As a cinephile with a penchant for the golden age of Hollywood, I simply adore diving into the rich tapestry of films that graced our screens during those glorious days. Each of these masterpieces, much like the characters they portray, has its own unique charm and allure.
For a century, Columbia Pictures, owned by Sony, has been home to various film genres such as war movies, westerns, noir films, screwball comedies, musicals, among others. In recognition of this milestone, the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland is paying tribute – both to the cherished classics and lesser-known treasures created by Columbia Pictures during its silent era up until the late 1950s. This is as stated by the festival organizers online.
Sony’s studio celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala event held in Cannes during May, which was jointly hosted by Tom Rothman, the head honcho of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group.
Locarno showcases a retrospective of 40 films, primarily black-and-white, highlighting the significance of Columbia Pictures in Hollywood history. Originally known as Cohn-Brandt-Cohn, this modest film company transformed into Columbia Pictures in 1924. On their website, they describe how this new studio would eventually adopt the Lady with a Torch as its emblem – a Statue of Liberty-like figure holding the American flag, a symbol now synonymous with movie enthusiasts worldwide. As Columbia Pictures, the studio found great success, churning out a series of hits and ultimately establishing itself as a crucial component of the Hollywood film industry over the ensuing decade.
Furthermore, Giona Nazzaro, the artistic director of Locarno, emphasized that it was Columbia who presented the most significant career prospects for women in the industry, enabling Dorothy Arzner to start directing films.
The festival is set to feature an extensive, varied retrospective on Columbia Pictures, meticulously arranged by documentarian, film critic, and curator Ehsan Khoshbakht. This presentation aims to untangle the intricate myths associated with Columbia Pictures, offering a more nuanced and praiseworthy portrayal of the studio.
Khoshbakht promises to highlight “rapid-speaking career women in the style of classic screwball comedies,” “philosophical cowboys,” “visionary short films against fascism,” and “thought-provoking ‘issue’ movies.”
Which classic films from Columbia Pictures’ golden age will Locarno77 present? The complete list, featuring screen legends like Rock Hudson (Gun Fury, 1953), Spencer Tracy (Man’s Castle, 1933), and William Holden (Picnic, 1955) can be discovered here.
As someone who has always been fascinated by the lives and works of artists, I must say that the titles chosen for this retrospective have truly piqued my interest. With a background in art history, I can appreciate the diversity and depth of these selections. They offer a glimpse into the creative journey of each artist and their unique perspective on the world. The thoughtful curation of these pieces promises an enriching experience for anyone who loves art or is simply curious about the lives of these talented individuals.
As a seasoned investor with over two decades of experience, I can confidently say that Wall Street is more than just a movie. It’s a bustling, vibrant ecosystem filled with high-stakes decision-making and the pursuit of wealth. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone who works on Wall Street is a Gordon Gekko or Bud Fox – there are countless hardworking professionals striving to make smart investments and build successful careers. My own journey in finance has taught me that success isn’t only about making big bucks; it’s also about understanding the market, staying disciplined, and always being prepared for the unexpected. The world of Wall Street can be exhilarating, but it requires a steady hand, a keen mind, and a healthy dose of humility to navigate its ups and downs.
1929’s film, “Roy William Neill’s direction,” features Ralph Ince, Aileen Pringle, Philip Strange, Sam De Grasse, and Freddie Burke Frederick. This classic production stands out as the oldest movie in the Columbia Pictures tribute collection at Locarno.
In 68 minutes, it’s actually one of the shorter options within the tribute program. The narrative revolves around a steelworker who transforms into a ruthless tycoon, whose harsh business practices drive a competitor to take their own life. The widow, seeking revenge on the tycoon, teams up with her late husband’s former associate to bring him down.
Bitter Victory
This war film, starring Richard Burton and Curd Jürgens as two British Army officers sent out on a commando raid in North Africa, will be introduced at Locarno by Haden Guest, the director of the Harvard Film Archive.
According to the book titled similarly by René Hardy, this French-American collaboration additionally stars Ruth Roman and Raymond Pellegrin.
The film directed by Nicholas Ray, not just showcased exotic locations, but also embarked on its own journey, premiering at the Venice Film Festival in 1957.
Untitled Film Noir from 1944
The 72-minute film narrates the tale of two families entangled in the emergence of Nazism within Germany prior to World War II. Its ensemble features Paul Lukas, Carl Esmond, Peter van Eyck, Mady Christians, Morris Carnovsky, and K.T. Stevens.
The movie showing at Locarno’s Columbia Pictures review garnered Oscar nominations in the categories of best original score and best art direction.
“A Stroll of the Gunslinger”
Under the guidance of director Phil Karlson, this film features Van Heflin, Tab Hunter, Kathryn Grant, and James Darren in leading roles. Heflin portrays a formidable rancher who consistently shields his volatile adult son (Hunter) from legal consequences by covering damages and influencing witnesses – until his actions escalate to unforgivable crimes. In the story, Kathryn Grant embodies a stunning woman of mixed French-Sioux heritage who finds herself at the receiving end of the hothead’s unwelcome advances.
