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6
Bow Talks !
Wild party girl Clara Bow ( as Stella Ames ) has plenty of fun at the " Winston " college for young women . Parties and roadhouse jaunts are the college girls ' preoccupation . On the train trip to " Winston " , Ms . Bow recalls accidentally climbing into bed with fellow traveler Fredric March ( as James " Gil " Gilmor...
453,510
15,896,852
22,751
6
The Lion in Spring
In New York's Central Park , jobless Joan Blondell ( as Dot ) flirts with unemployed Wallace Ford ( as Rick ) as they ogle unaffordable hot dogs . When a wayward baseball strikes the vendor's window , Ms . Blondell swipes two juicy hot dogs , which she shares with Mr . Ford . The two are mutually attracted , and arrang...
453,422
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18,927
6
Corinne Griffith Has Legs
Impoverished beauty Corinne Griffith ( as Toni LeBrun ) dreams of becoming a famous opera singer . After getting her diploma , Ms . Griffith is accepted for an audition in Budapest . She finds figures more interested in her beauty than her singing ability . Mannish Maude George ( as Madame Bauer ) demands Griffith , " ...
453,442
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27,521
6
The Unholy Dolls
Wrongly imprisoned Lionel Barrymore ( as Paul Lavond ; and , later , Mme . Mandelip ) escapes from Devil's Island , after a seventeen years . Accompanying him to freedom is mad scientist Henry B . Walthall ( as Marcel ) . The pair hook up with Marcel's wife Malita ( Rafaela Ottiano ) , and form an unholy trio . Mr . Ba...
452,533
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164,052
6
Out of Sight , Out of Mind
Adventurous Kevin Bacon ( as Sebastian Caine ) heads up an ultra-secret group of scientists , employed by the US Pentagon ; they have discovered how to turn animals invisible . The group includes Mr . Bacon's beautiful ex-girlfriend Elisabeth Shue ( as Linda McKay ) , and her handsome new bed partner Josh Brolin ( as M...
453,078
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22,725
6
Killing Me Softly with His Song
Armistice Day 1919 is celebrated by most French citizens , but handsome veteran Phillips Holmes ( as Paul Renaud ) is haunted by the face of a German soldier he killed during the Great War . After consulting with a Priest , Mr . Holmes decides to visit the man's family , in Germany . Holmes intends to confess his act ,...
452,754
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2,199
7
Crossing the Water
In Palestine , a virgin named Mary ( Gene Gauntier ) is visited by one of God's angels ; subsequently , she becomes pregnant . Meanwhile , an angel of God invites Joseph , a son of David , to wed Mary . The angel explains that Mary's child is the savior Jesus Christ , who will grow up to save his people from their sins...
452,547
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28,203
7
Parents Just Don't Understand
Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard play Shakespeare's star-crossed young lovers Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague . As this version of " Romeo and Juliet " is a relatively faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's original play , the ages of the characters are relevant ; thus , Ms . Shearer , Mr . Howard , and others are , obv...
452,732
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33,076
7
Carrying a Torch for Joan Bennett
Some surprisingly glorious scenery and set direction highlight " The Count of Monte Cristo " . Louis Hayward cuts a fine Count ( aka " The Torch " ) . Joan Bennett is the beautiful queen - attracting the attentions of both Mr . Hayward and a deliciously wicked George Sanders . They , and the supporting players work ver...
453,352
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39,041
7
Thinly Disguised
Sharp , well-produced variation on the frequently filmed " Enoch Arden " plot . Herein , Claudette Colbert ( as Elizabeth MacDonald ) is informed that husband Orson Welles ( as John Andrew MacDonald ) is a Great War causality . Ms . Colbert is devastated , and pregnant with his son , who grows up to be Richard Long ( a...
453,273
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13,085
7
Elmer Clifton's Fantastic Voyage
They that go down to the sea in ships , that do business in great waters ; these see the works of the Lord ; and his wonders in the deep . - - Psalm 107 In the whaling town of New Bedford , Massachusetts , pretty Marguerite Courtot ( as Patience Morgan ) plays with her dolls ; an adult , she longs for her girlhood da...
453,187
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23,814
7
The Title is a Dead Giveaway
Barbara Stanwyck ( as Megan Davis ) arrives in Shanghai , to marry missionary Gavin Gordon ( as Bob Strike ) . Instead , she falls in love with a sexy Chinese warlord , Nils Asther ( as General Yen ) , who is winds up holding her prisoner . Frank Capra's " The Bitter Tea of General Yen " isn't as offensive as it appear...
