"Father is a Batchelor" with William Holden (1950)

Johnny Rutledge (Wiliam Holden) is a Minstrel in a traveling Medicine Show but finds himself stranded in small town when the owner is jailed temporarily for fraud. When he meets a group of siblings named January ("Jan"), February ("Feb") along with twins March and April and their little sister May (Jane Saunders). Jan and Feb  are the only ones who knows the truth that their parents have been killed in a Riverboat accident 6 months ago. Little May is still waiting for her Mom and Dad to return. The children are fending for themselves over the summer, but with school approaching things will come to a head.

When Jan tells Johnny the secret he starts to help them out for just a few weeks until the Medicine Show can continue. But somehow he becomes their de-facto  father. This arouses the Mayor's daughter Prudence (Coleen Grey) to wonder where the parents are. Fearing that she will send the children to an orphanage Johnny must pull off several little scams, or miracles, to avoid this. And he gradually warms to the task. There are a few silly songs involved, with William Holden's singing is overdubbed by Buddy Clark, whose voice is almost a dead ringer for Bing Crosby. Unfortunately Buddy Clark passed away just a few months before this film was released.

If you've got about 90 minutes to spare, this film is a forgotten little gem.

"The Man Who watched Trains Go By" (1951) Claufe Rains - Marta Toren

                                       

Claude Raines plays a man who has been the head clerk/bookkeeper for 18 years at a firm in Holland. He lives by the sound of the train whistling to and from Paris his whole life, while he remains where he is.

A scandal at a rival firm leaves that firm bankrupt. But, though it has been proven the bookkeeper was innocent of any wrongdoing or knowledge of the crime by his boss, his life and career are ruined anyway. Even Claude cannot help him find a job.

Through a set of circumstances a police detective arrives from Paris tracing some Dutch currency which has been circulating in Paris on the black market. He comes to Claude's firm. The boss is most cooperative. Too cooperative.

Out walking one night, Claude finds his boss burning the books and running away with the firm's money. They struggle and the boss falls in the canal and drowns. The firm's money is strewn on the ground where it fell, along with a train ticket to Paris. What should he do about that? There are no more books, but keeping the money will make him guilty of embezzlement.  And leaving his family behind is not an option he really cares for. But this is an extraordinary situation.

What should he do? Tell the authorities the truth and risk disbelief and ruin? Or is there another way? And does that train whistle to Paris have an influence? Who can say?

Will he go to Paris so that it looks like his boss stole the money? Is it morally okay? After all, the boss was going to leave him holding the bag.....

Wonderfully adapted from the novel, and filmed in beautiful, almost muted color. This 1952 film stands the test. Also released as "The Paris Express".

"The Birth of a Nation" by Dick Lehr (2014)

For years I wondered what the value was of having this film in the library. Then I got interested in film and realized the brilliance of the film process itself; given the times and technology. What a conundrum; a classic film with much to admire in technological marvels, but filled with flawed history and blatant racism. How do you even review a film like that?

Author Bert Lehr has gone beyond that with his all-encompassing book about the film and 2 men; both ahead of their times. D.W. Griffith was the director of the film; and Monroe Trotter was the African- American man who rallied his people; and a good portion of the nation; in denouncing the film. In addition, he has created a biography of the film itself and the rising pangs of former slaves to be treated like citizens. It is, in short, the story of an era.

The author begins with brief biographies of both men; drawing a contrast that is as remarkable as fiction. Griffith’s father was James Griffith, a staunch segregationist and veteran of the Civil War who had served with the Kentucky Calvary and fought at Charleston when the Union marched in.

Likewise, so was Trotter’s father a veteran of the Civil War; having served in an all-black regiment of the Union Army. He was one of the men who marched into Charleston as Griffith’s father fled. The irony of their two sons facing off over a film about that war, 50 years later, is remarkable.

After the film was finished; but before its release; it was screened for President Wilson in private at the White House. Wilson was a Southerner and thought the film was wonderful. Trotter saw it differently. He; along with Union veterans both black and white; organized boycotts and protests across the country, and denounced the film as racist.

Yet for all of the protestations about the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, and the attendant lynching’s, the film has remained a staple of film history. Most of the times it is touted as a breakthrough film as far as technology goes. And there is much truth to that. But the darker side is that it remains a searing portrait of our country at a crossroads.

