Must-See Movie: I Married a Witch

I Married a Witch (1942) 
This fantasy romantic comedy is the perfect find for some classic Halloween fun!  The film opens in 1672, where two witches were burned by puritan Jonathan Wooley. We are told that before her burning, the female witch cursed all future generations of the Wooley family; she deemed that all the sons will marry the wrong woman and be miserable. A tree grows over the place where they were hanged, trapping the witches' souls.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, and a bolt of lightning frees the witches, Jennifer and her father, from the tree. Jennifer assumes corporeal form (Veronica Lake) and decides to track down campaigning politician Wallace Wooley (Fredric March). True to the curse, Wooley is unhappily engaged to a shrewish woman and is miserable.  Jennifer concocts a scheme to make Wooley fall in love with her, thereby ruining his wedding and making his life even more disastrous. Wooley is not easily swayed by her charms, so Jennifer has to resort to a love potion. Unfortunately the potion backfires, and comedy ensues.

The TV show "Bewitched" was influenced by this film and later "Bell Book and Candle."  This film also solidified the iconic Veronica Lake hairstyle, platinum blonde and long, with her right eye covered. Many women copied the style during this time, which caused problems since they were working in war plants and their hair kept getting caught in the machinery. Lake was asked to change her style until after the war. When she did, she lost her iconic look and her popularity soon faded along with her career.

Must-See Movie: Pillow Talk

Pillow Talk (1959)
One of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, this movie sparked the Doris Day/Rock Hudson/Tony Randall trio that would be followed by two other hit comedies.
Doris Day plays a single working woman named Jan Morrow who lives in a nice apartment in Manhattan. Her only problem is that she shares a partyline with a playboy-slash-songwriter Brad Allen, played by Rock Hudson. She often picks up her phone to make a call and hears Allen crooning the same love song to a different woman. "You are my inspiration...(fill in the name of any woman)."

Incensed after many attempts to notify him of his rudeness, Day goes to the phone company to ask for her own number. It is explained to her that if this was an emergency, she'd jump to the top of the list. Perhaps if she were to get pregnant she would get her own line sooner. Day replies that she is not married, so of course she can't just go and get pregnant! (I heart 1959!)

Day goes back to deal with Hudson herself, making an agreement that they each use a half hour of phone time. Hudson breaks the rule almost immediately, not caring if he offends the "frigid" other half of the partyline.

Must-See Movie: Best Foot Forward

Best Foot Forward (1943)
A cadet at Winsocki Military Academy named Bud (Tommy Dix) sends an invitation to movie star Lucille Ball (as herself) to come to Winsocki's big dance. Ball's publicity-hungry agent Jack O'Riley (William Gaxton) convinces her to go in order to boost her career. Complications arise when Bud's girlfriend Helen (Virginia Weidler) unexpectedly shows up; she knows there is a dance that weekend and she wants to surprise him.

The real 40's slapstick unfolds when Bud asks Ball to pretend to be Helen, mostly because of the strict screening of the school that all guests must be pre-registered.

A subplot involves blind date (and hard up) Nancy (Nancy Walker), and her premiere role is hilarious.  But it's all a pretty straight-forward movie with some brief shining moments from supporting cast members Walker, Dix, Weidler, June Allyson, and Gloria DeHaven. Unfortunately, Ball's performance comes off as snobby and pretentious.  Yes, it's supposed to be a parody of herself, but not really a flattering one.

So why is this a "Must-See Movie"?  Two words: Harry James.  Not only does James execute rousing renditions of big band favorites like "Two O'Clock Jump," he demonstrates his true musical mastery with "The Flight of the Bumblebee."  (And if you can do that song with your fingers moving as fast as he does, well then I tip my proverbial hat to you as well!) Watch this, and see how seriously James takes his performance!

Must-See Movie: High Society

High Society (1956)
With a stellar cast and some catchy tunes, this is a no-brainer to see...but there are still some cons that go with the pros of how "must-see" this movie is.