453,342
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15,289
7
William Powell Marries the Gish Sisters
In Florence , Italy , during the Renaissance , Lillian Gish ( as Romola ) lives with her blind father Bonaventura Ibáñez ( as Bardo Bardi ) , who is a friend of Savonarola , Michelangelo , and Leonardo da Vinci . Although they are not too wealthy , the Bardis have one of the world's best libraries . Young sculptor Rona...
453,570
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561,192
7
Smoke from a Distant Fire
After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) goes into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard must adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tries to be fatherly , he only o...
453,565
15,896,852
561,193
7
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) went into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard had to adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tried to be fatherly , he only...
452,640
15,896,852
2,054
7
Mary Pickford and the Beast
Mary Pickford is quite taken with Edwin August ; in fact , he is her " ideal " . But , Mr . August's refusal to get mixed up in a street brawl makes him look like a coward to Ms . Pickford . Meanwhile , convict Alfred Paget has escaped from prison ; and , he is " A Beast at Bay " . While Pickford and August go for a ri...
453,628
15,896,852
21,861
7
The Importance of Being Ernest
In Missouri , during the Civil War , " high , wide , and handsome " Gary Cooper ( as Clint Belmet ) gets a little jail cell shut-eye . Awakening , he moseys over to the local saloon , where he is held at gunpoint by the town's drunken sheriff . Mr . Cooper's guardians , Ernest Torrence ( as Bill Jackson ) and Tully Mar...
452,781
15,896,852
41,928
7
Stewart and Allyson Hit it Out of the Park
James Stewart and June Allyson look twice as old as the roles they are playing ! Still , " The Stratton Story " is enjoyable . In the early scenes , Mr . Stewart's frame , and natural acting style , make him somewhat believable as a boy interested in baseball . Ms . Allyson doesn't try to play too " girlish " ; instead...
453,610
15,896,852
37,094
7
The Patience of Job Skeffington
Desirable , flirtatious Bette Davis ( as Fanny Trellis ) fends off many male admirers ; daily , they arrive at her posh New York estate , to repeatedly propose marriage . Vain , selfish , and very attractive ; Ms . Davis prefers to string her suitors along . During one cocktail hour gathering , Davis discovers her ne'e...
452,736
15,896,852
43,812
7
Bartenders Know Everything
Broderick Crawford is terrific as a police detective going undercover as a longshoreman . The film begins with Mr . Crawford , while off-duty , investigating a shooting ; when he arrives , he's told to watch the victim by another detective - only to be left holding the victim ( so to speak ) . After his " error " , he ...
453,303
15,896,852
37,101
7
Private Dick Powell Gets Tough
Good looking film version of Raymond Chandler's " Farewell , My Lovely " , with Dick Powell taking a great career turn as private detective Philip Marlow . Claire Trevor and Anne Shirley are perfect ( and sexy ) as the two women who become involved with the storyline , and Mr . Powell . Though very well written , and a...
453,258
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891,527
7
Pigs at the Trough
Three interlocking stories - The FIRST has college Professor Robert Redford ( as Stephen Malley ) involving bright , but approaching apathetic , Andrew Garfield ( as Todd Hayes ) in intellectual warfare . The teacher / student discussion takes place in Mr . Redford's office . Flashbacks help tell the story of Michael P...
452,943
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118,698
7
Unlucky Charms
Nazi-era playboy Clive Owen ( as Max ) and his dancer lover Brian Webber ( as Rudy ) are pursued by Nazis , after Mr . Owen is picked up by blond hunk Nikolaj Waldau ( as Wolf ) , in a gay club . After being captured , Owen and Mr . Weber are tortured , on a train to Germany's first concentration camp , at Dachau . Als...
452,542
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427,470
7
He Blew His Mind Out in a Car
High School hockey star Joseph Gordon-Levitt ( as Chris Pratt ) is a reckless driver . To watch fireflies , he turns off his car's headlights , while out on a double date with four friends . He seriously crashes . Of the foursome , two are killed , one loses a leg , and Mr . Gordon-Levitt is mild-to-moderately brain-da...
452,666
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34,946
7
All the King's Horses and All the King's Men
Robert Cummings ( as Parris ) , from the small town of " Kings Row " , grows up to be a doctor of psychiatry - which winds up helping childhood friends like Ronald Reagan ( as Drake ) and Ann Sheridan ( as Randy ) . . . The Good : Mr . Reagan and Ms . Sheridan are terrific . Reagan has an actor's " dream event " which ...