The bitter taste of Reconstruction was still very fresh on the minds and in the hearts of the southern people; just as the bitterness of slavery was still very much alive in the former slaves and their children. The Jim Crow era was in full swing. And D.W. Griffith made a film which glorified the era, as well as the swinging bodies which that era produced.

This book is all encompassing. It is two biographies in one. It is the history of the Reconstruction Era and also a look at the Jim Crow Days which ushered in a new century. Given the history of the divide, it is no surprise that the events of that century still affect us today.

"Let It Go" - Idina Menzel from "Frozen" (2013)

This is a clip from a new Disney film called "Frozen". Animation; at least the modern version; doesn't usually get me too excited. But this clip is absolutely majestic. The song is one of empowerment, sung by Idina Menzel, who plays the character Elsa in the film.

I have not seen the film, and probably won't. But this sequence is so breathtaking that I just had to share it with someone. I understand that in this scene Elsa has discovered her magic powers and casts off the forces which have been holding her down.

Her sudden freedom to explore her own limits enables her to create a stunning ice palace form her own imagination. If this scene is emblematic of the rest of the story, then Disney has created an excellent film for your daughters and granddaughters. This is the kind of entertainment which will enable them to soar.

"We're Not Dressing" with Carole Lombard and Bing Crosby (1934)

Carole Lombard, as heiress Dorothy Worthington; along with a very young Ethel Merman as her friend Edith; take a trip aboard Dorothy’s yacht, which is captained by the inimitable Leon Errol. Bing Crosby plays a deckhand hopelessly smitten with Ms. Lombard, not realizing that she has fallen for him as well. There is even a real trained bear who is infatuated with Bing Crosby’s singing.  Add in the yacht hitting a reef, with all finding their way to a seemingly deserted island; even the bear swims in this film; and you have a recipe for a good old fashioned madcap comedy.

When they begin to set up camp ashore; all eyes turn towards the deckhand to provide them with food and shelter. He refuses, arguing that they are now outside of civilized society, and as such, it is now all for one, and one for all. When they refuse, he leaves the group to go fishing for himself.

Unknown to all of them is the presence on the island of 2 biologists; Gracie Allen and George Burns. When Dorothy finds them in the jungle, she resorts to a bit of cunning in order to borrow some tools, which she then lets Bing Crosby “find” in order to build a shelter. She has been very high handed with him and he has refused all of her attentions; so what better way to win him back than to have him believe he is “the man?”

There is great acting by everyone in this film. Ethel Merman is a standout; even at this early stage of her career you can see that she is going to be big. Leon Errol is also wonderfully vibrant as, well, Leon Errol playing a yacht captain. And with Bing singing his way into Carol Lombard’s heart, this film is just plain fun to watch.

"Lost In America" with David Brooks and Julie Hagerty (1985)

In this fast paced, and hilarious comedy, Albert Brooks plays David Howard, an advertising executive who gets passed over for a promotion because he is doing a great job in his current position. This sets off a mid-life crisis which causes him to dramatically quit his job, sell his home and embark on a cross country trip with his wife in a Winnebago. Their first stop is in Las Vegas, where his wife Linda, played with exceptional sweetness and naiveté by Julie Hagerty, decides to join her husband in casting caution to the wind. She does this by losing all of the money they got from selling their house in one of a casino.

Of course this is only the beginning of a wild and hilarious adventure; along with a clash of wills; as David and Linda seek to recover their money, as well as the lives they have traded away. The message in this film is pretty clear; the hell you know is almost always better than the hell you might be trading for.

This film was first released in 1985, and became an instant favorite of mine. This is the first time I have re-screened this gem in several years, and even with all the changes in technology which have occurred since then, the film remains fresh and vibrant. The desire to cast it all to the wind and “live among the Indians”, as David puts it, is still alive in most of us. We just don’t get the opportunity to do it. And after seeing this film, you may be glad that we don’t!

"The Whistleblower" with Rachel Weisz,David Strathairn, and Vanessa Redgrave (2011)

This is a very difficult film to watch. That difficulty is not due to anything on the part of the filmmaker, nor is it the fault of any of the actors in this searing look at the underbelly of the United Nations in the aftermath of the tragedy of the War in Bosnia. The discomfort comes, instead, from having to acknowledge the reality of "man's inhumanity to man." In this case, that inhumanity takes the form of "sex trafficking", and the inability, and in some cases unwillingness, to do anything to stop it.

