Black-n-White

High and Low

I won't get into what most film buffs will say, which is Kurosawa is THE master of film, including this one. It's slow and methodical and long.... but I loved it! Every square inch of scene is completely perfect.   read more »  

Rating: 9 of 10

The Damned Don't Cry

Noir flick w/ Joan Crawford. Everything about her is great, everything else is forgettable.

Rating: 5 of 10

Our Hospitality

We just can't get enough of Buster Keaton! Much to the boys' delight, this 1923 film included extended train scenes (a predecessor to The General). Buster has inherited an "estate" in the country and also a long-running tradition in feud.   read more »  

Rating: 8 of 10

Pickup on South Street

We enjoyed this movie more than the rating indicates... but compared to a gem like The Asphalt Jungle, this is less impressive by a long shot. The communist hysteria seems misplaced in this noir piece, but every square inch is beautiful to look at, and we finally solved the mystery of where the Johnny Dangerously character came from.   read more »  

Rating: 6 of 10

The Asphalt Jungle

Gripping noir with plenty of tragedy to go around! Features Marilyn Monroe's first screen appearance (as a minor character). John Huston makes L.A. look very "Detroitish."

Rating: 8 of 10

Criss Cross

This is classic noir. Richard Burton gets tangled up in the mob -- for love. This is one of those films that makes you only want to see black-n-white.

Rating: 9 of 10

The Kid

We are getting hopelessly addicted to Charlie Chaplin films. The man was a TOTAL genius, plain and simple. Not only is he the main actor, director, writer... he scores the music!! The Kid is more drama than slapstick, as the tramp raises an "orphan" and has to deal w/ the authorities.   read more »  

Rating: 9 of 10

The Gold Rush

This is a great Charlie Chaplin silent film. We watched the version that has Chaplin himself narrating the parts in a sound version, which helped the kids enjoy it. Matter of fact... they were mesmerized! (we all were) This film is proof that some things get BETTER over time, and it makes you realize how braindead most of today's movies are.   read more »  

Rating: 10 of 10

The Third Man

This is what classic noir is all about. Exquisite in black and white.

Rating: 9 of 10

The Party

Perhaps there is a movie AS funny, but nothing is funnier than Peter Sellers in The Party. Stands up just fine over time.

Rating: 10 of 10