Libertas

Libertas - A forum for conservative thought on film

Nothing has been posted here since summer of 2008. But it's a treasure trove of recommendations and reviews.

cagney movies

Top 5 Cagney movies - a list from John Nolte

I think I could live long and happily without seeing Yankee Doodle Dandy again. Cagney tap-dances like a firecracker, but I've just seen this too many times.

But the Cagney gangster films are another kettle of fish. What a versatile guy.

Somewhere in the distant past I watched White Heat and (probably) Public Enemy and Each Dawn I Die. I'd love to see them all. Maybe get snowed in and have a Cagney fest.

The one with Doris Day, Love Me or Leave Me, sounds great. This goes on my must-see list. She was an underrated singer.

David Lean films

I read the article below and would like to remember the movies mentioned in it. Aside from the obvious big movies -- Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, Bridge on the River Kwai, Ryan's Daughter -- there were the small films --

• Blithe Spirit
• In Which We Serve
• This Happy Breed
• Great Expectations
• Oliver Twist
• Madeleine
• Brief Encounter
• The Passionate Friends

I'm sure I've seen the Dickens films and Brief Encounter. A long long time ago.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/17/AR2008121703723.html

jazz

Two lists from the WaPo:

10 recordings for newbies
Jazz for Christmas

gunga din

Lots of humor, adventure, and a young Cary Grant. What's not to like? Made in 1939.

the way he wears his hat

I heart Frank, and just received this perfect book from my wonderful husband (who I also heart).

Life: Remembering Sinatra

a bad sign for western civilization

Barbie Karaoke Styling Head

Okay, the styling heads I've come to understand. And I know that karaoke fills that need to make fools of ourselves, loudly and in public.

But a combination karaoke machine and styling head? How does this work, do you think?

BTW, not to be a Scrooge, but aren't we 100% tired of seeing and hearing Santa hawk his wares in every tv commercial and radio ad? It's an exhausted concept. Not original, not amusing.

Stan Freberg's United States of America

From 1961. Listen to this and your kids will learn about radio shows (a show with no pictures?), giant black records, turntables, and needles, and the real story of Christopher Columbus. Stan Freberg is a silly man.

Just a month late for Columbus Day.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

We watched this a couple of days before the election. If you're not thoroughly tired of politics, get it from Netflix. Family friendly and educational. And fun.

Frank and Peggy

Chicago and Sinatra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA9iuIkqTxo

one-way ticket to palookaville

We've staggered numbly away from the train wreck of the Cubs' post-season, and are ready to move on. How 'bout a movie?

On the Waterfront, 1954 Elia Kazan classic starring Marlon Brando in his prime, and the lovely Eva Marie Saint. I haven't seen this in years, but remember it fondly and would love to see it again. Below is a youtube of a famous scene. DO NOT WATCH if you're thinking of seeing the film someday.