Just some thoughts on this month’s happenings:

Classic film screenings from around the world this May include:

In New York City, New York, Film Forum is presenting Raging Bull (1980) Monday, May 1 - Thursday, May 4, and I Vitteloni (1953) Friday, May 5 – Thursday, May 11

Also beginning this month is THE CITY: REAL AND IMAGINED a series of films featuring New York City from Friday, May 12 – Thursday, June 8.

The programme reads:

“Over 60 feature films and special events, including SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, THE NAKED CITY, REAR WINDOW, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, THE LANDLORD, KLUTE, TAXI DRIVER, DO THE RIGHT THING, A NEW LEAF, SHAFT, THE PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK, THE FRENCH CONNECTION, and many more.

Presented in association with the Museum of the City of New York’s centennial exhibition This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture”

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

In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Wanda (1970) Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 17, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974, a 35mm print, as part of their BRING ME THE FILMS OF SAM PECKINPAH series) Wednesday, May 3, Faces (1968, a 35mm print, a 55th Anniversary Screening) Thursday, May 4 and Wednesday, May 24, Vertigo (1958, a 4k presentation, a 65th Anniversary Screening,) Monday, May 8, Hard Eight (1996, a 35mm print) Wednesday, May 10, Unforgiven (1992, a 35mm print) Sunday, May 14 and Monday, May 15, Bullitt (1968, a 55th Anniversary Screening) Sunday, May 14, A Woman Under the Influence (1974, a 35mm print) Wednesday, May 17 and Citizen Kane (1941, a 35mm print) on Thursday, May 18.

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

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

In Bergen, Norway The Cinemateket i Bergen will present Jaws (1975, a 35mm print) Tuesday, May 2 and Sunday, May 7, and The Birds (1963, a 35mm print) on Tuesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 25.

For more information on each film’s showing, click on the appropriate movie image above. For more information on the other films being presented at The Cinemateket, click on the banner image above.

In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present a triple bill of The Hospital (1971, a 35mm print), Ulzana’s Raid (1972, a 35mm print) and Steel (1979, a 35mm print) Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3, a double bill of Trouble in Paradise (1932, a 35mm print) and Design for Living (1933, a 35mm print) Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5, a double bill of Imitation of Life (1959, a 35mm print) and Mildred Pierce (1945, a 35mm print) Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11, and Sorcerer (1977, a 4-Track Mag 35mm print) on Wednesday, May 17, Thursday, May 18, Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21.

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

In Santa Monica (part of greater Los Angeles) California, The American Cinematheque Aero Theatre will present Network (1976, with an Introduction by cinematographer Michael Goi, Co-Presented by The American Society of Cinematographers ‘Owen Roizman: An American Cinematheque Retrospective’) Thursday, May 4, The French Connection (1971, with an Introduction by cinematographer Caleb Deschanel Co-Presented by The American Society of Cinematographers ‘Owen Roizman: An American Cinematheque Retrospective’ ) on Friday, May 12.

In Los Feliz (also part of greater Los Angeles) The The American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 Theatre will present The Mummy (1932, a 35mm print, as part of their ‘Sunday Print Edition’ and ‘Mother’s Day at the AC’ ) Sunday, May 14, Wanda (1970) Friday, May 19, and To Live and Die in L.A. (1985, a 35mm print) on Monday, May 22.

For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of May’s programming including other films showing at both the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and The Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, click on the American Cinematheque banner.

In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is presenting The Age of Innocence (1993, a 30th Anniversary Screening) Tuesday, May 9, Red Desert (1964, as part of their THE COLOUR OF CINEMA Film Festival) Thursday, May 18, Leave Her to Heaven (1945, as part of their THE COLOUR OF CINEMA Film Festival) Sunday, May 21, and Blue is the Warmest Color (2013, a 10th Anniversary Screening, as part of their THE COLOUR OF CINEMA Film Festival) on Friday, May 26.

