Suddenly (1954) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

John Baron (played by Sinatra) berates one of his hostages

'Suddenly' is a 1954 dramatic film noir thriller directed by Lewis Allen and starring Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason and Nancy Gates. The film's screenplay was written by Richard Sale.

The film is set in the tranquil town of Suddenly. When the American President is scheduled to make a visit to the town while passing through on a train, three gangsters, led by John Baron (Sinatra) hold a family hostage in their home as part of an assassination attempt on the president.

Ironically at the start of a film, a police officer says: "Things happen so slow now, the town councillor is thinking of changing the name to Gradually". Little do they know what is about to happen in this small town.

Use of guns

Sterling Hayden as Todd

A key theme in the film is the use of guns. At the start of the film, Ellen (played the Gates) does not like guns as her husband was recently shot in the war. When Todd (played by Hayden) buys Ellen's son a cap gun, Ellen is not happy. Todd tells Ellen, "The boys gotta learn sometime that guns aren't necessarily bad... It depends on who uses them." It is ironic later in the film Ellen must make consider this statement when making a choice as to whether or not to pick up a gun in order to save her family.

Home invasion

Another key theme in the film is home invasion. The home is the one place where we expect to feel and be safe.  Being held captive removes the barrier between personal and public space, and bring the dangerous realities of the outside world inside our front door. The claustrophobia you would feel when being held hostage in your home I imagine would be one of the most terrifying ordeals a person could experience.

Did you know...

• This film was shot in 4 weeks
• Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly watched this film a few days before assassinating President Kennedy - one could consider if this film was a catalyst for the assassination, or whether the event may not have taken place had Oswald not seen this film
• When 'Suddenly' was colorised for home video in 1986 by Hal Roach Studio, they coloured Frank Sinatra's famous blue eyes brown, causing much controversy. A second colourised version from 2009 by Legend Films, restores his eyes to it's natural blue color.
• The film's copyright was not renewed and the film is now in the public domain - hence the myriad of budget home video releases and availability online

Remains to be Seen (1953) - Star of the month... Angela Lansbury

'Remains to be Seen' is a 1953 semi-musical comedy thriller murder mystery (or post-murder mystery) directed by Don Weis and starring June Allyson, Van Johnson, Louis Calhern, Angela Lansbury and Dorothy Dandridge. The film's screenplay by Sidney Sheldon was based on the play by Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay.

Waldo Williams (played by Johnson) is the manager of an apartment building who finds one of the residents Travis Revercombe (played by Stuart Holmes) dead on his couch. The death is put to natural causes, however things are complicated after a carving knife is later put into the already dead corpse. Among the chaos Williams finds himself smitten with Revercombe's estranged niece Jody Revere (played by Allyson).

The film becomes a post-murder mystery of "who stabbed the dead body with a carving knife".

Musical program

The film's musical program includes:

• "Toot Toot Tootsie (Goo'Bye!)" - June Allyson
• "Too Marvellous for Words" - Van Johnson
• "Taking a Chance on Love" - Dorothy Dandridge
• "Too Marvellous for Words" - June Allyson

Sadly, I was unable to find any musical clips on YouTube to share :(

Did you know...

• This was the last of 5 movies June Allyson and Van Johnson made together (last of 6 movies if you include 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946), where both stars appeared but not together)

Closing remarks

A very funny black comedy, far exceeding the expectations I originally had. The genres of comedy and thriller does not always tend to work, but in this film it does. A memorable and amusing scene shows June Allyson, who making dinner plans with both Van Johnson and Louis Calhern at the same restaurant switches from table to table much to the waiter's confusion.

June Allyson and Van Johnson have amazing chemistry in this film. Dorothy Dandridge has a memorable Lena Horne-style cameo, where she walks on, sings a song and leaves.  As much as I love Angela Lansbury, I feel her (as an already established star) her talent is wasted in this film, as she has a rather small appearance with very minimal dialogue. On a positive note, there is lovely polynesian decor featured in the deceased's apartment as well as a rousing swing soundtrack that will keep your toes tapping for the duration of the film.

