Anna Karenina (1935)

When Anna Karenina (Greta Garbo) and Count Vronsky (Fredric March) meet, they fall in love.  Unfortunately, Anna is already married to Karenin (Basil Rathbone), a man who prides himself on honor and respectability.  Not only does Anna's husband prohibit granting his wife a divorce, but he also refuses to allow her to see her son, Sergei (Freddie Bartholomew).  Anna decides to leave the country with Vronsky, and, away from Russia, the two are happy.  But will bliss last?

Interesting Note:
- This is the second time Greta Garbo has played the role of Anna Karenina.  In 1927, she starred in a silent movie version of the tale, called Love, opposite then-lover John Gilbert.

Thoughts:
I find this to be the best talkie adaptation of Anna Karenina (although my favorite version is 1927's Love).

Of course, it's nearly impossible to fit everything from Tolstoy's epic novel into a film.  This movie mainly focused on Anna and Vronsky's relationship, which was perfect for me since those were my favorite parts in the book.

Some of the best scenes include the first time Vronsky sees Anna through a cloud of smoke at the train station, when the two are playing a 'conversational game' of croquet, and when they're out together on the balcony after leaving the other world behind.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality Street (1937)

Phoebe Throssel (Katharine Hepburn) is in love with Dr. Valentine Brown (Franchot Tone) -- and is crushed when he enlists in the war.  Ten years later, he returns, and a now thirty-year-old Phoebe is embarrassed that she has not taken care of her appearance in his absence.  But she is pleased to find that with the right dress and hairstyle, she can look just as youthful as she did years ago.  When Dr. Brown unexpectedly comes by later with invitations for Phoebe and her sister, Susan (Fay Bainter), to a ball, he does not recognize Phoebe -- who decides to trick him by saying that she is Livvy, her own niece.  Can Phoebe keep up the ruse?

Interesting Note:
- Based on J.M. Barrie's 1901 play.

Thoughts:
This really is such a charming little film!  It's fun and cute and entertaining.  Katharine Hepburn could play sweet characters just as well as she could strong ones.  Everyone else in the cast also gave really good performances, too -- I love Dr. Brown, and the spinster ladies are just too funny.  The ending is great -- watch how the Livvy situation is resolved!

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ½

Keeper of the Flame (1942)

Journalist Steven O'Malley (Spencer Tracy) plans to write a biography of recently deceased American hero Robert Forrest, but his project runs into roadblocks when he meets the man's widow, Christine (Katharine Hepburn).  What exactly is she hiding from him?  And is there more to the story than meets the eye?

Interesting Note:
- Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy's second on-screen pairing.

Thoughts:
This is a different sort of Tracy / Hepburn film -- rather dark and serious, very political with unexpected twists.  I didn't know what the story would be like when I saw it for the first time, and even now, after watching it again, I'm still not entirely sure of whether or not I completely enjoyed it.

Keeper of the Flame is mainly a 'message picture,' but Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are still both very good in their roles and it's worth watching simply for the opportunity to see the two of them together again.  The cinematography is downright gorgeous, and I love how the Forrest estate was portrayed.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ½

Jane Eyre (1944)

Jane (Joan Fontaine) hopes to find refuge from her terrible home life as a pupil at Lowood School.  Unfortunately, her time spent there is not much better, so after the passing of a few years, she is pleased to find a position as a governess for Mr. Edward Rochester's (Orson Welles) ward, Adele (Margaret O'Brien), at Thornfield.  As time passes, Rochester and Jane realize their affections for one another and decide to marry, but will a dark secret destroy any chance of happiness?

Interesting Notes:
- Based on Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel.
- Elizabeth Taylor makes an uncredited appearance as young Jane's friend, Helen.

Thoughts:
No movie can truly capture all the nuances of a book, but this film, with its romantic, darkly mysterious adaptation of the classic novel Jane Eyre, comes very close!  The beautiful cinematography really showcases the eerily lovely Gothic-style atmosphere of shadows and fog, and the soundtrack (which I loved so much that I purchased it) is positively captivating.  Orson Welles is excellent as the brooding and gruff Rochester, and Joan Fontaine makes a lovely Jane.

This will always be the definitive version of the story for me!  Definitely recommended, but do read the book first.  : )

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Heiress (1949)

Shy and awkward Catherine (Olivia de Havilland) is a disappointment to her father (Ralph Richardson), who keeps comparing his daughter to an idealized version of his beautiful deceased wife.  When Catherine becomes engaged to Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift), her father threatens to change his will, warning Catherine that the young man could never be genuinely interested in her, and is only after her money.