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

In Valencia, Spain, Culturarts Generalitat IVAC – La Filmoteca at the Edificio Rialto will be presenting The African Queen (1951, as part of their PHILOSOPHY AND ADVENTURE CINEMA programme) Wednesday, May 10 and Sunday, May 14, They Live by Night (1947, as part of their BLACK VALÈNCIA: ROAD MOVIES IN BLACK programme) Friday May 12 Presented by Daniel Gascó, film critic (the former screening only) and Saturday, May 13, Detour (1945, as part of their BLACK VALÈNCIA: ROAD MOVIES IN BLACK programme) Thursday, May 18 Presented by Daniel Gascó, film critic (the former screening only) and Saturday, May 27, and The Hitch-Hiker (1953, as part of their BLACK VALÈNCIA: ROAD MOVIES IN BLACK programme) Friday, May 19 Presented by Daniel Gascó, film critic (the former screening only) and Sunday, May 28.

Click on the respective film’s image for more information on each screening. To discover more of May’s programming including other films playing in Valencia Spain at the Edificio Rialto, in Alicante Spain at the Arniches Theatre and in Castelló Spain at the Raval Theater and the Paranimf of the Universitat Jaume I, click on the banner image above.

In Tel Aviv, Israel The Revolutionary Orchestra will present The Gold Rush (1925) with live musical accompaniment featuring Charlie Chaplin’s lively score on Thursday, May 11.

Click on the above image for more information.

In Palm Springs, California The 23rd Annual Arthur Lyons’ Film Noir Festival will take place from May 11 - 14. The event will be hosted by Alan K. Rode whose announcement can be seen by clicking on the above image.

Victoria Mature was kind enough to make the following information available:

**Opening Night Feature - May 11th at 7pm!!!**

THE KILLING (1956) - written and directed by #StanleyKubrick - produced by James B. Harris...Harris will be at the screening and on the stage discussing The Killing and his work as a producer and filmmaker, with festival host, Alan K. Rode!

The Killing stars: #SterlingHayden, #ElishaCookJr, #ColleenGray, and #MarieWindsor "as the two timing dame who couldn't keep her mouth shut!"

**Rare Screening on Saturday, May 13th at 7pm!!!**

THE SHANGHAI GESTURE (1941) - directed by #JosefVonSternberg - co-starring, my Dad, #VictorMature and #GeneTierney, #OnaMunson and #WalterHuston - followed by a post-screening discussion with host, Alan K. Rode and Josef's son, cinematographer and educator, Nicholas Von Sternberg!

(restored 35mm print - George Eastman Museum)

THE SHANGHAI GESTURE is one of the 12 excellent noir films (13, if you are a passholder;-) programmed by historian, author, and festival producer-host, Alan K. Rode who will be joined by co-presenter #EddieMuller, host of TCM’s NOIR ALLEY, and President of the Film Noir Foundation.

Special guests scheduled this year include: James B. Harris, filmmaker and producer (THE KILLING) and David Ladd, actor, producer and son of Alan Ladd (THIS GUN FOR HIRE, APPOINTMENT WITH DANGER), and cinematographer and educator, Nicholas Von Sternberg (THE SHANGHAI GESTURE).

Here is a link to the festival film schedule, passes, and individual tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/318510883627

The Arthur Lyons' Film Noir Festival is executive produced by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, a 501c non-profit organization.

As the in-theater experience of classic cinema is becoming increasingly more cost-challenged in this post Covid era, we would appreciate your support of the Arthur Lyons' Film Noir Festival in whatever amount you deem affordable.

Thank you!! ...and see you in May!!!

THURSDAY - Opening Night!!

The Killing (1956) - (James B. Harris)

FRIDAY -

Dial 1119 (1950)

Blood On The Moon (1948)

The Naked City (1948)

This Gun for Hire (1942) - (David Ladd)

SATURDAY -

Decoy (1946)

The Bigamist (1953)

Appointment with Danger (1950)

The Shanghai Gesture (1941) - (Nicholas Von Sternberg)

SUNDAY -

The Lady Gambles (1949)

Scandal Sheet (1952)

Double Indemnity (1944)

***Special Saturday Passholder-Only Screening***

Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947)

(35mm print courtesy of The Library of Congress)

Arthur Lyons' Film Noir Festival

(May 11-14, 2023)

Schedule and Pass and Ticket Information:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/318510883627

Palm Springs Cultural Center

(Camelot Theatres)

2300 E Baristo Rd.

Palm Springs, California

92262

In Los Angeles, California Secret Movie Club is presenting at the Secret Movie Club Theater The Wages of Fear (1953, a 35mm print) Thursday, May 11, a double bill of Shadow of a Doubt (1943, a 4k restoration) and Saboteur (1942, a 4k restoration) Saturday, May 13, and a double bill of Samurai Rebellion (1967, a 35mm print) and Lady Snowblood (1973) on Wednesday, May 24.

