Just some thoughts on this month’s happenings:

Classic film screenings from around the world this August include:

In Vancouver, British Columbia The Cinematheque will present FILM NOIR 2023 from August 3–September 4, 2023. Highlights include The Big Heat (1953), The Big Combo (1955, a 35mm print), The Killing (1956), Out of the Past (1947), and The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946).

For more information about this series, click on the top image above. For other films scheduled this month at The Cinematheque, click on the theatre banner.

Noir City Hollywood will take place from from August 4 - August 14.

Their programme reads:

“NOIR CITY: Hollywood celebrates its 24th anniversary with the American Cinematheque at Santa Monica's Aero Theatre, August 4 - 14 with a ten-day extravaganza featuring films from the heart of Hollywood's noir movement -- 1948. Join the Film Noir Foundation's Eddie Muller and Alan K. Rode and a slew of special guests for a swanky, sexy, and sinister excursion back in time. Eddie and Alan will team up for opening night this Friday. Eddie will introduce the rest of the films this weekend with Alan taking over hosting duties during the week. Eddie will return for the closing weekend to introduce the remaining films.

This year's program of daily double features and weekend matinees includes favorites such as Key Largo and The Lady from Shanghai, plus hidden-gem performances by stars like Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Basehart, Edward G. Robinson, Shelley Winters, and many more. Don't miss rare 35mm screenings of Steve Sekely's Hollow Triumph, Anthony Mann's Raw Deal and T-Men, and Robert Wise's Blood on The Moon, starring the inimitable Robert Mitchum.”

NOIR CITY Hollywood's full 24-film lineup and tickets can be seen by clicking on either of the above two images.

To see the entire month of August’s programming including other films showing at both The American Cinematheque Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and The American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz (both part of greater Los Angeles), click on the American Cinematheque banner below.

In New York City, New York Film Forum is presenting Contempt aka Le mépris (1963, a new 4k restoration, in celebration of this film’s 60th Anniversary) from August 6 - 10, Thelma and Louise (1991, a new 4k restoration) from August 6 - 10, and Winter Kills (1979, a 35mm print) from August 11 - 24.

For more information on the films mentioned, click on the appropriate still above. For a complete calendar of all the films playing this month, click on the Film Forum banner.

In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present The Conversation (1974, a 35mm print) Monday, August 7 and Tuesday, August 8, and Winter Kills (1979, a new 35mm print) on Friday, August 25, Saturday, August 26 and Sunday August 27.

Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of August’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.

In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Decision at Sundown (1957, a 4k presentation, as part of their RANOWN WESTERNS: DIRECTED BY BUDD BOETTICHER series) Tuesday, August 8, Hard Eight (1996, a 35mm print) Tuesday, August 8, Once Upon a Time in America [Extended Version] (1984, a 4k presentation) Wednesday, August 9, Alien [Director’s Cut] (1979, a 35mm print) Friday, August 11, On the Waterfront (1954, a 35mm print) Sunday, August 13, Ride Lonesome (1959, as part of their RANOWN WESTERNS: DIRECTED BY BUDD BOETTICHER series) Monday, August 14, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1982, a 35mm print) Saturday, August 19 and Thursday, August 24, A Woman Under the Influence (1974, a 35mm print) Wednesday, August 23, and One-Eyed Jacks (1961, a 35mm print) on Thursday, August 31.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes are matinees only.

Click on the film’s respective image for more information. To see August’s complete programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.

In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is presenting The Birds (1963, as part of this film’s 60th Anniversary) on Sunday, August 13, and The Mummy (1932) on Sunday, August 27.

To obtain more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of August’s programming, click on the Academy banner above.

In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Inglourious Basterds (2009) on Sunday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 16.

Click on the poster image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.

In theatres across the U.S. Fathom Events is presenting Enter the Dragon (1973, a 50th Anniversary Screening) Sunday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 16, and American Graffiti (1973, a 50th Anniversary Screening) on Sunday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 30.

Click on the film’s poster image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.

In Valencia, Spain Culturarts Generalitat IVAC – La Filmoteca at the Filmoteca d'estiu will be presenting Bicycle Thieves (1948, as part of this film’s 75th Anniversary) on Tuesday, August 22 and Thursday, August 24.

Click on the film’s image for more information on this screening. To discover more of August’s programming, click on the banner image above.

In Melbourne, Australia The Astor Theatre is presenting The Wicker Man [The Final Cut] (1973, a 4k digital presentation, in celebration of this film’s 50th Anniversary) on Thursday, August 24, Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26.

Click on the poster image for more information on this film’s screening. To see the rest of August’s schedule, click on The Astor Theatre banner above.

Noir City will take place in Chicago, Illinois from August 25 - 31. Highlights include He Walked by Night (1948, a 35mm print), The Velvet Touch (1948, a 35mm print), Larceny (1948, a 35mm print), Blood on the Moon (1948, a 35mm print), Moonrise (1948, a 35mm print), and Cry of the City (1948, a 35mm print).

