The Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath
Hollywood was concerned that the saga of the Joads might send a "pro-Communist" message, but in the end, even Whittaker Chambers liked this film, which says something.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Ninotchka Ninotchka
Ten years before Joe McCarthy, Ernst Lubitisch makes an anti-Communist comedy, the difference being that Ninotchka was funny.
Jan 3, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Wuthering Heights Wuthering Heights
With William Wyler directing, Ben Hecht and John Huston writing and Laurence Olivier starring--could there have been any chance that it wouldn't be among the best movies ever made?...
Jan 2, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
The Great Dictator The Great Dictator
Hitler was said to have seen this twice. One tends to doubt, however, that he gave it a thumbs up.
Jan 1, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Fantasia Fantasia
When Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck gave way to Bach and Beethoven, the results were as far out as Pluto.
Dec 23, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men
...And their sons. This film had the unusual distinction of starring two "Jr."s, Lon Chaney and Noah Beery, both scions of silent film actors.
Dec 16, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A movie that portrays politicians as corrupt? Believe it or not, this film nearly didn't get made for precisely that reason.
Dec 16, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
Gone With the Wind Gone With the Wind
The film of Margaret Mitchell's bestselling saga of the ante- and post-bellum South set box office records that still stand.
Dec 16, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering