This is a beautiful song from The Carters. It made me think of O' Brother Where Art Thou? while I was listening. The music is in contrast to much of what I've been hearing from the 30's, which includes mostly blues and jazz, and now with The Carters introduction of country music. Even though there is a touch of folk in the song.
History: The song is derived from an older song titled, Will the Circle be Unbroken? The song is a bit dark in nature with it's themes, but I assume the Carters redid the song to fit with the death of their own family member. The song is very popular among folk artists, and a huge lists of artists have covered the song, and even redid the lyrics once again to make them more uplifting. Personally, I do like the vibe of this one though.
Hula music has a distinct popular sound, and perhaps one of the most famous artists involved with that sound is Sol Ho'opi'i. His talents can be heard most notably on Hula Girl. A song where the instrumentals can almost outshine the vocals, but since the vocalist knows how to pace their voicing with the instruments it makes for a song that has a fun sound, and makes it one of the lighter toned songs I've heard.
History: Sol Ho'opi'i is one of the best steel guitarist there was. Though it is questioned, Ho'opi'i has been given the notoriety of inventing the electric steel guitar. If that's true, then I have to say that is pretty huge. He would also inspire many sounds from his own sounds. His mix of jazz and blues regarding Hawaiian standards would make him legendary. There are also many references to the man in popular culture even to this day.
Michael Curtiz is able to make this movie come to life with lots of action and twists. The sad part is that the Netflix summary reveals all the twist on the synopsis cover to me. Anyways, the problem is there just isn't something that likable about Errol Flynn, and I think that is because he comes off as arrogant in his movies as he was in real life. The guy is just a smug goody goody in the movie, and then in real life is a drinking womanizer. It's like he got both worlds for the audience to perceive him as.
Summary: Peter Blood rushes to help an injured man not knowing he is apart of the Monmouth Rebellion, and is arrested for helping him. King James sends him to the West Indies as a slave along with the others he is arrested with. Arabella buys Peter as a slave to spite her uncle, Col. Bishop. The life is very difficult on the plantation, but when it is discovered that he is a doctor they have hopes he can help treat the governors gout. The makes it easier for him to plot escape when the other doctors grow jealous of him, but in his escape he ends up as a pirate that rules the sea.
The Bride of Frankenstein is definitely the expansion that Frankenstein needs. What is ridiculous is how each movie leaves the characters surviving crazy circumstances...the movie continues into The Son of Frankenstein and The House of Frankenstein. James Whale directs this sequel to the first, and does a lot better with the character development, and even picks up directly where the first one left off. I also thought the recap was much needed, and even added to the intensity of the second movie in case you missed the vibe of the first movie.
Summary: The monster is now on the lose, and Henry has essentially just had a break down after his disastrous attempt to bring the dead to life. A doctor even madder than Henry though encourages him to give the monster a companion. The monster is on the lose but he seems more wanting of friends than ever, and welcomes anyone who want react strongly to his known status as the monster. Henry is persuaded to build a bride when the monster takes the most valuable person in his though, and holds her hostage until he receives a bride to exchange.
Summary
Broadway producers decide to put on a play, Pretty Lady, during the Great Depression in 1932. Dorothy Brock is set to star until an injury leaves her sidelined, and in need of a replacement. The director, Julian Marsh, needs to insure this play is a success or his own reputation, and finances, so he takes a gamble on Peggy Sawyer who is new to the Broadway scene.
My Thoughts
I didn't think this movie would be so adorable, but it is! The acting is very dramatic, and I think it provides a very historical, insightful look at the early days of Broadway. At the beginning of the movie we are already thrown into the middle of casting where women are auditioning for the dancing routines. Peggy Sawyer makes a memorable entrance from almost walking into the mens' room, to falling asleep when call backs are being given, you can tell this isn't the scene she is used to.
The costumes, and stage are very elaborate, and glitzy. The acting is just as dramatic, and probably at times even over done. All the characters were so intriguing though including Dorothy Brock, and a few of the dancers hired for Pretty Lady. Above all though, Peggy Sawyer has some of the most memorable outfits of the 30s throughout the movie. If nothing else you should watch this for the incredible vintage attire.
When you get to the last twenty minutes you finally see the play, and what all this hard work has been about. It's very difficult to even turn away for those last minutes, because the music, and dancing is so entrancing. The memorable routines to songs like "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" will have you thinking about the movie long after. There were a number of scenes being tried for the first time, such as the camera zooming in between the dancer's legs, and few other scenes that will be obvious if you watch. You will see why this movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards when you watch.
Besides few moments that lull the movie will keep you wanting to watch. If nothing else because the music will keep you there, and the way the actors handle things so dramatically. The actors on Broadway are also perceived as some wild party people in their off hours with the suggestion of sex taking place, and the drinking. Nothing is very strongly alluded to though, but if you are the modern day viewer you might get a laugh out of how certain things are snuck in.
Summary
Richard Hanney is enjoying London during his vacation until a woman runs into him after a brawl breakout asking him for help. He allows her to follow him back to his place where she then begins telling him about The 39 Steps. When the woman turns up in the middle of the night with a knife in her back Richard is sent in into a spiraling mystery that sends him from England to Scotland.
My Thoughts
I was really wanting to enjoy my first Alfred Hitchcock film, but this one I struggled to get into. It was short at 86 minutes, so you didn't have to keep your attention long, but I still found myself zoning away from it. I am wondering also if another Hitchcock film would have been better to begin with. As far as I know the most critical claim this one has garnered is in British films.
I was curious to find out what was the huge mystery about The 39 Steps, but it's so silently slipped in at the end that if you were like me, and struggling to stay focused you probably had to go back again to make sure you got it. I felt that Madeleine Carroll made the movie a lot better though. She was very entertaining, and I thought she added some comical relief. Robert Donat did a good job acting, but I found the makeup on him very distracting. That probably sounds odd, but he seemed way too primped.
There are some interesting shots in the film, and since this movie was made in 1935 you can't help but think about all the events happening around the time of this movie. I got to thinking about how World War 2 had not even happened yet for some reason. Also, for a time where special effects didn't quite exist yet they did a really good job at making certain scenes seem sort of real. The black and white film probably helped that out a little.
Despite the fact it was legendary director, Hitchcock, who directed, I was disappointed I didn't get into the movie more. I thought his directing style was good, and the plot had potential, but for some reason it didn't fully reach me. Even the actors were good, and had chemistry with each other. Perhaps, one of his films will click with me in the future.
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