My 3 reasons to watch this film:

• a very unique murder mystery situation
• June Allyson and Van Johnson's chemistry
• Dorothy Dandridge singing "Taking a Chance on Love"

The Dark Mirror - Star of the month... Olivia de Havilland

'The Dark Mirror' is a 1946 psychological thriller directed by Robert Siodmark, and starring Olivia de Havilland and Lew Ayres with Thomas Mitchell.

Olivia de Havilland plays identical twins
Terry & Ruth Collins

After a doctor is murdered, witnesses identify one of identical twins Terry and Ruth Collins (both played by de Havilland) with the murder victim, just before his death. Matters are complicated when both twins refuse to turn in the other by each providing an alibi.


Lt. Stevenson (played by Mitchell) brings in psychiatrist and twin expert Dr. Scott Elliott (played by Ayres) to investigate and uncover the truth.

Did you know...

• This was Lew Ayres' return to the screen after servicing in World War II

Award nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Writing - Original Story

Closing remarks

Despite being another evil twin film of the 1940's, along with 'A Stolen Life' (1946) and 'The Two Mrs. Carrolls' (1947), I like the way in which 'The Dark Mirror' manipulates the viewer. There are many moments when we are unsure of which sister is which, and are often surprised and shocked when the truth is revealed.  Although the ending is predictable, 'The Dark Mirror' is a satisfying viewing experience.

Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) - Star of the month... Olivia de Havilland

"Where you are I could spit in your eye with no strain at all." - Bette Davis (as Charlotte Hollis in 'Hush... Hush Sweet Charlotte')


'Hush... Hush Sweet Charlotte' is a 1964 horror thriller starring Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, Victor Buono, Cecil Kellaway and Mary Astor. The gothic melodrama was directed and produced by Robert Aldrich.

The film begins in 1927 at a party at the Hollis mansion in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. During the party John Mayhew (played by Bruce Dern) is murdered and decapitated. When Charlotte Hollis (played by Davis) returns to the party with blood on her dress, she is presumed to be the murderer.

The film then jumps to 1964, with Charlotte still living in the mansion, still unmarried and still traumatised by the horrific murder of John Mayhey. When Charlotte's cousin Miriam (played by de Havilland) comes to stay, Charlotte's sanity deteriorates further as she is haunted by mysterious music playing during the night, and horrific hallucinations. In an attempt to prove her sanity, Charlotte is forced to fight against the plot of insanity tormenting her.

Watch the trailer:

Whatever Happened to... Joan Crawford?

Joan Crawford on the set of
'Hush... Hush Sweet Charlotte'
before her sudden departure

Following the success of 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane' in 1962, director Robert Aldrich planned to reunite the three stars of the film (Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Victor Buono) in 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte'. After a few days on the set, Joan Crawford quit the film amid claims she was unwell. There has been speculation the true reason why Crawford left was because she feared she would be upstaged once again by rival Bette Davis, who had done so in 1962 with an Oscar nomination for 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane'.  After the role of Miriam was rejected by a number of well known actresses, Bette Davis suggested her friend Olivia de Havilland would be suitable.

The title song

The Oscar nominated title song, "Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte" became a hit for Patti Paige, where it reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Listen to Patti Paige's recording:

6 quick notes about the acting performances

Agnes Moorehead was nominated for an Oscar for her
performance as Velma Cruther

• Bette Davis' exceptional dramatic performance as Charlotte is a cross between her Oscar winning performance in the southern epic 'Jezebel' (1938) with the gothic overtones of her Oscar nominated performance in 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' (1962)
• Olivia de Havilland delivers an effective and natural portrayal of Miriam
• Agnes Moorehead is brilliant as Charlotte's maid, Velma Cruther, and was rewarded with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress
• Sadly Joseph Cotten's acting career has seen much better days
• Victor Buono's appearance in the film is far too short to comment on
• Screen legend Mary Astor delivers a memorable swan song in her final screen performance

Did you know...

