Gumshoe (1971)

Have I lost my sense of humor after +13 months of COVID-19 pandemic? Critics reviewing this film used the word "hilarious." Instead of calling this a parody of film noir, I read it as a person suffering from delusions who gets used and abused and (spoiler) still manages to take down the criminals. Trigger warnings: drug use, violence, gun-play, violence against women. Albert Finney kept me watching, but I don't recommend this movie. Trivia: director Stephen Frears's first cinematic directing gig, and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber! Weird.

They Came from beyond Space (1967)

What an odd movie. Could have been about 20 minutes shorter if they cut all the back-and-forth driving scenes that didn't advance the plot one iota. Not recommended. And I usually enjoy old sci fi movies. Too bad.

Juggernaut (1974)

This Richard Harris vehicle is really an ensemble piece, with "baby" Anthony Hopkins adding some juicy dramatic bits in the detective-on-land role. Why do British suspense films always have to be political commentaries: "How do we cope with terrorists?" And too much time was spent on the interminable intricacies (and failures! Spoiler!) of bomb-defusing. This flick was okay: I didn't mind watching it, but I wouldn't recommend it (too much of a dude movie).

Terror by Night (1946)

Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes is a classic. This short film occurs almost completely on a train. I have watched many flicks set on trains since I started this run of old movies. And I love it! All movies on trains now, please? This plot feels like a lot of other murder mysteries, but I'll watch Rathbone in almost anything and be delighted.

Man of the World (1931)

The understated elegance of William Powell (swoon!) works perfectly in this part. Carole Lombard in a pre-screwball-comedies role is heartwrenchingly beautiful and hopeful in her character's experience of first love. Be warned, this film is an anti-romance about expat Americans in Paris, so there's lots of grit and ache and cold-heartedness under the satin, diamonds, and furs. So many furs!

Tight Spot (1955)

Ginger Rogers in a purely dramatic role was pretty entertaining. This melodrama kept me interested for the entire run time, and I was surprised by various plot points ... No spoilers. About an hour in, Ginger's character gets a needle from a doctor: she cries out, "You're hurting me!" as though she were yelling that at every person in her life who had treated her badly. And Sherry Conley had been treated badly by many people. Worth a watch for Ginger, an intense Brian Keith, and suave, persuasive Edward Robinson all enjoying their meaty roles.