An Entertaining Underrated Classic

 

On Saturday, I watched a classic black and white movie titled “Impact”.

It was a 1949 film that starred Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Helen Walker, and Charles Coburn.

When I first read the synopsis, my interest was struck, but the movie turned out better to my liking than I had first imagined.

So many old films or films alike with these types of plots are predictable though this story took a pleasingly different little turn.

I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end.

I also liked the cinematography and the script for that era of time.

The film was about a woman.

She had a man who truly loved her- he thought the world of her. But she was just using him for his money and the luxurious things he could get for her.

The woman had a lover on the side.

One that she incorporated for the scheme in the murder of her unsuspecting husband.

Without giving away the entire storyline- Everything seemed to have gone as planned, however, what was planned did not at all go as it had seemed.

There is a detective on the scene who is on the style of Alfred Hitchcock within characteristics while distinguishing a style of his very own in solving this case of a death that is not what it appears.

Throughout, the viewer (us watching the movie) gets to see how things proceed and how they unfold with another sweet piece of entertainment that develops in the storyline with the supposedly deceased character.

What angered me about the film was how the wife had such a faithful, loving husband, who cared about her and thoroughly provided for her regardless of her snooty attitude toward him at times. He treated her like a princess- in return she sets him up to get killed. She was ruthless throughout the story.

It is just a reminder of how dirty people can be just like Patrick Swayze’s character in the movie “Ghost” was set up by someone who was supposed to be his friend to get robbed then all went wrong resulting in his murder.

The thing I appreciated about “Impact” was the killer got what he deserved not realizing he was unsuccessful within his intended fatal venture.

 

Suspenseful Afternoon And Evening

 

This past Sunday on January 22, 2023, I was looking through the category log of my television app.

I was in the mood to look at classic suspense/crime/mystery films for the day.

I came across a title called “Witness to Murder (a film I had never seen before) starring one of my favorite old-time actresses- Barbara Stanwyck.

I really liked this black and white movie.

In the opening scene, Barbara’s character wakes up from her sleep to see a man in an apartment window straight across from her bedroom window in the act of murdering a woman.

Without giving too much of the story away, Barbara phones up the police but when they arrive on the scene there is no evidence of any crime having been committed.

When the killer discovers that Barbara’s character is aware of what he did, he cunningly tries his best to make her appear to be crazy and harassing, in effort to throw everybody off to the truth at hand.

Barbara Stanwyck was such a talent in her time here on earth.

One of my other favorite suspense films of hers is one that I saw a long time ago called “Sorry, Wrong Number“.

Afterwards, I watched another film that I never saw starring Barbara Stanwyck titled “Crime of Passion”. Raymond Burr also starred in this entertaining flick.

 

 

 

 

I Just Love It!

 

It is after one in the afternoon as I write this and the snow has not yet stopped. It has been coming down continuously all morning long.

Anyhow, last Monday or Tuesday night, I caught the classic 1946 flick “The Postman Always Rings Twice” starring Lana Turner and John Garfield on the Turner Classic Movie Network.

I loved this film. I remembered hearing about it from my youth but I do not recall ever seeing it before. It was probably one I either I totally forgot or never paid any attention to back then. I had intended to view the movie at a more previous time but did not get around to it because I was preoccupied.

I loved Lana Turner in the 1966 flick Madame X which also starred John Forsythe, Constance Bennett, and Ricardo Montalban. This wonderful, sad, and touching film had genuinely brought tears to my eyes. My mother and I had watched the heartbreaking drama years ago.

I am an old soul who still loves her a great classic every now and then whether it is an old series, film, or whatever. Many of these programs, shows, and flicks are far from corny, well-made, are relevant, and have interesting storyline. It also takes us back to memorable times of enjoyment and nostalgia.

 

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Looking Into View

The snow that fell yesterday did not last for very long and the flakes did not stick. It is still cold and cloudy as for today.

Yesterday, a little after 4PM, I watched the Alfred Hitchcock flick “Rearview Window” cast with James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, Wendell Corey and Raymond Burr. This classic was entertaining. I enjoy old-time crafty, tasteful suspense.