• After Joan Crawford's sudden departure, Vivian Leigh, Katherine Hepburn, Barbara Stanwyck and Lorreta Young all turned down the role of Miriam
• The film was originally titled 'Whatever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?'
• Footage of the exterior of the Hollis mansion were shot on location in The Houmas in Louisiana, while the interior of the mansion were shot in Hollywood
• Victor Buono, who plays Charlotte's father Sam Hollis is actually 30 years younger than Bette Davis (who plays Charlotte)
• The film was nominated for 7 Oscars - at the time of release this was the most Oscar nomination a horror film had ever received
• Bette Davis was paid $200,000 for her performance
• This was Mary Astor's final screen film

Awards and nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Agnes Moorehead)
• Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction in a black & white film
• Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography in a black & white film
• Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a black & white film
• Academy Award nomination for Best Film Editing
• Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score
• Academy Award nomination for Best Song ("Hush... Hush Sweet Charlotte")
• Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting actress (Agnes Moorehead)
• Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award winner for Best Motion Picture Screenplay

Closing remarks

'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte' is a chilling and gripping horror story of murder, insanity and deceit. While the overall film is well made and enjoyable to watch, the opening sequence in 1927 plays far too long.

I remember first watching 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte' when I was about 15 years old, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then I have seen the film a number of times, yet never seem to tire of it. Of all the films starring Olivia de Havilland, this is the one which I've seen the most, and is possibly my favourite.

Lady in a Cage (1964) - Star of the month... Olivia de Havilland

"Take anything you want, but in the name of humanity help me get out of this horrible cage!" - Olivia de Havilland (as Cornelia Hilyard in 'Lady in a Cage')


'Lady in a Cage' is a 1964 horror/thriller starring Olivia de Havilland, Ann Sothern, Jennifer Billingsley and James Caan.

The telephone... So near, yet so far

Cornelia Hilyard (played by de Havilland) is a wealthy middle aged woman living in a 3-story mansion with her 29 year old son Malcolm. Following hip surgery, Cornelia has a private elevator installed to help her commute from floor to floor.
Shortly after Malcolm leaves for a weekend away, there is a power failure, which leaves Cornelia trapped in her elevator, stranded between floors. A virtual prisoner in her home, Cornelia is robbed and terrorised by a drunk, a prostitute and a gang of 3 thugs.

Watch the trailer:

The opening title sequence

The opening title sequence is well crafted with montage shots of some disturbing images intercut with the credits. Some of the images include a dead dog, and a young girl rolling her roller skate over a homeless man laying in a gutter. This presents the spectator of a preview of the disturbing images to come.

Key themes

'Lady in a Cage' is a social commentary of 1960s United States, and the degradation and decaying of family values in society.

Firstly the rise of gang warfare and violence is presented with the gang of thugs breaking into Cornelia's home, and violently robbing and damaging her property. The film also explores violence against women with Randall beating his girlfriend Elaine for being smart, and also the scene with Esse pushing his knife against Sade's neck.

'Lady in a Cage' also plays on sexuality:

• The scene where Randall, Elaine and Esse are in the bathroom together hints at a potential male-female-male threesome
• Malcolm Hilyard, still living and home, is depicted as being homosexual having addressed the letter to his mother as "Dear Darling", with one of the thugs Esse commenting: "This whole letter. It sounds real... what you might say... gay", immediately followed by Randall asking Cornelia "Is your litle boy married?"

A domestic terror

The core of what makes 'Lady in a Cage' so terrifying is most of the events occurring within Cornelia's home - the one place where she should feel safe and secure. It leaves us as the spectator to consider, if Cornelia is unable to be safe within her own home, how can we be safe outside of our homes. In a desperate plea to stop the terror, Cornelia even makes an offer to her attackers: "I'll pay you to stop this animal orgy, $10,000 in cash."

The second domestic terror lies within Cornelia's mind. Towards the end of the film Cornelia's journey of self discovery brings her to the realisation of her controlling and manipulative maternal behaviour, driving her son to the verge of suicide. 

Did you know...

• This was James Caan's first "credited" feature film role - Caan had previously appeared uncredited in 'Irma La Douche' (1963).
• Joan Crawford was initially intended to play the role of Cornelia Hilyard
• The film was refused certification in the UK by the BBFC and remained banned until 2000

Closing remarks

'Lady in a Cage' is a gripping, suspenseful and claustrophobic psychological drama with three brilliant, yet very different performances:

• James Caan delivers a chilling and disturbing performance as the lead thug in his first credited feature film appearance
• Olivia de Havilland (as usual) does not disappoint with her powerful portrayal of the victimised Cornelia
• Screen legend Ann Sothern also steals every scene she's in as drunken prostitute, Sade.

