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December 31, 2009
The Top Ten Movies (I Screened) in 2009, Part II
Continuing from yesterday, here's my list of the classic Hollywood movies I screened during the past year. I realize that this list seems a bit esoteric, but in truth, every film I write about is hugely entertaining and suitable for most everyone.
It is sad that so few contemporary movie lovers are familiar with older Hollywood movies. Imagine if music history were suddenly swept clean and the work of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach were gone.
Well, it's the same with classic movies.
You are missing some works of genius and numerous gems.
8. Tell it to the Marines, 1926, starring Lon Chaney, Billy Haines, Eleanor Boardman, and Carmel Meyers. Directed by George W. Hill. Screenplay by Richard Schayer. Titles by Joseph Farnham.
Tell it to the Marines, 1926. Billy Haines looks on as Lon Chaney romances Eleanor Boardman.
U.S. Marine Sergeant O'Hara, Lon Chaney, in one of the few films in which he's not in make-up, has his hands full training raw recruits. 'Skeet' Burns, Billy Haines, is a brash and uncooperative Marine. And to make things worse, Burns also sets his sights on nurse Nora Dale, the lovely Eleanor Boardman, whom Sergeant O'Hara secretly loves.
This is a lovely and unexpected romantic comedy from Lon Chaney, best known for playing unfortunates like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera.
Here’s clip where ladies man Haines makes a move on Eleanor Boardman:
Chaney (1883-1930) was one of the great stars of the silent screen. He only made one sound movie, the very strange The Unholy Three, 1930, before cancer of the throat killed him. Watching him work sans make-up is a revelation and a joy. He plays a classic American character, rigid but fair, tough yet vulnerable. His face is weathered with deep creases, signs of wisdom gained through a lifetime of war and barracks humor. It’s an iconic American performance. Tell it to the Marines was Lon Chaney’s biggest moneymaker.
Lon Chaney as Sergeant O'Hara.
George W. Hill was a fine director who got his start as an assistant to D.W. Griffith. Before becoming a director Hill was an accomplished cinematographer who was known for his skill in lighting leading ladies.
In 1929 Hill scored another huge success with The Big House starring Wallace Beery. And in 1930, Hill again hit box office and creative magic with Min and Bill, making Wallace Beery and Marie Dressler MGM’s biggest stars for the next four years.
Tragically, Hill was in a serious car accident at the peak of his career. His injuries caused intense physical and personal anguish. In 1933, he was discovered in his Malibu home dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 38 years old.
To read the complete article, head on over to Big Hollywood.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at December 31, 2009 09:02 AM
Comments
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Robert - if I may - I would like to take this opportunity at the year's end - well, one year's end ;-) - to thank you for giving me an appreciation of the movie art -
Despite all the special effects technology, it still comes down IMO to 2 factors - valid since the silent screen era - good screen writing and good acting.
Posted by: Bill Brandt at December 31, 2009 10:39 AM
Some great recommendations, Robert. I look forward to the rest of your list. I discovered a few classics myself this year, which I'd like to share:
Other Men's Women (1931), directed by William Wellman. Although actress Mary Astor dismissed the film as a "a piece of cheese," stylistically this gritty drama foreshadows 40's films and even film noir, plus it features a young, vibrant James Cagney in only his third film.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) Directed by Michael Powell, Written by Emeric Pressburger. I've always been a big fan of The Archers, especially their next two films, Black Narcissus and Red Shoes, but somehow missed A Matter of Life and Death until recently. It's a clever, playful take on the afterlife. Mischievous and serious at once.
Best wishes for the secular new year.
Posted by: Morey Altman at December 31, 2009 12:12 PM
Bill:
Thanks so much for the kind words. If I've motivated just one of my readers to appreciate old movies, well, I'm extremely happy.
I thank you for your articulate comments and your friendship. Have a happy new year.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at December 31, 2009 03:49 PM
Morey:
I'm glad my list appeals to you.
I'm a huge admirer of “Wild Bill” Wellman, but have not seen Other Men's Women—great title.
I also greatly admire Powell & Pressburger, but once again must confess ignorance of A Matter of Life and Death. I've heard that it's excellent. I will make it my business to screen both of your recommendations asap.
Thanks so much for contributing such fine movie tips.
Happy secular new year.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at December 31, 2009 03:54 PM
"Tell It To the Marines" was a movie I originally watched solely for Haines and wound up loving thanks to Chaney. What a phenomenal face that man had. That we lost him so young is tragic.
Happy (secular) New Year!
Posted by: Jennifer at January 4, 2010 06:46 AM
Thanx again Robert. I fell in love with silent movies 25 years ago, discovered yr blog via search on Colleen Moore. Thank you for the clips and reviews.
"Captain Kidd", 1940, w Charles Laughton and Randolph Scott, was on network teev two nights ago, following the animated "Gulliver" from '39. They were on way late, as you'd expect, and I had to get up early to go to the cricket with dad... Life really does smile upon you sometimes, don't it?
Posted by: Earl O'Neill at January 5, 2010 05:42 AM