453,487
15,896,852
514,912
7
Janitorial Eloquence
New York janitor Gene Lockhart ( as Pat Cosgrave ) spends his advanced years dreaming about his home in Ireland , and playing the " Lucky Dollars " newspaper game . If he matches the paper's daily serial number with a bill , Mr . Lockhart will win the $500 . 00 jackpot . Then , he could afford a return to Ireland once ...
453,036
15,896,852
240,772
7
All Bets Are Off
The promotional material inarguably reads : " The skill of Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh combines with enough starpower to light up the Las Vegas strip in this classy caper . George Clooney plays Danny , defying the odds in a split-second heist of three Vegas casinos - all owned by a magnate ( Andy G...
452,377
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457,572
7
Bright New World
Due to the invention of a " The Domestication Collar " , flesh-eating zombies are brought under control , and become productive members of society ; however , they perform menial tasks . The servile dead attend to those living in fenced US 1950s-styled small towns , while untamed zombies roam around in " The Wild Zone ...
452,549
15,896,852
30,418
7
Start the Revolution without Marie
Indulgent MGM version of the life of " Marie Antoinette " , as portrayed by Norma Shearer . The production is very beautiful looking , and well-performed . It is , however , excruciatingly long , and is without enough story embellishment to sustain interest ; an even more fictionalized account might have been a wiser c...
453,361
15,896,852
23,590
7
A Match Made for Ann Dvorak
Unevenly distributed story of three school girls who cross paths again , as adults . Ann Dvorak ( as Vivian Revere ) is , arguably , the film's star ; she plays a sensible , dark-haired beauty who seems to be on the receiving end of life's luckier breaks , but remains unsatisfied . Joan Blondell ( as Mary Keaton ) rece...
453,321
15,896,852
12,839
7
Oh Danny Boy , the Pipes Are Calling
The disclaimer opening doth protest too much , methinks : " Since the days of Plato and Socrates there have been many men of wisdom , but none sage enough to solve the struggle eternal between Capitol ( Business ) and Labor . We do not do not seek to work out the problems of their issue but desire to show the story of ...
453,298
15,896,852
32,383
7
A Wish for Walsh's Last Command
John Wayne ( as Bob Seton ) stars in a Civil War-era film wherein he runs for Marshall of a Kansas town , against wicked schoolteacher Walter Pidgeon ( as Will Cantrell ) . Of course , they are rivals for the attention of a woman - beautiful Claire Trevor ( as Mary McCloud ) . Roy Rogers adds additional charm as brothe...
453,186
15,896,852
66,387
7
Where There's Smoke , There's Fire
After helplessly witnessing his father's death , in a fiery car accident , 14-year-old California boy Ronny Howard ( as Chris Long ) goes into shock . Overcoming some grief , young Howard must adjust to life with a new stepfather , Earl Holliman ( as Cal Fitch ) . Although Mr . Holliman tries to be fatherly , he only o...
453,147
15,896,852
4,181
7
Griffith Makes it Reels
Upon release , the said to be the longest film feature ever - the biblical-era " Judith of Bethulia " . Notably directed by D . W . Griffith , it's really not as good as some of his previous releases ; in hindsight , its length is perhaps its most remembered feature . The story centers on Judith ( Blanche Sweet ) coura...
453,455
15,896,852
32,366
7
Tod Slaughter Slays ' Em
A deranged man murders another man in order to assume his identity and take over a recently inherited estate . Soon after arriving at the estate , the psychotic man finds he must continue his murderous tendencies in order to keep his charade from being exposed . As the number of victims increase , along with his deepe...
453,389
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43,625
7
John Garfield's Last Shot
After a heist goes wrong , cop killer John Garfield ( as Nick Robey ) is on the run . Taking cover in a public swimming pool , Mr . Garfield meets plain Shelley Winters ( as Peg Dobbs ) . Flattery gets him everywhere ; and , Garfield uses Ms . Winters for getaway cover . Starved for the manly affection , Winters mistak...
452,555
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39,216
7
The Bowery Boys Go West
While Huntz Hall ( as Horace Debussy " Sach " Jones ) reads " Hair Trigger Western Yarns " , sweet shop proprietor Bernard Gorcey ( as Louie ) sings " Louie , the Lout " to Bobby Jordan ( as Bobby ) , William " Billy " Benedict ( as Whitey ) , and David Gorcey ( as Chuck ) . Wrapped up in his western pulp stories , Mr ...
453,074
15,896,852
138,304
7
Pray for Rosemary's Babies in Orbit
Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron star as courageous NASA astronaut Spencer Armacost and his beautiful schoolteacher wife Jillian , a seemingly perfect couple whose lives are momentarily shattered when Spencer's mission mysteriously loses contact with Earth for two minutes . But neither Spencer nor Jillian know that tho...
