1. Sweet Smell of Success (1957) — Surprisingly, Burt Lancaster didn’t garner rave reviews nor earn any awards for what I consider his finest performance. In this first-rate adaptation of Clifford Odets’ play, he stars as J.J. Hunsecker, an influential,…
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In addition to a gallery of memorable performances, actor Charles Laughton’s cinematic legacy includes one fling with directing — but oh what a fling it is! The Night of the Hunter is a haunting, poetic film that explores themes ranging…
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1. Star Trek (1966-69) – Gene Roddenberry’s brainchild is certainly the most successful series in the history of sci fi television, spawning five spin-off TV shows (don’t forget the animated one) and three film series…thus far. That’s pretty good for…
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I recently watched all six of the Star Trek films featuring the original cast. That experience confirmed what I had long suspected: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan may be the best sequel to follow a mediocre first film….
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Documentaries, fact-based dramas, and fictitious tales of inspiring athletic feats have revolved around the greatest event in international sports. Leni Riefenstahl’s controversial Olympia (1936), a vivid record of the 1936 Berlin games, remains a powerful tribute to the athletes and…
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Guest blogger Rick 29 writes: One of the most popular features at the Classic Film and TV Cafe is the site’s “A to Z” list. Awhile back, the Cafe tackled film noir–a daunting task because there so many good ones….
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After viewing MGM’s 1940 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, comparisons with the BBC’s popular 1995 miniseries are inevitable. That’s not altogether fair to the 1940 version which is much shorter than the later miniseries (two hours vs. six…
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H.G. Wells purists may quibble with George Pal‘s 1953 production of The War of the Worlds. True enough, little remains of the novel’s original plot. However, Pal and director Byron Haskin successfully balance the large-scale scope of the Earth’s desperate…
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Rick 29 discusses the cult classic Assault on Precinct 13: When Los Angeles police officers execute six gang members for stealing guns, the local gangs join together and swear a blood oath to retaliate against the city. That afternoon, a…
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For decades a mysterious, Sasquatch-like man-beast has been said to roam the swamps of southwestern Arkansas…and movie screens, as well. Guest writer Rick29 takes a look at the legend of the Boggy Creek Monster, its cinematic career, and the annual festival held in its honor.
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