CLASSIC MOVIE GUIDE

POOR

GOOD

Very Good

MASTERPIECE

Dracula (1931) This remains one of my all-time favourite classic horror films, and though I would agree with most observations that it gets a little stagey in the second half, this film never fails to grip me every time I watch it! Two large reasons for that are of course the performances of Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye. If all I had was Bela's intro to Dwight in the castle, I could die happy, that scene alone is enough to keep my happy forever! Dwight's transformation after being bit is stunning, particularly his maniacal laugh when discovered in the hold of the ship carrying he and Dracula to England. Wow! And even in the second half, there are plenty of great scenes----great fog-enshrouded London streets with Lugosi, seemingly a nobleman in fine attire, actually hunting his prey. And his confrontation with Van Helsing is awesome! Lugosi is probably my favourite all-time horror star (edging out Karloff by a bat's whisker!), and this is his finest hour! (Mark Beckuaf)	75 min, Black & White Director Tod Browning Cast Includes Bela Lugosi David Manners Helen Chandler Dwight Frye Edward Van Sloan Herbert Bunston Frances Dade Links Messageboard Discussion
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920) A solid film even if Barrymore overacts occasionally, not much in the way of special effects but its wonderful how he contorts his body and his head goes up to a point like he's wearing a tall hat ! There is a wonderful touch when a giant spider dissolves into Dr Jekyll's body while he sleeps.	96 min, Black & White Director John S. Robertson Cast Includes John Barrymore Martha Mansfield Brandon Hurst Nita Naldi Charles Lane Louis Wolheim Links Messageboard Discussion
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1932) A great dual performance in a very cinematic film. Director Rouben Mamoulian puts the audience in Jekyll's shoes for the opening of the film by the use of a subjective camera. The first transformation was achieved by March wearing different layers of make-up which were sensitive to different colour filters.	97 min, Black & White Director Rouben Mamoulian Cast Includes Fredric March Miriam Hopkins Rose Hobart Holmes Herbert Halliwell Hobbes Links Messageboard Discussion
Duck Soup (1933) I think this is the best Marx brothers movie by virtue of its very shapelessness. Interesting too that some of it is quite visual in its appeal : the mirror gag, the calling all nations part and Harpo's duel with Edgar Kennedy. The Marxes could be quite physical : the great thing about Duck Soup (1933) is it gives all three of the main brothers plenty to do and comedy highlights.	70 min, Black & White Director Leo McCarey Cast Includes Groucho Marx Harpo Marx Chico Marx Zeppo Marx Margaret Dumont Louis Calhern Raquel Torres Edgar Kennedy Leonid Kinskey Charles Middleton Links Messageboard Discussion
Duel In the Sun (1946) This film no masterpiece but it is very watchable and enjoyable. I've always had a soft spot for this film, the only really weak element to me is Jennifer Jones' acting she has some really ropey moments in this movie. The worst come when the theme of her going over the dark side (sounds like Star Wars) plays over the weirdest and sillliest expression of pouting obsession I've ever seen, almost like she'd been taken over by martians or something, it makes the rest of the film look restrained and subtle.	130 min, Color Director King Vidor Cast Includes Jennifer Jones Joseph Cotten Gregory Peck Lionel Barrymore Lillian Gish Herbert Marshall Walter Huston Butterfly McQueen Charles Bickford Tilly Losch Harry Carey Links Messageboard Discussion

Don't forget our sister site the Golden Age of Hollywood Messageboard

The Golden Age of Hollywood Banners by Ktrek.

Written content of the Golden Age of Hollywood Website (except where indicated) copyright Derek McLellan, 2007.