For more information on each of these presentations, click on the appropriate movie image. To discover other screenings organised by this group, click on the above theatre image.

In Nice, France The Orchestre philharmonique de Nice et Chœur région Sud will present Gladiator (2000) with live musical accompaniment featuring Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s magnificent score on Friday, May 12.

Click on the above image for more information.

In Los Angeles, California, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (at Walt Disney Concert Hall) will present Psycho with live musical accompaniment featuring Bernard Herrmann’s sensational score on Friday, May 12.

Click on the above image for more information.

In theatres across the U.S., Fathom Events is presenting Grease (1978, a 45th Anniversary Screening) on Sunday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 17.

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 Melbourne, Australia The Astor Theatre is presenting Dunkirk (2017, a 70mm print) Saturday, May 20, and a double bill of Planet of the Apes (1968) and The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) on Monday, May 22.

Click on the appropriate image for more information on each screening. To see the rest of May’s schedule, click on The Astor Theatre banner above.

In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Rio Bravo (1959) on Sunday May 21 and Wednesday, May 24.

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

In Brussels, Belgium The Belgian National Orchestra will present Vertigo (1958) with live musical accompaniment featuring Bernard Herrmann’s breathtaking score on Friday, May 26.

Click on the above image for more information.

There are 26 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

The multi-talented Gordon Parks made his directorial debut at age 57 with 1969's The Learning Tree based on his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. This touching coming of age story was previously lauded, along with its creator Parks, in an article entitled: Exploring the Artefacts #5: The Alchemist. Included are some clips of Parks' music compositions for The Learning Tree and Shaft's Big Score. The Learning Tree can be studied Friday, May 5 at 10:45 am PDT.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) has Humphrey Bogart portraying perhaps his darkest and most psychologically troubled character. Watching his slow transformation from an honest and idealistic adventurer to a tormented, paranoid psychotic is one of the art's most stunning, dramatically forceful experiences perfectly matched to a magnificent and fatalistically ironic conclusion. My further thoughts on this film are here. This cinematic treasure can be discovered Saturday, May 6 at 2:30 pm PDT.

(From left) Walter Huston, Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt

“What a story! Everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end.”

All About Eve (1950) is really all about the spoken word and is a prior TCM recommendation here. She will make her appearance Sunday, May 7 at 5 pm PDT.

For those who enjoy the best in creative romantic comedy, be sure to tune in for 1959’s Pillow Talk (reviewed here) Monday, May 8 at 1 pm PDT.

Then there's Preston Sturges' masterpiece Sullivan's Travels (1941), a previous Blu-ray recommendation here. His comedic, albeit enlightening, adventures will begin Tuesday, May 9 at 5 pm PDT.

Another top of the line screwball comedy released the same year as Sullivan’s Travels and, even more remarkably, from the same writer (co-writer here along with Monckton Hoffe) / director is The Lady Eve (1941) reviewed here. See for yourself on Tuesday, May 9 at 8:30 pm PDT.

(From left) Charles Coburn, Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda

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 (1960), previously reviewed here, airs Thursday, May 11 at 2 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 Thursday, May 11 at 7 pm PDT.

A film well worth seeing is Network (1976), previously reviewed here. This “mad as hell” exposé of just how far some TV executives will go to exploit for profit a former news anchor’s severe “on the air” mental breakdown, will itself air on TCM Friday, May 12 at (early morning) 12:45 am PDT.

Next up is Alfred Hitchcock's dazzling thriller, Foreign Correspondent (1940), previously reviewed here. His main character’s precarious globe trotting assignment will begin Friday, May 12 at (early morning) 3 am PDT.