Here's the story:  Jazz musician C.K. Dexter Haven (Bing Crosby) still holds a torch for his ex-wife, Rhode Island socialite Tracy Samantha Lord (Grace Kelly). He stays at a neighbor's house, bringing his full jazz band (including Louis Armstrong) to disrupt Tracy's upcoming nuptials to to a boring but wealthy man (John Lund).  But that's not the only conflict.  Reporter Mike Connor (Frank Sinatra) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Celeste Holm) from Spy Magazine, a fictional tabloid newspaper, are there to cover the wedding.  They are essentially blackmailing their way in, holding on to some embarrassing information about Tracy's father.  So to prevent the tabloid from getting the true story, Tracy begins an elaborate charade, pretending to be overly snobbish and frivolous, as well as introducing the tabloid to the wrong people.  To make matters even more confusing, Mike falls in love with Tracy, and she wakes up on the day of her wedding confused and unsure of what to do.

Must-See Movie: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star in this musical rom/com of two showgirls who go on a cruise, just to be pursued by multiple admirers and a private detective.

Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe), the titular blonde in the film, is passionate about money (specifically diamonds), and knows that marrying a wealthy man will give her all she needs.  Lorelei is engaged to Gus, a nerdy millionaire.  She scoffs at her best friend Dorothy (Jane Russell), who prefers men who don't have money since they don't brag as much about all they possess.

Must-See Movie: Boys' Night Out

Boys' Night Out (1962)
As far as classics go, this movie is not at the top of the list, but it does have James Garner in it. Garner is adorable as Fred Williams, a single guy who lives with his mother, and pools his money together with three of his other friends (all married) to share an apartment in the city. What's the point?  Not only can they each have their evening at the apartment away from their wives, but the lovely Kathy (Kim Novak) is staying in the apartment to be at the mens' beck and call. Now that's the ugh stupid part of the plot.  But what redeems the film is a few factors.  First of all, there's James Garner in the film.  'Nuff said there.

Hi, Lover...

Must-See Movie: How To Marry A Millionaire

How To Marry a Millionaire (1953)
The last time I wrote one of these things was when only DVD rentals were possible, but now you can actually instantly watch this movie (and, of course, others) on Netflix's Instant Watch.  This movie is fantastic, and should definitely be in everyone's queue.

Starring Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall, this movie is truly a how-to guide with a great strategy of how to find a man.  In fact, all I learned about dating I learned from this movie.

Don't let the title get you. I'm not a golddigger, but that's just not my priority. However, you can substitute the word millionaire with what any desirable man is (Jewish boy, older man, nice guy), and these tips not only are helpful, but they just make sense.

Shatze (Bacall), Pola (Monroe), and Loco (Grable) all state aloud to each other what they are looking for one thing in a man: six figures!  Then the three girls go to great lengths to reach their goal, strategizing and doing everything by their guidelines.  They pool all their money to live in a rich neighborhood in a highbrow apartment, even selling all their furniture to surround themselves with rich, eligible bachelors.

Must-See Movie: Support Your Local Sheriff!

Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969)
Jason McCullough (James Garner) is allegedly "on his way to Australia" when he comes to the raucous town of Calendar to do a little mining. He discovers that he needs to get a job, as things are rapidly getting more and more expensive with the gold rush. He checks the HELP WANTED postings and sees the town needs a sheriff, and the town's mayor and council eagerly hire him.

Jason soon learns why the job came so easily, as a family of outlaws named Danby seem to run the town. While in the saloon, Jason witnesses Joe Danby (Bruce Dern) gunning a man down, and as his first duty as sheriff, hires a deputy (Jack Elam) and arrests Danby. He takes the gunman to a newly refurbished jail, only to see that the bars for the cells haven't been put in yet.

This is just one subplot of this great comedy. James Garner's portrayal as calm and confident Jason is very similar to his role as TV's "Maverick," and his coolness pairs well amidst the chaos and violence surrounding him. The supporting cast of Joan Hackett, Harry Morgan, Henry Jones, and Walter Brennan makes this a western unlike any other. But Bruce Dern's portrayal as whiny and spoiled (yet dim-witted) Joe Danby, makes this movie a classic.

