Classic Film Guide

September, 2004 - archive

Wednesday, September 1

8:00 PM The Great Ziegfeld (1936) - this biography of the Broadway legend, played by William Powell, won three Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress (Luise Rainer as Anna Held). It also stars Myrna Loy as Billie Burke, Frank Morgan in a humorous role as Ziegfeld's competitor AND partner, and Fanny Brice & Ray Bolger as themselves.

2:15 AM Libeled Lady (1936) - a terrific comedy with an outstanding cast including Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, and William Powell. Nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.

Thursday, September 2

4:30 PM Humoresque (1946) - terrific film about a very talented, poor violinist (played by John Garfield) who becomes the object of a wealthy woman's (Joan Crawford) obsession (if only;- ) As good as the two leads are in this film, it's almost stolen by Oscar Levant, who plays another struggling musician that "grew up" with Garfield's character.

Friday, September 3

12:15 PM Birdman Of Alcatraz (1962) - great, if sympathetic, movie about Robert Stroud, a real life convict that became an expert on birds while imprisoned (actually in Leavenworth). Stroud is played by Burt Lancaster, nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, and is supported by Telly Savalas, Thelma Ritter (who were both nominated for Oscars), Karl Malden as the warden and Edmond O'Brien, in this John Frankenheimer directed film.

8:00 PM The Magnificent Seven (1960) - a remake of Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and featuring recently departed Elmer Bernstein's most recognized (and Oscar nominated) score, this Western is fantastic fun with an all-star cast which includes Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, and James Coburn. John Sturges directed it.

12:15 AM Separate Tables (1958) - outstanding drama with a great cast, nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture, it won two (David Niven for Best Actor with his only nomination & Wendy Hiller for Best Supporting Actress). Deborah Kerr, also nominated, Rita Hayworth, Burt Lancaster, and Rod Taylor round out the cast. Delbert Mann, who won Best Director for 1955's Best Picture "Marty" directed it.

Saturday, September 4

5:30 PM North By Northwest (1959) - If you've never seen an Alfred Hitchcock film, why not start by watching his best. All the elements that mark this great director's work are included: the plot (an innocent man, wrongly accused who must prove his innocence, being chased far distances), humor, memorable scenes with complex film set-ups, and (of course!) it stars Cary Grant. And, the villains, played by James Mason and Martin Landau, are especially good. Also with Eva Marie Saint.

8:00 PM Annie Hall (1977) - the woodman's Academy Award Best Picture winner; Mr. Allen won the Best Director Oscar and received his only acting nomination as well. His co-star, and girlfriend at the time, Diane Keaton also won her only Oscar (Best Actress) and doesn't seem to want to let go of her title character's dated wardrobe either (per the way she dressed at last year's Academy Awards;- )

12:15 AM Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) - Al Pacino and Kate Jackson (from TV's Charlie's Angels!) were the original choices for the leads in this 1979 Academy Award Best Picture Winner. However, the roles went to Dustin Hoffman, who won the Best Actor Oscar, and Meryl Streep, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Director Robert Benton also took home the gold, and also won a Best Writing Oscar too. Justin Henry (the youngest ever, at 8 years old) and Jane Alexander were also nominated for their supporting roles.

Sunday, September 5

8:00 AM Executive Suite (1954) - a very good behind the scenes look at the corporate board room, and the decision making process when a company's "close to the vest" founder dies suddenly without a succession plan in place. The inevitable back-stabbing and politicking are played brilliantly by William Holden, Frederic March, Walter Pidgeon, Paul Douglas, Louis Calhern, Dean Jagger, and Nina Foch (nominated for a Supporting Actress Oscar). Also with June Allyson and Barbara Stanwyck.

10:00 AM Love Me Tonight (1932) - a four star delight starring Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald, Charlie Ruggles, Charles Butterworth, Myrna Loy, and C. Aubrey Smith. Added to the National Film Registry in 1990.

1:30 PM Wuthering Heights (1939) - one of the many great films from this year, producer Samuel Goldwyn's first great success was somewhat overshadowed by GWTW, Laurence Olivier and Geraldine Fitzgerald (Supporting) were nominated for Oscars as was director
William Wyler. Gregg Toland did win for B&W Cinematography. With Merle Oberon.

Monday, September 6

12:15 PM The Apartment (1960) - Corporate ladder climbing is just one of the storylines in this second (of seven) successful pairing(s) of Director Wilder and Lead Actor Jack Lemmon. Wilder took home three Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing - Screenplay) which may have been an attempt by Academy voters to fix their gaffe the previous year when these two were first paired in "Some Like It Hot", which wasn't even nominated for Best Picture! Shirley MacLaine is lovely too!