Interesting Notes:
- Based on the 1880 Henry James novel "Washington Square."
- Olivia de Havilland won a "Best Actress" Oscar for her performance.

Thoughts:
The Heiress is such a compelling and fascinating story!

Olivia de Havilland gives a magnificent performance.  In the beginning of the film, her character is so earnest and nervous as to be painfully honest.  Her suffering is tragic.  Denied genuine love by her father, she eagerly accepts Morris' declarations of affection and begins to blossom.  But later, when she realizes the truth, Catherine becomes cold and detached.  Her entire demeanor has changed, from her voice to her appearance.  Any trace of romantic girlishness is gone, she has instead become regal and forbidding, and completely independent.  It's an incredible transformation.

Ralph Richardson is excellent as Dr. Sloper.  An interesting thing is that although he certainly treats Catherine poorly, it's definitely shown to come from his own grief over his wife and that he expects entirely too much from people.  No one could live up to an ideal.  The climactic argument between he and Catherine is one of the most powerful scenes of the story.

I often like noticing the cinematography and mirror scenes in films.  There was a great instance here with the house's staircase, shown at three different points during Catherine's relationship with Morris.  The first time, after Catherine becomes engaged, she skips up the steps excitedly, with a radiant smile.  The second time, after he fails to pick her up to elope, she slowly trudges upstairs, her expression raw and exhausted.  And the third time, the most famous moment, is the conclusion when Catherine silently and triumphantly ascends the staircase after taking her revenge.

Quote:
"I can be very cruel.  I have been taught by masters."

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Stage Door (1937)

Terry Randall (Katharine Hepburn) a rich and polished girl from the Midwest, moves into the Footlights Club, a New York boarding house for aspiring actresses, over objections from her father, Henry Sims (Samuel S. Hinds).  Hoping to both prove to his daughter that she's no actress and encourage her to return home, Sims secretly finances producer Anthony Powell's (Adolphe Menjou) newest play, Enchanted April, with the condition that Terry play the leading role.  Will she be a flop?

Thoughts:
This film combines both comedy and drama with biting wit to produce one of the most unromantic tales of dreams and disappointments in the theatre.  I watched it to see Kate, and she was excellent as always.  Although I do wish the story focused more primarily on her, it was still interesting to see how all the different actresses at the club pursued their careers.  A bit over-dramatic at times, but still very intriguing.

Quotes:
"The calla lillies are in bloom again.  Such a strange flower, suitable to any occasion.  I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died."

"In my day, all great actresses knew their Shakespeare!"

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ½

Libeled Lady (1936)

Newspaper editor Warren Haggerty (Spencer Tracy) belatedly realizes that a printed story concerning heiress Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) is untrue -- and she sues the paper for libel.  After hiring Bill Chandler (William Powell) for help, an elaborate scheme is arranged involving Haggerty's fiancee Gladys (Jean Harlow).  But will everything go according to plan -- or will romance get in the way?

Thoughts:
Classic romantic screwball movies are nearly always entertaining, and I really enjoyed this one.  The star-studded cast is spot-on, the storyline is both complex and fun, and there are plenty of twists and unusual situations.  One of my favorite comedy scenes is the hilarious fishing trip, and one of the sweetest moments is when Connie proposes to Bill.  Recommended!

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Thin Man (1934)

Nick (William Powell), a retired detective, and Nora (Myrna Loy) are a charming bantering married couple who get caught up in a murder investigation involving one of Nick's old friends who has mysteriously disappeared.

Interesting Notes:
- One of William Powell's and Myrna Loy's fourteen films together.
- The entire movie was shot in twelve days.
- This film was so popular that five sequels were also made, although this one is the best.
- Famous canine actor, Skippy, played Asta for this film and the first sequel.  He also appeared in other movies such as The Awful Truth and Bringing Up Baby.

Thoughts:
Screwball romance + mystery + amazingly witty dialogue + one of the most prolific on-screen couples in film history  = one sophisticated sleuthing story.

I really enjoyed watching The Thin Man!  It's incredibly fun, thanks in large part to the elegant and entertaining coupling of William Powell and Myrna Loy.  They were just wonderful together.

