Directed by Howard Hawks John Wayne plays an effective, unexpected villain in Red River, perhaps inspiring John Ford to cast him in such a role in what is considered the greatest western of all time, 1956’s The Searchers. Ford said about Wayne in this film, “I didn’t know the son of a bitch could act.” … Continue reading Red River (1948)
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Rio Bravo (1959)
Directed by Howard Hawks It seems to me that older films can be considered great for two main reasons. One has to do with being a bit of an artifact of a particular moment in history, and the second has to do with creating a trend that so many other films copied. The first of … Continue reading Rio Bravo (1959)
Drunken Angel (1948)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa Drunken Angel has more heart than you typically see in a film noir. It starts with a late night meeting between two alcoholics, one a doctor and the other a member of the yakuza (mafia). When the doctor reveals that the gang member has tuberculosis, his prognosis doesn't seem good. By … Continue reading Drunken Angel (1948)
His Girl Friday (1940)
Directed by Howard Hawks There's a moment in His Girl Friday, Howard Hawks' fast-talking screwball comedy, in which Cary Grant looks like he's about to break. It's a scene in which two reporters working together are delighted to confront the mayor with evidence of his own political corruption. They are proud of themselves, to be sure, … Continue reading His Girl Friday (1940)
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Directed by Howard Hawks Bringing Up Baby is a screwball romantic comedy between a paleontologist and the free spirit daughter of a wealthy family. In other words its Ross and Rachel. Cary Grant plays David Huxley, the button-down, stressed-out paleontologist, and Katharine Hepburn plays Susan Vance, the reckless, lovestruck niece of the woman David hopes to … Continue reading Bringing Up Baby (1938)