Tuesday, September 7

4:00 PM I Want To Live! (1958) - Susan Hayward finally won her Best Actress Oscar (on her fifth, and last, nomination) playing Barbara Graham in this "true" story. Ms. Graham was a small-time crook who "hung out" and partied with the wrong type of people. Because of these associations and her own actions, she was sentenced to death for her involvement with a couple of killers. Her letters, as she fought to escape the gas chamber, were used to develop the Oscar-nominated script. Director Robert Wise was also nominated, as was the B&W cinematography, the sound, and the editing. Notable supporting actors include Simon Oakland, Virginia Vincent, Theodore Bikel, and Gaven MacLeod.

Wednesday, September 8

8:00 PM The Thin Man (1934) - A terrific comedy and a great hit, generating a handful of sequels. The most memorable of the many William Powell-Myrna Loy pairings, IMO, as the husband-and-wife detective team (Nick and Nora Charles). "The Thin Man" actually refers to murder victim! Powell and Director Van Dyke were nominated for Oscars, as was the Picture and Writing. Also features Maureen O'Sullivan and Cesar Romero. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1997.

10:00 PM After The Thin Man (1936) - the first, and best IMO, of the "Thin Man" sequels. The film reunites William Powell and Myrna Loy and also stars James Stewart. It was nominated for a Best Writing, Screenplay Oscar.

Thursday, September 9

4:15 AM Angels In The Outfield (1951) - this original version of the divine assisted baseball team is an enjoyable comedy, worth seeing if you havenâ??t. The lead cast includes Paul Douglas, Janet Leigh (miscast, too young!), Keenan Wynn, Lewis Stone, and Spring Byington. The supporting players include Hall of Fame ballplayers Ty Cobb & Joe Dimaggio, as well as Bing Crosby (as himself) and Barbara Billingsley!

Friday, September 10

3:00 PM Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) - the true story of boxer Rocky Grazianoâ??s rise from juvenile delinquent to world champ, starring Paul Newman (who replaced James Dean, when he died young). Also featuring Pier Angeli, Everett Stone, and Sal Mineo. It won both B&W Cinematography and Art Direction Oscars, and was nominated for Editing. It also marks Steve McQueenâ??s & Robert Loggiaâ??s first performances on film.

8:00 PM Jaws (1975) - the film that ruined Hollywood? Many say this blockbuster changed the way (forever) that studio executivesâ??, particularly the finance "guys", decide which films to fund. It was the first big Steven Spielberg success, who was reported to have been so scared when he read Peter Benchleyâ??s book that he wanted to return the favor. Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gray, Murray Hamilton, and "Bruce" the shark star. This Oscar-nominated film won for Editing and Sound, as well as for John Williamsâ?? famous score. It was added to the National Film Registry in 2001.

10:15 PM King Kong (1933) - recently discussed Fay Wray is the human star in this film about the famous, mythical ape. Many times remade and copied, and another in the works, watching this original is still a special experience not to be missed. Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot also star. Added to the National Film Registry in 1991.

Saturday, September 11 - NEVER FORGET!

6:00 AM Camille (1937) - one of Garboâ??s best performances on screen, especially the ending! She plays a kept woman (by Lionel Barrymore) when she falls in love with a young admirer, played by the dashing Robert Taylor. Directed by George Cukor. This is said to be Ms. Garboâ??s favorite of her films. She was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, losing to Luise Rainer in "The Good Earth".

8:00 AM Out of the Past (1947) - one of those gems that you may have never heard about â??cause it was ignored by the Academy. A terrific film noir starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas, and Rhonda Fleming. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1991.

12:00 PM Ben-Hur (1959) - who said remakes canâ??t be as good or better than the original? Of course, a lot of silents were remade as "talkies" and here is one reason why. 1959's Best Picture winner also took home 10 more (out of 12 nominations) including Best Actor for Charlton Heston, Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith), and Best Director (William Wyler). This AA record was unequaled until "Titanic (1997)". The spectacularly constructed chariot race set is the kind of great movie special effects that will likely not be attempted again, given the advent of CGI technology.

8:00 PM Random Harvest (1942) - this weekâ??s Essential, meaning it will be repeated on Sunday at 6 PM, is one of my best TCM discoveries (e.g. a film Iâ??d never heard of until I started watching the channel). Terrific "soaper" with Ronald Colman (this may have been the first film I saw him in too) as a man who suffers from amnesia, and the woman (Greer Garson) who loves him. This is said to be Ms. Garsonâ??s favorite of all her films. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Colman for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress (Susan Peters), Best Director (Mervyn LeRoy), and Writing.

