08-31-2020, 12:53 PM
Of late, every time DM writes a classic movie review (e.g., Meet John Doe, The Lady Vanishes), Greg assails him with "Watch Sullivan's Travels." On top of that Criterion.com has started to call attention to that movie. So last night I bit.
This has a little bit of everything. Action both dramatic and comedic, unpredictable twists and turns, an exploration of attitudes and misunderstandings about what it means to be poor, a main character who grows and changes more than the Grinch, and a very clear message that likely changed attitudes back then but in the present would likely fall on deaf and dumb ears.
Lots of whip-smart dialog throughout (was the board room scene near the beginning one long shot? Whatever, it was impressive). Veronica Lake gives the first notable performance of her short but pyrotechnic career and hints at having a second eye. Joel McCrea, who I don't know much about, absolutely nails his demanding lead role.
Highly recommended.
This has a little bit of everything. Action both dramatic and comedic, unpredictable twists and turns, an exploration of attitudes and misunderstandings about what it means to be poor, a main character who grows and changes more than the Grinch, and a very clear message that likely changed attitudes back then but in the present would likely fall on deaf and dumb ears.
Lots of whip-smart dialog throughout (was the board room scene near the beginning one long shot? Whatever, it was impressive). Veronica Lake gives the first notable performance of her short but pyrotechnic career and hints at having a second eye. Joel McCrea, who I don't know much about, absolutely nails his demanding lead role.
Highly recommended.
I'm nobody's pony.