A lot of film these days are filled with garbage, poorly made having no real depth. It is nice to innocently and adventurously escape into the creativity of well scripted cinema designed in fashionable settings that fit into an engaging interest. The contribution is a great enhancement for the audience that it suits.

As I look into the rearview window of my life, the nostalgic mirror of time reflects a host of good memories past events that will never be replaced but fondly remembered.

I never considered the world my home. I am just a sojourner passing through until I fulfill my purpose. Nevertheless, while here, I am consistently blessed with divine essence which imparts to me moments of ease and pleasure to comfort upon my journey.

Looking back, I have no detrimental life regrets I am filled with peace. Moving forward, I take the love inside that was built and nurtured within me from an infant into the path that will lead unto infinity.

 

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Excellent Classic Cinema

Two of my favorite childhood movies of all time based on scripture are The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston and Jesus Of Nazareth with Robert Powell.

Whenever I read my bible or think of Moses Charlton Heston and the 1956 film automatically comes to mind. I actually see Charlton as Moses he played the role so well.

The Ten Commandments was a beautifully and wonderfully made depiction of the book of Exodus.

Every year on ABC from my childhood on up the television station would air the three-hour movie for the Easter holiday and I would eagerly and joyfully watch it every year. I remember during one of my teenage years it had come on at midnight and my eyes were glued to the screen as I was snuggled comfortably in my bed with the lights out.

It’s best to view the Ten Commandments uncut in its entirety. Back when I was growing up in the 1980’s we had VCRS (video cassette recorders) where we rented or purchased VHS or Beta tapes for movie watching. These days we have DVD’S and DVD players.

Jesus of Nazareth was another outstanding and beautifully created film that I first originally seen when I was about nine or ten. It was released in 1976 or 1977, however I didn’t get to see it until the 80’s. I was glued to my television set back when the mini-series aired too, I couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards.

In my opinion these two movies based on biblical history are the ultimate best ever made, and they will always be my favorites. They both hold a special place in my heart.

The Ten Commandments and Jesus Of Nazareth had major impact and they were cast so excellently with the perfect actors and actresses.

 

Cozy Night At Home Enjoying A Classic

We have such a peaceful home and a nice, quiet life.

Last night at 8pm my mother and I watched the 1976 Stephen King classic thriller “Carrie” on Showtime.

We hadn’t seen the film in a while (even though we’ve seen it numerous times in the distant past through out the years) and we both reflected on the movie and agreed that it was such a great film. They just don’t make genuine quality horror films like that anymore.

“Race With The Devil” was another great 1975 classic horror movie and one that was underrated, it is also an all time favorite of mine.

My mother and I were always fierce hanging partners. When I was a little girl she use to take me to the movie theater to see just about everything I wanted to see. We have a great relationship and still enjoy our entertainment together.

Months back on HBO we watched the last installment of Halloween (2018) with Jamie Lee Curtis who had made her return. It was a very good horror flick, not corny at all!

Late Night Entertainment

I spent last weekend catching up on and enjoying my favorite television programs and entertaining movies. I stayed up almost all night. I retired when nothing else was on that interested me.

Then, there was a night in which I had various sets of great programs lined up for me to watch yet I was too tired to view them all. I tried my best, however, sleep creeped upon me and I had to go to bed.

Last night, I was at it again, starting off my weekend ready for more television.

After watching an action packed crime show, and a old 1980’s two episode comedy show, I viewed the old classic Alfred Hitchcock flick Dial M For Murder. I had actually never seen that movie even though I have been aware of it for years through advertisements. It was such a great film, but most of Hitchcock’s presentations are anyway.

A Meal And A Few Movies

The weather has simmered down to a more comfortable temperature I wish it could stay like this all year around.

I prepared and had a lovely vegetarian meal of yellow rice and spices last night.

In addition, I cooked green peas and corn in a separate pot. I steamed broccoli which I added curry spice to and blended it in with the rice and other vegetables after both dishes were done.

My food came out so delicious. I loved every bite of it!