452,498
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2,350
7
Indian Giver
Important early film , directed by D . W . Griffith . Stephen ( Wilfred Lucas ) wants to marry his young ward Blanche Sweet and raise a family . She thinks it's a good idea - until she meets young Charles West . Of course , Mr . Lucas wants to kill Mr . West for coming between he and Ms . Sweet . Lucas , however , deci...
453,112
15,896,852
439
7
The Greatest Parting Shot
Masked bandits enter a railroad office , and tie up the telegraph operator ; they are planning " The Great Train Robbery " . When the approaching train makes its pit stop , the robbers jump aboard . The bandits find their booty in a box , which they blow up , after a bit of shooting . Next , the bandits force the train...
453,091
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37,366
7
The Johnson Airplane
Sturdy , determined Spencer Tracy ( as James " Jimmy " Doolittle ) organizes the US response to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor . Mr . Tracy , and the film , make it obvious the Japanese stood no chance of besting our American forces . Note the number of men who respond to Mr . Tracy's repeated invitations to "...
452,541
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348,150
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Brandon Routh Takes Flight
After a soul-searching sabbatical , to see what remains of home planet Krypton , " Superman Returns " to Earth . The Man of Steel knew , as most everyone does , that it was destroyed ; but , astronomers thought they found Krypton . Superman took similar trips in the original DC Comics , but for differing reasons ; and ...
453,025
15,896,852
12,952
7
Will Success Spoil Rudy Valentino ?
Impoverished shoemaker's son Rudolph Valentino ( as Juan Gallardo ) wants to be a bullfighter , much to his widowed mother's dismay . Still , toreador Valentino excels in the dangerous sport ; and , later , he is wealthy and famous throughout Spain . Along the way , he marries virtuous childhood sweetheart Lila Lee ( a...
453,138
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332,452
7
Brad Pitt's Achilles ' Heel
Brad Pitt picks up a sword and brings a muscular , brooding presence to the role of Greek warrior Achilles in this spectacular retelling of ' The Iliad ' . Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger play the legendary lovers who plunge the world into war , Eric Bana portrays the prince who dares to confront Achilles , and Peter O...
453,013
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27,652
7
Stretched to the Breaking Point
Spencer Tracy ( your average Joe ) and Sylvia Sidney ( Katherine ) have fallen in love . Mr . Tracy , who loves to eat peanuts , doesn't feel he is financially able to marry as the film begins . Ms . Sidney gives Tracy the ring that her father gave her mother . After awhile , luck turns for Tracy , and he goes to get S...
453,440
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4,872
7
Alias Jimmy Valentine ( 1915 ) Maurice Tourneur - Robert Warwick , Johnny Hines , Alec B . Francis
Robert Warwick ( as Lee Randall aka " Jimmy Valentine " ) is a respected citizen by day , and a safecracker by night . His main adversary is lawman Robert Cummings ( as Doyle ) , who wants to see Mr . Warwick in prison Sing-Sing . Ruth Shepley ( as Rose Fay ) is the woman who turns Warwick's head , and visa-versa . The...
452,501
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2,795
7
A Marathon Worth Running
Interesting early film , directed by D . W . Griffith . Walter Miller and Henry B . Walthall are partners in business , and rivals for the affections of Blanche Sweet . Ms . Sweet chooses Mr . Walthall , and the two are married . Soon , he goes out on the town , leaving her and the baby home alone . Then , Mr . Miller ...
452,944
15,896,852
67,805
7
Murray Head Superstar
Jewish doctor Peter Finch ( as Daniel Hirsh ) and divorcée Glenda Jackson ( as Alex Greville ) are both sharing their beds , and bodies , with bisexual artist Murray Head ( as Bob Elkin ) . Alas , Mr . Head wants to leave London for New York , alone , on a bloody Sunday . But , he promises to return " soon " . Mr . Fin...
452,675
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492,912
7
Death Becomes Him
Unsuccessful student Christian Oliver ( as Adam Schmidt ) is smart enough ; but , he is failing to make the medical school grade . Possibly , this is due to his frequent headaches , and an anti-social disposition . Mr . Oliver explains , " I think I'm allergic to people . " After receiving a " F " on his ethics essay ,...
453,043
15,896,852
18,097
7
From Beyond the Unknown
As of October 20 , 2007 , " London After Midnight " is a lost film - there is no known surviving footage . Hopefully , a print or portion will be discovered . Until then , TCM's 2002 reconstruction , by Rick Schmidlin , will have to suffice - it was created by referencing the original script and utilizing movie photogr...
