Murders in the Zoo (1933)
“I can promise you a really unusual evening.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
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“I can promise you a really unusual evening.”
Synopsis: |
Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See? Links: |
“How can you call [your wife] and tell her that you must have a divorce? Worse than that, you’ve been unfaithful — you’re going to be a father. How can you hurt someone so much?”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? (Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die) Links: |
“I got a debt to pay — not to this crowd, but to Annie, and I’m gonna do it.”
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“Sometimes black magic very close relative to blackmail.”
“My wife thinks I am a darling, and my wife’s friend thinks I’m cute. It’s a terrible situation — but I am determined not to weaken. We’ll see!”
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Review: Note: Though George Cukor was formally hired to direct this film, producer Ernst Lubitsch ordered so many scenes to be reshot that he’s given co-directing credit. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Links: |
“You can make me cheap and common like a million others — but gee, I wish you wouldn’t!”
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Review: Interestingly, The Girl From Missouri doesn’t rely on the old cinematic trope of mistaken identities to propel its narrative of cross-class romance: while there’s some of this at first (Harlow initially mistakes Barrymore for a waiter), truths are quickly revealed, and barriers arise not so much from misunderstandings as from sheer prejudice. While it’s not quite a classic — and its resolution comes far too quickly — … Missouri remains “must see” viewing simply for Loos’ ability to distill the essence of sexual double standards into a fast-moving, enjoyable romantic comedy. Note:This film bears some resemblance as well to How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), with Harlow a precursor to Bacall’s no-nonsense “Schatze”, and Kelly a close cousin to Grable’s “Loco”. Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
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“Sand. Sabotage. Wrecking. Deliberate. What’s at the back of it? Who did it?”
“The Zone wants to be respected — otherwise it will punish.”
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Review: Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
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(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die) Links: |
“Just because these here tales is about critters like Br’er Rabbit an’ Br’er Fox, that don’t mean it can’t happen to folks!”
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Review: Critical opinion on Song of the South these days remains divisive, with Disney purportedly holding back on a DVD release for years due to fear of p.c. repercussions. It’s my belief, however, that parents ought to be allowed to make up their own minds about how (or whether) to show this film to their children: with an age-appropriate disclaimer about the film’s depiction of slaves (which, by the way, would be an excellent starting point for broader discussions on the topic, as well as a critical analysis of the Br’er Rabbit tales), kids will likely enjoy the film, and relate to Johnny’s travails. As a narrative, Song of the Southis ultimately too schmaltzy for its own good, but does feature some enjoyable animated sequences (which no Disney fan will want to miss), and a truly noteworthy performance by Baskett as Uncle Remus. It’s devastating to know that Baskett — despite winning an “honorary” Oscar — couldn’t attend the film’s premiere in Atlanta because no hotel would rent him a room; it appears that adults of the day were unable to take the film’s lessons about racial tolerance to heart. Note: Believe it or not, an entire website is devoted to news about the film. Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
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“Oh, I know it’s war and it’s our job to do it, but that doesn’t prevent it being murder — simple murder!”