve</a>," "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fo%2FASIN%2FB000NIBUT4&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Ball of Fire</a>"), tearjerkers ("Stella Dallas"), thrillers ("Sorry, Wrong Number"),and drama ("Meet John Doe").<br /><br />Many repertory film theatres are running Stanwyck tributes this year in honor of the 100th anniversary of her birth (July 16th, 1907). Besides the just-wrapped tribute at the <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/series.aspx?id=126">Brooklyn Academy of Music</a>, a lengthy series is running at the <a href="http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/calendar/calendardetails.aspx?details_type=2&id=228">UCLA Film and Television Archive</a> through June 16th. If you are not familiar with her trademark raw emotion and take-no-prisoners demeanor, get to know Barbara by checking her out on the big screen or on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=barbara%20stanwyck&tag=precodedmessa-20&index=dvd&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">DVD</a>, where she is fairly well represented.<br /><br />The New Yorker's Anthony Lane does a nice job of summing up Stanwyck's allure in this recent "A Critic at Large" <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/04/30/070430fa_fact_lane">piece</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-29199611053895856552007-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:002007-07-23T16:48:56.679-07:00More "Forbidden Hollywood" DVD Sets Coming!In a chat held the other night at the <a href="http://www.hometheaterforum.com/index.php">Home Theater Forum</a>, Warner Home Video executives confirmed we can expect to see more Forbidden Hollywood DVD sets featuring the best Pre-Code films. Direct from the chat transcript:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[WayneH] I'm wondering if there will be more FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD sets and what flicks might make it in future volumes? Many folks were also saddened by the lack of extras in the first. Great movies, though!<br /><br />[WARNER] Yes. FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD #1 was a huge success. We were disappointed that we couldn't add extras either. We had planned to include a documentary that turned out to have clearance issues which prevented its inclusion. As you are aware, we always try to release discs that are full with great extras, so we were bummed. We hope to make it up to you with this year's release, which we plan to have include SIX features, plus a brand-new pre-code documentary that we at WHV are producing right now as we speak. We hope to have two FH releases per year starting in 2008<br /></span><br /><br />Great news, and it also addresses the concern over the lack of features on what seemed to be a hurried Volume 1 release. It seems we will get at least one Norma Shearer title in this year's six feature set. Can't wait to find out what the lineup will be.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-4805415390455267502007-02-11T22:40:00.000-08:002008-12-08T19:58:01.338-08:00Pre-Code Musicals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c8ksVXCc-EiIEJS8iDu4KzD6lN0XeaNoEG2xzTdxmAxUqT64dTD_Tc1htgv_CVmEHcpeYiXl3WdKbWXUEoXP9zpBLYEizyxFijm5R84yDxx4tndKuFqe6WM_HLZPV33aGBuw/s1600-h/m&p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c8ksVXCc-EiIEJS8iDu4KzD6lN0XeaNoEG2xzTdxmAxUqT64dTD_Tc1htgv_CVmEHcpeYiXl3WdKbWXUEoXP9zpBLYEizyxFijm5R84yDxx4tndKuFqe6WM_HLZPV33aGBuw/s320/m&p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030556900243581666" border="0" /></a>Two repertory houses on different coasts are spotlighting pre-code musicals on their schedules this winter and spring. First, the <a href="http://www.stanfordtheatre.org/stf/">Stanford Theatre</a> in Palo Alto will be showing early "all singing, all dancing" films <a href="http://www.stanfordtheatre.org/stf/calendars/Winter%202007.html">every weekend from February to April</a>. Pre-code movies include:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lubitsch.com/monte.html">Monte Carlo</a> (2/24, 2/25) - This early Ernst Lubitsch talkie from 1930 stars Jeanette McDonald.<br /><br />One Hour With You (3/24, 3/25) - More Lubitsch magic, co-directed by George Cukor.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000E0OE1M%2F">Footlight Parade</a> (4/7, 4/8) - Busby Berkeley's kaleidoscopic chorepgraphy dazzles in this 1933 musical.<br /><br />The eclectic winter schedule also features some rare film noir as well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCollection-Snatcher-Leopard-Seventh-Shadows%2Fdp%2FB000A0GOEQ%2F&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Val Lewton</a> classics.