Menu:

Do you buy books, CD's, DVD's, videos & other things at Amazon.com?

If so, log onto Amazon through the our website and Amazon will give RoL 5% of the sales, which will be used to further promote the faith! Thanks for helping!

 

For those who love old movies...

 

If new movies aren't your thing then perhaps the classics are more to your taste. We love old B&W movies, particularly those starring Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck or William Powell, to name a few. We've gone through Blockbuster's entire inventory of old classics so over the next few months we'll recommend some of our favorites. They include the following:

NEWEST REVIEWS:

Brother Orchid (1940) B&W Drama
Starring: Edward G. Robinson, Ann Sothern & Humphrey Bogart

Released in 1940, this movie tells the story of mob boss "Little John Sarto" played by Edward G. Robinson. After leaving the mob and traveling throughout Europe in search of "real class" little John finds himself broke. With nowhere else to turn he heads back to New York to once again lead the life of a mobster. Through certain events a rival mob boss, played by Humphrey Bogart, has Little John right where he wants him, but Little John daringly escapes. Without knowing it Providence leads Little John to a monastery run by the Florician order, a group of monks dedicated to serving the poor and helping anyone in need.

The Florician monks, who support themselves by raising flowers and selling them in the market, warmly embrace Little John, who decides to lay low for a while by becoming a novice. Little John's bewilderment at the monks' selfless way of life is amusing but there is a deeper struggle as he deals with his burning desire to find "real class". In the end Little John finds the answer to his problem in the most unlikely place. For those of you who are classic movie fans, "Brother Orchid" is a wonderful movie with a beautiful message. If you are able to see it, please do, you will truly enjoy it. (Brian) Purchase your copy on VIDEO.

Stella Dallas (1937) B&W Drama
Starring Barbara Stanwyck & John Boles

Of the many Barbara Stanwyck movies I have seen Stella Dallas definitely stands out as my personal favorite. The talented actress plays Stella, a poor but ambitious working girl who moves up in the world after marrying the well-bred Stephen Dallas (John Boles). After the birth of their daughter Laurel, Stella's brassy manners and longing for high society takes its toll on the marriage. In the meantime, Laurel (Anne Shirley), now a teenager, is torn between her love and compassion for her mother and her love and devotion to her father, whom Stella feels is trying to "steal" Laurel away. In the end, despite her earthy and unrefined ways, Stella shows incredible grace and self-sacrifice for the love of another. Fine performances and a kleenex-ending make this one of Stanwyck's most memorable movies. (Bobbi) Available on DVD and VIDEO.

 

Classic Movies in Alphabetical Order:

All About Eve (1950) B&W Drama
Starring Bette Davis & Anne Baxter

When I was younger I never really got into Bette Davis as an actress, but after watching All About Eve a few years back I was captivated by her talent. She is now one of my favorite actresses. Davis plays the powerful but feeling-her-age actress Margo Channing. She takes under her wing a wide-eyed fan/actress named Eve Harrington (Baxter) who is obsessed with Margo and her work. In reality, Eve is obsessed with replacing Margo as the "Queen of the Stage" and she will stop at nothing to get there. Davis plays the role of the defiant yet vulnerable actress superbly and at times you wonder how much of the character is mirroring the real life of Davis. The supporting actors are also excellent particularly Margo's boyfriend (Gary Merrill), the playwright (Hugh Marlowe) his wife (Celeste Holm) and the cynical hard-hearted critic (George Sanders) who later teams up with Eve. Excellent performances throughout and winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. (Bobbi) Purchase your copy on DVD or VIDEO.

Bachelor Mother (1939, B&W Comedy)
Starring Ginger Rogers & David Niven

Bachelor Mother marks Rogers first solo movie after leaving Fred Astaire's dancing shoes behind. Rogers plays a young store salesclerk who happens to see a woman leaving a baby at the door of an orphanage. Not wanting to leave the baby alone, Rogers takes him into the orphanage only to find that no one believes that she is not the baby's mother. The orphanage contacts Rogers' boss, played by David Niven, who unwittingly befriends her and helps her care for the baby. Soon rumors fly that Niven is the father and one misunderstanding leads to another. The movie is refreshingly funny and the actors possess both the talent and chemistry to make this movie a comedy classic. (Bobbi) Purchase your copy on VIDEO.

Come to the Stable (1949, B&W Lighthearted Drama)
Starring Loretta Young and Celeste Holm

Come to the Stable starring Loretta Young and Celeste Holm is a delightful movie, which tells the story of two French nuns who come to New England to build a children's hospital. Set in the town of Bethlehem, Sisters Margaret and Scholastica face one obstacle after another with childlike faith and unwavering determination. This movie will make you laugh, teach you about kindness and reveal the beauty of living a simple life of faith. Enjoy! (Brian) Purchase your copy on VIDEO.

Double Wedding (1937) B&W Comedy
Starring William Powell & Myrna Loy

This black and white romantic comedy stars William Powell and Myrna Loy. Powell plays Charlie Lodge - a part time director and full time bohemian - who falls in love with Margit Agnew, played by Loy - a c c.,lmmmmm mwealthy and successful business woman. Double Wedding is very different from the better known Powell/Loy Thin Man movies, since it is more of a "screwball comedy". There are a number of funny and surprising scenes, which leads to a climatic ending done in true old-Hollywood fashion. The host of amusing and zany side characters that pop in and out of the movie, adds to its wonderful craziness. And if there is anything to be learned from Double Wedding it is this - love attracts opposites! Double Wedding is a must see! (Brian) Purchase your copy on VIDEO.

