The Sweet Smell of Success: The Cat's in the Bag and the Bag's in the River

My local library is kind enough to indulge my desire to share my passion for classic film by allowing me to show a classic film once a month. And once in a while, a few film fans wander in and share the enjoyment. November's Film: The Sweet Smell of Success1957's "The Sweet Smell of Success" is a gl... Read full article

Duel (1971): The Stirring Success of a Young Spielberg

Duel stands as a stirring reminder that this is the same Steven Spielberg who brazenly got himself on the Universal lot because he needed to be in as close proximity to movies by any means possible. There was no other alternative. Here is a young, brash filmmaker, part Hitchcock, part Truffaut, and ... Read full article

Her early success is 'Transit'-ory

Jane Alice Peters, now known professionally as Carole Lombard, must have been thrilled in early 1925 when, at a mere 16, she was hired as the leading lady for the Edmund Lowe vehicle "Marriage In Transit" for Fox. And the world was ever so slowly taking notice.We have proof of that, thanks to the Me... Read full article

Encore podcast: "The Stormy Success of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour' "

In early 1967, folksinging comedians Tom and Dick Smothers kicked off their own variety show on CBS. Their competition was stiff -- NBC's "Bonanza," the one show that CBS could never seem to dislodge from its top-10 spot in the ratings. But the brothers beat "Bonanza" with a combination of topical c... Read full article

Encore podcast: "The Stormy Success of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour' "

In early 1967, folksinging comedians Tom and Dick Smothers kicked off their own variety show on CBS. Their competition was stiff -- NBC's "Bonanza," the one show that CBS could never seem to dislodge from its top-10 spot in the ratings. But the brothers beat "Bonanza" with a combination of topical c... Read full article