<br /><br />3000 miles away, Film Forum continues to bring unsung and forgotten classic films to new audiences, this time with an eclectic series of <a href="http://www.filmforum.org/films/bmusicalsfilms.html">B Musicals</a>. Though most films on the schedule are from the late '30s through the '40s, there are a few nights featuring rarely-screened pre-code musicals.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD8iuQj3WvTc3PyOKWCiSbVsqpmKzujiSxuTVN9nV1v582zmpsarIcWHBypRy9B3N_Q_upipJylm4g_bBdQ2scrtJq9f3Nlm0yK9G1mLA2_69GywhjCBE7cMsBCruwaqt2Qy9/s1600-h/sitting+pretty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD8iuQj3WvTc3PyOKWCiSbVsqpmKzujiSxuTVN9nV1v582zmpsarIcWHBypRy9B3N_Q_upipJylm4g_bBdQ2scrtJq9f3Nlm0yK9G1mLA2_69GywhjCBE7cMsBCruwaqt2Qy9/s320/sitting+pretty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030557196596325106" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.filmforum.org/films/bmusicalsfilms.html#sitting">Sitting Pretty</a> (4/1) - A pre-Fred Astaire <a href="http://www.gingerrogers.com/">Ginger Rogers</a> is pared with Jack Haley in this Paramount production from 1933. Also stars Thelma Todd and Jack Oakie.<br /><br />Torch Singer (4/1) - Another Paramount gem starring a sultry Claudette Colbert as a New York City nightclub chanteuse. "The worst woman in New York...sang the best love songs!"<br /><br /><a href="http://helenmack.us/Movies/Melody%20Cruise.htm">Melody Cruise</a> (4/4)- Where else could you see a pre-code "ice ballet?"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.redhotjazz.com/aaronson.html">Moonlight and Pretzels</a> (4/4) - William Frawley (Fred Mertz) is in this intriguingly titled Universal low-budget musical.<br /><br />Hips, Hips, Hooray! (4/10) - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheeler_&_Woolsey">Wheeler and Woolsey</a>'s corny jokes alternate with catchy tunes and scenes of scantily-clad models in this sexy Pre-Code musical.<br /><br />College Rhythm (4/11) - "Wanna buy a duck?" comic Joe Penner stars in this college musical released at the end of the Pre-Code era.<br /><br />Song of Love (4/15) - Once thought lost, this 1929 musical features <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1178">Eve Arden</a> in her film debut.<br /><br />Also on 4/15, a program of restored Vitaphone shorts from 1926-1930 featuring Broadway and vaudeville stars of the era.<br /><br />Check out the rest of the schedule for more movie musicals. Though they may not have the budget or name recognition of "Dreamgirls," many of them are sure to get your toes a tapping.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-38103406524674060412007-01-13T23:00:00.000-08:002008-12-08T19:58:01.486-08:00RKO Lost and Found at Film Forum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX0DNttJJon2qMlkoACtdA4471QXMAtXQt3F2AWSJMjDsn_R2uGWipyMCXXWnCkVJerFaJcjYuHC-ySntQK25OnbCrvi3SOo3YyiHXhXkyhbKHa6bTEKlm8BIQHYKSgJsHWUL/s1600-h/rko_logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX0DNttJJon2qMlkoACtdA4471QXMAtXQt3F2AWSJMjDsn_R2uGWipyMCXXWnCkVJerFaJcjYuHC-ySntQK25OnbCrvi3SOo3YyiHXhXkyhbKHa6bTEKlm8BIQHYKSgJsHWUL/s200/rko_logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5019783866510697474" /></a><div>New York's <a href="http://www.filmforum.org/films/rkofilms.html">Film Forum</a> is once again offering some pre-code rarities in its late winter schedule. The six long-thought lost RKO films recently unearthed by Turner Classic Movies (mentioned in this <a href="http://precode.blogspot.com/2006/10/tcm-digs-up-six-lost-rko-features.html">previous post</a>) will be shown off in their newly restored 35mm splendour. Four of the six films were originally released from 1930-1934. The movies will be screened in three double bills from February 23 through March 1. <a href="http://www.tcm.com/">TCM</a> will be premiering these films later in 2007.</div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1164610758719162192006-11-26T22:31:00.000-08:002007-01-13T23:32:35.489-08:00Previewing the "Forbidden Hollywood" Collection<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6472/1277/1600/342968/waterloobridge1931_ff_300x225_103020060108.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6472/1277/320/538896/waterloobridge1931_ff_300x225_103020060108.gif" border="0" /></a>LA Times writer Susan King offers a nice summary and <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-ca-forbidden26nov26,1,2781618.story?coll=la-entnews-movies">sneak preview</a> of the forthcoming TCM Archives "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&location=%2FForbidden-Hollywood-Collection-2pc-Dig%2Fdp%2FB000I2JDF8">Forbidden Hollywood Collection, Vol. 1.