Afterwards, I sat down to watch a few movies. About three weeks ago, I got to catch a favorite classic of mine titled “I Wake Up Screaming” starring Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Carol Landis.

I know this movie has been on many times over the years just not at periods where I was able to catch it. Anyhow, I first saw this film as a young teenager yet this was another film I had never got to see within its entirety. I’d usually come in on the middle of it just like at my original discovery of the flick.

So just recently I viewed this noir from the very beginning to the end and enjoyed it once all over again at more detail.

I also discovered there is a remake called “Vicky” in reference to one of the murdered characters in the movie.

I’ve missed it the few times it has aired, however, I’ll catch it soon to give it a try and determine whether or not I like the version.

A few nights ago I watched a 1954 movie titled “Black Widow” which starred Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney, and George Raft. It was a great film.

Towards the end, I had gotten the feeling that I’d seen this movie before but it was probably so long ago that none of the scenes were spoiled for me because either I didn’t remember it all or hadn’t seen it all back then whenever I had initially viewed it the first time around.

 

Classics Galore!

I viewed some more good old black and white noirs last night up until the early morning around 3am I just love the ambience and scenery in which many of these good flicks project.

I can be entertained by them anytime of the day, nevertheless, I like those times during the evening, with the lights out quiet in the dark or dim lit, with my full attention focused on the suspense, thrill, and fun anticipation, and I reflect with a great appreciation for the era and creativity from back in the day.

First, I watched a film titled “The House On Telegraph Hill”, which I really enjoyed, it starred Valentina Cortese along with William Lundigan, Fay Baker, Richard Basehart, and Gordon Gebert.

Then, I checked out “Out Of The Past”, which starred Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, and Kirk Douglas.

A few weeks ago I watched “Possessed” with Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, Raymond Massey, and Geraldine Brooks. “Clash By Night” with Barbara Stanwyck, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Douglas, Robert Ryan, and Keith Andes. “Born To Kill” with Claire Trevor, Lawrence Tierney, Audrey Long, Phillip Terry and Walter Slezak.

There was another two black and white movies a few months ago I kept missing while I just glimpsed at bits and pieces of them while I was in the midst of doing something around my home. I can’t wait to catch up with these two films in their entirety when they are featured back on.

 

Memorial Day

 

I slept good last night except for having to get up to pee from time to time.

Outside my window I could hear the decent partying going on from neighbors in celebration of Memorial Day the festivity continued on throughout the wee hours the music, singing, and the excited crowd and outpour of laughter and talk wasn’t a disturbance to me at all.

I enjoyed hearing the near distant gaiety. I live in a nice and quiet multicultural community and when they party it is delightful.

Before I went to sleep last night I tuned in to watch my film noirs. Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers On A Train” came on and for the first time I’ve got to watch it in its entirety.

Whenever it came on before I’d only see a few minutes of the beginning or didn’t get to see it at all because of other distractions, preoccupations, or just not having the time, but the film was phenomenal and entertaining I was too tired to look at the other noirs airing afterward so I went on to bed.

I’m enjoying the serenity of my home right now at the moment, I’ll cook me some food, relax a little bit, then head off to another day of work.

Oldies But Goodies

I just love those old black and white movies from the 1940’s on up there are so many and too many to mention but just to name a very small few such as Mildred Pierce and Straight-Jacket with Joan Crawford.

Dark Passage, In A Lonely place, and They Drive By Night with Humphrey Bogart.

Framed, The Big Heat and Gilda with Glen Ford.

Sorry Wrong Number with Barbara Stanwyck.

The movies and stars are countless as the list goes on and on I’ve been watching these flicks since I was a teen and am loving the ones that I didn’t get a chance to see back then now as every week I get to view those suspenseful noir.

A lot of these classics hold up today and are not corny many were ahead of their time, especially Alfred Hitchcock and his old entertaining series, along with One Step Beyond and Rod Sterling’s The Twilight Zone.

I also loved the private detective and cop series 77 Sunset Strip and Decoy. Whether these old classics were films or television shows from the past either in black and white or in color they are phenomenal to watch and enjoy still!