4 Star Films Posted by 4 Star Film Fan on January 6, 2022

“Have a little faith will yuh? There’s a great big plan that we don’t get. But the fella that’s made the plan knows what it’s all about.” Safe in Hell leans into its title as fire literally crackles behind the opening credits.  The story’s origins begin on   read more

A Person in the Dark Posted by FlickChick on October 29, 2018

I love my DVR. Next to the Keurig coffee maker and the GPS, it is an invention that changed my life for the better. However, unlike the coffee maker, which gratifies me instantly with hot coffee and the GPS, that provides quick and (usually) correct directions, the DVR requires that...   read more

Shadows and Satin Posted by shadowsandsatin on July 24, 2017

The opening of Safe in Hell is a bit deceptive. The film’s title appears on screen, with its block-style, capital letters filled in with a silent roar of angry flames. Meanwhile, the music we hear conjures a scene from the late 1800s, perhaps a pair of ladies strolling through the...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on September 13, 2015

Was there any director who could expertly tackle so many different genres as William A. Wellman? When I look over his filmography, I see he’s one tough cookie. His films look issues squarely in the eye. Think about his gangster, western, war, adventure,  satire and message movies. Many of his films   read more

Cinematically Insane Posted by Will McKinley on October 13, 2012

“Black & white movies are so boring and fake,” a co-worker once said to me, with an accompanying look of disgust usually afforded to those who belch audibly in public places. In my younger days, I might have taken the bait and tried to plead my case. But now that...   read more

Hollywood Revue Posted by Angela on November 2, 2010

Gilda Karlson (Dorothy Mackaill) had been working as a secretary until she g0t involved with a man named Piet (Ralf Harolde), who caused her to lose her job.  Unable to get any other work, she turned to working as a lady of the night to support herself.  One night, she’s...   read more

Movie Classics Posted by Judy on February 27, 2010

It seems to me as if 1931 was a great year for William Wellman. He made five films that year, four of which I have now seen and loved – including his masterpiece The Public Enemy. (I hope to write about that one in due course, but am slightly daunted by its...   read more