They tried to recreate the magic again in 1971's "Support Your Local Gunfighter," using much of the same cast and the same director, but it just doesn't add up. Not to say that it isn't funny or great to watch. After all, it's still James Garner.

Must-See Movie: Mister Roberts

Mister Roberts (1955)
Talk about one of the finest war films in cinematic history. Starring Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, and James Cagney, this award-winning comedy-drama is the quintessential guy movie. It's got war, it's got honor, it's got men being men. But mostly it has a lot of heart.

Mr. Roberts (Henry Fonda) is the cargo supervisor on the USS Reluctant (a.k.a. "The Bucket"), an American cargo ship lying stagnant in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Roberts desperately wants to leave the tedium of his post to join in the action of war. Weekly he writes for a transfer, but the captain of the ship (James Cagney) is a tyrant over the crew, especially Roberts, and chooses to forward all of his letters with his stamp of disapproval. The Captain's only real pride is a palm tree that was given to him as reward for "his" hard work and effort in delivering cargo. The men all look up to Roberts and how he stands up to the Captain, but things change when Roberts somehow finagles a "liberty" for the men in a beautiful South Pacific port.

Also on board is Robert's cabin-mate Ensign Pulver (Jack Lemmon), who does all he can to avoid confrontation with the captain and instead bides his time buying and selling for hard-to-get items on the ship. He also spends time telling people how one day he's going to get even with the Captain's tyranny, whether it be putting marbles in his overhead or launching a firecracker under his bunk.

Also complimenting Ford and Lemmon's performances is William Powell, who plays Doc. He acts as Mr. Robert's sounding board, and also his voice of reason. This was Powell's last film before he retired from acting. The powerful accomplishments of the male cast make this film a great way to celebrate our war heroes, and masculinity!

This post is dedicated to my Dad, whose recent passing has put my blogging at a stand-still for a while. But this was his favorite movie, and would always bring a tear to his eye (and my eye, as well). I love you Dad, and I miss you. "Now what's all this crud about no movie tonight??"

Must-See Movie: Sex and the Single Girl

Sex and the Single Girl (1964)

Starring our most recent "Va Va Voom" Star of the Day, Natalie Wood, as well as Tony Curtis, this film premiered a year before "The Great Race," that also starred the attractive duo. This 1960's sex romp is another comedic delight. Tony Curtis plays Bob Weston, a writer for paparazzi rag "Dirt." He is working on an article on research psychologist Helen Gurley Brown (Natalie Wood) and her best-selling book Sex and the Single Girl. Bob needs to interview Helen, but she refuses to see him, knowing he's questioning if she "is or is not" one to give authority on sex and could therby ruin her credibility.

Bob impersonates his neighbor, Frank Broderick (Henry Fonda), as a ruse in order to see her on the pretext of marital counseling. After several meetings, Bob attempts to seduce her. Hilarity ensues when Helen asks to meet "his" wife, and Bob mistakenly sends both his secretary, Susan (Leslie Parrish), and his ex-girlfriend Gretchen (Fran Jeffries) to see Helen -- both impersonating Sylvia. But even more confusing is that Helen finds out who the real Mrs. Broderick is (Lauren Bacall) and asks her to appear in her office.

When the real Sylvia arrives the office at the same time as the two other women, Sylvia has Frank put in jail for bigamy. By this point, Helen has realized Bob's trickery and has also discovered who he really is. She leaves town with her colleague Rudy DeMeyer (Mel Ferrer). A wild chase ensues as the bickering couples try to catch up with each other to apologize.

Helen Gurley Brown's self-help best-seller of the same name was the original source for this film, a novel that has been hailed as the predecessor to "Sex and the City." This film begins as your typical 60's sex comedy, but then takes a hysterical slapstick turn in the third act, especially each time people tell Bob he resembles Jack Lemmon. With startling cameos, quick dialogue, and gorgeous Natalie Wood, this film is a fluffy 100-plus minutes that takes a comedic peek in to the lives of the 60's single girls.