(From left) Some guy reading a newspaper, Joel McCrea

My next TCM recommendation, reviewed here, is 1960's Stop Me Before I Kill! aka The Full Treatment happening Monday, May 15 at 3 pm PDT.

“I love this dirty town.”

New York City’s vernacular never smelled sweeter than it does in 1957’s Sweet Smell of Success. Any device designed to test acidity levels, applied to this film’s dialogue, would itself disintegrate after flicking the “on” switch. The film, reviewed here, will be shown on TCM (updated) Wednesday, September 20 (2023) at (early morning) 1 am PDT.

Sweet Smell of Success is also May’s Blu-ray recommendation reviewed at the conclusion of this column.

From 1947, director Michael Curtiz brings inspirationally to life the unsuspectedly stylish film noir The Unsuspected, previously reviewed here, Tuesday, May 16 at 7:15 am PDT.

Later on, TCM will show another film noir from the same year (1947) as The Unsuspected, recently reviewed here, Lady in the Lake, Tuesday, May 16 at 10:30 am PDT.

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 Tuesday, May 16 at 2 pm PDT.

Another of film noir's most satisfying sensations is provided by Tension (1949), a prior TCM recommendation here, and can be felt Tuesday, May 16 at 3:15 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 (1965) well worth seeing. Afterwards, I'd be appreciative if readers had a look at my review here. This epic scale romance will begin Thursday, May 18 at 6:45 pm PDT.

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, May 19 at (early morning) 2:30 am PDT, worth their while.

(From left) Patrick McGoohan, Rock Hudson

Next up is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1968), a previous TCM recommendation here. Viewers can realise a wealth of emotion by tuning in Tuesday, May 23 at (early morning) 1:30 am PDT.

The more psychologically disturbing, (than monstrously horrifying) 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has Spencer Tracy in the title role. This was previously critiqued here. The Dr. will begin his transformation Wednesday, May 24 at 7 am PDT.

A true romance film and of the highest artistic calibre has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Brief Encounter. Director David Lean's stirring "encounter", released in 1945, will begin on Thursday, May 25 at 1:15 pm PDT.

Top Ten: Cinema's Most Treasured Image #81

Viewers who dare to have their imaginations stretched considerably should be rewarded Where Eagles Dare (1968), previously reviewed here and appearing on TCM’s radar Monday, May 29 at 5:45 am PDT.

Next up, is a WW II film that can only be defined by its setting. There are just too many dispersed ideas regarding tone and perspective to communicate what kind of film Kelly’s Heroes (1970) is, let alone how any of its numerous genre types are successfully represented. Discover for yourself when Kelly’s Heroes (previously reviewed here) arrive at TCM Monday, May 29 at 1:15 pm PDT.

For an uproarious and thoroughly engaging movie-watching experience, it's hard to beat Bringing Up Baby (1938), previously recommended here. The antics will begin on TCM Tuesday, May 30 at 5 am PDT.

Despite its ridiculously hard to follow plot, this next recommendation's wildly entertaining detective yarn is worth waking up for.

Previously reviewed here, The Big Sleep (1946) will awaken Tuesday, May 30 at 3 pm PDT.

A most talented friend on Facebook, Leilani Roundtree, has graciously allowed me to post her own very special modernised trailer for The Big Sleep. This amazing work both spoofs contemporary coming attractions while paying homage to the early classic in a most delightful way. Enjoy!

Finally, there's John Ford's masterpiece The Searchers (1956), 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 Wednesday, May 31 at 2 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 the Polish film making artist and actor Jerzy Skolimowski who turns 85 on May 5th.

He is known for his distinctive, award winning films such as Barrier (1966), Le Départ (1967, a Golden Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival), Deep End (1970, a CC Hidden Gem), The Shout (1978, a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival), Hands Up! (1981), Moonlighting (1982, Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival), The Lightship (1985, Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival), Torrents of Spring (1989), Four Nights with Anna (2008), Essential Killing (2010, Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival), 11 Minutes (2015), and EO (2022, Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, New York Film Critics Circle, and National Society of Film Critics all for Best Foreign Film). He has also lent his considerable acting skills to White Knights (1985), Mars Attacks! (1996), Before Night Falls (2000), and Eastern Promises (2007).

The Soundtrack recommendation for the month is Patrick Doyle's sensational score to the 1991 semi-supernatural thriller Dead Again.

Doyle’s score, which owes a considerable debt to Bernard Herrmann, provides the perfect elaborate and vigorous accompaniment to director and star Kenneth Branagh’s mystery/suspense motion picture. Perhaps the director chose too many genre tropes to include as the events become entangled enough to detract from one another. The composer’s substantial contribution, however, helps keep everything alive and thriving.

La La Land Records and Paramount Pictures have produced this limited edition (only 2000 units made) CD expanded and remastered. Click on the image for more information and ordering, currently at a substantially discounted price.

Mentioned above as a TCM recommendation is Sweet Smell of Success which also happens to be my Blu-ray pick of the month.

“I love this dirty town.”

New York City’s vernacular never smelled sweeter than it does in 1957’s Sweet Smell of Success. Any device designed to test acidity levels applied to this film’s dialogue would itself disintegrate after flicking the “on” switch.

Controlling columnist J.J. Hunsecker’s fangs are out for his lackey, publicist Sidney Falco when both characters are introduced. This is because the latter has so far been ineffective in doing what the former wants: to break up the romance between his teenage sister and her boyfriend, jazz musician Steve Dallas. What hardly seems like a major crime (ending a relationship) will, nevertheless, transform into a malignant malfeasance as Falco’s twisted plan nears its dirty, soul destroying resolution. During the scheme’s final moments, Hunsecker and Falco form a sort of dynamic but degenerate tag team as they go in for the kill of Dallas. It’s one of those great, but to a certain degree guilty, dramatic pleasures, like some horrific tragedy you see coming but cannot turn away from and yet winds up more devastating than what was expected.

Even in his glad-hander type of profession, Falco is a bit of a social pariah. He’s no saint either, possessing an ever so minutely milder form of Hunsecker’s ethical bankruptcy, as we will see in numerous encounters including those with his secretary, a columnist he fails to bribe, a dissatisfied client, and a cigarette girl.

Sidney Falco is perfectly tailored for Tony Curtis. Curtis is naturally relaxed and most comfortable in a part he was born to play. It appears Burt Lancaster has channeled his considerable athleticism into J.J. Hunsecker’s voracious verbal assaults. Lancaster rightfully relishes his character’s authoritarian contempt over others while maintaining a perverted drive to possess his sister (shades of 1932’s Scarface) appropriately played by Susan Harrison almost as if she’s in a perpetual stupor. At one point Hunsecker says to Falco "I'd hate to take a bite outta you. You're a cookie full of arsenic” even though Hunsecker acts like he’s been on a steady diet of them his whole life and is now perpetually purging their toxic effects. As long as this disdainful pair see eye to eye, however, one senses they’ll make an unbeatable team.

(From left) Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison, Martin Milner

It’s in the dialogue where the brutality lies and the depravity deepens. Screenwriters Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman are the instigators adapting the latter’s novel. Under the consummate guidance of Boston born director Alexander Mackendrick, they serve up a wide variety of witty insults containing food metaphors all generously accompanied by virulent shots of vinegar.

New York city practically becomes a character itself as ace cinematographer James Wong Howe along with Elmer Bernstein’s jazz blasting score, revel in the big apple’s lively hustle and bustle while also capturing its dark and frigid indifference.

Even after crossing the victorious finish line, Hunsecker is still not satisfied. His ego has been bruised and despite Falco’s prophecy of reversing their desired outcome, Hunsecker wants more blood. The scene where Falco draws a line in the gutter declaring “Not even if you offered me your column…” and Hunsecker’s eyes light up is one of those moments that, for many, helps make cinema the most successfully sweetest storytelling art form of all.

The Criterion Blu-ray (North America Region A locked) is immaculate, presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio (all of the captures above are from this Blu-ray edition) and can be ordered from Amazon.com by clicking on the image below.

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

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