Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Just watched this James Dean classic. Not bad.
He turns in a compelling performance. Nice to see a really young Dennis Hopper and classic 50's cars!
A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
Just saw this enchanting masterpiece from Powell and Pressburger, part of TCM's "The Essentials" series with Mank & director Brad Bird.
I'd never seen this one before, and now it's a favorite.
David Niven plays Peter Carter, an RAF bomber squadron commander in WWII who gets shot down and jumps from his Lancaster with no parachute.
He should die, right?
You would think so, and this movie explores how and why he didn't, with color sequences showing Earth and black & white showing Heaven. (or "the Afterlife")
Kim Hunter plays a beautiful American girl who talks with Peter over the radio in his final moments and they fall in love, without meeting.
Peter is visited by a dandy French spirit guide who figures prominently.
Long story short, he goes to an eternal "court" where his fate is decided. This part blew me away- what vision and bravado by Powell & Pressburger!
The defence and prosecution deftly battle it out, and Love Triumphs. (and why Shouldn't it?)
See it. It is a Special film from 2 of the biggest names in movie history.
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
It's Billy Wilder day today on TCM, and it's awesome.
This is Marilyn Monroe in her prime, at her most playful, funny and innocent.
She plays "THE GIRL", and who else can? There's a great in-joke where Tom Ewell says he's got Marilyn Monroe in his kitchen.
This is a funny movie, and my second favorite starring Monroe. (After BUS STOP).
Tommy sends his wife and son off for a vacation from NYC and he "meets" the Girl after she almost kills him with a tomato plant from the floor above his.
He invites her for a drink, and comedy ensues for the rest of the picture.
The famous dress Marilyn wears in the subway grate scene sold for $5.5 Million in 2011!!!