For more information including the complete schedule, click on the image above.

In Thuir, France Eric Serra and his musicians will present Le Grand Bleu (1988, a 35th Anniversary Screening) with live musical accompaniment featuring Eric Serra’s splendid score on Thursday, August 31, Friday September 1 and Saturday, September 2.

Click on the above image for more information.

There are 20 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

“The mattress is soft and there're hangers in the closet and stationary with "Bates' Motel" printed on it in case you want to make your friends back home envious.”

My first TCM recommendation this month was, at the time (including throughout its primary creator’s career), the most audacious cinematic assault ever perpetrated on the movie going public or the Motion Picture Production Code for that matter. 1960's Psycho was previously reviewed here. The terror will begin Wednesday, August 2 at 5 pm PDT.

MGM's 1952 musical Singin' in the Rain was not adapted from a theatrical production, though the film was later turned into one, being first presented on stage in 1983. Its abundant creativity, innovation and driving energy place this film at the top of all cinematic musicals ever produced. Singin' in the Rain has been reviewed as a past Blu-ray selection here and will joyously dance its way onto TCM Sunday, August 6 at 3 pm PDT.

Anthony Mann’s laser-like focus on his characters’ deep-rooted psychological clashes of will makes this film noir western exhilarating, tension-filled and one of extreme efficiency and excellence. 1953’s The Naked Spur will be shown on Monday, August 7 at 7:30 am PDT.

(From left) Millard Mitchell, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Ralph Meeker

The Naked Spur is also August’s Blu-ray recommendation, reviewed at the conclusion of this column.

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 1947’s Body and Soul, 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 Monday, August 7 at 6:45 pm PDT.

Please have a read here and see why Gold Diggers of 1933 is as enjoyable and pertinent as the shows these spirited characters struggle to produce. The show must go on Tuesday, August 8 at 5 pm PDT.

Immediately following the above selection is the unmissable Busby Berkeley extravaganza Footlight Parade (1933) also a previous TCM recommendation here. Let the show begin Tuesday, August 8 at 7 pm PDT.

Musical numbers created by Busby Berkeley

A pre-code charmer sure to delight fans is Blonde Crazy (1931) with Jimmy Cagney and Joan Blondell enchanting as a couple of cons. This recommendation was previously made here. The fun will begin Wednesday, August 9 at (early morning) 12 am PDT.

"And then I saw her - coming out of the sun. And I knew why Whit didn't care about that 40 grand."

Out of the Past (1947) is one of film noir's finest and most highly recommended here. She will arrive Thursday, August 10 at 3 pm PDT.

Top Ten Western #8 High Noon, is a simple but tightly constructed narrative, one of the few that unravels almost completely in real time. This western shows how to build suspense and character synergistically to create a most genuine and satisfying cinematic experience. The showdown will arrive on TCM Wednesday, August 16 at 5 pm PDT.

If I was in charge of choosing a single film noir for someone only willing to see one in the entire canon, I would select Double Indemnity (1944) as its most fulfilling and accomplished representative. It has been previously reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Double Indemnity. Thoughts of adultery, greed and murder will manifest themselves on TCM Sunday, August 20 at 1 pm PDT.

Next is Baby Face, the Pre-Code sensation starring Barbara Stanwyck, reviewed here, and making her bold appearance on Sunday, August 20 at 5 pm PDT.

(From left) Theresa Harris, Barbara Stanwyck

My next TCM film to see is Fritz Lang’s 1952 Clash by Night which is reviewed as a DVD recommendation here. The clash will occur Sunday, August 20 at 8:30 pm PDT.

One of David Lean's more ambitious projects may have turned out less artistically accomplished than its director intended. Still, it has many attributes making Doctor Zhivago well worth seeing. Afterwards, I'd be truly appreciative if readers had a look at my review here. This epic scale romance will begin on TCM Tuesday, August 22 at 1:30 pm PDT.

Bad Day at Black Rock, reviewed here, is 1955's modern-day take on the American Western. This exceptional suspense-thriller is also a former entry in Eddie Muller’s Noir Alley * and will occur Friday, August 25 at 5 am PDT.

* which may come as a surprise for those who, unlike myself, do not consider this to be a film noir.

(From left) Russell Collins, Walter Brennan, Spencer Tracy (seated), Dean Jagger, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan

My enthusiasm for the next film may be “icier” than say Howard Hughes’, however, viewers may find enough intrigue, suspense and supportive factors to make the journey to Ice Station Zebra (1968), previously reviewed here and commencing at TCM Friday, August 25 at 5 pm PDT, worth their while.

