“The Old Maid,” (Movie Review-8/12/39)

Microfiche-New York Times archives, McHenry Library, U.C. Santa Cruz | 8/12/39 | Frank S. Nugent

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

. . . a tremendously popular show of predominantly feminine appeal.

Chick flick.

I checked at imdb.com to see if our lead movie reviewer has a recored there. I turns out he certainly does.

Frank S. Nugent will be The Times motion picture editor and critic until 1940, when Daryl Zanuck hires him as a film editor. He will eventually move into writing and will rack up an impressive list of screenplays. He worked primarily with John Ford. Here is a partial list of the movies for which he is credited as screen-play writer.

Fort Apache 1948
3 Godfathers 1948
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon 1949
The Quiet Man 1952
Mr. Roberts 1955
The Tall Men 1955
The Searchers 1956

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Never liked Bette Davis’ politics, but loved a few of her movies. Among my favorites, “All About Eve,” “Now Voyager”, “A Stolen Life”.

[MinuteGal]

I always enjoy reading the names of the supporting actors in these old flicks. These talented thespians are one of the things that made memorable films so memorable.

Other than the dancing, what made the Astaire/Rogers movies so unique and fun if it wasn't for the supporting character actors that played such one-of-a-kind roles in picture after picture?

I sometimes find it difficult to mention by name any remarkable supporting actors who have appeared in films in the past five years. In fact, I find it difficult to conjur up the names of all that many remarkable actors from the past five years.

As a matter of fact, I find it a mental chore to think of more than a few titles of truly remarkable films in the past five years.

Why is it that the names and faces of stars and supporting/character actors remain with me even though the movies were sometimes made over 80 years ago?

Oh, well. Nostalgic and rhetorical questions all. I still love the flicks. See ya at the Bijou.

Leni

[Homer_J_Simpson]

I don't remember hearing of her politics. That is probably a good thing. At this point in her career (1939) she was making so many movies I doubt she had much time for politics, though I imagine the events of the next few weeks will capture even Hollywood's attention.

I agree on "All About Eve" and "Now Voyager." I am not familiar with "A Stolen Life." I must look it up. I watched "The Old Maid" last night with spousal unit. We were not overly impressed.

[Clemenza]

My all time Bette Davis film is also my all time favorite Joan Crawford movie. Hint: “I’ve written a letter to dad-deeee...”

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“The Old Maid” showing on TCM at 9:15 PDT this morning (8 minutes from now).