Given that a lot of my focus with this blog is spreading the love of many lesser-known classic films, hopefully amongst those that haven’t seen them, it has been suggested I should have a “beginner’s list” for those that haven’t been introduced to the classics. I agree, and I hope this list can help in that area. It will take some work to figure it out, but hopefully, it should be a good starting point.
–That’s Entertainment (1974), That’s Entertainment Part 2 (1976) and That’s Entertainment III (1994)
This series of documentaries focuses on the golden age of MGM, when they were best-known for their musicals. The clips cover a wide range of these musicals (and a few moments from some non-musicals are included). Certainly a good taste of most of the movies I enjoy and would be likely to discuss on this blog (at least, from one studio).
-That’s Dancing (1985)
A spinoff of the That’s Entertainment movies, this documentary focuses on dance in the movies, and although it is an MGM film made for an MGM anniversary, it also includes clips from movies originally made for Paramount, RKO, Warner Brothers, and Fox (at least). The clips also came from movies made more recently (at the time of this movie). Again, a helpful movie that covers a few movies I enjoy, and am likely to review.
–Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954)
The musical enjoyed even by those who don’t enjoy the genre, it stands as one of the best of the genre, and should be seen, for its wonderful music, and its dancing, particularly for the barn-raising sequence alone! And with the recent restoration for the Blu-ray, it shines better than it has in a LOOOOOONG time! Full review here.
The iconic movie that stands to separate the silent era of movies from the era of the “talkies.” While the similar follow-up with Al Jolson, similarly a hybrid of silent movie and talkie, was more popular at the time, not to mention The Lights of New York, the first all-talking movie, The Jazz Singer is the still more fondly remembered and highly thought of. Full review here.
The movie that coined the screwball comedy genre, featuring Oscar nominated performances from William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady and Mischa Auer. The movie provides the laughs with an eccentric family, while reminding us not to forget the “forgotten men.” Full review here.
Thoughts From The Music(al) Man 