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 […]
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Noir´s Capital
Doll (Jean Hagen) and Dix (Sterling Hayden) with a diamond from “the biggest caper the Middle West has ever seen.” John Huston´s Noir ‘The Asphalt Jungle (1950)’ is one of those movies, you will never forget. Great actors, strong screenplay and an even better plot got me hooked. Several times. Keep on reading and meet […]
Quick Ratings – High Noon (1952)
The first Western featured on ‘Classic Movie Ratings’ is Fred Zinnemann´s ‘High Noon (1952).’ It marked the revival of Gary Cooper´s career at the age of 51 and the first major role of a 21 year-old Grace Kelly. The captivating story of a town Marshal, who can´t let go of his duties to run of […]
Death on the Nile (1978 & 2022) – On Troubled Waters
Hercule Poirot´s intelligence is legendary and feared at the same time. This is clearly visible in Peter Ustinov’s and Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Agatha Christie´s famous master detective. Besides that, there are many differences. It’s almost an invitation to compare the films, which release is 45 years apart. Do you prefer the original version or […]
Quick Ratings – Charade (1963)
‘Charade (1963)’ is a hybrid-movie ‘par excellence’ and was directed by Stanley Donen. This flick proves that the genres crime, thriller, comedy, romance and mystery can work very well together, if the plot and acting is on-point. Many fans call it “The best Hitchcock which he didn´t direct.” So many twists and turns. Fast chasing […]
