"Now Listen to Me..."
Just some thoughts on current happenings:
Classic film screenings from around the world is returning this month in a limited capacity. Due to the Corona virus pandemic, please contact the theatre of choice regarding any restrictions including masks, social distancing, limited seating or last minute cancellations.
In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present a double bill of Two-Lane Blacktop (1971, a 35mm print) and Cockfighter (1974, a 35mm print) Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3, a double bill of Excalibur (1981, a 35mm print) and Sword of Lancelot (1963, an IB Technicolor print) Wednesday, July 7 and Thursday, July 8, a double bill of Dracula (1931, a 35mm print) and Black Sunday (1960, a 35mm print) Friday, July 9, Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, and a double bill of The Lady Eve (1941, a 35mm print) and Sullivan’s Travels (1941, a 35mm print) on Friday, July 23, Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of July’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.
In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Heat (1995, a 35mm print, as part of this film’s 25th Anniversary) Friday, July 2 and Sunday, July 25, Casablanca (1942, a 35mm print) Sunday, July 4 and Thursday, July 8, A Summer’s Tale (1996, a 35mm print) Monday, July 5 and Wednesday, July 14, Apocalypse Now (1979, a 35mm print, the theatrical cut) Monday, July 5 and Sunday, August 1, Citizen Kane (1941, a 35mm print) Wednesday, July 7, Andrei Rublev (1966, a 35mm print) Thursday, July 8, Full Moon in Paris (1984, a 35mm print) Thursday, July 8, Blue Velvet (1986, a 35mm print) Friday, July 9, Monday, July 12, Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15 and Taxi Driver (1976, a 35mm print) Friday, July 23 through and including Friday, July 30.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see July’s complete programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.
In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Jaws (1975) starting Friday, July 2, Top Gun (1986) starting Friday July 9, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985) starting Friday, July 16, Jurassic Park (1993) starting Friday, July 23, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) starting on Friday, July 30.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.
In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is continuing with their “Cinema of Solitude Festival” presenting many of the following films as part of this series: Taxi Driver (1976, as part of this film’s 45th Anniversary, and as part of the “Cinema of Solitude” series) Friday, July 2, All That Heaven Allows (1955, as part of the “Cinema of Solitude” series) Sunday, July 4, Silent Running (1972, as part of the “Cinema of Solitude” series) Tuesday, July 6, Paris Texas (1984, as part of the “Cinema of Solitude” series) Friday, July 9, Solaris (1972, an encore screening of the opening night’s “Cinema of Solitude” series) Saturday, July 10, a “Nights of Noir” double bill of Niagara (1953) and Desert Fury (1947) Sunday, July 11, School of Rock (2003, an “adults only” R18 screening) Tuesday, July 13, and Chungking Express (1994, an encore screening from the “Cinema of Solitude” series) on Friday, July 16.
For more information on the “Cinema of Solitude Festival” click on the appropriate picture above. To obtain more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of July’s programming, click on the Academy banner above.
In theatres across the U.S., TCM and Fathom Events are presenting The African Queen (1951, as part of this film’s 70th Anniversary) Sunday, July 18 and again on Wednesday, July 21.
Click on the respective film’s image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.
I Wake Up Screaming
Anatomy of a Murder
The Servant
Nightmare Alley
In Bologna, Italy Il Cinema Ritrovato - Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna is hosting “Recovered and Restored”, covering a vast number of films that have recently undergone restoration due to the combined efforts of public and private film archives around the world. Just a few of the selections presented at The Odeon Cinema in Bologna include I Wake Up Screaming (1941) Wednesday, July 21, Anatomy of a Murder (1958) Friday, July 23, The Servant (1963) Saturday, July 24, and Nightmare Alley (1947) on Sunday, July 25.
For more information including the other wide range of films in this series, click on the top image. To find out more on each of the films mentioned, click on the respective image above. To find out more about The Odeon Cinema including directions, click on the above theatre image. To obtain more information about all of the films playing this month, including those at other theatres in the region, click on the banner above.
In Los Angeles, California Secret Movie Club is presenting a Million Dollar Club matinee screening of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, a 35mm print) Saturday, July 24 at downtown L.A.’s Million Dollar Theatre. For more information on this special screening including others organised by this group, click on the above image.
There are 20 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:
Director John Boorman has delivered with the precision of his film's title, Point Blank, a neo-noir masterpiece fortified with style and driven by purpose.
