Just some thoughts on current happenings:

Our monthly feature of “Classic Film Screenings from around the world” remains suspended as there are no reliable reports of future theatrical screenings during the Corona virus pandemic.

There are 17 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

Making what is perhaps only its second, but still most welcome appearance, on TCM, is Hidden Gem #4: Mädchen in Uniform (1931, Germany). For the uninitiated, this sublime film can be forever cherished beginning Wednesday, September 2 at (early morning) 4:15 am PST.

Next up is Richard Fleischer’s little powder keg of a film noir, Armored Car Robbery, previously recommended here and set to explode Tuesday, September 8 at (early morning) 3 am PST.

The caper film first laid its roots in The Asphalt Jungle previously reviewed here. The depth of its characters and their fascinating interactions as the drama builds to a cathartic resolution, is why this film has become one of America's finest cinematic achievements. The 'best laid plans' will begin on TCM following Armored Car Robbery Tuesday, September 8 at (early morning) 4:30 am PST.

Next is Barbara Loden's incredible directorial debut Wanda, Hidden Gem #29, a previous TCM recommendation here. Her appearance will occur on TCM Tuesday, September 8 at 11:15 pm PST.

Barbara Stanwyck stars as a devoted wife trying to save her husband (played by Barry Sullivan) but equally determined to match wits against killer Ralph Meeker in order to do so, in the previously recommended (here) noir, 1953's Jeopardy. This life or death struggle will commence Wednesday, September 9 at 8:30 am PST.

There have been quite a few movies centred around boxing over the years from 1937’s Kid Galahad to 2018’s Creed II with plenty of standouts in-between such as 1956’s Somebody Up There Likes Me, 1962’s Requiem for a Heavyweight, 1972’s Fat City and 1980’s Raging Bull. None of these however get as straight to the punchline as 1949’s knockout noir The Set-Up, previously reviewed here and happening again on TCM Thursday, September 10 at 11:45 am PST.

On Saturday, TCM is presenting two of film noir’s finest:

An American cinematic treasure, Double Indemnity stands at the top of noir's hierarchy and is described as such in Opening Up a Treasure: Double Indemnity. One can cash in their noir policy Saturday, September 12 at 9 am PST.

The other selection is Out of the Past, previously praised here and arriving again Saturday, September 12 at 5 pm PST.

Anatomy of a Murder is one of the most authentic and enthralling courtroom dramas of all time. Previously reviewed here, the trial will begin Thursday, September 17 at 12:30 pm PST.

Immediately following Anatomy of a Murder, is another Otto Preminger directed classic, 1944’s Laura, the exacting director’s slick and assured amalgamation of mystery (whodunnit) and film noir (obsessive desire, gruesome murder etc) elements. This film was briefly reviewed here. Included is a comparison between the detective played by Dana Andrews and James Stewart’s retired investigator in Vertigo. Laura will come to life on TCM Thursday, September 17 at 3:15 pm PST.

Next up is the wonderful Guys and Dolls, a previous TCM recommendation here. Both will show at TCM Saturday, September 19 at 5 pm PST.

A true romance film and of the highest artistic calibre has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Brief Encounter. Director David Lean's brief but passionate encounter will begin on Tuesday, September 22 at 3:30 pm PST.

In the U.K. town of Midwich, strange children with mysterious origins are behaving badly. Find out just how bad when the chilling Village of the Damned, previously reviewed here, airs Friday, September 25 at 1:30 pm PST.

Where Eagles Dare (1968) is to World War II what James Bond is to the world of espionage.

This absence of authenticity doesn’t devoid the aforementioned film (nor some of the Bond entries for that matter) of all credibility or positive traits. In regards to fortitude, imagination, engaging and inspired conflicts… all are present and accounted for. The love one has for these types of boyish fantasies * does, however, depend on an additional suspension of disbelief, particularly in terms of the narrative’s valiant characters and valorous outcomes. That, and an admiration for the storytellers’ artful balance between what is likely to happen versus what could happen, or in other words, an astute understanding of just how far our imaginations can be stretched. The further enhanced, sprightly conjured situations, along with their infinitely resourceful central figures of righteous derring-do, emanate from the pens of Alistair MacLean (“Ice Station Zebra”, “Fear is the Key” etc.) and Ian Fleming (the James Bond exploits of “Dr. No”, “Goldfinger”, et al) whose novels have occasionally been well translated into their less whimsical cinematic counterparts, namely The Guns of Navarone (1961) for MacLean and From Russia with Love (1963) for Fleming.

(From left) Clint Eastwood, Richard Burton

(From left) Derren Nesbitt, Ingrid Pitt, Mary Ure

Both authors shared a strong affinity for cloak-and-dagger activities but Fleming limited his intelligence assignments to a singular agent with copious amounts of machismo and panache. In comparison, MacLean’s variable (albeit less glamorised) operatives allowed his subjects to inhabit interchangeable time periods as well. ** All of which brings us back to MacLean’s original screenplay (the novel immediately followed) for Where Eagles Dare: a sumptuously photographed (by Arthur Ibbetson), lavishly produced World War II thriller featuring an all star cast, along with its daring director Brian G. Hutton (See: End Credits) who evidently “likes to blow things up.” ***

The filmmakers don’t always get the balance between the plausible and imaginable right, as our team of infiltrators, especially nearing their assignment’s conclusion, have far too easy a time dispatching their enemies. **** To compensate, there’s plenty of intrigue, clever but outrageously convoluted story twists, double, perhaps even triple, agents, dangerous and deadly encounters, a hair-raising tram fight (overseen by famous second-unit director Yakima Canutt), actors chewing up the scenery (and vice versa), plus a commanding and suspenseful score (care of Ron Goodwin’s artistry) to further captivate that “make believe” spirit in viewers capable of summoning their adventuresome inner child. Where Eagles Dare will take place on TCM (updated) Tuesday, December 5 (2023) at 2 pm PST.