</a>" King explains how desperate studio executives got around the lax content guidelines in place in the early thirties.<br /><br />All three films in the set (the newly restored "Baby Face," James Whale's "Waterloo Bridge" (pictured above), and "Red Headed Woman") will air on <a href="http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=149209">TCM on December 4th</a>, the evening before the official release of the DVD set. As a bonus, TCM will also air three other Pre-Code gems, including Stanwyck's "Night Nurse," "<a href="http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Images/Dynamic/i49/uniondepot1932_ff_300x225_103020060121.gif">Union Depot</a>" which pairs Joan Blondell with the dashing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and the seedy sounding "<a href="http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article.jsp?cid=149240&mainArticleId=149209">Under 18</a>" with our favorite cad of the era, Warren William.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1164525505061584832006-11-25T22:15:00.000-08:002007-01-13T23:34:47.696-08:00The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932)<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6472/1277/1600/80496/fumanchu2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6472/1277/400/614232/fumanchu2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Recently screened this frequently censored MGM early horror film starring <a href="http://www.themakeupgallery.info/character/yellow/1930s/fumanchu.htm">Myrna Loy</a> at her vampiest in one of her last "bad girl" roles. Though the film is quite dated with its <a href="http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s2123horr.html">racially insensitive dialogue and stereotypes</a>, it is nicely filmed and fun to see MGM give the picture what had to be considered big-budget treatment for its time.<br /><br />Boris Karloff (buried under makeup) is sufficiently sinister, hissing most of his lines. <a href="http://www.sfweekly.com/Issues/1999-04-21/film/film5.html">Karen Morley</a> attempts hysteria as the hero's girlfriend who is often in peril, though she comes off quite flat here. I remember Karen was honored at the 1999 <a href="http://history.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=4380">San Francisco International Film Festival</a>, but she was unable to attend. Wished I could have seen her - her career was effectively ended by the Red Scare in the late 40s and early 50s. Morley died in 2003.<br /><br />The film is part of the superb Warner "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHollywoods-Legends-Horror-Collection-Vampire%2Fdp%2FB000GRUQJW%2F&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Hollywood Legends of Horror Collection</a>" featuring six classic screamfests, most with entertaining commentaries and trailers. The DVD features a fully restored uncut version of the film. And if you are squeamish - never fear, this is no "<a href="http://www.saw3.com/">Saw III</a>."Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1162108661582677192006-10-28T23:58:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:34:02.184-08:00TCM Digs Up Six Lost RKO Features<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/rafterromance.0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/rafterromance.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Turner Classic Movies, continuing to set the standard for cinephiles, recently announced it is <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117952119.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2562">restoring six early RKO pictures previously thought to be lost</a>. The films will premiere on TCM in 2007.<br /><br />Among the titles are some pre-code movies with quite a pedigree:<br /><br />1933's "<a href="http://themave.com/Powell/cc/doubleharn.htm">Double Harness</a>," directed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cromwell_(director)">John Cromwell</a>, who would shortly after battle the censors and Production Code Administration chief Joseph Breen with his films "Ann Vickers" and "Of Human Bondage." This comedy stars Ann Harding and William Powell.<br /><br />"One Man's Journey" (1933) - Drama featuring Lionel Barrymore and real-life couple Joel McCrea and Frances Dee. <br /><br />"Rafter Romance" (1933) - William Seiter directs this comedy starring Ginger Rogers (before she was paired with Fred Astaire).<br /><br />and William Wellman's "Stingaree," Irene Dunne's first musical at RKO (check out the <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0025833/#comment">rave</a> at imdb from someone who screened this at <a href="http://www.picking.com/cinefest2006.html">Cinefest</a> in 2001. <br /><br />For more information on all the films and the restoration efforts, check out this <a href="http://www.turnerinfo.com/newsitem.aspx?P=TCM&CID01=c08ec783-d717-45bf-8963-27898c9ab903">press release</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1159229908456460022006-09-25T16:59:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:35:20.003-08:00The Premiere Frank Capra Collection<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPremiere-Frank-Capra-Collection%2Fdp%2FB000ION7A8%2F&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/200/capra_dvd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Sony finally gives celebrated director Frank Capra his due with "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPremiere-Frank-Capra-Collection%2Fdp%2FB000ION7A8%2F&tag=precodedmessa-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Premiere Frank Capra Collection</a>," a <a href="http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=62888">six-disc box set</a> featuring five of his classic films. Of interest to pre-code fans is the inclusion of "American Madness," an early collaboration with writer Robert Riskin about a run on a bank in the Depression era. Of course, his most famous pre-code, 1934's "It Happened One Night," is also represented, as well as "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "You Can't Take It With You." Each film includes a commentary as well as a brief featurette from his son, Frank Capra, Jr.<br /><br />And if that wasn't enough to make your life wonderful, the set includes a 96-page scrapbook and a bonus disc with interviews with Frank Capra Jr., Frank Capra documentarian Ken Bowser, and Capra archive curator Jeanine Bassinger, as well as archival footage and the 1997 documentary "Frank Capra’s American Dream." <br /><br />The Capra collection hits the shelves December 5th, with a suggested retail of $59.95.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1159213030067219262006-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:35:54.266-08:00Fox Before the Code at New York's Film Forum<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/fox.3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/fox.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Pre-code movie fans in New York City have some early Christmas presents in store with <a href="http://www.filmforum.org">Film Forum's</a> three-week "<a href="http://www.filmforum.org/films/fox.html">Fox Before the Code</a>" series, running from December 1st through the 21st. Many of the titles in the series are rarely screened - sadly, <a href="http://www.foxmoviechannel.com/">Fox Movie Channel</a> (unlike Time Warner's Turner Classic Movies) generally shies away from pre-1940 fare. Though many of Fox's silents and <a href="http://www.vitaphone.org/fox.html">early talkies</a> are lost, it is nice to see such a treasure trove offered.<br /><br />On the bill:<br /><br />Several early Spencer Tracy films, including the delightful "Me and My Gal" with a saucy pre-"Dark Shadows" Joan Bennett, paired with Jean Harlow in "Goldie," and "Quick Millions," a 1931 gangster flick with George Raft.<br /><br />"Advice to the Lovelorn," a 1933 comedy with pre-code favorite Lee Tracy.<br /><br />"<a href="http://precode.blogspot.com/2005/07/blood-money-1933.html">Blood Money</a>," with an outrageous, censor-provoking turn from Frances Dee.<br /><br />and for the titles alone: "3 on a Honeymoon," "Girls Demand Excitement," "Coming Out Party," and "<a href="http://www.classicmoviemusicals.com/filmss.htm#sailors">She Learned About Sailors</a>."<br /><br />Who could resist? Many of the films will have new 35mm prints. Hopefully, some of these films will make their way out west after their runs at the Film Forum.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1156220811169199102006-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:36:31.642-08:00TCM Archives: Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume 1 in December<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&location=%2FForbidden-Hollywood-Collection-2pc-Dig%2Fdp%2FB000I2JDF8"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/200/forbiddenhollywood.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Warner Home Video has officially announced its <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&location=%2FForbidden-Hollywood-Collection-2pc-Dig%2Fdp%2FB000I2JDF8">first collection of Pre-Code films</a>, a 2-disc set featuring the original theatrical and uncensored versions of "<a href="http://www.time.com/time/2005/100movies/0,23220,baby_face,00.html">Baby Face</a>," Jean Harlow's "Red Headed Woman" and the rarely-seen 1931 release "<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=//chronicle/archive/1996/05/17/DD50586.DTL">Waterloo Bridge</a>," directed by James Whale.