452,504
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65,656
7
Helmut Berger is Dorian Gray
The story is familiar - Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray wishes his painting would grow old whilst he remain young . This film version certainly does not equal the production quality of Albert Lewin's " The Picture of Dorian Gray " ( 1945 ) , but it is superior in several other ways . Foremost , the casting of Helmut Berger a...
453,313
15,896,852
25,610
7
Down on the Farm
King Vidor's " The Crowd " ( 1928 ) ended hopefully : James Murray and Eleanor Boardman ( then playing John and Mary Sims ) conquered the industrialized , impersonal City , with a new job and child replacing previous losses . But , the Sims ' luck is , according to this film , cut short by the Great Depression . Tom Ke...
453,415
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649
7
Robert Harron Makes an Impression
Historically important as Robert Harron's first starring feature , " Bobby's Kodak " ( February 10 , 1908 ) also features Biograph cameraman G . W . Bitzer . It was directed by Wallace McCutcheon . Mr . Harron started playing " bit " parts at the studio in late 1907 as an after school job , with future film editor Jame...
453,102
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12,752
7
Fairbanks Fences In
Impoverished nobleman Douglas Fairbanks ( as D'Artagnan ) ' s greatest ambition is to join the King's royal swordsmen , " The Three Musketeers " . And , after impressing the three best swordsmen in Paris , Mr . Fairbanks becomes their fourth blade . He also finds love , with Marguerite De La Motte ( as Constance ) , an...
453,282
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12,755
7
Maid in America
In Belgium , during the summer of 1903 wealthy widow Gertrude Astor ( as Louise Bodamere ) finds well-heeled second husband Wilfred Lucas ( as Elton Reeves ) at a North Sea resort . While Ms . Astor and Mr . Lucas enjoy the beach , her daughter Jeanne is cared for by loyal nurse Helen Raymond ( as Marie Gaston ) . Luca...
453,429
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33,677
7
Intriguing Story with Race Reservations
Bette Davis ( as Maggie ) and Mary Astor ( as Sandra ) are rivals for the affections of George Brent ( as Pete ) . The main story , and " The Great Lie " , is that Ms . Astor becomes pregnant and gives the baby to Ms . Davis to raise . After the two women believe Mr . Brent has been killed . Brent turns up alive , and ...
453,305
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22,286
7
James Cagney Makes an Impression
The Public Enemy is not a great film , but it features an absolutely incredible performance , by James Cagney . This was Mr . Cagney's first " starring " role ; and he is great throughout . From the time he walks in front of the camera , moving his cap forward , until his final thundering scenes , Cagney is astonishi...
453,101
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25,681
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Fairbanks Goes Out in Style
Legendary lover Douglas Fairbanks ( as Don Juan ) feels the fatigue of advancing years ; so , the ageing lady-killer takes advantage of a misunderstanding , and fakes his own death . After a rest , Mr . Fairbanks tries to return to his amorous ways ; but , nobody believes he's the real Don Juan . Through it all , Fairb...
452,709
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33,774
7
Van Heflin Tears it Up
Robert Taylor ( as Johnny Eager ) is a racketeer on parole ; he is posing an honest taxi driver , but actually runs a successful criminal organization . His companion is Van Heflin ( as Jeff Hartnett ) , an unrequited love-struck alcoholic . Adversarial district attorney Edward Arnold ( as John Benson Farrell ) has a t...
452,978
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269,095
7
Fatherhood
Homicide detective Robert De Niro ( as Vincent LaMarca ) has a skeleton in his closet . Mr . De Niro's father was executed as a baby killer . However , De Niro " turned his life around " and , with help from a law-abiding father figure , became a respectable police officer . Unfortunately , he left his wife and young s...
453,341
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14,605
7
A Hard Habit to Break
In Italy , the Lordly volcano Vesuvius " waves his plume of peace to a smiling city in the valley " . Of course , the volcano is , in actuality , " a seething ferment of unrest . " The city is equally dominated by the wealthy Chiaromonte family , who live in a monstrous palace . Among them are half-sisters Lillian Gish...
452,374
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37,614
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Bette Davis Harvests John Dall
English spinster teacher Bette Davis ( as Lilly Moffat ) arrives to open a school in a Welsh coal-mining village ; she meets opposition from backwards-thinking locals like Nigel Bruce ( as Squire ) , but perseveres . Ms . Davis ' efforts are rewarded as pupil John Dall ( as Morgan Evans ) shows great academic promise ....