Must-See Movie: Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot (1959)
Jerry (Jack Lemmon) and Joe (Tony Curtis) are two struggling musicians who witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and try to find a way out of the city before they are found and gunned down by mob boss Spats Colombo. The only job that will pay their way is an all-girl band that is fortunately heading to Florida. Desperate, the two dress up as women and hop on the train as Josephine (Curtis) and Daphne (Lemmon). There they meet Sugar (played by Marilyn Monroe), and both men are smitten by her.

In Florida, they run in to more trouble, as Joe finds himself pretending to be a millionaire to get Sugar's attention, and Jerry must fight off Osgood, a rich suitor who is bent on marrying "Daphne." This creates one of the most hilarious moments in cinematic history, when Jerry, after hours of doing the tango with Osgood, returns to tell Joe "I'm engaged." Joe is thrilled, and asks who the lucky lady is. Jerry proclaims, "I am!"

Things get even more complicated, however, when mobster Spats Colombo and his associates arrive at the very same hotel, and Jerry and Joe must scramble to keep their identity hidden from the wise guys and simultaneously keep up the charade with Sugar and the rest of the band.

This movie may not have been the first cross-dressing movie, but it is definitely the pinnacle of the genre. The many clever innuendos and double-entendres that highlight the differences between men and women make this movie a hilarious and classic comedy. There is an even mixture between lowbrow and highbrow comedy, and even some slapstick is thrown in. But the greatest part is Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon working at least two roles apiece, and playing with the different genders. Just the expression on Curtis and Lemmon's faces as they try to make their way down the train platform in heels...there is an obvious struggle as they walk, but they are both so naturally buoyant that it makes the performance even more incredible.

Must-See Movie: The Fighting Sullivans

The Fighting Sullivans (1944)
I like war movies, especially about WWII. Not just because I'm fan of the clothes, hair, and music of the time. But there was a certain romantic patriotism during this era. Men stood up to fight for our country and the women stood by them. Our entire country stood by them!

What makes this film unusual is not that it's based on the true story of the Sullivan brothers, but that it focuses more on life before the war: family, mothers, fathers, loved ones, sisters, and brothers -- entire lives that are affected when our country is attacked at Pearl Harbor.

The Sullivan brothers grew up doing everything together: fishing, fighting, taking in stray dogs, mending old broken-down boats, and especially getting in to lots of trouble. So it was expected that they should all go to war together in 1941 and be assigned to the same boat. In fact, they insisted on it.

This film is not so much about how the five Sullivan brothers' lives ended, but how they lived: as a loving, supportive family that would do anything to be together. And it helps us all remember that each soldier that dies for our country has a life, a love, and a family that they've left behind.

Greatest Pie Fight in Film Ever!

From the 1965 film (and a previous Must-Rent Movie) The Great Race.

Must-See Movie: Teacher's Pet

Teacher's Pet (1958)
I got the chance to watch this movie over the weekend (as Dyno watched football). It's yet another Doris Day comedy where a man pretends to be someone else after he finds out she hates him, although she's never met him.

James Gannon (played by Clark Gable), the gruff city editor of a newspaper, believes that the only way to learn the business is by doing, and so thinks college education is superfluous. Thus he's not pleased when he's invited to lecture at a college journalism class. He turns down the invitation and writes a nasty letter to the instructor. Yet his editor-in-chief orders him to go. When Gannon shows up to confront Professor Erica Stone (played by Doris Day), he finds her attractive. Before he is able to introduce himself and apologize for the letter, Erica reads it aloud and mocks Gannon before the entire class.

Humiliated, he decides to join the class to show her up, posing as a wallpaper salesman named Jim Gallagher. As they circle around their mutual attraction, they both begin to gain respect for each other's approaches to reporting news.

I found myself laughing out loud many times during the movie. Especially whenever the character of Dr. Pine was on-screen. Played by Gig Young, the character is the successful doctor that Gannon sees as his competition for Erica's affections. Young has played these types of characters before (especially in Doris Day movies), and he's always hilarious. His role in this film, however is different in that we don't know what kind of relationship he has with Erica.

