Saturday, 27 October 2007

James Stewart

Over the course of his career, James Stewart starred in many films widely considered classics and was nominated for five Oscars, winning one in competition and one life achievement. He was named the third Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute and became, in the words of Andrew Sarris, "the most complete actor-personality in the American cinema". He also distinguished himself during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.


This clip is from the moving and uplifting 'Its A Wonderful Life', which Stewart himself regarded as his best film.

Sunday, 21 October 2007

King Kong - better in 1933


The 1933 King Kong is still the mother of all big Hollywood monster movies. If you've not seen it yet tie a knot in your handkerchief to remind yourself. Its a great film. Its better than the modern one. The special effects are fantastic, even by today's standards, and the heartbroken, heartbreaking look in Kong's eyes as the planes shoot him off the Empire State building remains the greatest single special effects shot ever made.

Saturday, 20 October 2007

Katharine Hepburn. The best of all time?


Katharine Hepburn is number one on the American Film Institute's Top 100 Actresses. And with good reason.
She holds the record for most number of Oscars won. Her career as a leading lady spanned seven decades, over fifty quality films (running the gamut from screwball comedies and romances to high drama), and twelve Oscar nominations (another record) and four Oscars, three of them after the age of sixty. She formed memorable screen partnerships with the likes of Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart and director George Cukor but outlasted all of them and excelled just as easily on her own. A great star.