Sunday, September 12

6:00 AM San Francisco (1936) - very entertaining Best Picture Oscar nominee featuring the first of several successful pairings of Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy, who received his first Best Actor nomination as well. Jeanette MacDonald is also in the cast, singing as usual. Other AA nominations were received for Director (W.S. Van Dyke II) and Writing. It won for Best Sound, Recording and includes some terrific earthquake special effects (before that category was added in 1940, for the films of 1939).

4:00 PM Casablanca (1942) - what can one say about the film proclaimed to be the best film ever? Of course, the cast is outstanding! Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre. 1943's AA Best Picture winner was actually completed and shown in New York in 1942, but because it wasnâ??t shown in Los Angeles until January (1943), it competed in 1943. Director Michael Curtiz also won, and the film also won an Oscar for Writing. The great scenes between Bogart and Rains also earned them Best Actor & Supporting Actor nominations. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

Monday, September 13 - Bowery Boy Day & these fine films:

6:30 AM A Thousand Clowns (1965) - saw this recently on TCM. Itâ??s very good and very funny (in a cynical sort of way;- ), was nominated for Best Picture & Writing Oscars, and features the Best Supporting Acting performance by Martin Balsam. The film stars Jason Robards, Jr. and Barry Gordon. The cast also includes Barbara Harris, Gene Saks, and William Daniels.

2:00 PM A Face In The Crowd (1957) - a timely film; it was at the time and it still is. Featuring a performance you wonâ??t believe, nor soon forget, by "Mayberryâ??s" Andy Griffith. Patricia Neal and Walter Matthau provide great support as well in this Elia Kazan directed film. Also see Anthony Franciosa and Lee Remick.

6:00 PM My Favorite Year (1982) - a very fun film to watch, featuring Peter Oâ??Tooleâ??s last (thus far;- ) Best Actor nominated performance. His seventh, without an Oscar (until he was bestowed an Honorary one last year)! Mark Linn-Baker plays a writer who has to find, convince, and assist a famous "Errol Flynn"-type movie star in a TV variety/comedy show appearance. Also with Jessica Harper, Joseph Bologna, and Bill Macy. Directed by Richard Benjamin.

Tuesday, September 14 - Another Bowery Boy Day and these fine films:

3:00 PM That Uncertain Feeling (1941) - there have been a lot of disparate views expressed about this film here. Even though I donâ??t think it measures up to director Ernst Lubitschâ??s other classics, I do think this one is worth watching. Yes, you will probably get annoyed at the eccentric character played by Burgess Meredith (and the storyline itself?), but there are other parts which are very enjoyable (besides looking at Merle Oberon). Also stars Melvyn Douglas. Nominated for a Best Music (score) Oscar.

6:00 PM Spellbound (1945) - is a psychological thriller which marks the first (of three) time(s) Mr. Hitchcock was blessed with the talents of Ingrid Bergman. Also cast was Gregory Peck (the first of his two pairings with the director). Peck plays an amnesiac who poses as a doctor in a mental asylum, Bergman the one who tries to help him. This was the second film (after Rebecca) that Hitchcock did for Producer David O. Selznick, and the results are uneven at best. The most memorable scenes involve some dream sequences enhanced with custom work by Salvidor Dali and the ending sequence which is seen from Leo Carroll's character's POV as he points a gun at Ms. Bergman's, following her as she walks towards a door until ... I wouldn't want spoil it;- ) It received an Academy Award for Best Music (Scoring) plus five other nominations including Best Picture & Director.

8:00 PM The Prisoner Of Zenda (1937) - the best of the many versions of this classic story starring Ronald Colman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Madeleine Carroll, C. Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey, Mary Astor and David Niven. Nominated for two Oscars and added to the National Film Registry in 1991.

11:30 PM The 39 Steps (1935) - one of Hitchcock's favorites, it was his first to use "the innocent man, framed by circumstantial evidence, who much run cross-country from police and spies alike in his frantic attempt to clear himself and find the real enemies of the people", a theme which he would make his trademark. Robert Donat plays that man in this film, Madeleine Carroll the woman who helps him. A memorable scene in this film involves Donat's landlady finding a body in "his" apartment and screaming at the same time he is seen on a train, with her scream being replaced with the shrill whistle of the train.

2:30 AM The Killing (1956) - an excellent early film by director Stanley Kubrick. A team of specialists, led by Sterling Hayden, plots a daring racetrack robbery. Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay Flippen, Elisha Cook Jr., and Marie Windsor are also featured.