<br /><br />No art work has been released yet, but the MSRP is $39.98, and this long-awaited set will hit the street on December 5th. Not much in the way of extras, though Robert Osborne shows up for some intros. The full press release is at <a href="http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=62504">DVD Times</a>.<br /><br />Though I will be one of the first in line for this set, I am a little surprised at the list price for a three-film set, considering how many of Warner's sets offer such great value. They obviously believe interest will be limited. Hopefully, future volumes will offer more titles and better extras at a competitive price.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1151687863492787402006-06-30T09:47:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:37:18.146-08:00"Paradise" by the Off-Broadway Lights<a href="http://www.troubleinparadisenyc.com"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/TiP_Logo_onBlack_web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A stage version of one of the best Pre-Code films has extended its Off-Broadway run in New York through July 22nd. This <a href="http://theater2.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/theater/reviews/23para.html?ex=1308715200&en=f85879e68a503fd5&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss">well-received</a> musical adaptation of the Ernst Lubitsch film <a href="http://www.troubleinparadise.com">"Trouble in Paradise"</a> is playing at the Hudson Guild Theater on West 26th St. See Gaston and Lily try to con Madame Colet LIVE while you have the chance! Unfortunately, Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins will not be reprising their film roles.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1150693356230573552006-06-18T21:07:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:38:04.288-08:0013th Festival of Preservation in Los Angeles<a href="http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/uclaarchive.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/">UCLA Film and Television Archive</a> shows off some of its recent restoration handiwork with the <a href="http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/calendar/calendardetails.aspx?details_type=2&id=218">13th Festival of Preservation</a> at the James Bridges Theater from July 20th-August 19th. The festival runs the gamut from well-known titles to forgotten films, silent movies to TV episodes.<br /><br />The month-long program schedule includes a few pre-code features and shorts:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.picking.com/vitaphone52.html">Vitaphone</a> Varieties (<em>July 27th, 7:30pm)</em>: Early sound shorts from 1927-1930 feature music and vaudeville acts from the era.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Barker">The Barker</a> (<em>7/27)</em>: This 1928 early talkie starring Dorothy Mackaill, Milton Sills, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was a silent film that had Vitaphone sound sequences added into finished product for its official premiere.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article.jsp?cid=72490&mainArticleId=72479">Dynamite</a> (<em>July 30th, 7pm)</em>: Cecil B. DeMille's first sound feature.<br /><br />Many silent rarities are also being presented with live accompaniment.<br /><br />Two films based on <a href="http://members.tripod.com/~JCHOMA/THORNE.html">Thorne Smith's</a> comedic fantasy novels also get dusted off during the festival. The better known of these is the original "Topper," Hal Roach Studio's whimsical screwball comedy featuring Cary Grant and Constance Bennett as the two of the wittiest and most stylish ghosts you'd ever meet. But the real buried treasure is <a href="http://fest06.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=94">"Turnabout."</a> This 1940 comedy, was directed by Roach and stars the lovely <a href="http://www.carolelandisonline.com/">Carole Landis</a> and a very funny turn by John Hubbard. This gender-bending comedy holds up well thanks to a great supporting cast (Franklin Pangborn, Marjorie Main, Mary Astor, and Donald Meek). I got a sneak preview of "Turnabout" at the <a href="http://fest06.sffs.org/">San Francisco International Film Festival</a> in April, and I can tell you the 35mm print looks wonderful.