Lee Marvin
… and the L.A. River
Lee Marvin's 'cold as a frozen corpse' Walker, is a machine-like man on a mission, appearing unstoppable as he charges through LAX possessed with unbridled vengeance. It's also quite ironic that despite Walker's hardened resolve, the considerable threat he poses, generous amount of punishment he dishes out, and the high body count he seems responsible for, doesn't directly kill anyone in the entire picture. "Was it a dream?" You be the judge when Point Blank (first acclaimed here) hits Friday, July 2 at 7:15 pm PDT.
For those who enjoy the best in creative romantic comedy, be sure to tune in for Pillow Talk (reviewed here) Monday, July 5 at 9:15 am PDT.
Doris Day, Rock Hudson
For another, earlier, light-hearted and charming indulgence, try Ernst Lubitsch's The Shop Around the Corner.
James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan
Beneath an inventive situation comedy veneer, however, lies a serious underlying message regarding relationships and how concepts often get in the way of a more fulfilling union based on care and concern for one another. The Shop Around the Corner, previously praised here, will open Monday, July 5 at 3 pm PDT.
My next TCM recommendation is Nora Prentiss portrayed by Ann Sheridan. This formidable film noir, previously reviewed here, will make its striking impression Thursday, July 8 at 7:45 am PDT.
Kent Smith, Ann Sheridan
Immediately following Nora Prentiss, we have another outstanding film noir from the same year (1947), Hidden Gem #10: They Won't Believe Me, 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.
*** Note *** For only the second time on TCM, the recently restored longer version including an added 15 minutes from all but one previous U.S. presentations (i.e. 95 minutes instead of the usual 80 minutes) will be aired. This makes TCM’s Thursday, July 8 at 9:45 am PDT showing a must see for film noir fans.
Jane Greer, Robert Young
Next is one of neo-noir’s finest The Friends of Eddie Coyle reviewed as a Blu-ray recommendation here. Eddie and his “friends” will show at TCM Friday, July 9 at 7 pm PDT.
(From left) Richard Jordan, Robert Mitchum
Immediately following The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) and released a year later (1974), is another neo-noir film considered to be a classic: Chinatown. “It’s okay with me” if one has a go at this reviewer but please familiarise yourself with both the film and my review before doing so. Chinatown was previously reviewed here and can be visited Friday, July 9 at 7 pm PDT.
Next on my list of films to watch is King Kong (1933), who's scheduled to make his grand entrance on Monday, July 12 at 6:15 pm PDT. I have reviewed this motion picture with a focus on its musical score here.
Director Howard Hawks, excelled in all genres, e.g. The Big Sleep (1946) and Red River (1948). Offering further proof of this is the hilarious Bringing Up Baby, previously reviewed here. The antics will begin on TCM Tuesday, July 13 at 9 am PDT.
Next is one of the western genre's finest and another excellent pairing of star James Stewart with director Anthony Mann: The Man from Laramie.
James Stewart
This was the last western the duo made together and perhaps their finest. Previously they collaborated on Winchester '73, Bend of the River, The Naked Spur, and The Far Country in that order. In this film, Mann's by now familiar themes of buried hostility, vengeance, familial loyalty and expectation seem developed in a more complex fashion, therefore affording the director a deeper exploration of his characters' conflicts, motives and desires. As always the situations are masterfully presented and infinitely captivating. The Man from Laramie has been previously reviewed as Top Ten Western #7 and will appear Saturday, July 17 at 1 pm PDT.
Immediately following The Man from Laramie is one of Steve McQueen’s most iconic characterisations as the titular cop Bullitt, reviewed here. Bullitt will speed his way onto TCM Saturday, July 17 at 3 pm PDT.
After World War II, many returning servicemen were disillusioned to find jobs scarce and their wives’ (or girlfriends’) faithfulness even scarcer. The Best Years of Our Lives addresses this reality head on when the Dana Andrews character finds it impossible to please either his previous employer or trophy wife upon returning to civilian life. Perhaps for this narrative distinction, authors Borde and Chaumeton referred to The Best Years of Our Lives in their highly respected book “Panorama of American Film Noir 1941 - 1953”, the first to be published on the subject.
Dana Andrews holding the Mayo… Virginia Mayo that is
The film portrays no crime, the focus is not on Andrews’ experiences alone, and he comes out better off at the end without his superficial but admittedly gorgeous wife, which for myself, collectively place this film well outside of noir’s dark and gloomy world of illegal activity. Previously, I highly praised The Best Years of Our Lives for its exceptional musical score composed by Hugo Friedhofer in the first part of a series entitled Top Ten: Motion Picture Music Treasures. This emotionally powerful tour de force will commence on TCM Sunday, July 25 at 11:45 am PDT.