Gable is great in this comedic role (much like his gruff It Happened One Night character), and his reactions are priceless. The only thing distracting is the obvious age difference between Gable and Day. Apparently the movie was deliberately filmed in black & white in an attempt to disguise Clark Gable's age and weight. And other actors turned down the role, seeing that there was such a huge age difference (Cary Grant and James Stewart, allegedly -- although it didn't seem to bother Grant in That Touch of Mink). But all in all it was a fun movie to watch and laugh along with.

Must-See Movie: Paris - When it Sizzles

Paris - When it Sizzles (1964)
Playboy screenwriter Richard Benson (played by William Holden) has been paid to write a screenplay for his boss. In his arrogance he's squandered his time in Paris drinking, tanning, and doing just about anything but writing a screenplay. Two days before the script is due he hires Gabrielle Simpson (the adorable Audrey Hepburn) to type the script. Richard and Gabrielle come up with various off-the-wall scenarios for his screenplay, called The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower. As the screenplay they write slowly develops, romance blooms between them.

This movie was filmed a decade after Hepburn and Holden's affair (during the filming of Sabrina) and apparently Holden wanted to pick things up where they left off. However, there is still visible chemistry between them.

The movie was later remade as Alex & Emma, starring Luke Wilson and Kate Hudson.

Here's the TCM trailer:

Must-See Movie: Up Periscope

Up Periscope (1959)
James Garner stars as a U.S. Navy frogman in this tension-filled submarine flick set in 1942. Lt. Kenneth M. Braden (Garner) has just asked the woman he loves to marry him, and she runs off in tears.

That night, he is called to duty to be smuggled into a Japanese-held island by the submarine "Barracuda" to photograph radio codes. He must put his personal life aside and focus on the dangerous mission, risking the lives of all 80 men on the submarine.

This was one of Garner's first big-time movies while he was in his heyday as "Maverick," and the promo even billed him as James "Maverick" Garner. However, this was not like any character of Garner's people had seen. Yes, he was the all-American, stunningly handsome charmer, but he was mostly calculated, serious, out-spoken, and driven. There are little to no moments of quick wit and cleverness to his character; he is extremely straight-forward. He does get a pretty good scene with three beautiful wahines, but finds them "expendable;" his first and only love is the woman he left at home.

I also found the character of Commander Paul Stevenson intriguing, played by Edmund O'Brien. This man has his own demons to deal with, but he also has the great responsibility of being in charge of the submarine and all the men it contains. None of the men know why Garner's character is on the submarine except for the Commander and his first exec, so the seamen speculate as to the Commander's bravery in battle. Although the Commander knows that his men doubt him, he keeps moving forward with the plan, at the risk of his own reputation.

Just experiencing what the men of WWII had to give up for their country, what they had to endure, makes this film worthwhile. You feel the claustrophobia of the submarine, you see their loneliness and anguish, you share their longing to be home with their families. To be reminded of those men who risked their lives with courage and patriotism is reason enough to rent this movie.

Must-See Movie: Bachelor Mother

Bachelor Mother (1939)
Ginger Rogers is perfect and David Niven is winning in this screwball comedy of mistakes and assumptions. Rogers, mostly known for her dancing, does little footwork but keeps you on your toes with her fantastic comedic timing and stunning beauty.

Polly Parish (Rogers) is a department store salesclerk about to be laid off after the Christmas holiday when she passes an orphanage just as a woman is leaving a baby on the doorstep. Concerned the baby will fall off the stoop, she picks the baby up as the door opens, and so the orphanage assumes that Rogers is the mother. No one believes that she isn't the baby's mother, especially when the baby stops crying every time Polly holds him. David Niven plays David Merlin, the playboy son of the store owner, J.B. Merlin (Charles Coburn), who is outraged at Polly's denials and so makes it his personal responsibility to keep the single woman and "her" baby together. And when J.B. Merlin gets involved, chaos ensues, as the older man thinks that the baby is his grandson.

A story like this would never fly today. First of all, orphanages, police stations, and hospitals now have a "no questions asked" policy when children are abandoned. And now with DNA testing, all Polly Parish would have to do is say, "You don't believe me? Here, take a blood sample."

