Classic Cinema Zone

With Memorial Day just a couple of weeks away, I thought it would be a good idea to explore several classic war movies Hollywood has released over the years. Some showcase the heroics of history’s greatest battles, while others display on the harsh realities of war itself. And one focuses on a larger-than-life American general who commanded authority while ironically defying his own superiors. … Read Full Post

Another month, another wave of classic movies making their way onto the Blu-ray format. Making the transfer this month are a Doris Day classic, two great film noirs, an early John Wayne Western, and arguably the greatest movie of all time. Of course, all are great additions to any classic movie collection and would make great gifts for any fan.

Another month, another wave of classic movies making their way onto Blu-ray . Several great films are being released in May, including the first of three on-screen collaborations between Doris Day and Rock Hudson, Fritz Lang’s masterpiece film noir, and one of the greatest movies of all time. … Read Full Post

The brother of noted screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, director Joseph L. Mankiewicz followed his older sibling’s footsteps into show business to become one of classic Hollywood’s most literate director. Mankiewicz had his start as a writer for Paramount Pictures and later served as a producer for MGM. In the mid-1940s he moved over to 20th Century Fox, which gave him his first shot to direct. Mankiewicz made a number of classic movies and covered most genres, but nowhere was he better than when he skewered show business itself.

He was the younger brother of Citizen Kane scribe Herman J. Mankiewicz and just like his older sibling, Joseph Mankiewicz had his Hollywood start as a prominent screenwriter. But instead of floundering his career in booze and bombast, as Herman did, Mankiewicz moved into producing for MGM and later directed a number of classic movies . … Read Full Post

As one of classic Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Robert Mitchum typified the rugged antiheroes of film noir while turning in one great performance after another. But despite his long career, Mitchum was nominated for only one Academy Award, and that was for an early supporting role in 1945. Regardless of the lack of awards, Mitchum managed to remain a top leading actor well into the 1970s and found new life in the ’80s on television, a testament to both his appeal and extraordinary talent.

Doris Day was a phenomenon both as an actress and as a singer. She was the all-American girl next door who behind the scenes had a rather dark private life. Often paired on screen with Cary Grant and close friend Rock Hudson, Day turned in one winning performance after another and earned an Academy Award nomination for one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time.

While her exact age remains unknown – some say she was born in 1923, others in 1924 – there is no doubt that today April 3rd is Doris Day’s birthday. She had a remarkable life and career that had its share of ups and downs. Day started as a big band singer who branched out as a solo artist at the same time she became an actress. During the 1950s and the first half of the 1960s, Day was one of the biggest stars Hollywood, and was known for her all-American looks, pristine voice and virginal image. … Read Full Post

Whether you like monsters or goblins or ghosts or even aliens from another planet, there’s nothing quite like watching old scary movies on Halloween. While some of these classic films seem rather tame or even laughable by today’s standards, they still manage to pack a terrifying punch. Here are just a few of some of the best horror movies from classic Hollywood and beyond.

According to Deadline Hollywood , the remake of Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic horror movie , Carrie , looks to have its lead actress in place. Newly resurrected studio MGM and production company Screen Gems made a formal offer to young actress Chloe Moretz ( Kick-Ass , (500) Days of Summer ) to play Carrie White, a socially outcast high school student who discovers that she has telekinetic powers when provoked to anger. Unable to control herself, she uses her powers to exact revenge on her bullying classmates and even her religiously fanatical mother. … Read Full Post