Dramas I Own On DVD

Bette Davis and Anne Baxter shine in this classic tale of people and the things they will do to get famous--deceit, betrayal, blackmail, and sex. Nominated for the most Oscars in movie history, "All About Eve" is an irresistable classic that still rings true today.

Based on Tennesse William's play of the same name, "Streetcar" is one of the best American movies ever made. The whole cast gives stellar performances, especially Marlon Brando, and the story and script are excellently written. This was the movie that really got me into old movies...I have never been the same since.

A mesmerizing story of a highly dysfunctional royal family. Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn give solid gold performances; Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton give rather memorable ones as well. One of the best movies ever made!

Barbara Stanwyck gives a sensational performance as the horribly common but magnificently fine sacrificing mother.

One of the great melodramas, "Stella Dallas" is like a non-noirish "Mildred Pierce"--except her daughter isn't such a venomous little bitch. However, when the daughter elevates to higher society thanks to the money Stella was able to get from her philandering husband, she becomes ashamed of her mother after her rich friends unknowingly criticize Stella in front of her daughter. She's not as powdered-sugar sweet as one originally assumes her to be and I actually ended up disliking her somewhat. But of course, the whole thing is really Stanwyck's show and proof that she was one of the best actresses to ever grace the silver screen.

Susan Hayward was best-known for her gutsy and fiery portrayls of women on the edge, and "I'll Cry Tomorrow" is no exception. Hayward is mesmerizing in this biopic of alcoholic singer Lillian Roth. A must-see for Hayward fans.

Although not as good as "Bringing Up Baby" with Hepburn and Grant, this more serious comedy is throughly enjoyable.

Rita Hayworth gives an excellent performance as the gypsy Carmen, while Glenn Ford is rather miscast. However, the sets and costumes are both stunning. The flamenco scenes are equally impressive and showcase Hayworth's talent.

One of the most beautiful and romantic films ever made--Garbo is perfect and gives her best performance as the Lady of the Camillias and Robert Taylor gives a memorable performance as Armand Duval. A movie I can definitely watch over and over again...a must-see for Garbo and classic romance fans!

Marlon Brando is excellent in the role that brought him back to fame. Based on Mario Puzo's book, "The Godfather" is a faithful adaptation that will satisfy the readers. But besides being a great adaptation, it is one of the top ten American films ever made due to its flawless cast, superb script, and brillant direction by Francis Ford Coppola. They sure don't make gangster movies like this one anymore.

I'm sure that compared to Tolstoy's original book, this movie is pretty bad. But it's still entertaining with good performances.

One of the most romantic movies ever made in movie history.

Katharine Hepburn is excellent as the frantic wife, as always, but it was Robert Taylor who really impressed me. Taylor usually plays really good guys (like "Ivanhoe") or a handsome. devoted lover (like "Camille"), but in this movie, he plays a psycho, a total change from his usual material.

In the beginning of "Undercurrent", it seems he is playing the handsome, devoted lover again...until he marries Katharine Hepburn and the subject of his brother (played well, but briefly by Robert Mitchum) comes up. He is angry and he despises his brother, who according to Taylor, is no good. Hepburn tries to find out more about the brother, making Taylor angrier and somewhat scarier everytime. Now, Taylor isn't as good as Anthony Perkins in psychotic roles, but he can definitely act the part rather well.
For Hepburn or Taylor fans, I'd recommend this movie (and perhaps for Mitchum fans as well, because this was definitely one of his starting movies and his acting was not inferior to Hepburn's or Taylor's, both much more experienced actors. True, he was not on the same level as them yet, but he was not easily overpowered), as well as fans of psychological thrillers.