4:00 AM The Asphalt Jungle (1950) - great film noir by director John Huston, this one with one of Sterling Hayden's best stuff. A cast which also includes Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore, Sam Jaffe (nominated for a Supporting Oscar), and an early Marilyn Monroe. Also nominated for Writing & Directing Oscars.

Wednesday, September 15

6:00 AM The Champ (1931) - terrific story (Best Writing, Original Story Oscar) of old fighter, played by Wallace Beery, and his son (Jackie Cooper) thatâ??s his biggest fan. Beery shared the Best Actor Oscar with Frederic March (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). The film and its director, King Vidor, were also nominated.

10:30 AM Treasure Island (1934) - another pairing of Beery & Cooper in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale is pretty good, not great. Directed by Victor Fleming. Other actors which round out the cast include Lionel Barrymore, Otto Kruger, Lewis Stone, and Nigel Bruce.

12:00 AM Test Pilot (1938) - a very enjoyable film with Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, and Lionel Barrymore which was directed by Victor Fleming and nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture and Writing.

Thursday, September 16

3:30 PM Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939) - heartwarming film about a teacher and his students featuring Robert Donatâ??s Academy Award winning Best Actor performance, and a Best Actress nominated performance by Greer Garson. The film and its director, Sam Wood, were also nominated as was the Writing, Editing, and Sound.

5:30 PM Meet John Doe (1941) - an outstanding political film by director Frank Capra featuring great acting by Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward Arnold. Other actors in supporting roles include Walter Brennan, Spring Byington, James Gleason, and Gene Lockhart. Nominated for a Best Writing, Original Story Oscar.

12:00 AM Deliverance (1972) - terrifying film which reinforces negative southern stereotypes. Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox are "city folk" whose "shoot the rapids" vacation is marred by encounters with "country folk". Nominations for Best Picture & Editing, as well as for director John Boorman by the Academy.

Friday, September 17

9:30 PM Detour (1945) - supposed to be the greatest low budget thriller of all-time, it was added to the National Film Registry in 1992.

Saturday, September 18

6:00 AM The Citadel (1938) - Robert Donatâ??s only other Oscar nominated acting performance is a pretty good story (also Oscar nominated) about a struggling doctor who is tempted by fortune to abandon his ideals. Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson, and Rex Harrison also star in this King Vidor directed film. The picture and its director were also nominated for Oscars.

8:00 PM Singin' In The Rain (1952) - anybody who hasnâ??t seen this, needs to. Part of film history (the story, that is), and not just for the famous scene with Gene Kelly actually singing in the rain. Great performances by Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, and especially Jean Hagen (nominated for Best Actress by the Academy) are also included in this classic by director Stanley Donen. It also received an Oscar nomination for Best Music, Score. Added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

2:00 AM Caddyshack (1980) - a classic? Well, it is one of the funniest films youâ??ll ever see. With Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Michael O'Keefe, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray.

Sunday, September 19

6:00 AM These Three (1936) - a film you must see if you want to understand the damage that rumor and innuendo can do. A child, played by Bonita Granville in an Academy Award nominated performance, destroys the lives of three people with the help of her Grandmother, played by Alma Kruger. The three whose lives are turned upside-down are played convincingly by Merle Oberon, Miriam Hopkins, and Joel McCrea in this William Wyler directed film produced by Samuel Goldwyn, filmed by Gregg Toland, and "written" by Lillian Hellman.

8:00 AM Libeled Lady (1936) - a terrific comedy with an outstanding cast including Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, and William Powell. Nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.

4:00 PM Pillow Talk (1959) - features Ms. Day's only Oscar nominated performance. A story which introduces the outdated "party line" concept to younger folks. A funny comedy with Rock Hudson and Tony Randall.

6:00 PM Singin' In The Rain (1952) - is the Essential being repeated today.

8:00 PM On the Town (1949) - see New York in all its glory in this enjoyable musical with Mr. New York himself, Frank Sinatra, as well as Gene Kelly, Vera-Ellen, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett, and Jules Munshin. Co-directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, it won the Best Music, Score Oscar.

3:15 AM The Nun's Story (1959) - literally! Nominated for eight Oscars including Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn), Director (Fred Zinnemann), and Picture in the year that Ben-Hur dominated.

Monday, September 20

12:00 AM The Big Country (1958) - still havenâ??t seen this one since it was recommended by ML earlier in this thread, though I do have it on tape. Burl Ives won his Best Supporting Oscar (on his only nomination) in this epic film directed by William Wyler which was also nominated for Best Music, Score. It stars Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Carroll Baker, Charles Bickford, and Chuck Connors.

