This film may not be as pretty as Grand Hotel but its on-par entertainment with that film. What drew me to this film was its Pre-Code status and Joan Blondell. Those things were definitely worth watching but let me put it this way, I came for Joan but stayed for Douglas. He carries this film and carries it well and I love his pairing with Guy Kibbee. I recognized Guy from the films Gold Diggers and I believe 42nd Street-some other pre-code gems. He's playing a very different character here than in those films and plays it well. I recently took a chance and purchased this on warner archive.com and I'm glad I checked out these helpful reviews. I decided to add my own review as every little bit helps and I while I love most old films they all aren't worth the time but this one is. The ending is especially real and I can't help but wonder if it in some small way inspired the ending for Casablanca. Watch it so you'll know what I mean. 9 out of 10!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Honky Tonk
(1941)
Lana's Gone With the Wind
19 January 2010
...Lana like every other actress was up for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, but the role was not meant for her. The role of Elizabeth Cotton was however. The role of Elizabeth Cotton gives Lana an opportunity to play Scarlett O Hara in a role tailor made for her. There are many similarities between the characters, but more differences than similarities. Truth be told this is really Clark Gable's film. The film gives Clark an extended version of Rhett Butler as Candy Johnson. In fact one can almost picture Rhett Butler going from telling Scarlett O'Hara that he doesn't give a damn to changing his name, becoming Candy Johnson and falling for Elizabeth Cotton on the train. The story is no classic but it sure is fun to watch and cannot be remade today. It needs this cast, its leads and its supporting cast as well; Frank Morgan as Lana's dad, Majorie Main, and of course Gable's sidekick Chill Wills. 6.5 is too low for this film as it's very entertaining.
The Notorious Landlady
(1962)
Kim Novak and Jack Lemmon
10 January 2010
This movie is now out on DVD albeit in Jack Lemmon's collection and not alone but it is a film on a single disc so while not sold separately it should suffice. The print is in excellent condition. I'm only upset that I only just now purchased as I just now found out about it by chance! I had a bad print years ago and reluctantly parted with it even though I enjoyed the film immensely. My top film used to be a tie between Casablanca and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but now those films have been bumped down to number two and number three. This is now my first favorite film. Is it better than those films-absolutely not-not even close. Those two films are masterpieces. For me personally, those films are films I can't watch too often, maybe because they aren't light films. The Notorious Landlady is a film that requires repeated viewings because of the enjoyable performances. The first time you view it you just want to see what happens, the next time you view it you want to see it knowing what you now know from the first time, etc., by the next couple of times you view it you will appreciate the Novak-Lemmon romance all the more. What I like about their romance is that while its complicated it isn't vulgar nor is it sappy. The music is unforgettable (great love theme for Kim and Jack) and the dialog is excellent and witty. I find myself pausing the film to laugh at lines I didn't catch or get at another time. This film doesn't take itself seriously, which makes it inviting to watch. Kim Novak is perfectly cast and alluring, Jack Lemmon is romantic and sexy. I cannot forget to mention Fred Astaire-this has to be one of his best roles! The supporting cast is excellent too. The film has so much depth, so many layers to peel and enjoy. Its what more films should be like if they can't be masterpieces; they should be like this.
Tell Your Friends