When we send United Nations forces to the most troubled spots on Earth; places like the Sudan, Beirut, etc., we all seem to slip into what I call "the comfort zone." In other words, the problem is being handled. But that isn't always the case, as this film so scathingly points out.

When local Police Officer Kathryn Bolkovac, played with real grit by Rachel Weisz, leaves her ex-husband and daughters behind in Nebraska, she thinks she is going to be helping to rebuild a war torn country which is teeming with religious strife. She is eager to help restore the country. She is also very happy to accept the $100,000 paycheck that goes along with the 6 month assignment. But almost immediately upon arrival in Bosnia, she is appalled at the level of apathy she encounters at every turn as she tries to make a difference.

When she stumbles upon a "sex-trafficking" ring, and attempts to help the victims, she is reminded that her status "in country" prohibits her from making any real difference. She is merely an "observer". As she delves deeper into the truth, getting closer and closer to the real story of what happens to these victims, she places herself in some very real danger.

Her colleagues; some of whom are involved with the women, as well as the trafficking; and her bosses, all distance themselves from her, knowing that to try and make any difference is both futile, and dangerous. As for the victims she is trying to help, they are so terrified that they are reluctant to make any statements, or file any charges, realizing that to do so would mean certain death.

The real tragedy of this film is that it is based on true events. Doubling that tragedy is the fact that the business of "sex-trafficking" goes on, unabated, almost 20 years after the events in Bosnia. With special features, including a short biopic on the real life Kathy Bolkovac, this film will leave you somewhat worried over the "human condition" in the 21st century. With so much knowledge, and a dearth of technology, one has to ask how, and why, these crimes still continue today.

Absolutely flawless direction by Larysa Kondracki makes this a tightly wound film, which will have you riveted, from the opening scene until the last credits roll. In between, you will be wondering about how the world seems to remain so indifferent to this subject. And when it is over, you will be saddened, as you realize that no one seems to care.

New York City - 1956

This video is a promotional film shot in 1956. I was born in 1954, so this film is the New York I remember from about 1958-1965. After that it was all downhill. Of interesting note are the 2 ships shown passing the Statue of Liberty; the first one is the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine; and the next ship you see after that is the SS United States, which still holds the official record for a commercial crossing of the Atlantic, set in 1952. There are naval ships today which can undoubtedly make the trip in less time, but the east bound commercial record set by the SS United States in July of 1952, which was 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes still remains unbroken.

In many ways, New York is a timeless city. Although much of the technology has changed, and the clothes as well, New York still remains the giant melting pot which it has always been. May it ever be so.

"The Apostle" with Robert Duvall, Miranda Richardson, Billy Bob Thornton and Farah Fawcett

A very unusual film, this is the second time I have watched it. It took me twice to get the message. Robert Duvall plays the Apostle, a self proclaimed, and somewhat flawed man, married to the long suffering Farah Fawcett. When she leaves him, his rage boils over and he kills her boyfriend. He then sets out on his journey as The Apostle, set on spreading the word of Jesus and settling wherever his journey may take him

He arrives in a a small town somewhere in Texas, quickly befriending a legendary local pastor who has left the calling. Rallying the local people isn't too hard, as there is nothing else for them in this small back water place but God and faith, both of whom have been absent for a while. They quickly cling to Robert Duvall and through their assistance he manages to set up a local church that serves to revitlize the spirits of the congregants. He is happy with his accomplishments,, while still dreaming of a reconciliation with his wife. But there is a warrant out on him for murder, which does catch up, posing the question as to whether or not the good we do ever really vindicates the evil we have left behind.

With excellent performances by all, I was especially surprised by the apperance of June Carter Cash, and the depth and authenticity of her performance. The movie was filled with beautiful string, and even zydeco music. Billy Bob Thorton is wonderful in his brief appearance as a man who wants to do right, but it does take a moment of truth before he finally makes the right decision.

