Quick Ratings – On Dangerous Ground (1952)
‘On Dangerous Ground (1952)’ is a Film Noir, directed by Nicholas Ray, that explores themes of redemption and inner turmoil. The story follows Jim Wilson (Robert Ryan), a hardened city cop whose violent tendencies put him on edge. He’s sent to a snow-covered mountain to cool off and to solve a murder case. Up there, […]
Quick Ratings – The Killers (1946)
The wait is finally over! It´s time for ‘Noirvember’ in 2024! I´ll start with a quintessential Film Noir. Robert Siodmak´s ‘The Killers (1946)’ is about the life, death and legacy of Ole ‘Swede’ Anderson (Burt Lancaster). The movie has everything to offer a real Noir fan can wish for. Doomed characters, a Femme Fatale, killers, […]
Dial M for Murder (1954) – Hitchcock´s Deadly Ringer
Alfred Hitchcock´s famous crime thriller ‘Dial M for Murder (1954)’ tells the story of Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) plan to kill his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) for money. Sounds very simple? I can guarantee you, it is not. A top-class chamber play whose entire duration, with a few exceptions, is set in one apartment. The […]
The Mad Max Saga (1979 – 2024)
George Miller´s ‘Mad Max Saga’ extends over a period of 45 years. The ‘Hard boiled Wasteland Action’ started in 1979 and boosted Mel Gibson´s career. He returned for sequels in 1981 and 1985. In 2015 and 2024 new stars like Charlize Theron, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Hardy and Chris Hemsworth took over. Let´s see how the […]
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) – Finding Responsibility
‘Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)’ is cinema at it´s finest. Director Stanley Kramer created an unforgettable courtroom drama with many legends such as Tracy, Schell, Widmark, Lancaster, Dietrich, Garland and Clift. A relentless masterpiece that deals with the crimes of National Socialism. Or to put it in the words of lawyer Hans Rolfe (Maximilian Schell): “Ernst […]
Quick Ratings – Safe in Hell (1931)
William A. Wellman´s ‘Safe in Hell (1931)’ is one of the best examples to define the Pre-Code era. Gilda Carlson (Dorothy Mackaill) killed the man, who forced her to become a prostitute. She flees from New Orleans to an Island, where life has no value. Are you ready to meet some of the most rotten, […]
Quick Ratings – The Apartment (1960)
I leave the key under the mat, in case you want to have an adventurous New Year´s Day in ‘The Apartment (1960).’ Billy Wilder´s timeless Five-Oscar-Winning drama tells the story of C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) and Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine). Let me introduce you to the owner of the place and some it´s visitors. Classic […]
It´s a Wonderful Life (1946) – What Really Matters
No other movie catches the essence of Christmas with such brilliance as ‘It´s a Wonderful Life (1946).’ Director, producer and screenwriter Frank Capra created a timeless flick that makes you smile like a child that opens presents. Mary (Donna Reed), George (James Stewart), Zuzu (Karolyn Grimes) and Classic Movie Ratings wish you a Merry Christmas […]
Quick Ratings – Pushover (1954)
Have you ever seen a ‘Pushover (1954)’ into the world of crime? Watch Richard Quine´s Film Noir very closely and you might easily get seduced yourself. Femme Fatale Lona McLane (Kim Novak) knows her stuff, on day 15 of ’Noirvember 2023.’ Meet famous faces of the industry and how they are connected to other movies. […]
Quick Ratings – Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)
David (Gary Merrill) and Binky (Shelley Winters) are trapped in a stormy flight. ‘Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)’ is a Film Noir directed by Jean Negulesco. Fasten your seat belts on day 7 of ’Noirvember 2023,’ while I introduce you to the lives of the ‘Four Musketeers’ and other characters. This film is mainly […]