Reviewing Spencer Tracy’s first film on his MGM contract, The Murder Man, underrated by virtue of Tracy’s starring performance. Also starring Virginia Bruce, with Lionel Atwill and James Stewart in his feature film debut.
Secret of the Chateau (1934) Universal Murder Mystery Starring Claire Dodd
Universal murder mystery with an excellent ensemble cast revolves around a Gutenberg Bible. Bonus material about the U.S. Library of Congress 1930 purchase of a Gutenberg Bible with funds that ultimately filled the coffers of a Nazi propagandist.
Majestic’s The Sin of Nora Moran (1933) Starring Zita Johann
The Sin of Nora Moran may have come from Poverty Row but it is years ahead of its time. The 1933 film makes heavy use of flashback to enhance several twists in this life and death story of a female prisoner on Death Row. Starring Zita Johann of The Mummy and directed by Phil Goldstone. Don’t be put off by the lack of big names or major studio logo, The Sin of Nora Moran lives up to the high standards set by its acclaimed promotional poster.
Penthouse (1933) Starring Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy
Warner Baxter stars as a mobster’s mouthpiece in Penthouse (1933) also featuring Myrna Loy. And, in one of his best, Nat Pendleton plays the mobster.
The Solitaire Man (1933) Starring Herbert Marshall and Lionel Atwill
MGM tries to capitalize upon Herbert Marshall’s success in Trouble in Paradise with The Solitaire Main (1933). With Lionel Atwill, Elizabeth Allan, May Robson and Mary Boland.
Lana Turner and John Garfield in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Lana Turner and John Garfield in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) I have to admit, I was really stunned by Lana Turner’s performance in “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” Her Cora Smith came across to me as the most natural character in the cast, which says quite a bit when she’s sharing most of […]
