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Reviews
The Pleasure of His Company (1961)
A Hidden Gem
Going through a Debbie Reynolds fiimography and I stumbled upon this movie. I thought I had seen the all the best of Astaire. Fred is warm and filled with humanity in this classic.
Astaire returns home to reconnect with his daughter, Debbie Reynolds and wife, Lily Palmer. Astaire's Years of the playboy life and world travel are no longer attractive dalliances.
Lily Palmer is gorgeous as Astaire's ex. Palmer and Astaire appear to have sparks intact.
Reynolds future beau, Tab Hunter In one of his early roles.
Astaire was always a rare triple threat.
Singing, Dancing and Acting.
Astaire really flexes his acting muscles on this one.
A once in a lifetime talent.
Any Number Can Play (1949)
Different type of role for Gable
Gable is the proprietor of an illegal gambling house. He's completed disconnected from his faithful loving wife and despondent son. All this, while dealing with a new diagnosed condition.The supporting case is stellar: Wendell Corey, Barry Sullivan, Audrey Totter, and Mary Astor. But, They're mere lampshades in this. Special note: William Conrad and Frank Morgan also play minor roles. The crux of this story relies heavily on Gable, his wife and son. Early in the movie, you have a sense that Gable is starting to feel regret in his line of work. Feels compassion for a young lady who pawned her wedding ring. Gable returns the money back to her.
This movie resonates about life's second chances. This is My second favorite Gable movie. Mogambo being 1.
Strangers When We Meet (1960)
Relevant and Poignant Still Today
Novak and Douglas both enduring the grind of their current marriage. The meeting is pure lust. The movie has some nice layers of dark comedy. Which, separates this from most Romantic Melodrama's of this era. Novak is adorable. Douglas still lean from Spartacus. The Paradox of morals and values. Douglas is surprisingly restraint and moving in this. Making it my fav Kirk Douglas movie. Novak always nails it with her wispy tone and OTT femininity. The movie begs the question: It's possible to be in love with more than one. Yet, loyalty and commitment eventually win out.