FilmFanatic.org

Synopsis:
When two rival aluminum siding salesmen (Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss) in 1963 Baltimore accidentally hit each other’s cars, they seek continued revenge.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Barbara Hershey Films
• Barry Levinson Films
• Black Comedy
• Con-Artists
• Masculinity
• Revenge
• Richard Dreyfuss Films
• Salesmen

Review:
Barry Levinson’s fourth feature film — taking place, once again, in his hometown of Baltimore — suffers from an incurable dilemma: its two lead characters (as well as their “tin men” colleagues) are utterly unsympathetic. In fact, it’s downright uncomfortable watching these hucksters con gullible homeowners into paying for aluminum siding when they haven’t been given anything close to a fair sell. Of course, this is part of Levinson’s point, given that a major subplot of the film revolves around the Home Improvement Commission’s investigation of the tin men’s practices; yet the commissioners are clearly posited as the “bad guys”, and thus, we’re left without a clear side to root for.

Similarly, when Dreyfuss shamelessly cuckolds DeVito by seducing his unhappy wife (Barbara Hershey), we’re not sure how to react — especially when the two fall genuinely in love. Are we supposed to root for the happiness of a man as devious and conniving as Dreyfuss? Since he undergoes a sort of character transformation (shifting from self-avowed bachelor to pseudo-family man), he’s supposedly more sympathetic than DeVito, who remains selfish and clueless about his dire straits until the very end — yet DeVito is, ironically, the more compelling of the two con-men. It’s his performance — as well as Levinson’s impressive set designs, and some occasional moments of genuine humor — which keep us watching, even as we cringe at the story itself.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Danny DeVito as the eternally optimistic “tin man” whose life goes slowly downhill
  
• Jackie Gayle as Tilley’s Bonanza-bashing partner, Sam
  
• A detail-perfect evocation of 1960s Baltimore
  

Must See?
No, but it’s probably worth watching simply for DeVito’s performance (which Peary nominates for an “Alternate Oscar” as one of the best of the year).

Links:

• IMDb entry
• NY Times Original Review
• Roger Ebert’s Review
• Time Out Capsule Review

Synopsis:
Spalding Gray discusses his experiences while filming a small role in The Killing Fields (1984).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Actors and Actresses
• Character Studies
• Jonathan Demme Films

Review:
Spalding Gray is one of the best-known monologists of the late 20th century, and Jonathan Demme’s Swimming to Cambodia — an edited combination of two live performances, accompanied by Laurie Anderson’s evocative sound effects — provides a fascinating glimpse at his prowess. In this unusual storytelling event, Gray intersperses humorous vignettes from his experiences filming in Thailand with a concise history of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia — an unexpected, yet surprisingly effective, marriage of ideas. Gray’s monologue is poignant rather than hilarious; he’s not a stand-up comedian, but rather an astute commentator on the intersection of personal travails and public tragedies.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Spalding Gray’s charismatic storytelling presence
  
• Laurie Anderson’s memorable sound effects

Must See?
Yes. All film fanatics should see at least one of the late Spalding Gray’s filmed monologues, and this is probably his best.

Categories

• Historically Relevant

Links:

• IMDb entry
• NY Times Original Review
• Roger Ebert’s Review
• Washington Post Review
• Time Out Capsule Review

Synopsis:
Kermit and his Muppet friends head to Broadway, where they struggle to get their musical — “Manhattan Melodies” — produced.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Amnesia
• Let’s-Put-On-a-Show
• Musicals
• New York City
• Puppets and Ventriloquism

Review:
The Muppets’ third big-screen adventure (directed by Frank Oz) will primarily appeal either to those who fondly remember watching it as a child, or, naturally, to hardcore Muppet fans. While it contains a few humorous moments, there are an equal number of embarrassments — including the insufferable “Muppet Babies” doo-wop number.

Juliana Donald as Kermit’s sympathetic new friend is instantly forgettable:

though it’s mildly amusing to watch Miss Piggy (with an ’80s perm!) fuming at her with jealous rage. Most entertaining are the scenes in which an amnesia-ridden Kermit — the indisputable star of the show — hangs out with his well-meaning, yet hopelessly square, new frog buddies: Bill, Gil, and Jill.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Amnesiac Kermit — a.k.a. “Phil” — interacting with his new colleagues
  
• Linda Lavin (as a doctor) testing Kermit’s “reflexes” after his accident
  
• A truly campy moment as Miss Piggy roller skates through Central Park while trying to catch a purse snatcher
  

