Contemporary reaction to William A. Wellman’s Wild Boys of the Road (1933), plus writer Danny Ahearn, and a peek at Thomas Minehan’s study “Boy and Girl Tramps of America.”
The Murder Man (1935) Starring Spencer Tracy
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.
Dark Hazard (1934) Starring Edward G. Robinson and Genevieve Tobin
Edward G. Robinson stars as a flawed yet likeable gambler who takes a shine to a champion greyhound in Dark Hazard, a 1934 pre-Code release from First National.
I Married a Doctor (1936) Attempts to Update Main Street
Main Street by Sinclair Lewis was published in 1920. In 1936 Warner Bros. attempted to update the Lewis story with I Married a Doctor, starring Josephine Hutchinson and Pat O’Brien. The movie is entertaining but it is no Main Street choosing to focus more on the love angle than it does Carol’s battle against the small town.
Secret of the Blue Room (1933) With Lionel Atwill and Gloria Stuart
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.
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.
The Adventures of Mark Twain (1944) Starring Fredric March
A review of Warner Brothers 1944 biopic The Adventures of Mark Twain starring Fredric March whose performance rises above an uneven though interesting story.
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.