I also really love Asta.  : )

Quote:
Nick: I'm a hero.  I was shot twice in the Tribune.
Nora: I read that you were shot five times in the tabloids.
Nick: It's not true.  He didn't come anywhere near my tabloids.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Morning Glory (1933)

Stage-struck Eva Lovelace (Katharine Hepburn) has confidently come to New York with the hope of becoming a great actress.  While discovering the difficulties of an artistic life, Eva meets three men who influence her career aspirations: veteran actor R.H. Hedges (C. Aubrey Smith), playwright Joseph Sheridan (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), and producer Louis Easton (Adolphe Menjou).

Interesting Note:
Katharine Hepburn received her first "Best Actress" Academy Award for her performance as Eva Lovelace.

Thoughts:
Morning Glory is both uplifting and inspiring, but with some depressing undertones of echoing doubt, as Eva pursues her dream of becoming famous and ultimately prevails, as did Katharine Hepburn in real life.  Kate's first of four Oscars was incredibly well-deserved; her performance was flawless.  It's one of my favorites of her early roles.  The storyline feels so real and honest, as does the memorable dialogue.  I've seen this movie several times, enjoying it more with every watch, and I highly recommend it.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Tonight or Never (1931)

Famous opera singer Nella Vargo (Gloria Swanson) sings beautifully, but without emotion.   After deciding she needs more excitement in her love life, Nella pursues a mysterious man called Jim (Melvyn Douglas) seen walking below her hotel window.

Thoughts:
I really like both Gloria Swanson and Melvyn Douglas, and it was great to see them together in Tonight or Never!  They were excellent!  I absolutely love the scene when Nella goes up to Jim's apartment, and does whatever she can to get inside.  There's a marvelous surprise twist in the ending that reveals who Jim really is.

Gloria's gowns are stunning, as are the art-deco sets and fine cinematography!  The film is sadly out of print, but so worth watching, so make sure to take a look if you can find it.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Flesh and the Devil (1926)

Leo (John Gilbert) and Ulrich (Lars Hanson) have been best friends since childhood.  While visiting home on holiday from military school, they attend a ball, where Leo is entranced by the bewitching Felicitas (Greta Garbo).  After Felicitas' husband discovers Leo and Felicitas together in her boudoir, Leo kills the other man in a duel and is forced to enter into the foreign service.  Before departing, he asks Ulrich to look after Felicitas for him -- and returns after three years away to find that Felicitas and Ulrich have married!

"You left me all alone -- and Ulrich was so kind," Felicitas sadly tells Leo.  The two try to avoid each other, but cannot deny love, and decide to run away together.  But the best-laid plans often go awry, and the two find that nothing goes as arranged . . .

Interesting Notes:
- The first of four on-screen pairings between Greta Garbo and John Gilbert.  The two met and fell in love on the set, beginning an off-screen romance.

Thoughts:
Greta Garbo's pictures from the 1920s were the ones that began my love for silent cinema!

Flesh and the Devil was one of the first silent films I ever watched, and it was really such an engrossing experience for me.  John Gilbert and Greta Garbo are absolutely stunning together -- the way they look at one another, saying so much with their eyes and actions, is just magical.  One is fully aware of their own romantic feelings for one another, and that makes their love scenes together very passionate and real.

My favorite scene is probably the one where Leo and Felicitas decide to flee together.  Everything about those moments -- the falling snow, the fireplace, their exchanged glances -- is gorgeous.  The music, as well, is all at once eerie and beautiful.

Much of the film is really mesmerizing.  I loved it, but wasn't a fan of the ending.  I, of course, realize the purpose and meaning behind it, but still -- sadness.  Poor Felicitas . .  : (

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

La Bohème (1926)

In 1830s Paris, bohemians struggle to pursue artistic lives and pay their rent.  Rodolphe (John Gilbert), a writer, notices the delicately lovely seamstress Mimi (Lillian Gish) and invites her into his circle of friends.  Her gratitude to him, and his admiration for her, develop into love.  But will sacrifice and misunderstanding tear them apart?

Thoughts:
John Gilbert and Lillian Gish were two of the best silent film actors, so to see them working together in such a great story was really a treat!  Some of my favorite parts were their first picnic together and later on when they were each, in turn, acting out Rodolphe's play.  The sad ending was amazing, what with Lillian's incredible detail for her character's condition.  She was such a highly regarded actress, and my own appreciation for her continues to grow every time I see her in a new-to-me film.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ½
Highly recommended.  Watch it here.