* the secret mission’s women participants, although predictably gorgeous, at least have the same fighting spirit as their male team members.

** MacLean even has an agent working undercover in the western period novel and film Breakheart Pass (1975).

*** a quote from Don Rickles who worked on the same director’s literally explosive follow up WWII comedy/adventure thriller Kelly’s Heroes (1970).

**** the Nazis fall collectively when shot, like Indians in many an old western.

TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.

Returning to films noir, we have Hidden Gem #10: They Won't Believe Me (1947), with its fascinating, twisted plot and antithetically noir central character. This was my very first entry (linked here) for the Cinema Cafe Site with some kind words from the "Czar of Noir" himself, Eddie Muller, in the comments section below the review. If you're a noir fan and haven't seen this unusual motion picture, please believe me, you don't want to miss this major opportunity. The next film to emerge from the shadows in Eddie's Noir Alley can be seen Saturday, September 26 at 9:15 pm PST and will repeat Sunday, September 27 at 7 am PST.

In case you missed last month’s showing of Now, Voyager (1942), here’s another chance to indulge in this cinematic display of romantic fireworks, presented with fervour, maturity and elegance. Previously reviewed here, Now, Voyager will set sail Sunday, September 27 at 12:45 pm PST.

My final TCM recommendation this month is Hidden Gem #18: Titicut Follies (1967, U.S.A.) the first of Frederick Wiseman’s incredible documentaries, highly revealing, even though they are sans narration. Prepare to be riveted by this exceptional filmmaker’s persistently penetrating gaze Monday, September 28 at 10:15 pm PST.

TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's program

This month's Happy Birthday shout-out goes to the beautiful and accomplished actress Monica Bellucci who turns 56 on September 30th.

Although she originally studied for a career in the legal profession, Monica turned her attention to modelling after performing some part-time work in the industry to support her studies. She enjoyed great success as a model after moving to Milan and made her acting debut in the Italian TV movie Vita coi figli (1990) for director Dino Risi. Her first U.S. film part occurred as one of Dracula’s Brides in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Monica’s breakthrough role was in the engrossing and strikingly polished romantic thriller L'appartement (The Apartment, 1996, as Lisa, the supreme romantic interest of real life husband-to-be actor Vincent Cassel m. 1999–2013). She’s also known for her remarkable portrayals in, among others, L’ultimo capodanno (1998), Under Suspicion (2000), Malena (2000), Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), Irreversible (2002, the film generating enormous controversy), The Matrix Reloaded (2003, as Persephone), The Matrix Revolutions (2003, reprising her role in the former instalment), The Passion of the Christ (2004, as Mary Magdalen), The Brothers Grimm (2005), the highly enjoyable romantic comedy How Much Do You Love Me? (2005, as Daniela), Don’t Look Back (2009, as Jeanne), The Whistleblower (2010) and Spectre (2015).

September’s Soundtrack recommendation contains two of Ron Goodwin’s rousing WWII adventure scores: Where Eagles Dare (reviewed above) and Operation Crossbow.

British composer Ron Goodwin was particularly admired for his WWII scores including the aforementioned pair, 633 Squadron (1963) and Battle of Britain (1969). In fact, his music for Where Eagles Dare (1968) is so authoritative and lavishly appointed, you’d think it was he alone who devised and commanded the mission. Equally as determined and invigorating is Goodwin’s score for Operation Crossbow (1965), the George Peppard starrer concerning an Allied effort to infiltrate a German rocket weaponry site. It has Goodwin’s signature ‘call to action’ main theme along with the composer’s distinctive suspense building flourishes. This 2 CD limited edition soundtrack (only 3,000 copies) contains both scores in stereo, was issued by Film Score Monthly and is still available as of this writing from Screen Archives Entertainment. Click on the image for more information including international ordering.

Contemplating the rather extravagant World War II imaginings of Where Eagles Dare brought to mind another wildly concocted mission of stealth and secrecy, only this time, instead of an Allied cause, it's a German-run affair: my Blu-ray recommendation of the month, 36 Hours (1964).

(From left) Rod Taylor, James Garner, Eva Marie Saint

James Garner plays one of his usual affable characters, Major Jefferson Pike, an American intelligence officer who winds up heavily sedated and kidnapped shortly before D-Day. “The mission, should you decide to accept it… ” is in fact, a rather ingenious Mission: Impossible prototype, far-fetched for sure, but enthralling nevertheless. Its credibility is bolstered by George (The Counterfeit Traitor) Seaton’s skilful direction and his cast’s dedicated performances. This film is most distinguished by the synergistic development of a corkscrew plot (including its uncommon, carefully explored subtexts) and its participants: a quality that applies to Major Walter Gerber’s (a naturally charismatic Rod Taylor) emotional investiture in the operation, and Eva Marie Saint’s Anna Hedler, who’s in on the sting but against her will. The resulting compassion both individuals elicit is impressive, especially for films of this type.

A reminder that, like Where Eagles Dare, 36 Hours has about as much meaningful relation to World War II as does The Sound of Music or Hogan’s Heroes and is more akin to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory * than to war films like Paths of Glory or Men in War. 36 Hours may be less action oriented than Where Eagles Dare, but both stories spring from the fertile “what if” imaginations of their respective creators. Hopefully, they will be appreciated as such.

* It so happens, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’s author, Roald Dahl, is also credited as co-creator of 36 Hours’ screenplay vis-à-vis his short story “Beware of the Dog.”

The Blu-ray is available from Warner Archive (North America Region Free). This is an excellent transfer that can be ordered through Amazon.com by clicking on the image. Your purchase here goes to help our friends at DVD Beaver.

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

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