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1150261300947114052006-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:002007-01-13T23:41:20.238-08:00Joan Is Busting Out All Over<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000F7CMPO%2F"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/200/dancing%20lady.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sorry I have been remiss about posting to my blog. I could make up an excuse that I didn't have a lot of pre-code news to report or movies to review, but that is not necessarily the case (I have a backlog of TCM movies on my TiVo and a Busby Berkeley box set to get to). So as long as you accept my apologies, I will move on!<br /><br />Joan Crawford is (perhaps unfairly) remembered more for her alleged failings as a mother (see this month's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000ERVJK4%2F">"Mommie Dearest: Hollywood Royalty Edition"</a>) or her camp classics (see the new 2-Disc Special Edition of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000EU1Q4A%2F">"Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"</a>). While both films are entertaining to say the least, I think Joan would rather we remember her when she was young and beautiful and one of MGM's biggest stars. We get a glimpse of that Joan in the pre-code musical <a href="http://joancrawfordma.tripod.com/id43.html">"Dancing Lady"</a> (available on DVD 6/20 both individually and as part of the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000F7CMRC%2F">"Clark Gable: The Signature Collection"</a> box set). Though I have not yet seen the film, I love seeing early Clark Gable films since the studio didn't quite know what to do with its rising star, casting him in "heavy" roles instead of suave leading man. Here, he gets to show a comedic side in this backstage musical featuring Crawford's future husband Franchot Tone as his romantic rival. This film features an amazing supporting cast: Fred Astaire (in his first sound feature), May Robson, writer <a href="http://nrbench.home.mindspring.com/robert_benchley.htm">Robert Benchley</a>, Eve Arden (in a bit part), and even The Three Stooges! If that lineup is not incentive to seek out this film, I don't know what is!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/Poster-web---high-.2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/200/Poster-web---high-.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And speaking of Joan, I bet she would also be quite proud of her Oscar-winning performance in "Mildred Pierce." This noir classic will be shown at a <a href="http://www.thecastrotheatre.com/coming-soon.html">very special screening</a> on July 21st at The Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Hold on to your pie plates, because this benefit screening will feature a live appearance by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Blyth">Ann Blyth</a> (who played Veda, Mildred's ingrate daughter, to perfection)! Noir czar Eddie Muller will interview Miss Blyth prior to the screening in what promises to be a fascinating evening. Tickets are available by calling 415-863-0611 or at <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?region=sfbay&query=detail&event=672733">ticketweb.com</a>. Hope to see you there!Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1144391987952308202006-04-06T22:52:00.000-07:002007-07-23T16:49:51.222-07:00Stanwyck Before the Code<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/ladiestheytalkabout1933ld.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/ladiestheytalkabout1933ld.jpg" border="0" /></a>Much has been written about the classic Barbara Stanwyck film "Baby Face" since the newly restored version complete with previously censored footage has been making the rounds of the repertory theaters. Just as entertaining are two other Warner Brothers films featuring a young Stanwyck: "Night Nurse" with Clark Gable as a heavy and Joan Blondell as Stanwyck's roommate, and the women in prison flick "<a href="http://weeklywire.com/ww/03-01-99/austin_screens_scanlines.html">Ladies They Talk About</a>."<br /><br />All three pre-code dramas play over the next week at the <a href="http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/index.html">Brattle Theater</a> in Harvard Square, one of my favorite places to see classic films. Don't miss them if you are in the Boston area. Each movie contains the hallmarks and joys of the best of the pre-code films. This <a href="http://www.thephoenix.com/article_ektid8102.aspx">review</a> from the Boston Phoenix sums up the appeal and raw emotion of Stanwyck who seemingly is restrained from jumping off the screen at times. Stanwyck had a long career, with success on the small screen as well. But her early work shows what made her such a hit with audiences - there was no one quite like her.