Sadly this film was ahead of it's time and considered to be obcene. Had the film been released 10 years later, I am almost certain the three aforementioned performances would have received Oscar nominations.

When this film was first released in 1964, it terrorised and disturbed film goers, but watching it in 2012 we do not feel the same degree of terror. The disturbing thing about this is the realisation as to how desensitised we are to view films with violence and sadistic themes.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Lady in a Cage' and would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense and thrills. 

The Screaming Woman - Star of the month... Olivia de Havilland

'The Screaming Woman' is a 1972 television film directed by Jack Smight, and starring Olivia de Havilland, with special guest stars Joseph Cotten and Walter Pidgeon. The film is written by Merwin Gerard and loosely based on the short story by Ray Bradbury.

The opening title card

Produced by Universal Television, the TV film was originally aired as an ABC Movie of the Week.




While walking the grounds of her property, Laura Wynant (played by de Havilland) hears a woman who has been buried alive screaming. 
Due to her mental history, Laura's family refuse to believe her, and use this as an opportunity to declare her insane and take control of her money. 


Terrorised by the sound of the screaming woman, Laura is determined to rescue her and prove to herself and those around her she is not insane.




Watch the film on YouTube:

Did you know...

• As of July 2012, this was the last time John William's composed a music score for a TV movie

Closing remarks

Average television film production of the 1970s with suspenseful musical score.
Olivia de Havilland gives a chilling performance, and single handedly carries the film. Although very mild when compared to horror films of today, 'The Screaming Woman' terrorised television viewers when it was first shown in 1972.

Niagara (1953) - Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

"Kiss, kiss me, say you'll miss me..."

Marilyn Monroe is tantalising as Rose Loomis

Directed by Henry Hathaway, Niagara is the 1953 thriller/film noir starring Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters and Max Showalter, set against a backdrop of breathtaking views of Niagara Falls. Each time I watch this film, I have a burning desire to travel to Canada to see the falls in person. 

'Niagara' is an important film in Marilyn's career as it was the first film where she  received first billing, and with her overtly sexual performance she manages to steal the limelight from her co-stars.

Produced during the film noir period, "Niagara" despite being filmed in glorious Technicolor contains many of the noir elements and characteristics.

Marilyn sings the song "Kiss"

The film begins as Ray and Polly Cutler (played by Showalter and Peters) travel to Niagara Falls for a belated honeymoon. Upon arriving they find their cabin is still occupied by another couple, George and Rose Loomis (played by Cotten and Monroe). Rose is secretly in love with another man and with him schemes to murder George... the film will leave you surprised and shocked!

Tantalising Marilyn as femme-fatale is at her sexiest in this film, with the camera superbly capturing her curvy walk, and dazzling close ups of her face. Marilyn sings the song "Kiss", which she also recorded. The song is used as a recurring musical motif throughout the film, and will leave you humming it's tune long after the film is finished.

Niagara Falls as a metaphor

Early in the film George talks to Polly about Niagara Falls, how above the water is calm and slow, and it eventually becomes faster as it rapidly falls and crashes over the rocks. In hindsight, this is metaphorical in two ways. Firstly, it parallels the Loomis' troubled marriage. At the beginning of the film, the relationship appears to be calm, before a turning point, where the relationship "crashes against the rocks" towards the end of the film. Secondly, this parallels the structure of the film - particularly in the film's suspeneseful conclusion as we ride the wild rapids of Niagara Falls.

Niagara and Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol's "Marilyn Diptych" was inspired by
a publicity still from 'Niagara'.

Shortly after Monroe's death in 1962, pop artist Andy Warhol used a publicity still from 'Niagara' for his silkscreen painting 'Marilyn Diptych'.

Closing remarks

"Niagara and Monroe: The two most electrifying sights in the world" said the trailer. There's really no better way to describe the film, and nothing more I can say but make sure you watch this film.