Must See?
No. This one is for Muppet fans only; it’s not clear why Peary listed it in the back of his book, other than perhaps its Oscar-nominated score by Jeff Moss.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Roger Ebert’s Review
• Moria Review
• Time Out Capsule Review

Synopsis:
When an airplane en route from Honolulu to San Francisco starts losing fuel, its passengers and pilots (Robert Stack and John Wayne) prepare for an ocean landing.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Airplanes and Pilots
• Claire Trevor Films
• David Brian Films
• Disaster Flicks
• Ensemble Cast
• Jan Sterling Films
• John Qualen Films
• John Wayne Films
• Robert Newton Films
• Robert Stack Films
• William Wellman Films

Review:
It’s impossible to watch William Wellman’s The High and the Mighty without thinking about the countless times its basic premise has been spoofed — most notably in the Zucker brothers’ comedy classic Airplane! (1980). Indeed, as a “straight” melodrama, The High and the Mighty falls flat, with hopelessly cliched characters, truly laughable dialogue (“How can I ever be afraid when you hold me like this?”), and not nearly enough genuine drama or excitement for a disaster flick. Unavailable for many years, this film developed nearly a cult following (see posts on IMDb), with fans clamoring for its release on DVD; but its appeal will ultimately be limited to either devotees of John Wayne (who, surprisingly, doesn’t dominate the proceedings), or those anxious to see the film which inspired Airplane!.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Countless spoofable moments and characters — including pilot Robert Stack, who would later “reprise” his role in Airplane! (1980)
  

Must See?
No, but it’s worth a look as perhaps the definitive “airplane disaster” flick.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• NY Times Original Review
• DVD Savant Review
• Tired Old Queen at the Movies Video Review

Synopsis:
A disturbed busboy (Sal Mineo) makes anonymous phone calls to his d.j. co-worker Norah (Juliet Prowse); meanwhile, Norah’s case is investigated by an eager police detective (Jan Murray) who specializes in sexual perverts.

Genres:

• Detectives and Private Eyes
• Obsessive Love
• Sal Mineo
• Peeping Toms

Review:
Joseph Cates’ atmospheric b&w stalker film features fine performances (especially by toothy dancer Juliet Prowse); smart dialogue; and a creepy turn by Sal Mineo as the troubled young man whose traumatic childhood — in typical mid-century Freudian cine-analysis (see The Mark, 1961) — has led to his frightening sexual disturbances. Framed as a film about desire, every character except Norah is depicted as wanting something from someone else: Detective Madden hopes to use Norah to find her stalker (as well as every stalker in town) in retribution for his wife’s rape and murder years earlier; Norah’s boss (Elaine Stritch) wants to comfort her in a more-than-maternal fashion; Mineo’s brain-damaged younger sister wants him to take care of and play with her; and Mineo, of course, wants Norah’s body. There ultimately isn’t much new in this tale of sexual obsession, but Prowse makes us care about her fiercely independent character, and we watch with concern to see what will happen to her next.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Juliet Prowse as Norah
  
• Atmospheric cinematography
  
• Jan Murray as the obsessed detective determined to nab Norah’s predator
  
• Elaine Stritch as Norah’s sympathetic — perhaps too sympathetic — boss
  
• Effective use of New York City locales
  
  
• Smart dialogue

Must See?
No. While this is an atmospheric, well-acted thriller, Who Killed Teddy Bear is ultimately not must-see viewing.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• San Francisco Chronicle Review
• Movie Magazine International Review
• TV Guide Review (Spoiler Alert)

Synopsis:
Warm-hearted banker Thomas Dickson (Walter Huston) is pressured by his Board of Directors to stop giving loans so freely, but he refuses on principle. When one of his debt-ridden employees (Gavin Gordon) facilitates a heist led by a group of gangsters, however, panicked depositors mob the bank to cash their savings, and Dickson must find a way to save his bank before it’s too late.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Depression Era
• Do-Gooders
• Frank Capra Films
• Heists
• Naive Public
• Pat O’Brien Films
• Walter Huston Films

Review:
It’s easy to see shades of Capra’s later films in this fable-like story about a magnanimous banker (wonderfully played by Huston) who refuses to let anything stand in the way of his devotion to “the people”; indeed, fans of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) will immediately recognize the familiar plot device of panicked townspeople descending upon a bank and demanding their money back. These crowd scenes are handled impressively, as are the more quiet moments between Huston and his wife (Kay Johnson); less enjoyable, however, is the script’s heavy handed morality, which insults our intelligence. Fortunately, the film is redeemed by excellent performances from nearly all the actors (Gordon is an exception), stunning art deco set designs inside the bank, and a fascinating look at Depression-era mentality about money.

