CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on December 31, 2016

If you’re looking for some reading material, look no further. These bloggers, either alone or in a collaborative effort, have hosted blogathons throughout 2016. This is no mean feat putting these blogathons together, trust me I know. Lots of coordinating of time and e~mails with bloggers and   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on December 16, 2016

[ 12 / 22 / 22  ~  9 / 9 / 99 ] There’s nothing like diving into a series of films in one fell swoop to watch the breadth of a talented performer or director. I did this with RUTH ROMAN. I call her The Mighty Roman. I find...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on December 9, 2016

I MET SPARTACUS! Yep, I actually met Kirk Douglas. My friend Chip Duckett was getting memorabilia autographed for a giant AIDS ball being held in Vienna he helps brings talent to. He invited me along to Barnes & Noble with him for a Kirk Douglas book signing. ( “Let’s Face It:...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on November 28, 2016

[ November 28th, 1923 ~ October 5th, 1981 ] “CROSSFIRE” (1947) Robert Young, Robert Ryan and Robert Mitchum, directed by Edward Dmytryk. The testosterone level is high in this rough and tumble drama. You see those leads? But there’s another piece ot this movie; the girls they left behind. V   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on November 18, 2016

( April 30th, 1908 ~ November 12th, 1990 ) Wisecracking. One~liners. Devastating delivery. If you’re cynical, you might say she’s played the same part over and over again. To that I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, because over and over again, a girl’s best friend is EVE ARDEN.   ...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on November 6, 2016

One of my favorite films is “A FACE IN THE CROWD.” Andy Griffith, Patricia Neal and Walter Matthau were wonderful. In fact, I enjoyed every one’s characterizations and Elia Kazan’s message of cynicism was spot on. Power brokers…false prophets… charlatans…snake oil salesmen and dem   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on October 31, 2016

Yes, you’ve seen “THE ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN” about as many times as I have, though I may have the jump on you being a Baby Boomer and have been watching old sci~fi films a little longer than you. I hope with this Halloween post here,  you’ll let...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on October 23, 2016

Husband                     Wife                         Mistress                   Creep “PITFALL“ is taut tense quiet drama and I like how it plays out. You think it’s going to go...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on October 16, 2016

How would you like a little film noir in your adultery?  Yes…there will be SPOILERS: Nora Prentiss kneels before the ashes of her dreams of  home, hearth and a husband of her own “NORA PRENTISS” is really a showcase for Ann Sheridan. Director Vincent Sherman gloriously holds the camera on her   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on October 9, 2016

I gave this movie a chance and I enjoyed it. Yes….there will be tears. I have to admit “A FAREWELL TO ARMS” is equal parts Gary Cooper’s performance along with Helen Hayes’ because without Fredric there’s no Catherine and vice~versa. No doubt he is a tall quenching glass of water,...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on October 2, 2016

“Sir, I don’t want to intrude. But a United States Senator is news. I’m the editor of a newspaper with a state~wide circulation. I’ve got a responsibility to know why you came all the way down here to bury a man. You can’t just say ‘his name was Tom Doniphon,’...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on September 19, 2016

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH is here once more ( Sept. 15th ~ Oct. 15th ) and in Hollywood’s Golden Era, Hispanics have been represented in a variety of ways. This month, the world of classic film blogs will feature the talents of many Hispanics in films. Two popular bloggers: ( Aurora ) ONCE UP   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on August 29, 2016

You had me at “hello” Ingrid. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Video by Sarasismyname. [  H O M E  ] ___________________________________________________________________________   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on August 26, 2016

 It’s so hard for me sometimes to explain exactly why I love these ‘old’ movies as I do. I have such a visceral and emotional response to these shimmering ( or murky ) B&W films whether they be “A” pictures or “B” that it’s hard to explain intellectually. Maybe words...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on August 25, 2016

Hi Kiddies! It’s that time of year again. TCM’s annual SUMMER UNDER THE STARS event, where every August, TCM has one full day of programming to celebrate a different classic movie star. 31 Count ‘em 31! This year the likes of Lucille Ball, Hedy Lamarr, Humphrey Bogart, James Edwards, Spencer...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on August 23, 2016

Millions of movie fans mourned a man whose voice they never heard. May 6th, 1895 ~ August 23rd, 1926 [   H O M E   ] ___________________________________________________________________   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on August 16, 2016

For some reason Anne Baxter stays under my radar. Oh I know, the fault lies within me. I like my stars sparkly and bedazzled and volcanic most times. Well hopefully with TCM featuring Miss Baxter’s films for their Summer Under the Stars series, I can broaden my horizons with her...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on July 9, 2016

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CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on July 9, 2016

CHECK OUT DAY 1 of our “HOT & BOTHERED BLOGATHON: THE FILMS OF 1932.” Once upon a screen... WE’RE HERE to bring you the rich, the notorious and the dregs of society.  We offer you high brows and low lives.  We illustrate the worst of the human condition and the high enjoyment...   read more

CineMaven's Essays from the Couch Posted by Theresa Brown on July 6, 2016

For my “HOT & BOTHERED” blogathon contribution, Ernst Lubitsch is the way to go. Why, this cheeky devil was able to slip all sorts of sexy mischief into Pre-Code films like “Design for Living” ( 1933 ) “The Smiling Lieutenant” ( 1931 ) or “The Merry Widow” ( 1934 )....   read more