452,535
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Dancing with the Stars
American ballet student Jessica Harper ( as Suzy Banyon ) goes to study at a European dance academy , where grizzly murders and hungry maggots reign supreme . " The Tanz Academy " is fronted by elegant Joan Bennett ( as Madame Blanc ) , with stern Alida Valli ( Miss Tanner ) well-suited , as head teacher . Chief among ...
452,414
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20,298
7
Stroheim's Swansong
In an ancient European kingdom , sultry Seena Owen ( as Queen Regina V ) lounges , awaiting her nuptials with dashing Walter Byron ( as Prince Wolfram ) . Nearby , convent girl Gloria Swanson ( as Patricia Kelly ) encourages the Lord's wrath by sleeping with her photographs of the handsome Mr . Byron . While he is out ...
453,077
15,896,852
12,364
7
A Happy New Year for Victor Sjöström
Once upon a time , in Sweden , there was a poor Salvation Army sister . At death's door , she requests , " Send for David Holm ! " But , Victor Sjöström ( as David Holm ) cannot be located , because he is spending New Year's Eve in a graveyard , with his drinking buddies . Dying Sister Astrid Holm ( as Edit ) wants to ...
453,336
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29,844
7
Tears Along the Mississippi
Mark Twain's classic characters are brought back to life , by David O . Selznick , for an updated movie adaptation . For the first time , Tom and Huck are seen in color ( specifically , " Technicolor " ) , which contributes to the film's main strength : it looks storybook beautiful . The reliance on set pieces seems en...
453,135
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31,867
7
The James Cagney Movie Formula Before the Fall
After " The Great War " ends , G . I . James Cagney ( as Eddie Bartlett ) returns home from France . He expects to return to his old job as an automobile mechanic ; however , the boss breaks a promise , and turns Mr . Cagney away . In fact , the United States is descending into economic turmoil , which will end with " ...
453,328
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65,856
7
Come See the Dark Shadows Vampires Do It
This is an excellent , flawed film spin-off of the classic TV serial " Dark Shadows " . It captures Jonathan Frid , Joan Bennett , Grayson Hall and many of the cast on film , in character , during the time of the original Dark Shadows-mania . For that , we should be eternally grateful . Other favorites David Selby , Ka...
453,653
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64,886
7
Risky Mississippi Business
Oh , Reivers ? that's an old-fashioned word from my childhood , explains narrator Burgess Meredith , " In plain English , I'm afraid it meant ? thieves ! " The narrator is fondly recalling an adventure he had as an 11-year-old boy , " coming of age " in Mississippi . Young Mitch Vogel ( as Lucius Priest ) is the lad ...
452,761
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8,499
7
Lost Little Girl
After her mother mortgages the family's " Sunnybrook Farm " , Mary Pickford ( as Rebecca Randall ) is sent to live with two aunts : Josephine Crowell ( as Aunt Miranda ) is stern and heartless ; she overrides kinder , broken-hearted , Mayme Kelso ( as Aunt Jane ) . Predictably , Ms . Pickford finds things are not so su...
452,829
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55,230
7
Curtis Harrington outfits Dennis Hopper
Lonely , young sailor Dennis Hopper ( as Johnny Drake ) enters a seaside California tavern and spies exotic , forlorn beauty Linda Lawson ( as Mora ) . Smitten , Mr . Hopper walks her home , but receives only an invitation to breakfast , the next day . The next morning , Hopper shares a breakfast of mackerel with Ms . ...
452,412
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10,662
7
Griffith Goes West
Subtitled " A Tale of the Old West , " director D . W . Griffith promises , " This story corroborates the old saying that truth is stranger than fiction - incidents being taken from actual episodes of those stirring days . " He means those western gold-fevered days in California , circa 1849 . Mr . Griffith ( with assi...
453,126
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39,694
7
Garbo's Back ! ( and Hitchcock's Scratching It )
In London , attractive widow Alida Valli ( as Maddalena Anna Paradine ) is arrested for the poisoning murder of her blind , wealthy husband . Most sympathies lie with the well-respected Ms . Valli ; and , family friend Charles Coburn ( as Simon Flaquer ) arranges for dashing defense attorney Gregory Peck ( as Anthony "...
452,629
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104,753
7
A Stardust Melody ? ( the Memory of Love's Refrain )
Almost any scene of this film , shown in isolation , would suggest it is a masterpiece . But , the entire movie is setting - - a story never really happens . Director Terrance Davies , cinematographer Michael Coulter , and actor Leigh McCormack create very beautiful , sad world for a sensitive boy named Bud . The film ...
452,974
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20,458
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Lovable and Sweet
Hungarian blonde Betty Compson ( as Frederika " Freddie " Joyzelle ) gets fired from her job as a New York waitress , for breaking a dish over her boss ' head . Although the film is suggestively titled " Street Girl " , Ms . Compson avoids dabbling in the world's oldest profession . Instead , Compson hooks up with attr...
