1. Made For Each Other (1939)

This was another typical sentimental drama, but I really enjoyed it. As usual, Jimmy Stewart + plight of the common man = Winner. Lombard also gave a great performance. The only problem I had when watching this film was the poor sound/picture quality. It really annoys me that there aren’t any decent transfers of this film on DVD.

2. Stage Door (1937)

A pleasant film to watch with a very memorable cast. For me, the film was at its strongest in the scenes with Andrea Leeds and Lucille Ball. Oh, and I love you Kate, but what was going on with your hair in this film? In any case, I come to realize that the more I watch classic films, the more I find that I am such a classic film newbie. I’ve got so many more to watch on that growing list of mine!

3. Hair (1979)

I love musicals – definitely, my favorite genre of film. That being said, I found it odd that I didn’t watch this sooner. This film is sort of odd and chaotic (and definitely bold), but there are very strong performances from the cast with great memorable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “I Got Life,” and so many more. There is so much to say about this film that I certainly will expand on it later. Oh, and for those who have watched the very similar film, Across the Universe, this is so much better. And that’s saying something, because I honestly enjoyed Across the Universe, despite its many flaws.

4. A Letter to Three Wives (1949)

This was another entertaining film that explored the hardships of love and marriage. The film basically revolves around three married women whose marriages are tested when they receive a letter from a friend revealing that she has run off with one of their husbands. All in all, the film packs a fun mix of drama, comedy, romance, and suspense. Oh, the chemistry between Kirk Douglas and Ann Southern is definitely a highlight of the film.

]]> http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/4-great-films-i-saw-in-november/feed/ 0 hannah Made For Each Other Stage Door Hair A Letter to Three Wives http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/updating-is-hard/ http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/updating-is-hard/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:08:13 +0000 hannah http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/?p=202 ]]> It has clearly been really difficult for me to update. It’s really not that I’ve been lazy, but more like swamped with school, job, etc – in other words, the reality of life. But now that I’m finished with midterms, I feel so much more at ease. I even modified the layout of this blog, with a cool header of the beautiful Kate.

As for actual updating, I think I’m going to be publishing regular posts featuring some of my favorite old films. This is probably because I haven’t been watching anything new. I’m the type of gal who can watch a certain film every single day, and not get sick of it. But that film must be a favorite, not just a “classic” film, because there really is a difference between what I find to be a classic film and a favorite film. These posts will be titled “Personal Picks” (I’m so original that it shocks me…) and will feature one film that I love and cherish.

I’m still deciding on which film to feature first; I hate being stuck in that eternal cycle of indecision.

1. My Man Godfrey (1936)

So, I finally got to watch this film after putting it on the back burner for so long. I have to say that something was definitely wrong with me for waiting so long – the film is hilarious! I’m going to definitely expand my commentary on this film some other time!

2. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

I actually watched Kramer vs. Kramer, because I sort of have this personal goal to watch all of Dustin Hoffman’s films – from the good to the bad. But, this is definitely one of his BEST roles (and one of Meryl Streep’s best, too!). I totally cried like a baby, at the end of the film.

3. Rose Marie (1936)

I was watching TCM on a lazy afternoon, and this charming film came on. I didn’t expect much, but I totally enjoyed this film. This is another one I hope to expand on when I get the time!

4. The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)

Though some might call me crazy, I am NOT a huge Cary Grant fan. Having said that, I found him so irresistible in this film. Oddly, I didn’t find Myrna Loy’s role too exciting, but teen Shirley Temple made up for it!

5. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

What can I say about this? This children’s picture book was always one of my favorites, but since it only consists of ten sentences, I could not imagine how they were going to translate it onto the big screen. Thank God for talented writers, because the film was amazing.

Seriously, I know I have been lacking in my posts, but I’ve been terribly frustrated with midterms. I should have more time for this blog in a couple weeks!

]]> http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/5-great-films-i-saw-in-october/feed/ 2 hannah my man godfrey Kramer vs. Kramer Rose_Marie The-Bachelor-And-The-Bobby-Soxer where_the_wild_things_are http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/boom-town-1940/ http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/boom-town-1940/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:54:32 +0000 hannah http://thewhiternoise.wordpress.com/?p=79 ]]> So, I’m finally getting around to discussing this film, which I actually watched a couple of weeks ago. And, as expected, it did not disappoint!

Quick summary: The film revolves around two friends, “Big John” McMasters(Gable) and “Square John” Sand(Tracy), and their tumultuous adventures as dreaming and scheming wildcatters. The two oilmen continue to experience the ups and downs of the industry, when Sand’s sweetheart Elizabeth “Betsy” Bartlett(Colbert) comes into town. She becomes the ultimate test to the pair’s friendship, when she and McMasters fall for each other.

The rest of the film depicts the “make or break” reality of the industry, as the two friends struggle to realize their material desires. Their struggles are heightened when Sand finds out about McMaster’s extramarital relationship with a beautiful industry advisor Karen Vanmeer(Lamarr). In his eternal devotion to Betsy, Sand knocks some needed sense into his longtime friend and ultimately saves McMaster’s marriage.

I realize that I didn’t detail the plot too much, but I’d rather just simply state why this film was so likeable – pardon my laziness. I feel that the loyalty motif explored in the characters’ relationships with one another really defined the film. Sand and McMasters are always seeking each other out, despite their competitive natures toward each other. Sand does whatever it takes to make Betsy happy, who in turn stands by McMasters through it all. I guess you can say that this is exactly what the film tries to reason by the end: material fortune compares nothing to the true happiness of human bonds.

On a last note, I honestly bought this film to see some more Clark Gable yumminess, but instead ended up with a rejuvenated love for Spencer Tracy. My heart just broke for “Square John” throughout this film.

Sounds like a real fun night out – ’40s style! Too bad my friends don’t appreciate this era as much as I do.

I cannot even begin to express how much I respect and admire Kate as an actress, so I shall leave it at this: I believe she is one of the greatest actors of our time. Cheers, Kate!

Sad as I am, I did watch Boom Town last weekend, so I’ll have that review up soon!

[edit]: Just added the Top 10 favorite Actors and Actresses Lists! Very fun but challenging!