Tuesday, September 21

11:00 PM Portrait of Jennie (1948) - finally got to see this feaito recommended film on TCM this summer. Jennifer Jones is the "muse" for painter Joseph Cotten, who is supported by gallery owners Ethel Barrymore & Cecil Kellaway. Lillian Gish and David Wayne also appear, as does Nancy Davis Reagan (at the very end) in this unusual, yet captivating story.

12:30 AM Beat The Devil (1954) - a cult classic, very unusual with eccentric characters galore including Humphrey Bogart, Gina Lollobrigida, Jennifer Jones, Robert Morley, and Peter Lorre. Directed by John Huston.

2:15 AM Duel In The Sun (1946) - to see the ending of this film is to see something truly odd & unusual. Gregory Peck and AA Best Actress nominated Jennifer Jones headline an all-star cast including Joseph Cotten, Lionel Barrymore, Herbert Marshall, Lillian Gish (also nominated), Walter Huston, Charles Bickford, Harry Carey, Otto Kruger, even Butterfly McQueen. Directed by King Vidor; produced by David O. Selznick.

Wednesday, September 22 - Lot of Paul Muni, many Iâ??ve not seen ... these I have:

9:15 AM Bordertown (1935) - later remade, better, as [i]They Drive By Night[/I], this Paul Muni - Bette Davis vehicle is very watchable, though you may grow to hate Margaret Lindsay (or at least the character she plays).

12:30 PM The Story Of Louis Pasteur (1936) - this true story of the French scientist's battle to establish modern medical methods is not to be missed. It features Paul Muniâ??s Academy Award winning Best Actor performance. The film also won both writing Oscars and was nominated for Best Picture too.

2:00 PM The Life Of Emile Zola (1937) - very interesting story, a somewhat fictionalized biography (per the opening credits) of Emile Zola, whose story I was not familiar with until I saw this film. He was a French muckraking writer in the late 19th century. The film is primarily focused on one particular case (perhaps the most prominent of his life?) in which he is taken to trial (libel) for exposing the Army's conviction of an innocent man for treason, and its cover-up exoneration of the guilty party. Paul Muni does his usual great job portraying this historical figure (Oscar nominated too) and there are strong supporting performances by Joseph Schildkraut (who won an Oscar for playing the accused), Gale Sondergaard as his wife, and the ubiquitous (and always excellent) Donald Crisp. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year as well as for Best Writing, Screenplay. It received several other AA nominations including Best Writing, Original Story and for director William Dieterle.

6:00 PM Angel On My Shoulder (1946) - maybe not the greatest film, but definitely entertaining and definitely worth watching, IMO. Paul Muni didnâ??t make another film for 5 years after this one, not sure why. Claude Rains plays the Devil in it and Anne Baxter plays Muniâ??s characterâ??s girlfriend.

8:00 PM The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946) - This Academy Award Best Picture about veterans returning home from WW II includes disabled Army veteran Harold Russell, who received two Oscars (Best Supporting Actor and Honorary for bringing hope & courage to his fellow veterans) for his performance, the only time an actor has received two Oscars for the same performance. Producer Samuel Goldwynâ??s greatest success (and thatâ??s saying something!) is directed by William Wyler (of course) who also took home the gold, along with Best Actor Frederic March, Writing, Editing, & Musical Score (the Sound was nominated). The excellent cast includes Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, Cathy Oâ??Donnell, and Hoagy Carmichael.

3:15 AM Emma (1932) - a delightful film starring Marie Dressler in her second AA nominated Best Actress performance (she had won the year before for [i]Min and Bill[/I]. The cast includes Richard Cromwell, Jean Hersholt, and Myrna Loy.

Thursday, September 23

9:45 AM In Cold Blood (1967) - hard to watch, yes. Worth it, definitely. Robert Blake & Scott Wilson play the two murderers in this true story - filmed in the actual locations; John Forsythe plays "the law" and Paul Stewart plays the reporter (Truman Capote, in real life). The film received four Oscar nominations, including one for director Richard Brooks.

2:00 PM The Black Stallion (1979) - a truly beautiful film, in every way ... its story, the acting, the cinematography, everything! Kelly Reno gives a touching performance as the boy in this horse epic, with Mickey Rooney (fittingly), Teri Garr, and the scenery providing strong support. Added to the National Film Registry in 2002. #64 on AFI's 100 Most Inspiring Movies list.

Friday, September 24 - Falcon & Alibi Day and these fine films:

4:00 AM Lady For A Day (1933) - if youâ??ve only seen the inferior remake (also by director Frank Capra, who received an Oscar nomination for this one) called [i]Pocketful of Miracles[/I], you wonâ??t want to miss this. May Robsonâ??s "Apple Annie" was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, as was the picture and the story. Warren William and Guy Kibbee give excellent performances as well.