452,971
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24,264
7
Litttle Big Women
The film might be more accurately titled " Little Woman " , with Katherine Hepburn seizing the lead role , and never letting go . Otherwise , it's the story of four " Little Women " growing up , and finding love's direction . Hepburn ( she's Jo ) is sister to Joan Bennett ( she's Amy ) , Jean Parker ( she's Beth ) , an...
452,596
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33,428
7
Blitzkrieg Bop
This sixth " East Side Kids " film is one of the better Bowery boy adventures . During this era , the movies focused on the characters played by Leo Gorcey ( as Muggs ) and Bobby Jordan ( as Danny ) . Usually , Mr . Jordan and an adult relative provided the storyline , for leader Gorcey and the lads . Criminal activity...
453,148
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20,410
7
Garbo Sets the Single Standard
Greta Garbo envies the freedom acceptable for men , but not permissible for women - the sexual " Double Standard " . She asked her chauffeur to take her for a ride . When they are caught returning from a rendezvous , the chauffeur is fired ; then , he commits suicide . Somewhat disenchanted , Garbo takes off with excit...
453,699
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375,679
7
Los Angeles Smacked Upside the Face
Paul Haggis ' " Crash " is an insulting picture . It seeks to say something meaningful about racism run rampant in Los Angeles . Did somebody put something in the water ? Something that only a Los Angeles snowfall could wipe away ? Nearly every character in the film is motivated by ignorant , bigoted instincts . Things...
453,122
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43,067
7
Robert Newton Shivers Me Timbers
Robert Louis Stevenson's exciting classic is brought back to life , more or less , as a Walt Disney Production . With those limitations in mind , this " Treasure Island " is , still , quite entertaining . While it's much more light and cheery than the original work , it's also filled with more bloody violence than you'...
453,168
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45,464
7
Dr . Seuss Gives Moving Pictures a Bart Attack
Troubled ten-year-old Tommy Rettig ( as Bart Collins ) isn't getting enough sleep . Consequently , young Rettig has bad daydreams , especially during practice sessions with priggish piano man Hans Conried ( as Dr . Terwilliker ) . Rettig tells his instructor , " I don't think the piano's my instrument . " Obviously , R...
453,528
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55,100
7
Rock & Doris & Tony & Vip
Rock Hudson , Doris Day , and Tony Randall are excellent - the movie is not so much . First of all , the film is a one of those sophisticated ( ? ) ' 60s " sex comedies " . There are suggested sexual situations throughout : Mr . Hudson is , I believe , fairly explicitly stated as a promiscuous man ; and , Ms . Day make...
453,681
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18,179
7
Chaney Takes the Slow Boat to China
Ancient Chinese custom gets the best of star Lon Chaney in this re-make of 1919's melodramatic " Mr . Wu " . Mr . Chaney portrays both Mr . Wu ; and , in an extended prologue , he's Mr . Wu's grandfather . Chaney is , as ever , wildly entertaining . The film is well-produced , with beautiful photography and sets ; with...
453,308
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40,185
7
It's Not Easy Being Green
As the film begins , young Dean Stockwell ( as Peter Fry ) is in a police station ; obviously , the adults do not know where he belongs , or why his head is shaved bald . Robert Ryan ( as Dr . Evans ) gets young Stockwell to speak , after giving the hungry boy a hamburger . Stockwell tells his story : he was a war orph...
452,459
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25,316
7
What Happened One Night
Well , it's evident why the many attempts to re-capture the spirit of this film have failed . The story really isn't all that good . What works is watching how Clark Gable ( as Peter Warne ) and Claudette Colbert ( as Ellie Andrews ) make the most of the script , with help from director Frank Capra . They play the relu...
453,591
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20,919
7
Laughing it Up
Winsome graduate William Haines ( as Tom Ward ) comes home , intending to enter the job market , while retaining his college lifestyle . Mr . Haines is accustomed fast cars , frequent parties , and women who don't say " No ! " While seeking employment at " Sutton & Co . " , Haines flips over pretty blonde secretary Lei...
452,382
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115,639
7
Tell Them Willie Boy Is Back
Unsuccessful New York pianist Timothy Hutton ( as Willie Conway ) returns to small town Knight's Ridge , Massachusetts . There , Mr . Hutton will attend his high school reunion , and consider both a career change and marriage , to his lawyer girlfriend ( Annabeth Gish ) . Hutton reconnects with childhood buds Matt Dill...
