movies

Mostly old B&W movies, as I'm want to do. The stand out was:

• The Scarlet Empress (1934), which was absolutely gorgeous and full of horses charging about. Not walking, but galloping into towns, up stairs, and everywhere. It is littered with fantastic sets, dramatic lighting, and shots of Marlene Dietrich at her height, ranging from shy, to coquettish, to powerful, she chewed up every scene.

The rest are mostly skippable, but I recommend the first couple to film lovers for reference if for nothing else:

• As the Earth Turns (1934) - the film gives a dichotomy between city and farm life in the desires of two of its characters. It isn't entirely successful at exploring different points of view, but overall, it was an interesting look back in time for: choice of subject, manner of delivery, set designs, and perhaps as reference for cinematography (it wasn't a standout like the Scarlet Empress, but it was shot well enough for a lower budget, simple film).
• Civil War (2024) - Near-future dramatization of what it is like to be a photojournalist in a war. I appreciated that political parties weren't mentioned. We can make guesses based on stuff like the non-military racist who's killing people out in the boonies and similar hints, but that has nothing to do with the main story: photojournalist life during wartime.
• Movie Crazy (1932) - The premise is that Our Hero accidentally mails a handsome headshot to hollywood instead of his own image, whereupon he sets off for a screentest and sees an actress in costume that he later can't identify as the some person such that he flirts with both her personnas and annoys her. Lots of pratfall-style silliness throughout via Harold Lloyd. Pre-code film with post-code content (nothing too risque, and an ending fight seen meant to be funny and long, but not that violent).
• They Met in Argentina (1941) - predictable, repetitive light fare, but the singing was nice.
• Baby Take a Bow (1934) - It's got Shirley Temple, if that works for you. She was about 5 and yes, she does some dancing.
• The Blue Bird (1940) - It's got Shirley Temple. She was about 11.
• Honeymoon (1947) - It's got Shirley Temple. She was about 18.