Later on, Quentin Tarantino acknowledged that the movie served as a source of inspiration for the fictional film titled “Tanner” in his production, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
In 1958, the Western movie titled “Gunman’s Walk” was first shown, preceding another Western film called “Ride Lonesome” by a year. This latter production is the latest offering from Columbia Pictures in the Locarno retrospective and was directed by Budd Boetticher, featuring stars such as Randolph Scott, Karen Steele, and Pernell Roberts.
Title Character: Craig’s Better Half
Dorothy Arzner, one of only a handful of women directors who had a prolonged and fruitful career in the early days of Hollywood, and later became a subject of interest for film scholars and those studying relationships, was the director of this movie based on a screenplay by Mary C. McCall Jr. The introduction at Locarno will be provided by Pamela Hutchinson, an independent writer, critic, and historian in the field of cinema.
In the movie, Rosalind Russell, John Boles, Billie Burke, Jane Darwell, and Dorothy Wilson are the main characters. The story revolves around Harriet, a woman who marries a man for his ability to offer a luxurious lifestyle she craves. However, when her spouse encounters trouble with the law enforcement, her comfortable way of living is at risk.
Catching You Red-Handed!
The 18-minute movie is frequently identified as one of the earliest anti-Nazi comedies in Hollywood, since it came out before Charles Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” by several months. Its title combines a parody of comedian Joe Penner’s famous phrase “You Nasty Man!” with the 1939 film “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” from Warner Bros.
In this story, three gun factories are discontent due to King Herman’s pacifist decisions causing profit losses. They devise a plan to dethrone him and establish a dictatorship instead. Unbeknownst to them, they select inexperienced wallpaper hangers as the faces of their new government.
1942 saw the release of a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama titled “The Talk of the Town,” featuring lead roles for Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Ronald Colman. This movie was skillfully directed by George Stevens.
Leopold Dilg, portrayed by Grant, stands accused of arson and murder. While his trial is underway, he manages to break free from prison. In an effort to evade capture, he seeks refuge at a secluded cottage owned by his old classmate Nora. This woman has long held a special place in Dilg’s heart. Coincidentally, she had rented the cottage out for the summer to a law professor named Colman, who was working on a book. As fate would have it, both Dilg and another individual (Lightcap) show up at the cottage almost simultaneously. In an instant, Nora hides Dilg in the attic, and the ensuing events unfold from there.
In the film, there were a few aspects that stood out as being unconventional for its era. One such aspect was the dual leading roles, whereas another was the portrayal of Rex Ingram’s character as a valet – this was an unusual and progressive representation for a Black actor at the time, deviating from typical stereotypes.
The Dame from the Shadowy Metropolis
Indeed, it’s possible to note that Orson Welles was not only an actor but also the director and screenwriter of the 1947 film adaptation of Sherwood King’s novel “If I Die Before I Wake”. Alongside him, Glenn Anderson and Ted De Corsia were cast in significant roles. Furthermore, Charles Lawton Jr. took charge of the cinematography for this production.
The story revolves around Michael, a sailor of Irish descent (played by Welles), who saves Elsa (Hayworth) when her carriage is ambushed in Central Park and develops feelings for her. However, Elsa and her attorney husband, who specializes in criminal defense and has a physical disability (portrayed by Sloane), have recently moved to New York City from Shanghai and embark on a journey to San Francisco via the Panama Canal. Intriguingly, Michael consents to take up a position as a sailor on the couple’s yacht.
“The Big Heat” (1953) – This gripping film noir delivers a powerful punch with its star-studded cast and is masterfully directed by Fritz Lang. The lead roles are played by Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, and Jocelyn Brando.
The narrative unfolds swiftly: a police officer embarks on a mission against the criminal organization ruling over his metropolis. The film starts as a homicide detective is summoned to probe into the apparent suicide of a colleague.
Regarding the account of the movie’s making, Columbia Pictures was keen on casting Marilyn Monroe, but balked at meeting the high price that 20th Century Fox asked to lend out their rival actress to them.
Female Correctional Facility The star-studded cast of the 1955 Columbia Pictures masterpiece boasts an impressive lineup of strong women: Ida Lupino, Jan Sterling, Cleo Moore, Audrey Totter, Phyllis Thaxter.
In the background, it was the men who held the reins. The film was directed by Lewis Seiler, following a script penned by both Crane Wilbur and Jack DeWit.
The storyline, to some extent, is hinted at by the title. A ruthless female prison warden expresses her perverse desires on her female prisoners, while a doctor works to alleviate the brutal conditions within the prison. Meanwhile, two defiant inmates might take action themselves to bring about change.
A Charming Tale in the Big City – Mr. Deeds’s Urban Adventure (1936)
In their fifth joint venture, Robert Riskin penned the screenplay, initially inspired by the short story “Opera Hat” by Clarence Budington Kelland. However, during filming, the project retained its original title until a contest was organized by Columbia Pictures’ publicity department. The winning entry of this contest ultimately led to the movie being renamed.
In a simple rephrasing, we can say that Grant is a humble poet from a quaint town, unexpectedly acquiring a vast wealth and venturing into bustling New York City. However, he faces persistent attempts by individuals seeking to exploit his newfound fortune.
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2024-08-06 09:25