Classic Film Observations & Obsessions

This post is my contribution to the CMBA 2026 Spring Blogathon "Make 'em Laugh."

In early 2016, I started this blog.

We've all had the experience of tuning in to our favorite channel, intending to quickly turn our attention to more pressing things, and instead get sucked in for the duration.

"So, ferry cross the Mersey cause this land's the place I love, and here I'll stay..."

In about a week, I have plans to see the acclaimed musical Hadestown for the first time.

In honor of the recent release of Martin Scorcese's documentary Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger, which I saw recently at the cinema, I present my five favorite (so far) films from this legendary filmmaking team, counting down from #5…

This post is my contribution to the Classic Movie Blog Association's blogathon "Screen Debuts and Last Hurrahs."

After a busy 2022 and a mean case of writer's block, I'm back to wrap up my Fifty Years of Film in 50 Weeks series, where I've chronicled my first-time viewings of a half-century of films in chronological order, starting with 1921.

"The nightmare world of a virgin's dreams becomes the screen's shocking reality!"

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

I never met Paddy (Patricia Nolan-Hall), but she mentored me from afar almost immediately after I joined the classic movie blogging ranks, with supportive comments on so many of my posts and on Twitter.

"All the confusion of my life... has been a reflection of myself!

Days of Wine and Roses, 1962 Director: Blake Edwards Writers: J.

"Okay, so I've sewn a few wild oats.: - Jerry Webster "A few?

Jim Lefferts: You look like a man who could use a drink.

"We're told it was a cold-blooded killing because they planned and schemed.

"You can't go lynchin' me--I'm a white man!"

"Kill da wabbit!!"

"Que Será, Será" The Man Who Knew Too Much, 1956 Director: Alfred Hitchcock Writers: John Michael Hayes, based on a story by Charles Bennett and D.

"I'll say one thing for crooks - they'll give you an honest days' work."

"Without mercy, man is like a beast.

"You know, Larry, if you've seen one atom bomb, you've seen them all."

'Gaucho': Don't talk like that about Georgia - or Jonathan.

"I've got five fingers on my hand and so does he.

This post is my contribution to the Classic Movie Blog Association's Fall Blogathon, "Laughter is the Best Medicine."