Secret of the Blue Room (1933) may not be Universal horror, but it’s a strong murder mystery that acquired the tinge as part of the late ’50s Shock Theater package on television. Here’s a bit about what it was and what it wasn’t.
Classic Movie Reviews by Cliff Aliperti
Spoiler-free reviews of movies from Hollywood's Golden Age, especially the 1930s. Most reviews also include research into background of the film and, when relevant, the history surrounding the subject of the movie.
The Witching Hour (1934), Hypnotized by John Halliday
Paramount’s 1934 version of The Witching Hour is light on stars and, despite the title, isn’t even a horror movie. An early Henry Hathaway film based on the 1907 hit play by Augustus Thomas and featuring strong performances from John Halliday and Sir Guy Standing. It’s all covered here.
Blondie Johnson (1933) Starring Joan Blondell and Chester Morris
Blondie Johnson (1933) stars Joan Blondell as Warner Brothers and First National’s “lady gangster” opposite Chester Morris. Directed by Ray Enright with a deep cast including Sterling Holloway, Allen Jenkins, Mae Busch, Toshia Mori, Arthur Vinton and Claire Dodd.
Clear All Wires! (1933) – Journalism in Classic Film Blogathon
MGM’s Clear All Wires! (1933) finds foreign correspondent Lee Tracy butting heads with the Soviet secret police in Russia, 1932. Una Merkel and Benita Hume co-star.
The Devil’s Holiday (1930) Starring Nancy Carroll
A look at early Paramount talkie The Devil’s Holiday (1930). Written and directed by Edmund Goulding, but saved from being stale by Nancy Carroll’s Academy Award nominated performance.
The Human Comedy (1943) Starring Mickey Rooney
An old movie I found a bit too old-fashioned, though Mickey Rooney does give one of his best performances in MGM’s The Human Comedy (1943). Story by William Saroyan. Produced and directed by Clarence Brown. Also includes strong acting from Frank Morgan and James Cra
The Constant Nymph (1943) Starring Joan Fontaine and Charles Boyer
Concentrating on Joan Fontaine’s wonderful performance as teenage Tessa in The Constant Nymph (1943) with a look at the literary origins of the story and resulting complications in making the title available for public consumption.
MGM’s Hardy Family Series #8 – Judge Hardy and Son (1939)
The eighth entry in the Hardy family series, Judge Hardy and Son, sees one family member struck down with illness, three Universal horror actors in supporting roles and Andy’s hunt for a girl whose middle name begins with the letter “V.”
Gambling Lady (1934) for the Barbara Stanwyck Blogathon
Barbara Stanwyck plays honestly in Gambling Lady (1934), even when she has to overcome her husband’s former flame, Claire Dodd. With Joel McCrea and Pat O’Brien. Directed by Archie Mayo for Warner Brothers, 1934.
Best Picture Cavalcade (1933) Sets Stage for Upstairs, Downstairs and Beyond
Looking at the 1934 Academy Award winning Best Picture, Hollywood-made Cavalcade (1933) based on Noel Coward’s hit London play. Fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey will find themselves in a familiar place. Piece also includes brief biographies of Cavalcade stars Diana Wynyard, Herbert Mundin and Ursula Jeans.
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