(From left) Patrick McGoohan, Rock Hudson

Immediately following Ice Station Zebra, is Top Ten Westerns #1: the explosively confrontational The Wild Bunch (1969). If by chance one hasn’t seen this landmark film, remedy that Friday, August 25 at 7:45 pm PDT. For those who have, please see my review Opening Up a Treasure: The Wild Bunch as to why it was and still is, one of America's finest contributions to the cinematic arts.

For those who enjoy the best in creative romantic comedy, be sure to tune in for 1959’s Pillow Talk (reviewed here) Saturday, August 26 at 5 pm PDT.

When affairs of the heart are so well integrated with thoughts of murder as they are in the Humphrey Bogart starrer Conflict (1945), we have the makings of an exceptional film noir. This is because the emotional cause behind the actions infuses motive into these types of films and thus absorbs the viewer on a deeper level. Conflict, previously reviewed here, and a former visitor to Eddie Muller's Noir Alley, will present itself Sunday, August 27 at 11:15 am PDT.

Don't miss Nicholas Ray's character study In a Lonely Place (1950) with Humphrey Bogart perfectly cast as Dixon Steele whose unpredictable explosions of anger make him a prime suspect for the killing of a young ingénue. This highly probative film noir was previously recommended here and will be investigated Sunday, August 27 at 9 pm PDT.

My final TCM recommendation is 1947’s Nora Prentiss portrayed by Ann Sheridan. This first-class film noir, previously reviewed here, will make its striking impression Monday, August 28 at 9:15 pm PDT.

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 a true artist of tremendous creativity, composer John Debney who turns 67 on August 18th.

Some of the films he’s considerably enlivened with his distinct musical imagination include Hocus Pocus (1993), Sudden Death (1995), Cutthroat Island (1995), The Relic (1997), Liar Liar (1997), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), End of Days (1999), The Princess Diaries (2001), Dragonfly (2002), The Scorpion King (2002), Bruce Almighty (2003), The Passion of the Christ (2004, thereafter, Debney premiered "The Passion of the Christ Symphony" in Rome, Italy receiving a 15 minute standing ovation), Iron Man 2 (2010), Predators (2010), Jobs (2013), The Jungle Book (2016), and Hocus Pocus 2 (2019).

The Soundtrack recommendation for the month is John Debney’s inspired score to the 2013 biopic Jobs.

Debney’s stylistically diverse score greatly enhances the telling of Steve Jobs’ journey from college dropout to respected entrepreneur.

La-La Land Records is presenting the original motion picture score currently at a substantially discounted price. More information including ordering can be seen by clicking on the soundtrack image.

The Naked Spur is this month’s former TCM, and current Blu-ray, recommendation.

Anthony Mann’s laser-like focus on his characters’ deep-rooted psychological clashes of will makes this film noir western exhilarating, tension-filled and one of extreme efficiency and excellence.

The Naked Spur has to be the most dynamic, tightly knit ensemble piece ever to play out in such an expansive great outdoors setting. The formidable majestic surrounds practically become a character themselves, matching in importance each one of their inhabitants. This chamber drama of Shakespearean proportions begins with one man, Howard ‘Howie’ Kemp, a rancher turned bounty hunter on the trail of fugitive Ben Vandergroat. Howard is brilliantly portrayed by James Stewart in an almost constant state of agitation, contrasting mightily with someone who will turn out to be his benevolent feigning but deadly scheming prey (a wicked turn by Robert Ryan).

Early on, Howard will encounter prospector Jesse Tate (Milliard Mitchell suitably grizzled and gruff) whose initial participation in capturing Ben will increasingly become a point of contention. Soon after, the two meet up with dishonourably discharged Union soldier Roy Anderson (a charismatic Ralph Meeker) who will join the pair in attempting to profit from the hefty reward Ben Vandergroat’s “dead or alive” return promises. When the trio successfully apprehend their quarry, they find him with Lina Patch (a young Janet Leigh, more than holding her own with her seasoned costars), whose deceased father was Ben’s friend.

Now these five highly distinctive, individually tormented, and deeply flawed characters must travel to Abilene to fulfil Howard’s mission and collect the reward which would allow him to buy back the farm his former fiancée sold while he was fighting in the Civil War. * Mann, assisted by William Mellor’s vibrant cinematography, amazes in extracting every ounce of virulent discord from an endless series of naturally occurring, but masterfully manoeuvred, razor-sharp pentagonal set of conflicts.

* My only criticism, and it is admittedly a slight one, concerns Howard’s past versus a brighter future being used as a point of reference at the story’s emotionally dominant conclusion. Bronislau Kaper’s commendable score incorporates a refrain from Stephen Foster’s song “Beautiful Dreamer” during several scenes but especially at the finale, it adds inordinate weight to what was already an innately bittersweet resolution.

Click on the video image below for more information on this superb Region Free release from Warner Archive and ordering from Amazon.com

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

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