Another surprise performance was by Walton Goggins, of "The Shield", since which he has has become somewhat typecast as a thug, in a role that really lets you see the depth of his acting abilities. Lets' hope he can get back to roles such as this one, where he really shines as a simple man of faith, lost, and looking for answers wherever he can find them. He represents the truly faithful. And while the law does finally catch up with The Apostle, the changes he has brought to the community remain. Perhaps that is the point. But the question still remains, do we ever escape our own judgements? The ending of the film addresses that, and you will see how if you watch the film. I'm no spoiler...

At a little over 2 hours, this 2003 film is a bit long, and perhaps that is what put me off the first time I watched. But stick with it, if only for the outstanding performances of the entire cast, as well as the lush scenery of Southern Texas and Louisiana. This is a very nuanced and slowly paced film, with a lot to offer, if you take the time to really watch it.

"Paper Heart" with Charlyne Yi and Michael Cera

Charlyne Yi and her friend, director Nicholas Jasenovec, set off across America to find the true meaning of love. Charlyne maintains that it does not exist. They start by asking people at malls and in parking lots just what is love? They then go on to Universities and consult with Professors of Chemistry and Psychology in order to find the answer.

This is a documentary. With a twist. It becomes a love story. Why? Because, as we all know, love often finds you when you least expect it, and not always when it is convenient.

Nicholas and Charlyne interview married couples of 50 years to find the secret of their success. They interview young children in a playground in order to obtain a more innocent impression of just what makes up this thing we call love.

But when Charlyne meets a young man named Michael at a party, while being filmed, you can see it happening. And it keeps on happening as the filming progresses. This film will make you laugh out loud, and when it's done, you'll be grinning from ear to ear like an idiot. Just like being in love. A wonderful, offbeat and unusual film.

"Atlantic City" with Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon

This is the 1981 masterpiece from Director Louis Malle. The flavor of the opening scenes, in which the old hotels are being demolished to make way for the new corporate ones, can be found in "Casino", the blockbuster hit film by Martin Scorsese which was made over a decade later.

This film is largely about people and their dreams. Burt Lancaster plays Lou, an aging man who has been a low level numbers runner in Atlantic City for decades. He has been everyone's errand boy, but never made that one big score for himself. He wants to be like his old boss, the man on top. That's his dream.

Then there is the dream of Grace, the long suffering ex gun moll, and widow of Lou's old boss. She still pays Lou to "protect" her. She first came to Atlantic City in the 1940's for a Betty Grable look-a-like contest and never went home. She dreams of a man like the one she had, one she does not have to pay to protect her, someone she can be proud to walk down the board walk with again, a Princess in her own mind.

Susan Sarandon is Sally, a divorced young woman who waits on patrons at an oyster bar in the casino, but is also going to school to learn how to be a dealer. Her dream is to go to France and work in the casinos of Monte Carlo. She just doesn't have the money.

When Sally's ex shows up with his pregnant girlfriend and a stash that doesn't belong to him, things change. And that's all I will tell you about this remarkable film, which was about 15 years ahead of it's time, both in it's direction by Mr. Malle and the subject matter itself. Set against the backdrop of Atlantic City during the late 1970's, when the town was turning from a family resort to a mob run gambling town, lends tension and a seedy quality to the film, which was largely shot on location.

As for the acting, all I can say is that Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon are both outstanding as people who get caught on the edge of life. Mr. Lancaster is especially great in this breakout role as a sensitive man with the desire to rise up and be more, both for himself, and those around him. This is a sharp, well made film.

"Lions for Lambs" with Meryl Streep, Robert Redford and Tom Cruise

This is a political drama starring Robert Redford as an idealistic and patriotic University Professor with a penchant for helping his students find "greater meaning" to their lives. He is a Vietnam Veteran who protested the war upon his return and has deep misgivings about the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. But, through his lectures, concerning the "meaning of life and" and the individuals "responsibility" to society, he has already had 2 students join the Army and go to Afghanistan. Their story is told in seperate vignettes that all take place at the same time as the main story, with time zones noted. He is now, once again, counseling one of his more gifted students to think about giving more "meaning to his life."

At the same time, Tom Cruise, playing a powerful Senator, is granting an exclusive interview to Meryl Streep, who plays a powerful newswoman. He "leaks" the story to her outlining the new "Win At All Cost" Strategy that is unfolding in Afghanistan. This story is also told alongside of the 2 soldiers in Afghanistan, who are by now fighting just to remain alive.