Note:Although it comes across as a naively optimistic alternative to traditional banking methods, Huston’s philosophy about loans actually makes some sense, and can be seen in Bangladesh’s famous microcredit program run by Grameen Bank.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Walter Huston as the people-trusting banker
  
• Kay Johnson as Huston’s frustrated wife
  
• Pat O’Brien as Huston’s loyal right-hand-man
  
• Constance Cummings as O’Brien’s fiancee
  
• Gorgeous art deco set designs
  
• Effective use of rapid-fire editing, fast-paced action, and overlapping dialogue
  

Must See?
Yes. As the first film to demonstrate Capra’s unique style and thematic interests, most film fanatics will want to see this movie at least once. Peary lists it in the back of his book as a Personal Recommendation.

Categories

• Important Director

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Movie Diva Review
• TCM Review
• Q Network Review
• Time Out Capsule Review

Synopsis:
When Mary Scott (Margaret Sullavan) discovers she only has a few months left to live, she decides to keep it a secret from her husband (Wendell Corey) and daughter (Natalie Wood). Meanwhile, she learns that her loyal husband is falling for his beautiful co-worker (Viveca Lindfors).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Death and Dying
• Illness
• John McIntire Films
• Margaret Sullavan Films
• Marital Problems
• Natalie Wood Films
• Wendell Corey Films

Review:
No Sad Songs for Me could easily be dismissed as a schmaltzy tearjerker, but it’s too well-acted — and too smartly written — to deserve this label. Margaret Sullavan (in what would tragically be her last screen role) brings a level of pathos to her character which transcends the limitations of the material, and makes us genuinely care for this selfless, philosophical woman. Viveca Lindfors and Wendell Corey do an equally fine job as co-workers who recognize the folly of their growing attraction to each other, and it’s fun to see Natalie Wood in a role midway between her appearances in The Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and Rebel Without a Cause (1955). There aren’t any major revelations or surprises here — after all, we know the film’s outcome from the very beginning — but be forewarned: the final scene remains quietly devastating.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Margaret Sullavan’s heartfelt performance as the dying wife and mother who wants nothing but the best for her family
  
• Wendell Corey as Mary’s unsuspecting husband
  
• Viveca Lindfors as Corey’s beautiful new co-worker
  
• Natalie Wood as Sullavan’s young daughter
  

Must See?
No, but it’s recommended, especially for fans of Sullavan.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Time Out Capsule Review

Synopsis:
A lawyer (John McIntire), his son (Richard Kiley), and other concerned citizens fight back against the insidious corruption in their Southern town.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Assassination
• Collective Activism
• Corruption
• Deep South
• John McIntire Films
• Phil Karlson Films

Review:
Based on a true story, this gritty docudrama depicts the events leading to the National Guard’s takeover of a mob-ridden Southern town in 1954. Director Phil Karlson spends ample time establishing the extent of the corruption in Phenix City, so that we understand why even our likable protagonist refuses to take sides at first: the mob’s influence is so systemic — and retribution so quick — that to speak up means, quite literally, to risk your life. And the violence isn’t pretty: the first murder depicted — in which an African-American girl is run over, then brutally tossed from a car onto the front lawn where Kiley’s children are playing — is like nothing else in 1950s American cinema.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of a 13-minute newsreel at the beginning of the movie — featuring interviews with real people from Phenix City — lessens the impact of the docudrama somewhat, simply because it’s impossible not to notice their strong accents, which the actors make no attempt to imitate. Indeed, when compared with Paul Greengrass’s recent docudramas — which are filmed so authentically you truly feel you’re there — Phenix City comes across as stagy and heavyhanded. Nonetheless, this remains a well-acted, heartfelt movie, one which tells an important American story with bravery and grit, and deserves a wider audience.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Bespectacled John McIntire as the elderly lawyer who experiences a drastic change of heart
  
• Richard Kiley as McIntire’s determined son
  
• Edward Andrews as the ringleader of the town’s corrupt forces
  
• Lenka Peterson, doing an excellent job in a thankless role as Kiley’s concerned wife
  
• A shocking use of realistic violence

Must See?
Yes. While dated in some ways, this remains a powerful early docudrama. Peary lists it in the back of his book as a Cult Movie and a Personal Recommendation. It’s also notorious as one of Martin Scorsese’s favorite films.

Categories

• Historically Relevant

(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die)

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Time Out Capsule Review