Movie Classics Make Great Shocking Stuffers: Seven great movie classics to stuff into any movie lovers stocking.
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| My Forbidden Past (1951) | Purple Noon (Criterion Collection) (1960) | Killer by Night (1972) |
My Forbidden Past (1951)
In 1890s New Orleans, impoverished beauty Ava Gardner–believing herself unworthy–ditches doctor Robert Mitchum at the altar. After coming into a fortune, she seeks to win him back, only to find him married on the rebound to Janis Carter. Her calculating scheme to break up the union leads to death and disgrace in this fine period melodrama co-starring Melvyn Douglas, Lucile Watson.
Black Gold (1962)
Rousing tale of the Oklahoma oil boom follows an ambitious bush pilot (Philip Carey) who decides to try his hand at wildcatting, but has to fend off the grasping magnate (Claude Akins) poised to jump his claim if he ever strikes a gusher. Slick entertainment co-stars Diane McBain, James Best, Fay Spain, Dub Taylor, Iron Eyes Cody.
The Sea Gull (1968)
While caring for his infirmed uncle (Harry Andrews) on his rural estate, a struggling playwright (David Warner) finds even more reason to regret a visit from his overbearing actress mother (Simone Signoret), as the successful novelist (James Mason) she brings in tow seduces the neighbor (Vanessa Redgrave) he pines for. Sidney Lumet’s faithful staging of the Chekhov classic also stars Denholm Elliott, Kathleen Widdoes.
Triple Cross (1967)
A British safecracker (Christopher Plummer) doing time in the Channel Islands at the outbreak of World War II offers to spy for the Germans in exchange for cash, then cuts the same deal with British intelligence during his first mission back home. Yul Brynner, Trevor Howard, Gert Frobe, and Romy Schneider star in this thriller directed by Terence Young.
Purple Noon (Criterion Collection) (1960)
The first filming of Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” was this French “sea noir” thriller by director Rene Clement. Ne’er-do-well Tom Ripley (Alain Delon) befriends playboy Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet) and is hired by Philippe’s father to shepherd him home from Italy. Instead, Ripley hatches a scheme to claim the playboy’s money and identity for himself. With Marie Laforet. AKA: “Plein Soleil,” “Blazing Sun.”
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (Restored Version) (1964)
See Pia Zadora in her film debut as a Martian child! When a horde of malevolent Martians and their awesome killer robot come to Earth to kidnap St. Nick for their own children’s enjoyment, the results are unintentionally hilarious. Starring John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck. See Dr. Strangefilms take on this Christmas cult classic.
Killer by Night (1972)
With an increasing number of diphtheria cases arriving at his hospital, doctor Robert Wagner demands police assistance in rooting out the outbreak’s source. Captain Greg Morris, however, is consumed with finding the fugitive who gunned down two of his men. Neither could expect that their respective quests would have a mutual answer in this made-for-TV suspenser. Diane Baker, Theodore Bikel, Robert Lansing, Mercedes McCambridge co-star.