The Birth of a Nation (1915)

This epic film was originally divided into two parts with an intermission.  The story primarily focuses on two families, the Southern Camerons and the Northern Stonemans.  Part One depicts life in Civil War America, most notably the relationships between members of the two families, entry into war, and the assassination of President Lincoln.  Part Two shows that life has changed for all people during the Reconstruction after the war's ending, and how the government was readjusted by a newly founded group.

Interesting Notes:
- Based on Thomas Dixon's The Clansman, which was both a novel and a play.
- This is considered to be the first full-length movie; many earlier ones had generally been under an hour long, while this one runs just over three hours.
- Griffith is credited with developing many groundbreaking techniques for the film industry, including various types of shots / camera angles (including close-ups, cross-cutting, and deep focus), artistic innovations, and special effects.

Thoughts:

I can hardly begin to discuss this film without first mentioning that The Birth of a Nation receives so much flak because people do not seem to grasp the fact that this movie was: a historical representation (ie - a not entirely true account because some details were embellished for cinematic effect) of life during the Civil War period, as well as a rather sympathetic view of the Old South's fate directed by a man who was the son of a Confederate Army general.

The general mindset of the time period must be taken into consideration.  Yes, there are perhaps many viewers today who will not agree with all of the film's messages or morals, which is understandable.  The film was considered controversial even when it was released into theatres in 1915, but it was also the highest-grossing picture of its day.  The Birth of a Nation received so much recognition because it's such an important part of movie history, not only for the film innovations, but also for the scope of the storytelling and production.  The sets, and several action sequences, are absolutely stunning, and the performances from all actors involved are truly well-done.

Basically, this movie is for those of us who can both enjoy longer silent films and appreciate the storytelling techniques and ideas of an early and historic age.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Sir Arne's Treasure (1919)

A trio of Scottish mercenaries -- Sirs Archie (Richard Lund), Filip (Erik Stocklassa), and Donald (Bror Berger) -- find themselves in the Tower after a conspiracy breaks out among Swedish King Johan III's army.  After escaping into the wintry outdoors, disguising themselves as journeymen tanners looking for work, and raiding one house for food and another for drink, the intoxicated men learn of Sir Arne's treasure -- a fortune in silver coins, kept in a trunk at his vicarage.  To secure the wealth for themselves, the Scottish mercenaries slay the entire household (save for one young girl who hid and later escaped), then set fire to the house.  Archie, Fillip, and Donald attempt to flee the country, only to find that the sea is in a most disagreeable condition--frozen over to the point where travel by boat is impossible.  The men decide to remain in hiding in Sweden until they are able to escape.

The sole survivor, Elsalill (Mary Johnson), is taken in by friends whose cottage sits atop a hill where passerby who have been locked in by the ice at Marstrand might come to observe the view, gathering whether or not the sea has begun to cast off its blanket of ice.  One day, Elsalill happens to see three men overlooking the ocean, and does not recognize them as the Scottish murderers.  One of them, Archie, beginning to feel remorse and guilt for the crime he has helped commit, starts visiting daily to talk with Elsalill.  He realizes how much her friendship has changed him, and, as the two begin to love one another, decides to ask her to marry him and journey to Scotland after the seas are free for travel.  But what will happen to the plans after he decides to tell Elsalill the truth about his past?

Interesting Notes:
This film is based on a 1903 tale by Selma Lagerlöf.

Thoughts:
After seeing Gösta Berling's Saga, I really wanted to watch another of Mauritz Stiller's films, so I was intrigued after finding this one, thinking that the movie's premise sounded unlike anything I had viewed before.  I definitely wasn't disappointed -- this film was amazingly gripping.  I really was impressed by all the performances; it was so easy to get caught up in the characters' lives and their emotions.

The filming techniques were excellent; I think some of my favorites were the shots of endless snow and ice as testament to Sweden's snowy winters.  The usage of spirits and ghosts was also really well done, to highlight both guilty consciences and truths. 

