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Month: May 2006

Beast of the City, The (1932)

Beast of the City, The (1932)

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“Mind if I ask you some questions?”

Synopsis:
Police Captain Jim Fitzpatrick (Walter Huston) is determined to nab crime boss Sam Belmonte (Jean Hersholt), but finds his loyalties tested when his detective brother (Wallace Ford) betrays the force for a beautiful moll (Jean Harlow).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Corruption
  • Gangsters
  • Jean Harlow Films
  • Mickey Rooney Films
  • Police
  • Walter Huston Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
As Peary points out, this “tribute to the honest cop” — a “super early crime drama” — is “sharply written”, “forcefully directed”, “briskly paced”, and contains a truly “startling finale”. It’s an excellent example of pre-Hays-Code filmmaking, with Harlow and Ford sitting on a (full-sized!) bed together, and much of Harlow’s dialogue highly suggestive. While the ending is melodramatic and rather unrealistic, it neatly wraps up what is essentially a morality tale in noir clothing.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Jean Harlow’s sexy, strong performance as wise-cracking Daisy
  • Exciting action sequences
  • Mickey Rooney in an early role as Fitzpatrick’s son, “Mickey”
  • Edward Brophy’s over-the-top courtroom performance
  • Smart dialogue

Must See?
Yes. This early crime drama deserves wider recognition.

Categories

  • Good Show

Links:
Rock Around the Clock (1956)

Rock Around the Clock (1956)

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“It’s rock ‘n roll, and we’re rockin’ tonight!”

Synopsis:
Talent scouts Steve (Johnny Johnston) and Corny (Henry Slate) sign on with small-town band Bill Haley and the Comets, as well as dancing duo siblings Lisa (Lisa Gaye) and Jimmy (Earl Barton) — but big-time music agent Corinne Talbot (Alix Talton) is jealous of Steve’s romantic interest in Lisa, and tries her best to foil the band’s success.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Love Triangle
  • Musical
  • Rivalry
  • Rock ‘n Roll

Response to Peary’s Review:
As Peary notes, “rock ‘n roll triumphs” in this otherwise dated, weakly plotted, poorly acted musical about “talent scouts… looking for a new sound that will get the people dancing again”.

Best known as the first “rock ‘n roll film”, Rock Around the Clock was — amazingly enough — highly controversial upon its release. Today, it’s primarily enjoyable for music acts by Bill Haley and the Comets, the Platters, and others.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Many fine performances by Bill Haley and the Comets
  • The Platters crooning “Only You”
  • Gaye and Barton swinging together on the dance floor

Must See?
Yes, simply as part of music (and film) history.

Categories

  • Historically Relevant

Links: