The Oscar-winning Yankee Doodle Dandy is a musical that celebrates the life of “The Man Who Owned Broadway,” George M. Cohan. While this is a fine musical, it’s a stretch to call it a musical biopic. There are a number of dramatic liberties taken in the stretch. For one, Cohan had two wives but this film make it appear that he just had the one love interest. Two, his father preceded his mother in death.…
"Yankee Doodle Dandy Celebrates George M. Cohan"Tag: Joan Leslie
High Sierra, which made Humphrey Bogart a leading man and enabled John Huston to transition to directing, joins The Criterion Collection. This film was pivotal for helping both Humphrey Bogart and John Huston to advance in their careers. The two were friends and drinking partners. Prior to High Sierra, Bogart was a mere supporting player. Because of this, Bogart had to fight Raoul Walsh for the role. Walsh wanted someone like George Raft or Paul…
"High Sierra: Film Noir Joins The Criterion Collection"
Gary Cooper delivers a marvelous performance as the acclaimed World War 1 hero in Sergeant York but the film is propaganda of the era. Alvin C. York’s (Gary Cooper) story was a dream for any studio executive in the 1930s. Here’s a guy who was not only a religious man but a grew up poor in Tennessee. York may have been a pacifist but conscientious objectors were required to serve. His service record includes killing…
"Sergeant York: A Heroic Tale…But Propaganda"