The music was amazing; at times chilling and eerie and haunting, but still so gorgeous to listen to.  Although not the original film score (the DVD version I watched featured a 2008 score composition), it still fit perfectly with both the film and the styles of its time period.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Male and Female (1919)

Lady Mary (Gloria Swanson) has a lovely life of wealth and ease, and is expected to wed Lord Brockelhurst (Robert Cain).  Shortly after the two become engaged, Lady Mary's family takes a yachting trip with some of their servants, and, after the boat is wrecked, become stranded on a deserted island, where the status quo changes and the butler, Crichton (Thomas Meighan) becomes the "king" of the group.  After Crichton, who has harbored a secret crush on Lady Mary, rescues her from a leopard attack, the two fall in love.  They decide to marry on the island, which upsets servant girl Tweeney (Lila Lee), who has always hoped for a relationship with Crichton -- but the ceremony is interrupted when a ship is spotted off in the distance.  Will Crichton and Mary's love survive?

Interesting Notes:
- Based on J.M. Barrie's play The Admirable Crichton.
- Many of the animals (including the leopard Crichton saves Mary from, and the lions in the Ancient Babylonian scene) were real.

Thoughts:
Paramount's biggest picture of 1919, Male and Female is an excellent film teaming greats DeMille and Swanson.  The movie does a great job of exploring social standing reversals during a 'return to nature' on the deserted island.  I enjoyed so many things about this exciting and interesting film -- the acting and relationships between the characters were skillfully done, as well as the contrasts of life (including costumes, scenery, behaviors) in the two 'alternate worlds.'  The most famous scene is definitely the one in the lion's den!

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

My Best Girl (1927)

Stock girl Maggie Johnson (Mary Pickford) falls in love with Joe (Charles Rogers), who is working at his father's store under a false surname to prove himself.  Although Joe loves Maggie too, is their relationship meant to be when Joe is already engaged to a girl of his own social class?

Interesting Notes:
- Charles Rogers was twelve years younger than Mary Pickford.
- The two were married from 1937 until Mary's death in 1979.

Thoughts:
This movie was very sweet -- Charles Rogers and Mary Pickford made quite a nice couple, and I really enjoyed seeing the two of them together.  A few of the other scenes and actions during the movie were a little bit too silly / slapstick for my taste, but overall, this was a very good film that I highly recommend watching.  The sets and score are on the more advanced side for a silent picture, and some of the best scenes include Joe racing after Maggie's ride with her purse, the two of them eating lunch together after Joe's promotion, and then looking in at a store window display.

Intertitle:
"You wouldn't have kissed me if I wasn't your best girl."

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Great Expectations (1946)

As a child, Pip (Anthony Wager) is sent to visit Miss Havisham's (Martita Hunt) house, where he meets and loves the icy Estella (Jean Simmons).  Years pass, and Pip (John Mills) has grown into a gentleman, thanks to his mysterious benefactor.  But can a relationship with hard-hearted Estella (Valerie Hobson) ever be?

Interesting Notes:
- Based on the novel by Charles Dickens.
- The film received Academy Awards for Best Art Direction / Set Direction (Black-and-white) and Best Cinematography (Black-and-white).

Thoughts:
Great Expectations is one of my favorite Dickens novels.  This film adaptation, although it does not follow the story exactly, is both very well done and enjoyable to watch.

The awards are well-deserved.  I especially love Miss Havisham's house.  It's so old and decrepit-looking, with spiderwebs and dust everywhere, and it's just beautifully melancholy.  The scene in the end, when Pip throws back the curtains to let in the sun, is excellent.

The actors playing young Pip and Estella are perhaps a bit better than their older counterparts.  John Mills, although quite good, does look a bit too old for his part some of the time, and Valerie Hobson didn't seem to fit well in the role of Estella.  But those faults are relatively minor, for the rest of the acting and the quality of the story makes up for it.

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Topper (1937)

George and Marion Kerby (Cary Grant, Constance Bennett), a carefree married couple, drive recklessly and die in a car accident.  After discovering that they cannot yet move onto the afterlife, they decide to do a good dead and improve their friend Cosmo Topper (Roland Young), a stuck-in-his-ways bank president.

Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this film!  I had actually seen all the main actors in other films before, so I figured the acting would be good -- and it was.  Cary Grant is incredibly charming and debonair, while lovely Constance Bennett is just perfect as his sophisticated and impetuous wife.  The two were so great together that I wish they had been paired in more pictures!  Roland Young is hilarious as Topper.  The story itself is very funny and the special effects (such as when George and Marion de-materialized and played pranks) are excellent.

Quote:
"Well, is it my fault there's no one here?"

Rating:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