On the surface it is an overtly political story, but beneath that there are sub currents much more meaningful. Exploring the lies and deceptions that are perpetuated by those in power, and spread by the ever hungry media, enables the viewer to make the comparison to those who live, and die, by these questionable decisions.

But the true, and more central meaning of this film concerns our common state as fellow human beings. In every way, we are responsible for one another. Whether for good or for bad, the influences we choose to have upon one another, are the very things that connect us.

With outstanding performances by all, and directed with great clarity by Robert Redford, this is a film worth watching. And as an added incentive, it will also make you think.

"Skills Like This" with Spencer Bergen and Brian D. Phelan

When would be plawright Max's grandfather suffers a stroke at the premeir of Max's play, he decides that a career change might be in order. On a whim he robs a bank without any planning or premeditation. Realizing that he has at last found something he can do well, he sets out to make his mark in this newly chosen profession.

He is accompanied willingly by one of his two friends Tommy (Brian D. Phelan), while his sanity is seriously questioned by the other, Fred (Gabriel Tigerman). This provides for some hilarious adventure and fun as the trio try to make sense of what is happening to them. Throw in sexy and sympathetic bank teller Lucy (Kerry Knuppe) and the adventure only gets better.

Directed in a quick but quite coherent way adds to the charm of this film. The music is representative of todays alternative music scene in Denver, which I found very listenable. This movie is worth your time to watch.

"An American Carol" with James Woods, Dennis Hopper, Leslie Neilsen, David Alan Grier

It's Fourth of July and the grankids are restless. They want Grandpa to tell them an old time story about the 4th. He begins with ,"Once there was a man who tried to steal the Fourth of July...." The kids protest, stating that this story is really a Christmas tale. He tells them, "Wait a minute, wait a minute..."

What follows is one of the funniest send ups of both the Left and Right as this hilarious satire, based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", unfolds.

Down on his luck film maker Michael Malone is on a losing streak. He needs a hit to maintain his place in the world of cinema. So, when he is approached by two Islamic terrorists, eager to finance his latest Anti-American "documentary", he is naturally eager. He plans to hold an "Abolish the 4th" rally on July 4th as a way to kick off the films premier.

That night, while watching a film of JFK's inaugural address, JFK steps from the screen and confronts Mr. Malone on the error of his thinking. He reminds him of the part of the address that everyone seems to have forgotten. "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." He then tells Mr. Malone that he will be visited by 3 spirits who will guide him.

The three spirits, General Patton (Leslie Nielsen) George Washington (Jon Voight) and The Angel of Death (Trace Adkins) are all superb in their roles as they try to show Mr. Malone the error of his thinking.

Add in a group of inept Afghani terrorists, who are seeking to manipulate the film director, and this becomes a fast paced and very clever film. The fact that many of the stars are well known Liberals and Conservatives should serve as comfort to any viewers who may be afraid to laugh at themselves. This is a very funny and well crafted film from David Zucker, the Director of "Airplane" and "Naked Gun."

"Plain Truth" with Mariska Hargitay and Alison Pill

This is "Law and Order" meets "The Waltons", on steroids. There are more false leads here than answers when Katie (Mariska Hargitay) plays a corporate attorney who is fast approaching 40 and wondering why she helps to vindicate Corporations. She wins and saves them great sums, but questions why. What happened to her idealism? So, Katie decides to take a break - but ends up with a murder trial instead.

And when her defendant turns out to be an 18 year old Amish girl(Alison Pill) accused of murdering her own new born child, the plot becomes magnetic. When she refuses to provide the answers that only she can provide to save herself, the race is on for the defense to find the truth.

At first this film seems to be just another re-make of "Witness" with Harrison Ford, but it is much more. It touches upon subjects of real sensitivity; such as religion, education and even our own subjectation to systems that may not be true to our own real values. There is always a price to be paid. Always a compromise with the truth.

As Katie learns, in a surprise twist ending, there is no real difference in the corporate will to survive than our own as individuals. In the end she is left wondering just why she took that time off to begin with?

Written and Directed seamlessly, this movie had me in my seat the entire time. I never hit pause. And that's rare. Just ask Sue! The Cinematography is wonderful, with panoramic views of the Amish countryside. Released in 2004, this is yet another one that seems to have slipped by me.