Saturday, September 25

2:00 PM Gunga Din (1939) - based on Rudyard Kiplingâ??s poem, this is a very entertaining adventure film with an excellent cast including Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Victor McLaglen, Sam Jaffe (in the title role), and Joan Fontaine. Directed by George Stevens, after Howard Hawks was removed when [i]Bringing Up Baby[/I] bombed at the box office; it was added to the National Film Registry in 1999.

6:00 PM The Story of G.I. Joe (1945) - a documentary type film with Burgess Meredith as real life war correspondent Ernie Pyle (who died before this picture was released) chronically the lives of an infantry platoon in WW II. This William Wellman directed film features Robert Mitchumâ??s only Academy Award nominated (Supporting too!) performance, if you can believe that! The film also received nominations for Song, Musical Score, and Writing (screenplay).

8:00 PM Dr. Strangelove - this weekâ??s Essential is so very funny. Peter Sellers (nominated for a Best Actor Oscar) plays three different characters, but is perhaps upstaged by George C. Scott. The film and its director, Stanley Kubrick, were also nominated as was the writing. Great supporting acting also provided by Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens, Peter Bull, and James Earl Jones. Added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

Sunday, September 26

6:00 AM My Man Godfrey (1936) - see the lovely Carole Lombard in her only Oscar nominated (Best Actress) performance. Her co-star, and ex-husband, William Powell was also (Best Actor) nominated, as was Mischa Auer (unforgettable voice) and Alice Brady in supporting roles making this the first film to receive four acting nominations. Director Gregory La Cava, who directed Katherine Hepburn in [i]Stage Door[/I] the following year (for which he also received a nomination), also received a nomination as did the writing. It was the first film to receive these nominations without the picture also receiving a nomination, and the only one to lose them all. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1999.

12:00 PM The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944) - funny Preston Sturges film (the director also received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay in this one), though Eddie Bracken may get on your nerves. Support provided by Sturgesâ?? usual cast (William Demarest, Porter Hall, Victor Potel, Brian Donlevy, etc.) as well as Betty Hutton & Diana Lynn. Added to the National Film Registry in 2001.

4:00 PM Bonnie and Clyde (1967) - Arthur Penn's film about the legendary couple, played by Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway, who "robs banks". Nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture, Director, and 5 acting - Beatty, Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, and Estelle Parsons (who won, as did its cinematography). Added to the National Film Registry in 1992.

4:15 AM Harvey (1950) - a lovely film about a man and his rabbit. James Stewartâ??s Oscar nominated performance is one he is said to have not cared for, and one that was played much more sinisterly by him on the stage. Excellent roles played by Josephine Hull, who won a Supporting Oscar with her only nomination, Cecil Kellaway, and Jesse White.

Monday, September 27

6:00 AM Suspicion (1941) - is the first movie that director Alfred Hitchcock used Cary Grant as his leading man, and it's certainly the weakest in the four film series (perhaps in part because the suspicion is whether or not Mr. Grant's character is the bad guy!). It's the second (and last) time he used Joan Fontaine as his leading lady, though her understated performance earned her several awards including the Oscar. The most memorable scenes are near the film's end when Grant's character climbs the stairs carrying a glass of milk for Ms. Fontaine's (the intimation being that it is poisoned) and a wild car ride along a dangerous road with cliffs.

8:00 AM Saboteur (1942) - an incredibly ambitious film which is almost like a first draft of (maybe) Alfred Hitchcockâ??s greatest film, [i]North By Northwest[/I]. It contains the familiar "innocent man, wrongly accused" etc. theme culminating in a thrilling climax at a famous American landmark. Robert Cummings and Priscilla Lane star (though Hitchcock originally wanted Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck), while Otto Krueger plays the villain. There are many memorable scenes (& expensive set pieces), not the least of which is the leading pair encountering a truckload of circus freaks while escaping their pursuers, a deserted mining town, a blind man's home, and a shoot-out at Radio City Music Hall. I particularly like the scene where Mr. Cummings's character must enter the home of Mr. Krueger's while, predictably, he is having a party.

10:00 AM Shadow of a Doubt (1943) - like [i]Suspicion[/I], Hitchcock decided to cast a traditional "good guy" actor (in this case, Joseph Cotten) as his villain who has come to visit his sister's house to elude two detectives on his trail. It's said to be one of the director's favorites because it brought murder and violence "back into the house where it rightfully belongs." It also features the beautiful Teresa Wright in only her fourth film (she was nominated for an acting Oscar in each of her first three roles!). Throughout the film, two of the better known actors (Henry Travers and "neighbor" Hume Cronyn) discuss various means of murder and crime as is their "fun" hobby, which adds a bit of ironic humor as Mr. Cotten's "Uncle Charlie" character is staying with them. The most memorable scene involves a car intentionally left running in a garage to facilitate a murder, which is foreshadowed earlier in the film.

