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I’m doing a little something different with this month’s Shadowy and Satiny TCM recommendations. Because I’m working on a couple of big projects right now, I’m delighted to shine the light on two first-rate films airing in June that I previously covered here on the blog. My satiny pick is Street read more

In The Accidental Star, his fourth classic film book, Dan Van Neste tackles the life and career of Warner Baxter, who I’d previously known solely for his performances in Craig’s Wife (1928), 42nd Street (1933), and Penthouse (1933).  Admittedly, I’d never thought much about him one way or the read more

Of all the film debuts I can think of, there are none more impressive, for my money, than Kirk Douglas’s in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. In this 1946 noir, he’s no bit player or minor character – he plays a pivotal part in the film’s shadowy proceedings. And he does it like a veteran. Barbara read more

When it comes to pre-Code dames, there’s a whole lot ‘o strange stuff goin’ on. Films from the Golden Age of Hollywood were no strangers (no pun intended) to titles with the word “strange” in them. But two of my favorites also just happen to feature the names of the women who make those films read more

May is bustin’ out all over with pre-Code and film noir gems – there are so many flicks from the shadowy side, in fact, that I’m recommending an entire day of noir instead of just one film. But first, my . . . Satiny Pick: My Past (1931) This isn’t one of those films that’s typically mentioned read more

Caged (1950), categorized in most cinema circles as film noir, takes a grim and often harrowing look inside a women’s prison, concentrating primarily on one Marie Allen (excellently portrayed by Eleanor Parker), a 19-year-old who’s convicted as an accessory to an armed robbery committed by her husba read more

Never does time pass so quickly than it does each spring when I visit Los Angeles for the TCM Film Festival. This year was no different. The 2024 festival, which took place April 18-21, gave me another delightful experience of moviegoing, stargazing, friend reunions, and popcorn meals (one of which read more

It’s about that time again, y’all – time for the Turner Classic Movies film festival! I’ve been attending since 2013, so 2024 marks my 10th year attending the festival in person (and my 12th overall, counting the two years – 2020 and 2021 – that TCM presented a virtual fest). And I’m almost read more

There are lots of great features airing on TCM in April, from pre-Codes like Grand Hotel (1932), Three on a Match (1932), and Bombshell (1933); noirs including Double Indemnity (1944) and The Breaking Point (1950), and a surfeit of classics that don’t fit either of these categories, such as Goodbye, read more

What’s the Marathon Stars blogathon, you may ask? It’s an event that invites participants to select a performer that they’ve seen in no more than three movies, and then view and write about at least five of that performer’s features that are new to them. When I read about this event, I immediately read more

If you know me, you know that I enjoy a tasty cocktail from time to time. I even like the word “cocktail” – it invokes Art Deco rooms peopled by beautiful people clad in impeccable clothes exchanging exquisitely memorable bon mots. Toss a pre-Code movie into this mix, and I’m in heaven! That’s read more

My TCM picks for March aren’t the most highly acclaimed films in the history of pre-Code and film noir – but I like them. I hope you will, too. Satiny Pick: Big Business Girl (1931) I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – I am not a big fan of Loretta Young. EXCEPT when it comes to her read more

A few days after I saw Shed No Tears (1948) for the first time, I told my mother about the movie and recommended that she watch it. After she did, she called me and said, “I just have one question. Why??” And I told her, “Because it’s so bad, it’s good!” This account may or may not be apocryphal, read more

Rarely has a Blu-ray set been more aptly named than French Revelations, a recent Flicker Alley release featuring two French-language films: Fanfare D’Amour (Fanfare of Love) and Mauvaise Graine (Bad Seed). I’m always up for a foreign film, but I was especially looking forward to checking out these read more

Looking for some good stuff to watch in February? TCM’s got you covered. Satiny Pick: One Way Passage (1932) I found the pre-Code pickings for February to be rather slim but, never fear, I picked a real winner. One Way Passage may not be overflowing with salacious scenes and gratuitous shots o read more

Another year, another 365 days of quality stuff on TCM! And January 2024 is no different – I have two must-see winners to recommend to you for this month. And they’re coming up near the start of January, so mark your calendars! Shadowy Pick: The Locket (1946) I’ve mentioned The Locket on this read more

If you’re like me, you know Erich von Stroheim best as Max Von Mayerling, the butler (and first husband) of aging silent movie star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) in the classic 1950 noir Sunset Blvd. But there was so much more to von Stroheim than Max. While writing about von Stroheim for the soon- read more

Hi, all! I was recently a guest on one of my favorite podcasts, Attaboy Clarence, hosted by Adam Roche. I started listening when I got my first iPhone several years ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. In November, I had a blast sharing with Adam five noirs that I think are woefully underrated. read more

Nestled in between the holiday fare on TCM, there’s some good noir and pre-Code stuff airing in December – so much so that selecting my two recommendations was a breeze! Check ‘em out . . . Satiny Pick: Another Language (1933) I fell for this movie within minutes of first seeing it – maybe it read more

I can scarcely believe that another Noirvember — my 10th! — has come to an end. It’s been another great ride, made even more awesome by all of you who commented, read, or even just strolled by on your way elsewhere! I appreciate you so much, one and all. You are the collective cat& read more