An introduction to Harrison’s Reports, a weekly publication for film exhibitors with a concentration on Harrison’s coverage of 1934 with movie review excerpts.
Harrison’s Reports – 1934 Index of Movies Reviewed
A complete index of movies reviewed by Harrison’s Reports for the year 1934. Includes Legion of Decency classifications for movies reviewed August 4, 1934 and later.
Cass Timberlane (1947) starring Spencer Tracy and Lana Turner
MGM’s Cass Timberlane (1947) stars Spencer Tracy in the title role, features an excellent performance by Lana Turner. After a promising first hour a couple of key plot points are rushed and the quality suffers in the second half of the film.
Mary Astor Stars in Smart Woman (1931); Screen Husband Robert Ames Dies Soon After Release
RKO’s 1931 Smart Woman starring Mary Astor. A look at the film as well as leading man Robert Ames who died within two months of Smart Woman’s release.
Robert Taylor and Janet Gaynor star in Small Town Girl (1936)
Robert Taylor and Janet Gaynor star in MGM’s Small Town Girl (1936) directed by William Wellman and nothing special for any of the main participants.
Handling the Subject of Racism as a Classic Film Blogger
The last two classic movie reviews I’ve posted have included references to specific instances of racism. This post is intended to explain how and why I cover racism in the classics plus begin a general conversation on the subject.
China Seas (1935) starring Clark Gable and Jean Harlow
The Clark Gable and Jean Harlow teaming peaks in China Seas, the 4th of their 6 MGM pairings, a tale of love and piracy at sea also starring Wallace Beery and Rosalind Russell.
Union Depot (1932) starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr and Joan Blondell
Douglas Fairbanks Jr is a hobo playing Gentleman for a Day in 1932’s Union Depot co-starring Joan Blondell and Guy Kibbee. A sweeping view of all classes during the Great Depression.
The Southerner (1945) starring Zachary Scott and Betty Field
A look at Jean Renoir’s The Southerner (1945) starring Zachary Scott as head of a dirt-poor family fighting to have their own farm. Also starring Betty Field.
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.