12:00 PM Rope! (1948) - One of "the lost 5 Hitchcocks", bought back by him and left as part of his legacy to his daughter (along with [i]The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), Rear Window (1954), The Trouble with Harry (1955), and Vertigo (1958)[/I]), and re-released in theaters around 1984 after a 30-year absence. Long on technique, but short of much else, though it does mark the first successful pairings with James Stewart (out of four) and Farley Granger (of two); it also features John Dall. The film was shot in a series of 8-minute continuous takes (the maximum amount of film that a camera could hold) and almost plays in real-time as well. The story is loosely based on the real-life Leopold and Loeb murders. Itâ??s also Hitchcockâ??s first color film.

1:30 PM Rear Window (1954) - This voyeuristic film is loved by many - James Stewart plays a new photographer who's been confined to a wheelchair in his apartment which gives him a view of a courtyard & into the apartments of many residents and their lives. His nurse (Thelma Ritter) and fiancee (Ms. Kelly) become drawn in also and begin watching as well. Things get particularly interesting when they start to suspect that one particular neighbor (Raymond Burr) has bumped off his wife. Like the character Stewart portrays, Hitchcock uses his camera such that it becomes the real star in the film, creating many scenes which reveal the character(s) in the windows. And, his characteristic "black humor" abounds, right to the very end.

3:30 PM Psycho (1960) - what kind of director kills off his star (played by Janet Leigh) less than half way into his film? Only Alfred Hitchcock could (get away with it), of course. And what a killing too! You won't turn your back on the door to the bathroom when showering for a while after watching this shocker. From the stinging violin music to the murder itself, this much copied masterpiece has no peer. It's imagery was/is so memorable that it typecast Anthony Perkins for life. It's also impossible to forget the look of the house on the hill, the scene with Martin Balsam on the stairway, or the ending view of Norman in the padded room. What begins as a "woman on the run from the law" film becomes a darkly humorous film about an unstable man.

5:30 PM Marnie (1964) - Hitchcock had to use Tippi Hedron again, when he couldn't coax Princess Grace Kelly out of retirement, in this psychological thriller much like [i]Spellbound[/I]. This one involves a woman's repressed memory that caused her to be frigid, which was pretty funny since Sean Connery (after two James Bond films) was cast as her husband and he almost rapes her on their wedding night. Oh yeah, and Hedron's character is a thief, which had to be blackmailed into marrying him in the first place! Needless to say, this isn't a very good film. The most memorable scene is probably the revelation of the memory itself (which involves a sailor played by Bruce Dern).

8:00 PM The Maltese Falcon (1941) - the best ever Film Noir? Who knows? But it sure is a great Humphrey Bogart film (nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, two years before [i]Casablanca[/I] won) that also features Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet (an AA nominated performance) and Peter Lorre. Directed by John Huston, who also received an Oscar nomination for writing the screenplay. "The stuff dreams are made of" says Bogartâ??s Sam Spade. Proof that a remake can be better than the original! Added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

10:00 PM Red River (1948) - this is a very good Howard Hawks film starring John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, and Walter Brennan. John Ford, Wayne's usual director, is reported to have said "I didn't know the guy could act" after seeing this film. Great scene near the end between Wayne & Clift (father & son) fighting it out. Nominated for two Oscars and added to the National Film Registry in 1990.

12:30 AM Notorious (1946) - is certainly one of Hitchcock's most acclaimed (discussed & analyzed) films. It contains terrific characterizations by its three lead actors: Cary Grant (inexplicably ignored by the Academy), Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains (whose performance did receive a nomination). The love story within is what distinguishes this thriller from his others. Grant's character must convince the woman he comes to love (Bergman) to seduce the enemy (Rains), whose genuine love for her is betrayed such that "we" are compelled to feel sorry for the villain. Of the many great scenes, perhaps the most memorable include a wide tracking shot of a party in Rains' home which ultimately focuses in on a key in Ms. Bergman's hand, which leads to Grant & Bergman trying to find the "contraband" in the basement. And, of course, the climactic sequence with Grant & Rains escorting Ms. Bergman down the stairs of his home while encountering (still more) bad guys.

