Paul Muni stars as a mine worker who is duped into breaking the union in 1935’s Black Fury from Warner Bros. Post includes background about real-life John Barcoski murder from 1929 and other notes about the origins of the film.
James Cagney is Jimmy the Gent (1934)
James Cagney stars in Warner Bros. fast-paced Jimmy the Gent (1934), made all the faster by Cagney’s own frenzied performance. Bette Davis co-stars in an underwhelming role while Alan Dinehart excels in his part as rival “Heir Chaser.” Directed by Michael Curtiz and also featuring Allen Jenkins and Alice White.
The Walking Dead (1936) – Lindbergh Heart Resurrects Boris Karloff
Warner Brothers mixes crime and horror in THE WALKING DEAD where mobsters put down Boris Karloff but Edmund Gwenn brings him back to life with a Lindbergh Heart. Karloff’s fine performance highlighted along with some background information about Lindbergh’s “robot heart.”
Bright Leaf (1950), Gary Cooper Takes Over Big Tobacco
Gary Cooper shines in “Bright Leaf” a story of tobacco in the late 19th century. Not so brilliant is Cooper’s love triangle with Lauren Bacall and Patricia Neal.
Captain Blood (1935) Action Energized by Errol Flynn and Korngold’s Score
A look at my own favorite action adventure movie of all time, Captain Blood starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, both in breakout roles. A tale of piracy, slavery, patriotism and romance, Korngold’s score keeps you cheering for Blood throughout.
Edward G. Robinson in The Sea Wolf (1941) with Alexander Knox
Is there a more brutal film from this period than Warner Brothers’ The Sea Wolf? Adapted by Robert Rossen from Jack London’s original story, directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Edward G. Robinson, John Garfield, Ida Lupino and Alexander Knox.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) starring Errol Flynn
Far from being simply the greatest swashbuckler since Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and with all apologies to Tyrone Power fans, none to top him since, Flynn played in variety of roles, and played them well.