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1143008054946756052006-03-21T21:26:00.000-08:002007-07-23T16:50:09.890-07:002006 San Francisco Silent Film Festival Preview<a href="http://www.silentfilm.org/"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/400/splashpage.jpg" border="0" /></a>"True art transcends time." That's the slogan of the popular <a href="http://www.silentfilm.org/">San Francisco Silent Film Festival</a>, held annually in July at the Castro Theatre. Though these films predate pre-code, it is always a treat to see them the way they were meant to be seen - in a grand movie house with live music. It is amazing to me that many of these films evoke more true emotion and feeling without saying a word than many of today's cookie-cutter movies. Last year's "<a href="http://www.silentfilm.org/2005festival/thesideshow/schedule.htm">The Sideshow</a>" was just such a film, a B-picture in its day, but still powerful, funny, and poignant.<br /><br />Four of the films on this year's program have been announced:<br /><br />Frank Borzage's Oscar winner "<a href="http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=109589">Seventh Heaven</a>," with Best Actress Janet Gaynor.<br /><br />Tod Browning directs <a href="http://members.aol.com/ChaneyFan/">Lon Chaney</a> in "The Unholy Three," another sideshow tale!<br /><br />A brand new 35mm print of "<a href="http://www.silentsaregolden.com/featurefolder2/sparrowscommentary.html">Sparrows</a>," with silent film queen Mary Pickford.<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.turnerclassicmovies.com/thismonth/article/?cid=92581">Show People</a>," a satire of Hollywood starring Marion Davies and gay film star William Haines and lots of cameos from other big names of the era.<br /><br />Five more features will be announced later this spring. The 11th annual festival runs the weekend of July 14th-16th.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1142819158110526272006-03-19T16:43:00.000-08:002006-03-19T17:50:33.840-08:00The Great Lover<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/gilbert.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/320/gilbert.1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Silent film star <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gilbert_(actor)">John Gilbert </a>was bigger than Valentino at the height of his fame in the '20s. He made four films opposite Greta Garbo, including their first hit "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0009S4IKG">Flesh and the Devil</a>." But the dawn of sound seemed to spell the end of his career. Though legend has it that audiences laughed when they heard his milquetoast voice in the talkies, most agree that arguments with MGM studio head L.B. Mayer helped seal his fate. Though he made a comeback of sorts in 1932's "<a href="http://www.johngilbert.org/downstairs.htm">Downstairs</a>," based on a short story Gilbert wrote, the studio sent him lousy scripts as he was out of favor with Mayer. Sadly, he hit the bottle and died of a massive heart attack in 1936.<br /><br />Judge for yourself whether Gilbert's voice is cause for amusement in two pre-code films featured on TCM early tomorrow morning (all times Pacific) :<br /><br />Monday, March 20<br />4:45 AM<br />The Phantom of Paris (1931)<br /><br />A magician is charged with killing his fiancee's father.<br /><br />6:00 AM<br /><a href="http://turnerclassicmovies.com/thismonth/article/?cid=78396">Fast Workers</a> (1933)<br /><br />Tod Browning ("Freaks") directs Gilbert in his last film under contract with MGM. Also stars Mae Clarke and Robert Armstrong ("King Kong").Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1142322972136014112006-03-13T23:14:00.000-08:002006-03-13T23:56:12.180-08:00She Took the Yellow Ones...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/vod-001.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/200/vod-001.jpg" border="0" /></a>We interrupt this blog to bring you news of a long-awaited DVD releases of two classic films (though they are not classic in a pre-code sense). Yes, the camp classics "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000EXDSCA">Valley of the Dolls</a>" and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000EXDSC0">Beyond the Valley of the Dolls</a>" are finally coming to DVD. Amazon has both films up for pre-order, with a release date of June 13th. It appears they both will be special editions - so we can hope each will be packed with extras (<a href="http://www.jgdb.com/valdolls.htm">Judy Garland's work on VotD</a> before she was canned from the production, anyone?). Perhaps Patty Duke has been persuaded to participate. She used to disown the film, but in recent years has had a sense of humor about it. I will never forget seeing the wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Parkins">Barbara Parkins</a> in person at the Castro about 7 years ago in a Q&A session before a screening. She said Susan Hayward was "hyper," but had nothing but good things to say about the late Sharon Tate.