I perked up when Laura of Laura's Miscellaneous Musings posted her 2014 list of ten new-to-her movies she will watch in the year to come. I've enjoyed reading her lists for years, and I realized that creating my own list would help me to make sure I see the things I really want to see. Just deciding on the movies was so much fun. I'm really looking forward to doing this. My picks:
I used to see the DVD box for this at the video store all the time. It always intrigued me, but for some reason I never rented it. After reading about it in the new book, The Crime Films of Anthony Mann, I thought it was finally time to check it out.
Last fall I went through a major Buster Keaton binge, which has only slightly petered out over the following months. I missed seeing this one though. There's just something about him having a cow as a costar. I have my qualms. But this is Buster in his golden age, and even at his worst he's always worth watching.
3. Repeat Performance (1947)
Since both Ivan of Thrilling Days of Yesteryear and Laura of Laura's Miscellaneous Musings have written about their fondness for this time traveling drama/noir, I've become curious enough to see it. I like Joan Leslie too.
4. Man With a Movie Camera (1929)
I've started this movie several times, only to abandon it because I felt like I wasn't paying proper attention. There's just so much to take in here, I want to watch it when I can really focus. This year I am determined to see it all the way through.
5. The Constant Nymph (1943)
How can I love Joan Fontaine as I do and have never seen this flick? I may need to watch this first.
6. The Reluctant Debutant (1958)
I've been wanting to see this ever since I read about it in a book years ago, but for the most part its on my list because I can never get enough Kay Kendall.
7. Brainstorm (1965)
Just learned about this one. I'll give any decent thriller a try and I've been hearing good things about it.
8. Street Scene (1931)
I love pre-codes and King Vidor. Good enough!
9. Dead of Night (1945)
I'm so afraid of dummies, puppets, certain kinds of scary-looking dolls (pretty much all dolls then). Get one of them talking on their own and I'm not going to sleep well for a few days. So for good reason I have been wary of this horror omnibus which yes, features a story with a chatty, evil ventriloquist's dummy. I keep hearing how good it is though, so I'm finally going to get some ovaries and take a look.
Ugh, Emil Jannings being humiliated. Again. It doesn't surprise me a bit that I've been putting off watching this legendary silent. I know I'm missing out though, so this is the year I'll check it out.
I've been enjoying reading these other "10 For 2014" lists that have popped up in the past few weeks:
Laura's Miscellaneous Musings
Happy Thoughts Darling
Out of the Past
What's your list for 2014? I'd love to see your choices in the comments!
Images Source: Wikipedia
Hi KC. Your list is really interesting! I'm looking forward to finding out what you think of these movies. I've only seen two of your picks, myself -- "The Constant Nymph" and "The Reluctant Debutante," both of which I really like. "The Reluctant Debutante" is a particular favorite of mine that I put on when I want to see something fun that will cheer me up. Kay Kendall is wonderful, I agree! I love Sandra Dee, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to my 10 Classics list. :)
Hi KC,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun list! I've seen four of the titles on it and you definitely have some good viewing ahead. :) I'm so glad you decided to make your own list this year -- I just linked to it from my original post along with this week's link roundup post.
As you say, even making the list is fun! I'm really looking forward to hearing what you think of the films you see over the course of the year.
Thanks also for the alert on the new Mann book!! An Anthony Mann series is starting here at UCLA in a couple of weeks! Hmmm, I wonder if I could might be able to get a review copy of that one...would be perfect to coincide with watching the series!
Best wishes,
Laura
Best wishes,
Laura
KC, excited to see you have three very different movies that I love on your list: "The Constant Nymph," "Street Scene" and "Dead of Night." Hope you keep us posted with your thoughts, especially on those three.
ReplyDeleteMC--I got a kick out of your list as well. It's so interesting to see what people are thinking. I hope you'll be sharing your thoughts about what you saw as well. Love that you are having a Durbin moment. Her movies are so refreshing--like a cold lemonade, sweet with just a little bite!
ReplyDeleteLaura--I'm so glad you got me into this list-making business. I'm feeling so much more into watching movies now. Sometimes it's good to have a plan! The Mann book is on NetGalley--are you signed up with them? I'm sure you could get it. I'm going to review it next week.
Cliff--The variety was unintentional, though I was pleased that it turned out that way. It'll be more exciting to move among all those different genres and periods. I wasn't sure if I was going to post reviews or not, but I decide I really had to if I posted the list. It's kind of a tease to do that and not say what I thought!
Thanks for the NetGalley tip, KC, I've heard of them but am not signed up. I've received some publicity emails from Univ. Press of MI recently and wrote that contact to inquire about a review copy; perhaps if I hear back they'll point me in the direction of NetGalley. Sounds like something I should check into! I'm going to be very interested in your review. I have Jeanine Basinger's book on Mann but reading more about a favorite director is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteJust saw somehow my last note was signed twice -- double the best wishes! :)
Best wishes again!
Laura