Father of the Bride (1950) B&W Comedy
Starring Spencer Tracy & Elizabeth Taylor

Father of the Bride is definitely one of my Top 10 Favorite Classic Movies. I have watched it numerous times and never tire of it! Spencer Tracy plays the father of a soon-to-be-bride, his daughter Kate (Taylor). With hilarity and superbly witty dialogue (I especially love Tracy's one liners) we watch as Tracy bemoans his daughters numerous boyfriends, the meeting of the future in-laws, the endless cost of the ceremony, the wedding rehearsal and finally the big day. Although Taylor's character can be a little annoying at times ("Oh, Pops!") the interaction between the characters in timeless! This movie is a family classic in our house and you'll often find bits of dialogue mingled in our conversations, "She broke it to me so casually. She could have at least waited until I got my coffee." (haha) I love this movie and recommend it to those who enjoy a good laugh! (Bobbi) Purchase your copy on DVD or VIDEO.

It Happened One Night (1934) B&W Comedy
Starring Clark Gable & Claudette Colbert

I usually prefer movies made in the late 30's - 40's but It Happened One Night is the exception! This 1934 comedy is a classic you are sure to fall in love with! Spoiled, rich kid Ellie Andrews (Colbert) runs away from her father in hopes to find some freedom. Along the way she meets a brash newsman (Gable) with a quick tongue. He agrees to help her on her mission in exchange for an exclusive news story. The couple lock horns throughout the movie until they realize that they are falling in love with each other. However a misunderstanding jeopardizes their chance of a future together. Gable and Colbert are excellent in their respective roles and there is a natural chemistry between the two. Although some may complain because they were sleeping in the same room (with a blanket known as the "Walls of Jericho" hanging between their beds,) I found it refreshing to see a couple refrain from getting physical until it was "proper" to do so! Overall an excellent movie and winner of 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress. (Bobbi) Purchase your copy on DVD.

Miracle of the Bells (1948) B&W Drama
Starring Fred MacMurray, Alida Valli, & Frank Sinatra

This weekend Bobbi and I saw a great black and white movie called The Miracle of the Bells. The movie tells the story of Hollywood press agent Bill Dunnigan (played by Fred McMurray) who falls in love with a beautiful unknown young actress named Olga Trocki (played by Alida Valli. Shortly after her first staring role as the lead in Joan of Arc, the actress dies of tuberculosis. Her last dying wish was to be buried in her hometown, "Coaltown" from St. Michael's Church. Just before her funeral a miracle occurs, which gives the people of Coaltown a much needed dose of hope. I will not give any more of the plot away, but I would like to say that the movie is truly beautiful. It shows how one individual can touch the life of another through the light and goodness that dwells within each one of us. The movie is also a real treat because of the references it makes to God and its portrayal of the Catholic faith. (Brian) Purchase your copy on VIDEO.

Miss Marple Mysteries (1960's) B&W Mystery
Starring Margaret Rutherford

Recently Bobbi and I had the pleasure of watching several very well done who-dun-it murder mysteries. The movies, based on Agatha Christie's super sleuth Miss Marple, are full of suspense, intrigue and humor. Margaret Rutherford's portrayal of Miss Marple is superb. Her wit, charm and spunk breathes life into the character. Her mild-mannered side kick Mr. Springer and the slow Inspector Craddock accompany Ms. Marple on her investigations, adding to the movies suspense and well-timed humor. The movies were made in the 1960s, are black and white, and quite wholesome. There is no profanity, sexual innuendoes or nudity. Four were made: Murder, She Said; Murder at the Gallop; Murder Ahoy and Murder Most Foul. The best thing about the movies is that the murderers' identities are concealed until the very end. If you a good mystery, I highly recommend these light-hearted movies. (Brian)

The Reluctant Saint (1962, B&W Drama)
Starring Maximillian Schell

One of my all time favorite movies is The Reluctant Saint. This black and white movie tells the story of St. Joseph of Cupertino, an uneducated peasant who leaves home, due to his mother's influence, to become a Franciscan lay brother. Giuseppe, Italian for Joseph, is played by Maximillian Schell, who does an incredible job bringing this 17th century saint to life. Throughout the movie Giuseppe finds himself in one mishap after another until the Blessed Virgin leads him into a mystical experience that changes the course of his life. What makes this movie a winner is that it shows how God can use anyone, even Giuseppe, to glorify and lead others to Himself. (Brian) Available through Ignatius Press.

Sullivan's Travels (1941) B&W Comedy-Drama
Starring Joel McCrea & Veronica Lake

This comedy-drama features Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake. After directing several successful musicals and comedies, director John L. Sullivan, played by Joel McCrea, decides to make a heart wrenching film about poverty. In order to prepare himself for this directing assignment, McCrea disguises himself as a hobo and embarks on a wild adventure to discover what it means to be poor. Along the way he meets up with Veronica Lake who plays a struggling actress who is trying to get back home after failing to make it in the movies. The two team up and discover first hand what life is like for the poor and desperate. With slapstick comedy, drama, and several twists and turns McCrea learns an important lesson - the value of the gift of laughter. Purchase your copy on DVD or VIDEO.

Woman of the Year (1942, B&W Comedy/Drama)
Starring Katharine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy

One of my favorite movies, Woman of the Year, stars Spencer Tracy as Sam, a down to earth sportswriter, and Katharine Hepburn as Tess, a world-renowned political pundit. When this unlikely couple meet, the chemistry is immediate but they soon find that it takes more than chemistry or physical attraction to make a marriage work. Sam is troubled by Tess' preoccupation with her job and "women's lib" thinking. As a result, problems mount. There is a touching scene when Tess attends her aunt's wedding. As she listens to the minister speak of the sacredness and beauty of the marriage vow, she realizes her own selfishness. The movie ends with a delightfully funny kitchen scene with Tess trying to take on the role of "happy homemaker". A wonderful movie all around! (Bobbi) Purchase your copy on DVD or VIDEO.