OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2024 ROUND-UP

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2024 ROUND-UP

• 10.1.25

TOTAL FILMS SEEN IN OCTOBER – DECEMBER: 5 

(see the film posters at the bottom of the post, arranged in watching order) 

NEW-TO-ME: 3 

REWATCHES: 2  

SEEN ON THE BIG SCREEN: 0   

ANIMATION: 1

The second half of 2024 was not a fruitful period, classic-movie-wise. I spent more time in K-dramaland (see my K-drama blog here) and I wasn't craving a classic film. 

So I only watched a pitiful number of 5 classic films, of which one is a very short animation film. 

See the titles with random thoughts below.

NOTE: Read notes with caution as they might contain spoilers; with ratings going from ½ to ★★★★★ and watched date.

SATAN MET A LADY (Warner Bros, 1936) is the second screen version (a comedy version) of The Maltese Falcon, a film I've probably seen in the very far past, yet I'm not really sure. In any case, I didn't remember the story. This version, directed by William Dieterle, is a breezy watch with some snappy dialogue. The reason I watched this is for young and blond Bette Davis (left) but unfortunately there's not enough of her here. She's the femme fatale. I also love Warren William (right) and he plays his sleazy womaniser detective character really well. I like him and his secretary Marie Wilson together and their playful interactions, even though his behaviour would be considered sexual harassment nowadays. Some parts were really funny. I like the scene where Warren completely destroys Bette's furniture, searching for the horn filled with jewels. Not overstaying its welcome with such a short runtime, I had fun with this and I think the cast too. They don't seem to take things too seriously. Also with Alison Skipworth and Arthur Treacher. ★★★ / 27.10.2024

FIVE STAR FINAL (The Vitaphone Corporation/First National Pictures, 1931) is an enjoyable and above-average Edward G. Robinson film with a compelling story premise. In order to boost the declining circulation of a newspaper, the men behind the paper decide to dig up a 20-year old story that has long been forgotten. It's pretty predictable how the plot will develop — the parents' suicide does not come as a surprise — and you know tabloid newspaper editor Edward G. (2nd left) will feel remorse eventually but getting there and seeing how one newspaper article can ruin the lives of the ones involved is quite impactful. I like Marian Marsh but her role is boring, at least she has one good emotional scene. Boris Karloff (right) is soft-spoken here but also quite ruthless. It's funny to see him hitting on the new newspaper girl. Highlight is Aline MacMahon (2nd right) who made her debut with this film. I always like her and she makes every film she's in a bit better. She plays the secretary of Edward G., his love interest. Well, there's not really a love angle but you can fantasise about it. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy. ★★★½ / 14.11.2024

Watched the Disney short MICKEY'S GOOD DEED (Walt Disney Productions, 1932) ... well, because it's short (7 mins), haha, and it has a Christmas theme. It was a bit shocking to see Mickey (left) sell Pluto (right) but fortunately he reunites with his friend in the end. Nothing really special and I'm not a Mickey fan, but it's entertaining, and like I said, it's short. Directed by Burt Gillett. ★★★ / 18.12.2024

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Paramount, 1954) is one of my fave Christmas films and one I know by heart. This time I wasn't paying full attention, while I was busy sorting out stuff, but it's a comforting watch, like an old friend visiting, and just to have it play in the background felt like a warm blanket. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye (pictured, bottom gif with Bing), Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen (pictured, top gif with Rosemary and middle gif with Danny) can come visit anytime and sing their songs. Also love the dance numbers. Dean Jagger and Mary Wickes give support and Michael Curtiz directed. ★★★★½ / 22.12.2024 (rewatch)

I was spending Christmas at my younger sister's place and my brother-in-law wanted to see the Hitchcock classic NORTH BY NORTHWEST (MGM, 1959), and I hadn't seen it in a while so I went along for the ride. It has such a great script, with delicious playful dialogue between Cary Grant (left) and Eva Marie Saint (right). The flirting scenes on the train are cinema gold. With great cinematography by Robert Burks, a Bernard Herrmann score, and an enjoyable espionage story, this is one of Hitchcock's finest, with the crop duster sequence being the highlight. ★★★★ / 25.12.2024 (rewatch)

Here is the breakdown in decades of the 5 watched films:

1900s - 0

1910s - 0

1920s - 0

1930s - 3

1940s - 0

1950s - 2

1960s - 0

See you with the 2024 round-up!