2:30 AM Vertigo (1958) - meaning dizziness, or describing a confused state of mind, is a film about that and obsessive love which many critics say was Hitchcock's best, though retrospectively since it wasn't initially very well received. It was the last of the four collaborations between the director and James Stewart. The blonde, this time, was played by Kim Novak (because Vera Miles was pregnant and unavailable), with supporting acting provided by Barbara Bel Geddes (of [i]Dallas[/I] fame). The many memorable scenes include Stewart chasing a man across a rooftop and then hanging from a gutter, a leap into the San Francisco Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the climactic chase up the stairs in a Mission's tower.

Tuesday, September 28

8:00 PM Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - supposedly better than the original, judge for yourself. Boris Karloff and Colin Clive return in this sequel by director James Whale. Elsa Lanchester plays the title role. Added to the National Film Registry in 1998.

9:30 PM Morocco (1930) - Marlene Dietrich earned her only Academy Award nomination (Best Actress) for her role in this film, playing opposite Gary Cooper and Adolphe Menjou. Director Josef von Sternberg was also nominated, as was the cinematography and art direction. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1992. #83 on AFIâ??s 100 Greatest Love Stories list.

11:15 PM The Quiet Man (1952) - John Ford won his fourth and last Best Director Oscar (the film also won Best Color Cinematography) for this, another successful pairing of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, whose famous face slapping attempt is featured in TCM's "100 Years at the Movies" short. She broke her hand when Wayne blocked her blow, having to film the rest of the movie without a cast! Excellent supporting cast includes Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, and Victor McLaglen (who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar). The film was also nominated for Best Picture and in three other categories including Writing. #76 on AFIâ??s 100 Greatest Love Stories list.

1:30 AM The Roaring Twenties (1939) - terrific Raoul Walsh film pitting James Cagney & Humphrey Bogart against each other in one of their best pairings, IMO. Also with Priscilla Lane and Gladys George. Donâ??t miss the famous end of this film, Cagney is balletic!

3:30 AM Man Of A Thousand Faces (1957) - Cagney plays Lon Chaney, interesting insight into Irving Thalberg (Robert Evans) and his relationship with Chaney (whether it's a true biographical piece or not;- ) Early scenes of Cagney becoming the "title" are the best, I think. Also in the cast are Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, and Jack Albertson.

Wednesday, September 29

7:30 AM Blossoms In The Dust (1941) - I havenâ??t seen this pairing of Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon about Edna Gladney, a real woman who fought for orphans' rights in Texas. But, it was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and Ms. Garson received her second Best Actress nomination (before she won on her third for [i]Mrs. Miniver[/I]). The film did win for Art Direction, lost for Cinematography.

11:15 AM Madame Curie (1943) - I also havenâ??t seen this pairing of Garson & Pidgeon about the famed female scientist who experimented with radioactivity. But, the Academy loved this one too, showering it with seven nominations including Best Picture and for its two leads. Lots of familiar faces in this one two including Henry Travers, Albert Bassermann, Robert Walker, C. Aubrey Smith, Dame May Whitty, Reginald Owen, Van Johnson, and even Margaret Oâ??Brien.

8:00 PM Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) - terrific comedy with Cary Grant and Myrna Loy, poorly remake in the 80's as [i]The Money Pit[/I] about a businessman who dreams about a house in the country. Unforgettable sequence with Ms. Loy and the painters. Support provided by Melvyn Douglas. #72 on AFIâ??s 100 Funniest Movies list.

10:00 PM The Bachelor And The Bobby-Soxer (1947) - Sydney Sheldon ([i]I Dream of Jeannie[/i]'s creator) won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar on his only nomination for this love triangle comedy between a high schooler (Shirley Temple), her older sister (a judge played by Myrna Loy), and Cary Grant.

12:00 AM When Ladies Meet (1933) - excellent dialogue and compelling interpersonal exploration mark this sophisticated comedy, drama with terrific performances by all the principals in the cast including: Ann Harding, Robert Montgomery, Myrna Loy, Alice Brady, Frank Morgan, even Sterling Holloway (though very briefly).

Thursday, September 30

5:30 PM They Drive by Night (1940) - Ida Lupino is oh, so sexy in this remake of [i]Bordertown (1935)[/i]. George Raft, Ann Sheridan, and Humphrey Bogart also star in this Raoul Walsh directed film about a couple of truck driving brothers who are framed for murder by a lady psycho.

2:00 AM Treasure Island (1934) - another successful pairing of Wallace Beery & Jackie Cooper in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale is pretty good, not great. Directed by Victor Fleming. Other actors which round out the cast include Lionel Barrymore, Otto Kruger, Lewis Stone, and Nigel Bruce.