My next two TCM recommendations are not only romance films with two of the same cast members (Paul Henreid and Claude Rains), they were both produced by Hal Wallis and share screenwriting duties by Casey Robinson. Now, Voyager is up first and displays the greater romantic fireworks of the two, presented with fervour, maturity and elegance. Previously reviewed here, Now, Voyager will set sail Monday, July 26 at 7 pm PDT.
Immediately following Now, Voyager, 1944's Academy Award Best Picture Winner Casablanca will air which I criticised in my review here, for its emotionally underwhelming Parisian flashback, partly due to the fact that we did not see the romance develop before these rather lukewarm scenes took place. There is, however, no denying the fact that this film casts a magical spell and is certainly capable of sweeping one up in its appealing blend of romance, sacrifice and political intrigue. This 1942 classic, one of Hollywood's proudest, arrives Monday, July 26 at 9:15 pm PDT.
Then there's John Ford's masterpiece The Searchers, previously reviewed here. It is Top Ten Western #2 and is as likely as any film to provide one with a truly unforgettable, rich and rewarding movie watching experience. The search will begin Tuesday, July 27 at (early morning) 1:15 am PDT.
John Wayne
On Wednesday, TCM is showing one of the most astute explorations of small town American life, The Last Picture Show, previously reviewed here. This is one of the finest films of the ‘70s and can be seen Wednesday, July 28 at 9:30 pm PDT.
(From left) Timothy Bottoms, Ben Johnson, Sam Bottoms
My next TCM recommendation has been previously reviewed here and is the story of Bonnie and Clyde only re-imagined as the mythical romantic exploits of an impossibly gorgeous, but infamous couple in crime. The Barrow Gang will strike on TCM Wednesday, July 28 at 11:45 pm PDT.
Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty
Next up is a sci-fi film that has, over time, developed a strong cult following Blade Runner (1982, The 2007 “Final Cut” which also happens to be the best “Cut”). Its vast popularity is partly why this film was chosen as one of ten for a more critical appraisal here, and is thus a review meant for those already familiar with its qualities. Blade Runner will be employed on TCM Friday, July 30 at 5 pm PDT.
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 'planning' will start on TCM the morning of Saturday, July 31 at 10:30 am PDT.
(From left) Sterling Hayden, Brad Dexter, Louis Calhern, Sam Jaffe
Viewers who dare to have their imaginations stretched considerably should be rewarded Where Eagles Dare, previously reviewed here and appearing on TCM’s radar Saturday, July 31 at 12:30 pm PDT.
(From left) Clint Eastwood, Richard Burton
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.
This month's Happy Birthday shout-out goes to legendary actress Geraldine Chaplin, who turns 77 on July 31st.
She made her first motion picture appearance in her father’s (Charlie Chaplin) sublime motion picture Limelight (1952, a little girl on steps) as well as a subsequent cameo role in her dad’s A Countess from Hong Kong (1967, a girl at dance) but came to prominence in David Lean’s epic Doctor Zhivago (1965, as Tonya, a Golden Globe nominated performance). She received a second Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975, as Opal) and a third nomination for playing her real life grandmother Hannah Chaplin in Richard Attenborough’s biopic Chaplin (1992). Other notable roles include those seen in Peppermint Frappé (1967), Ana y los lobos (1973), The Three Musketeers (1973), Cría Cuervos (1976), Welcome to L.A. (1976, as Karen Hood, a BAFTA nomination recipient), A Wedding (1978), Remember My Name (1978), L'adoption (1979), The Moderns (1988), The Age of Innocence (1993), Jane Eyre (1996), Cousin Bette (1998), Talk to Her (2002), The Orphanage (2007), Parc (2008), The Forbidden Room (2015), Marguerite et Julien (2015), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) and Holy Beasts (2019). Chaplin has also appeared as Wallis Simpson in the much heralded TV series The Crown (2019).
The Soundtrack recommendation for the month is John Barry's enveloping and breathtakingly gorgeous score to 1980’s romantic fantasy Somewhere In Time.
There are cinematic stories that require a suspension of disbelief, then there are those that require a suspension bridge of disbelief like this one. The results might have been worth the effort had the characters and their portrayers been up to the Herculean task but alas, they are not. John Barry, on the other hand, seemingly touched by the hand of Zeus, commands the beauty of Aphrodite be brought to the proceedings basking each moment in sumptuous serenity. La-La Land Records, Universal Pictures, and Geffen are presenting a limited edition (only 5000 units) remastered and expanded CD available for pre-order from Intrada Records. For more information, click on the accompanying image.
July’s Blu-ray, as well as a prior TCM, recommendation is The Asphalt Jungle, on the Criterion label (North America Region A locked) currently available at 50% off at Amazon.com by clicking on the image.
A.G.