<br /><br />As Helen Lawson might say, "Get outta my way - I got a DVD waitin' for me!"Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1141014453640101362006-02-26T19:34:00.000-08:002006-02-26T20:40:27.510-08:00WB Home Video HTF ChatThe folks at the <a href="http://www.hometheaterforum.com/">Home Theater Forum</a> recently hosted a <a href="http://www.hometheaterforum.com/chat/warner2006.txt">chat</a> with Warner Home Video executives regarding upcoming DVD film releases in 2006 and beyond. Many exciting plans were discussed, there was not much news on pre-code titles. This is perhaps explained by the fact that very few of the chat attendees asked specifically about films from that period. What we do know:<br /><br />* There is the potential for some early Norma Shearer pre-codes to be released, along with a few of her silent films. <br /><br />* The original camera negative for the 1932 horror film "The Mask of Fu Manchu" has been found and the DVD release (most likely late in 2006) will be the uncensored version.<br /><br />* The earliest surviving Charlie Chan film, "<a href="http://charliechangallery.tripod.com/id8.html">The Black Camel</a>" (1931), will be released as part of a Chan box set containing the Monogram Films entries in the series.<br /><br />* June 2006 brings us a Clark Gable Signature Collection, featuring his second film with Joan Crawford, 1933's "<a href="http://joancrawfordma.tripod.com/id43.html">Dancing Lady</a>." There will also be more box sets in 2006-2007 devoted to such pre-code stars as Crawford, Jean Harlow, and James Cagney.<br /><br />* The Lon Chaney Collection, Volume II is on the way, featuring his only talkie, the 1930 version of "The Unholy Three," restored from the original camera negative.<br /><br />Of course, this does not represent the studio's entire output for 2006-2007, and as always, plans could change.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14199026.post-1138843729816428292006-02-01T16:52:00.001-08:002007-11-16T19:17:01.397-08:00TCM Archives: Forbidden Hollywood<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/1600/redhead.0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6472/1277/400/redhead.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Though there has been no official announcement, <a href="http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa114.html#warcat">The Digital Bits</a> is reporting news about Warner Home Video's plans to finally start releasing some of its pre-code films on DVD. For months, we have known that the newly restored, unedited "Baby Face" would be sold on DVD once it made its way through the theaters. At one point, it appeared there would be a big box set coming our way in 2006.<br /><br />Now comes word that Warners will releasing a series of Pre-Code sets under its TCM Archives label. The "Forbidden Hollywood Collection" series will start with a bang with Volume 1 set to feature the aforementioned "Baby Face," along with Jean Harlow in "Red-Headed Woman" and the long unseen "<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=//chronicle/archive/1996/05/17/DD50586.DTL">Waterloo Bridge</a>," directed by James Whale. This first collection will also include a new feature-length documentary. No release date has been announced, but it would most likely be in May at the earliest, since Warner Home Video's press releases are just now trumpeting May product.<br /><br />The previous <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=precodedmessa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000E1MXTQ">TCM Archives</a> releases have mostly focused on silent film, but they have received high marks from reviewers. Time Warner owns the rights to some of the most well-known Pre-Code films, so even if they came out with new Forbidden Hollywood volumes every quarter, they would not run out of material for some time. They released at least 20 titles on VHS in the early 90s.<br /><br />Though this is great news, I am a little disappointed we aren't getting a big box set this year with 10 titles over five discs, etc. But if sales are good for this first volume, surely Warner's will release many more.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07870522375353713701noreply@blogger.com0