452,790
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16,294
7
A Story of Past Relations
Joseph Schildkraut as ( Kenneth " Ken " Paulton ) and Jetta Goudal ( as Malena Paulton ) are honeymooning at the Grand Canyon ; but , Ms . Goudal is uninterested in consummating the marriage . This , understandably , frustrates Mr . Schildkraut , who can't explain a worsening pain in his arm . They are acquainted with ...
453,426
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18,515
7
Lewis of Arabia
William Boyd and Louis Wolheim are the " Two Arabian Knights " referred to in the title , humorously . The pair start out as U . S . POWs trying to escape from the Germans during World War I . Eventually , they find themselves on board a ship bound for Arabia . While tripping out to the Middle East , they rescue an Ara...
453,020
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46,672
7
The Undersea World of Jules Verne
While I admit the science fiction and special effects don't hold up expertly ; still , I found the film enjoyable - and , it was above average , all things considered . There are old films which have no " dated special effect " look to them - maybe it helps to be in black and white . The squid isn't that bad , and the ...
453,195
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564,250
7
Shelley Fabares and Buzz Martin at Their Best
Pretty , popular Mary ( Shelley Fabares ) thinks she's going to the " Junior Prom " with one of the school's leading football players - left tackle Bobby Burgess ( as Ernie ) or right tackle Tom Brandt ( as Phil ) . Mary prefers Mr . Burgess , due to his " cute smile " , but must string Mr . Brandt along while waiting ...
452,538
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164,181
7
Kevin Bacon's Second Sight
Blue-collar lineman Kevin Bacon ( as Tom Witzky ) would have rather become a rock musician . Instead , Mr . Bacon has settled for a more ordinary life . He has just moved to a modest Chicago house , in a " decent " neighborhood . Bacon , and sexily pregnant wife Kathryn Erbe ( as Maggie Witzky ) have a mildly creepy ( ...
453,003
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7
Rustling Up Some Grubbs
Pretty high school dropout Jena Malone ( as Rena Grubb ) is suicidal , after being left pregnant by her boyfriend . Fortunately , Ms . Malone is ineffective at killing herself , and returns to her trailer park home . Also returning is budding gay brother Brad Renfro ( as Jay Grubb ) , fresh from four boring weeks fishi...
453,245
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7
Nazimova's First Impression
After losing both her husband and brothers to war , Alla Nazimova ( as Joan ) leads women to protest against their country's king , who has ordered women to bear children for future wars . Nazimova ends it all by proclaiming , " If you will not give us women the right to vote for or against war , " according a title ca...
453,325
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64,155
7
High Noon for Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley plays an ex-gunman who has decided to reform . His decision is not well-received by his old gang . They beat him up , and enforce a grisly revenge - they " brand " him , to give him a scar identical to a man WANTED in two countries ( Mexico and the USA ) . The " branding " is , possibly , the most gruesom...
452,731
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7
The Iron Masque of Death
Intermittently exciting " Musketeers " tale , highlighted by the " Jekyll-Hyde " performance of Louis Hayward as the King of France and his undiscovered ( then , discovered ) twin brother . Mr . Hayward does a great job ; especially when the " Good " twin confronts the " Evil " twin with his " Iron Mask " . " The Man i...
453,320
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16,461
7
Dust in the Wind
In the 1939 re-release's introduction , William S . Hart explains , " The story of ' Tumbleweeds ' marks one of the greatest epochs of our American history . It tells of the opening of the Cherokee Strip in the year 1889 . Twelve hundred square miles of Cherokee Indian lands , on one front , over two hundred miles long...
452,653
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29,440
7
Uneven Exchange
In the slums of 16th century London , young Billy Mauch ( as " Pauper " Tom Canty ) makes the most of his life as a beggar ; though , he is beaten by his father , and thrown in the mud . Meanwhile , royal Bobby Mauch ( as " Prince " Edward VI ) lives a life of luxury ; soon , he will replace father King Henry VIII on t...
452,702
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53,363
7
Tol'able Tingler
The monster in this film is very tacky , by today's standards . You get to see too much of " The Tingler " for it to instill any real fear . The film , however , creates a world of its own ; hence , my rating is higher than I would have expected . Director Castle does great stuff with the slight budget he has , especia...
453,362
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20,827
7
One Good Turn Deserves Another
Norma Shearer ( as Jerry Martin ) tests the freedom acceptable for men , but not permissible for women - the sexual " Double Standard " . As the film opens , Ms . Shearer is an happily married woman . However , husband Chester Morris ( as Ted Martin ) gets " plastered " , and succumbs to the advances of a sexually aggr...