But putting that all aside and remembering that this is set in 1939, the movie is charming and has some real funny moments. I especially love how Polly develops a real love for the little guy; so much so that she begins to agree that he is, indeed, hers. And, I have to agree, the little tyke is adorable...and Ginger Rogers is charming as she improvises from the baby's natural responses.

Must-See Movie: It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)
I know...I'm all about what movies you should rent lately. But this movie is just pure classic comedy. The plot is simple (and you may have seen it duplicated since). A caravan of motorists who witness a car accident on a California desert highway find that the victim Smiler Grogan (Jimmy Durante) is still alive. His dying words that he has hidden a fortune of stolen cash under a large "double-yuh" send the drivers on a wild race to see who can claim the dough first!

To see what the great comedians of this era were like, you must watch this movie. The stellar ensemble cast includes Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Jonathan Winters (in his first role), and Dorothy Provine. Each one of them grows increasingly maniacal as the race goes on, doing whatever they can to get the money.

But besides this highly-charged star power, cameos run rampant. Keep an eye out for The Three Stooges, Buster Keaton, Sterling Holloway, Don Knotts, Zasu Pitts, Carl Reiner, Jesse White, Peter Falk, Jim Backus, Jack Benny, Jerry Lewis, and many many more.

And set your Moxies! TCM is showing the movie August 18th at 8 PM EST. (Check your local listings.) They've also provided us with this great desktop wallpaper of Spencer Tracy on the run! Enjoy!

Must-See Movie: Cat Ballou

Cat Ballou (1965)
Nat "King" Cole and Stubby Kaye provide a Greek chorus-style narrative in this tongue-in-cheek Western parody that's become a classic in its own right.

Jane Fonda, at the height of her sex-kitten days, plays the title character, who's father has been murdered by a gunslinger with no nose (played by Lee Marvin). Seeking revenge on the railroad development company that hired the hit, Cat -- once a schoolmarm -- becomes an outlaw and creates havoc in a crime spree. She puts together a ragtag gang of misfit men, including former Western legend-now-drunk Kid Shelleen (also played by Marvin), to prevent her father's ranch from falling into the wrong hands.

This Oscar-winning comedy has it all, served with a heavy hand of irreverence for both the genre and the decade. When I was a little girl I saw this movie, and ever since then I've wanted to be a gun-slinging, sexy bandit with golden locks, leading a gang of men all fighting for my affection.

Set your Moxies! TCM is showing Cat Ballou on August 23rd at 11:15 AM EST! (Check your local schedule.) They've also been kind enough to provide free desktop wallpaper for your enjoyment! Yee-haw!

Must-See Movie: How to Murder Your Wife

How to Murder Your Wife (1965)
Jack Lemmon stars as Stanley Ford, a cartoonist and confirmed bachelor who has his single life down to a science. His fabulous butler (Terry Thomas) keeps the brownstone in tip-top shape, down to the smallest detail of chilling his martini glass for a nightly cocktail. His cartoons about secret agent Bash Brannigan are authentic, as he acts out the adventures and has his butler take photographs to use later as reference. Ford even says "I'd never have Bash do something that I haven't done myself."

Things change for Ford when he attends a bachelor party for a friend. He gets drunk and wakes up married to the stripper who performed that night (the beautiful Virna Lisi). Even more chaotic, she speaks nearly no English and is determined to reform Stanley's carousing ways.

Ford's cartoon even changes from a secret agent to a household comedy to reflect his new lifestyle. Reaching a crescendo as she completely changes his singleton paradise, he decides to at least give back Bash Brannigan's life. And so he plots to kill off the wife character. However, the real Mrs. Ford disappears, and those who read the cartoons believe he's guilty of murder.

The supporting cast is outstanding: Ford's lawyer (Eddie Mayehoff) and his wife (Claire Trevor) have some of the best lines in the movie. The view of the wives' role in "snaring a man" from the bachelor life is hilarious: women are parodies, with tiny snippy dogs and tons of shopping bags. Don't take it too personally, just remember it's the 60's. I also enjoy the scenes inside Ford's apartment, as I hope to one day have that sort of swinging "bachelor pad" myself; black leather couch and all!