Overlooked Classics: Niagara

Henry Hathaway ‘s 1953 thriller was a radical departure for rising star Marilyn Monroe. She portrays Rose, an ice cool newlywed just hitched to George (Joseph Cotten) who’s just been discharged from an army mental hospital, having served in Korea. She befriends the sweet if vapid Polly and Ray (Jean Peters and Casey Adams) alsoContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Niagara”

No More Mr Nice Guy: How Hitch Turned Jimmy Stewart Nasty

In the forties and fifties , James Stewart, also known as Jimmy, was the epitome of “the salt of the earth,” a figure of decency and goodness in American culture. His film roles centred around standing up for the little guy, whether It’s A Wonderful Life, Harvey or Mr Smith Goes to Washington.He embodied theContinue reading “No More Mr Nice Guy: How Hitch Turned Jimmy Stewart Nasty”

Overlooked Classics: Le Boucher (1970)

Written and directed by French thriller auteur Claude Chabrol, Le Boucher is in many ways, something of a curio. Is it accurate to define it as a thriller when the murderer is no mystery to the viewer? After all, the film’s main focus is that of the two leads who dominate most of the screenContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Le Boucher (1970)”